Kitchen Window Inspiration: Choosing the Right Windows for Your Space

May 4, 2023

The kitchen is where families gather, friends connect, and culinary creations come to life. Many homeowners consider the kitchen to be the heart of their home. That’s why choosing kitchen windows is such a big deal. The right windows have the power to make your kitchen feel more spacious, bright, and inviting.

If you’re considering replacement windows in the kitchen, or even planning a full remodel, it can be difficult to figure out which type of window works best in your space. Should you add a window above the sink? What about creating a cozy breakfast nook with a gorgeous picture window? You could even replace some of your hanging cabinets with windows. You’ve got lots of options, so let’s look at some of the most popular kitchen window choices.

Casement Windows Over the Kitchen Sink

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward like a door with the use of a crank. While they work well above countertops, this type of kitchen window is an excellent choice above the sink. Imagine gazing out of your casement window at your gorgeous garden while prepping dinner.

A few other main benefits of casement windows include:

Great ventilation: They open fully, allowing for optimal air circulation.
Energy efficiency: When closed, casement windows create a tight seal to keep out heat or cold.
Easy operation: The crank mechanism makes these windows easy to open and close even when placed behind a sink.
Versatile design: Casement windows are available in lots of styles and finishes, from traditional to modern.

Double-Hung Windows

A timeless choice for kitchens, double-hung windows are made with two movable panels called sashes that slide vertically in the window’s frame. You can open them from the top, bottom, or both. Double-hung windows look great over the sink, above countertops, or in eating areas.

Some reasons to choose double-hung windows include:

Flexible ventilation: You can manage airflow and kitchen temperatures by opening the windows partly or fully.
Classic look: These windows complement various kitchen styles, from country to contemporary.
Space-saving: Double-hung windows don’t project outward, making them ideal for kitchens with outdoor walkways or patios.
Tilt-in sashes: Many modern double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean both sides of the glass from inside your home.
Customizable options: This window variety comes in various materials, colors, and grille patterns.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows give your kitchen a modern feel. They are made up of two or more panels (sashes) that slide open or shut horizontally. Usually, one panel is fixed while the other can move side to side to open or close the window. Sliding windows are a great choice for wider openings when you want to show off a few. You can install them above the kitchen sink, over counters, or in your dining area.

Some of the best benefits of sliding windows include:

Easy use: The smooth sliding mechanism makes these windows easy to open and close.
Great views: Minimal framing and large panes give you expansive outdoor views.
Good ventilation: You can open the window partially or fully to manage airflow and temperature.
Sizing options: These windows come in a variety of widths, allowing them to fit in both narrow and wide openings.

Kitchen Sink Picture Windows

A picture window is a great choice to show off a beautiful backyard space or simply let in as much natural light as possible. Picture windows can be large and don’t have grilles or hardware, giving you a completely unobstructed view of the outdoors. They are a great choice for above the sink, in a dining nook, or even as a modern alternative to a backsplash. Just keep in mind that picture windows don’t open.

Kitchen sink picture windows are a popular choice for many reasons:

Panoramic views: The large, uninterrupted glass pane of a picture window offers wide, unobstructed views of your outdoor space.
Abundant light: Picture windows allow maximum sunlight into your kitchen, brightening your space.
Energy efficiency: Since these kitchen windows don’t open, they can be highly energy efficient.
Design flexibility: They can be customized in various shapes and sizes to fit your kitchen’s style.

Arched Windows

Looking to add a touch of architectural sophistication to your kitchen? Then say hello to arched windows. These specialty windows often have an elegant, curved top. They can stand alone or serve as decorative accents around other windows or doors. In kitchens, arched windows can provide an interesting focal point, especially above sinks or dining nooks.

Some of the main benefits of arched windows are:

Unique look: Arched windows add visual interest and elegance to the kitchen.
Timeless appeal: Arched windows work with various architectural styles, from Mediterranean to Victorian.
Flexible placement: Install arched windows as a standalone feature or in combination with other window types.
Customizable options: These windows are available in various sizes, materials, and finishes.

