You understand that time when you enter the kitchen of a person and you think, Wonderful, why can this space be so ideal? It’s nine times in ten the windows do the heavy lifting. I have wasted hours upon hours scrolling through home design feeds (judge not), and I have come across plenty of the most drool worthy kitchens all of which have one thing in common, and that is they have gorgeous window treatments that actually make sense.
Get it straight–your kitchen window is not there to allow light to enter. It must pull out as much effort as you do when you are making Sunday dinner or have to hurry to make morning coffee. Since I have refurbished three kitchens (I must have some problem), I have discovered that the correct window concept can turn your meal area into the real world or magazine kitchen.
Bay Windows with Built-In Seating
Have you ever passed a kitchen and had a look at one of those snug bay windows that have cushioned seats? Yeah man, that’s not to show off–that is pure genius. I had one in my previous kitchen, and it was everyone’s favorite place.
Why bay windows work so well:
- They add extra counter space around the perimeter
- Built-in storage underneath the seating
- Perfect breakfast nook without taking floor space
- Natural light comes from three angles
The tip here is to select the appropriate cushions. Do away with the fancy stuff, as you will be in worry of spilling coffee. Brand performance fabrics that are visually appealing, but will not leave you weeping because someone spilled marinara sauce. Trust me on this one 🙂
Design Tips for Bay Window Seating
Use pick cushions with colours that conceal stains. This was a lesson to me with white cushions that could not last more than two weeks without appearing to be a crime scene. Dark blues, dark grays or even bright patterns are great and will remain fresh longer.
Garden Windows for Herb Growing
Wish to be one of the good chefs? You can put a garden window at the top of your sink and you can make your own herbs. I am referring to the small greenhouse windows that jut out of your home in a little glass box.
What makes garden windows special:
- Four sides of glass maximize light exposure
- Shelving built right into the window frame
- Fresh herbs literally at your fingertips while cooking
- They look way fancier than they actually are
This is what no one will tell you, begin simple plants in the form of basil, mint, and rosemary. There is no need to get hysterical and plan to plant exotic stuff immediately. Before I figured this out I had killed more plants than I care to admit.
| Herb Type | Difficulty | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Easy | Spring/Summer |
| Rosemary | Medium | Year-round |
| Thyme | Easy | Year-round |
Farmhouse Apron Sink Windows
Imagine the following: a massive farmhouse sink right beneath a large and uncovered window. It is like a therapy session to yourself with every dish that you do (ok, maybe that is stretching it, but you get the idea).
The trick here is not to complicate it. Forget bulky drapes or intricate interventions. Make that lovely sink the star with the window as the ideal background.
Window Treatment Ideas
Go minimal or go home. Even an inexpensive valance in linen or cotton is soft but never competes with your gorgeous sink. More elaborate, IMO, is just try-hard in this scene.
Corner Kitchen Windows
The corner windows are used criminally and it is not clear why. They illuminate your kitchen on both sides and give this fantastic open effect that makes even the small kitchen seem to be big.
Benefits you probably haven’t considered:
- No cabinet storage lost (corners are awkward anyway)
- Creates a natural focal point
- Perfect spot for displaying plants or decorative items
- Makes the kitchen feel connected to the outdoors
I made my corner windows so that they took the best view in my kitchen- which happens to be the fantastic garden of my neighbor. There are occasions when you must use what you have!
Skylights Above Kitchen Islands
Want to talk about dramatic? Placing skylights in your kitchen island is as though a spotlight in your kitchen cooking area. It is almost ritualistic as the natural light flows down and makes food preparation seem like a ceremony.
What to consider before installing:
- Your roof structure needs to support it
- Professional installation is non-negotiable
- Budget for high-quality materials (cheap skylights leak)
- Plan for proper ventilation to prevent condensation
The reward is phenomenal however. Whenever you are preparing a meal, it seems special because you are doing it under natural light that comes in the form of the sun.
Practical Skylight Considerations
Obtain ones that vent. Your kitchen is also generating a lot of steam and cooking smells and it is a brilliant idea to have that escape route right up into the air. Only to remember to shut them before it rains–learned the lesson that the hard way!
