The kitchen is often considered one of the most important rooms in the home, as it provides the backdrop for family gatherings, shared meals, and day-to-day living. Natural light coming in from the outdoors gives kitchens a special ambiance and brightens up the space.
In addition to adding an aesthetic quality, kitchen windows are essential in providing ventilation, especially when cooking. Whether you’re in the process of a full remodel from the ground up or simply looking to update your kitchen windows, the following kitchen window ideas can help you get started on your design journey.
Window Frame Materials
Before deciding on a particular style or design, it’s important to determine the best window material to suit your needs. The most common frame materials are vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Vinyl and aluminum frames are ideal options if you live in a four-season environment, as these materials stand firm against external elements.
If high energy bills are a concern, be sure to choose windows with energy performance ratings to ensure that the warm air stays inside during the winter months and remains outside during the summer.
Kitchen Window Design Ideas
Casement Windows
If you’re planning to install windows above and/or to the sides of your kitchen sink, casement windows are an ideal design option for bringing in extra sunlight and having optimal control over airflow.
Casement windows have hinges on one side, and a crank is used to open them. When installed above the kitchen sink in a double fashion, the hinged sides are typically installed to the far left and right, which allows the windows to open up wide for airflow and light.
Bay Kitchen Windows
Installing bay windows is one of the most popular kitchen window design ideas that works well for kitchens that could use additional light. Bay windows also boost the overall appeal of the home, thanks to beautiful aesthetics and an open design that adds depth to the kitchen space.
These windows consist of a large center pane with smaller panes to the left and right, and the combination of all three panes installed at specific angles creates a compartment, or bay. This design makes the room look larger, and shelves can be installed in the compartment area for placement of small plants and kitchen knick-knacks.
Garden Windows
Another way to bring in moderate light while adding dimension to your kitchen space is by installing garden windows. This window design is at the top of the list for kitchen window ideas that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Garden windows are best suited when installed above the kitchen sink. They provide excellent ventilation and feature a wide shelf where homeowners can display potted herbs and flowers that catch just the right amount of sunlight.
Garden windows project outward and have panes to the left and right along with a center and top pane, which allow for optimal light to shine through. You can easily control the amount of light with shades or curtains, and the side panes feature hinges for easy opening and ventilation. While specific designs may vary, the center pane on garden windows typically opens from the bottom with a hinged top for additional air circulation.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are similar to bay windows; however, this kitchen window design is curved instead of boxy like bay windows. The outer panes expand out, and the frame curves at each side to create a more rounded effect.
Bow windows bring in an abundance of light, and similar to bay windows, the design expands outward to add depth to your kitchen space. These windows can be installed in front of the kitchen sink or on a side opening next to the breakfast table or nook to brighten up the entire space.
Consult With a Window Installation Professional
If you’re in the market for new windows for a home remodel or kitchen redesign, or if your home needs replacement windows, our professional team at Thompson Creek Window Company is standing by to assist you with all of your window installation needs.