KITCHEN GARDEN WINDOWs

A kitchen garden window is a popular home addition that has been gaining popularity among homeowners looking to bring more natural light and a touch of greenery into their kitchen. They extend outward, creating a mini greenhouse. They work exceptionally well above the sink and are a perfect place to plant an herb garden, flowers, or indoor plants.

Look forward to these benefits when you choose a kitchen garden window:

Better ventilation: Kitchen garden windows can be opened, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the space. This can help remove cooking odors, smoke, and excess moisture from the air, improving the overall air quality in your kitchen.
Access to fresh herbs and produce: One of the most enjoyable benefits of a kitchen garden window is the ability to grow fresh herbs and small vegetables right in your kitchen. Not only does this provide you with a convenient source of fresh produce, but it also adds a touch of greenery to your home and can help improve your mood and mental health.
Improved aesthetics: Kitchen garden windows can add a unique and stylish touch to your home’s exterior and interior. They can be customized to match your home’s architecture and décor, creating a cohesive and attractive look.
Increased property value: Adding a kitchen garden window to your home can increase its resale value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. The added natural light, ventilation, and aesthetic appeal can make your home stand out in a crowded real estate market.
Increased functionality: Kitchen garden windows can also serve as an additional workspace, providing a place to chop vegetables, prep meals, or even display decorative items like candles or vases.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a way to bring more natural light and a touch of greenery into your kitchen, a garden window is an excellent choice. With easy maintenance and added functionality, it is an investment that can pay off in more ways than one!

Large Kitchen Windows for More Light

Want a striking focal point in your kitchen that also brings in tons of natural light? Bay and bow windows are both excellent choices. These large, protruding windows are made up of multiple panels that extend outward from the wall. As a bonus, they create extra interior space that you can incorporate into your kitchen design.

What’s the difference between bay and bow? Bay windows usually feature a large central fixed pane with a smaller angled window on each side. Bow windows, on the other hand, usually incorporate four or more window panels of equal size arranged in a gentle curve.

The benefits of these kitchen windows include:

More space: The protruding design creates a small nook, which you can turn into a cozy breakfast area or additional counter space.
Panoramic views: The wide expanse and multiple angles of these windows offer sweeping views of your property.
Lots of natural light: Sunlight can shine through multiple window panels from different directions.
Architectural interest: These windows add depth and character to your indoor and outdoor space.

The Finishing Touch: Kitchen Window Treatments

After choosing the right kitchen windows for your space, your job isn’t done yet. Window treatments can add a subtle or dramatic stylistic touch to your windows while also enhancing their functionality.

Roller shades offer a clean, minimalist look that complements modern kitchens and are available in moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean materials. Roman shades add elegance with washable fabrics and stack neatly when raised. Café curtains provide privacy while allowing in light and are ideal for sink areas or nooks.

Other options include faux wood blinds that resist moisture and offer excellent light control. Looking for energy efficiency? Try cellular shades, which also give you versatile top-down/bottom-up options. For larger windows, solar shades reduce glare while maintaining views.

Finally, motorized window treatments let you program your shades for automatic adjustments. They’re an excellent choice for hard-to-reach kitchen windows, like those over the sink.

Looking for a window for your home?

Improve the heart of your home with new kitchen windows from West Shore Home. Our design experts can help you decide which windows will match your vision, budget, and goals for your kitchen. Our expert installers are factory-trained in fitting and replacing your windows. 

Kitchen Windows FAQs

What Are Some Creative Ideas for Kitchen Windows?

Make your kitchen one-of-a-kind with creative window ideas. Install a sliding window to pass food from your kitchen to an adjoining outdoor dining area. For more architectural interest, incorporate arched or bow windows into your kitchen layout. Another idea is to add bench seating below a picture window. Work with an experienced window installer for more personalized suggestions.

Are There Any Specific Considerations for Bay Windows in the Kitchen?

Before adding bay windows to your kitchen, consider the space requirements both inside and outside your home. Remember that bay windows protrude outward while also creating an interior nook. Also, think about how the window will affect your kitchen workflow and how you want to use a space (i.e., incorporate the window into a breakfast nook).