French Doors to Outdoor Kitchen Space
Why be confined to windows only? When open, French doors which lead to a patio or deck literally make your entire wall into a massive window. I did this in my present kitchen and it has changed my cooking and entertaining habits.
The magic of French doors:
- Indoor/outdoor flow for parties
- Maximum natural light when closed
- Fresh air circulation while cooking
- Makes small kitchens feel massive
Use doors with big glass panels to create a maximum window effect even when the doors are closed. Your kitchen is made twice as large by the view lines to the outdoors.
Clerestory Windows for Privacy
Live close to neighbors but still want natural light? Your solution is to have clerestory windows. These tall, slim windows are located close to the ceiling and illuminate your kitchen and make unwanted neighbors avoid looking inside.
Perfect for:
- Urban kitchens with close neighbors
- Kitchens facing busy streets
- Spaces where you want light but not views
- Modern or contemporary kitchen designs
The bonus? They cause your ceiling to appear taller and they produce intriguing shadow effects all day long. It is as though it had inbuilt artwork that transforms with the sun.
Picture Windows with Window Shelving
There are occasions when you would like to frame a view as art. Picture windows literally do just that–they are big, clear pieces of glass that reflect what is outside your kitchen.
Include floating glass shelves in the window to showcase plants, pottery, or glassware. The objects form silhouettes against the light of nature and the effect is so beautiful with this layer.
Styling Your Window Shelves
Make displays minimal and switch them with the seasons. Spring flowers, spring herbs, summer flowers, autumn gourds– have your window tell the year. Only do not pape the shelves and you will lose that clean, modern appearance.
Stained Glass Accent Windows
Okay, hear me out on this one. Stained glass is not only applicable in churches and old houses. The tiny stained glass accent window is able to lend amazing personality to your kitchen without the need to saturate the space.
Where stained glass works best:
- Small windows that don’t need clear views
- Spaces where you want privacy but not darkness
- Traditional or eclectic kitchen designs
- Areas that need a pop of color
I placed a little panel of stained glass on a window which faced the fence of my neighbors. Rather than staring at tree trunks of dull wood, I have gorgeous colored light streaming through all day. By the way, there are great vintage items in antique stores that cost a lot less than a tailor-made job.
Pass-Through Windows to Dining Areas
Feeling like making your kitchen look more attached to the rest of your house? Install pass through window between your dining room and kitchen. It is as though one has an inbuilt serving hatch that serves to bring in borrowed light as well as the other rooms.
Design benefits:
- Makes both spaces feel larger
- Easy food service for entertaining
- Natural conversation flow between rooms
- Adds architectural interest to both spaces
The trick is ensuring that the window blends the design of the two rooms. Do not change the trim and finish on the woodwork; make it match exactly to avoid a disjointed appearance.
Smart Window Technology Integration
Let us be a little futuristic here. Intelligent glass windows can be turned to be opaque by flicking a switch. Be able to have privacy when you wish and clear views when you wish but you do not actually need curtains and blinds.
Tech features worth considering:
- Automated tinting based on sun intensity
- Voice-controlled privacy settings
- Energy-efficient temperature regulation
- Easy cleaning (because nobody likes scrubbing windows)
It is more costly in the short term, but the convenience factor is quite incredible. Not only that, you will never have to fight with broken blind slats anymore:/
Making Your Choice Work for You
This is what is so short about kitchen windows, there is no one-fits-all answer. It will depend on how you cook, your privacy requirements and frankly, your budget. I have witnessed people waste a small fortune on fancy window decorations that they do not even use.
Consider your use of your kitchen. Do you cook in earnest that you require task lighting? Go for multiple smaller windows or skylights. Love entertaining? Your solution may be French doors or pass-through windows. Want low maintenance? Leave the garden windows out and do with something easier.
A good kitchen window is the one that helps to improve your everyday routine. That may be fresh herbs on your fingertips or it may be the same magnificent view as you do the dishes in, either way, you need to select something that does add value into your life.
Keep in mind windows are long-term investments and therefore, you should consider before making a decision. However, do not deliberate on it to death – sometimes all you need to do is to allow more natural light into your room, however it comes.
Whenever you enter into your kitchen, you should feel happy. Should the right window aid in establishing that feeling, then you have chosen the right window to fit your home.