Kitchens are more than just where you cook. They are a place to gather and enjoy company. With that often comes the desire for natural light. Kitchen windows go back to the days of early homes before electricity. Consider this history of the window placement over the kitchen sink. Sinks came before electricity, so the light from the window helped cooks prepare meals.

The Evolving Kitchen and Its Windows

Electricity then became the norm in the 20th century, but a window was still placed above the sink. Kitchens before then were simply a place for cooking, now the kitchen has become the hub of the home.

The role of the kitchen has evolved tremendously in the last few decades. Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting.  Most modern homes now have open layouts that merge kitchen, dining and family areas. A window above the kitchen sink is still a design feature that many crave so they can see a great view or keep an eye on the kids outside.

Selecting a Kitchen Window for Over the Sink

Windows above the kitchen sink offer both function and aesthetics. There are many choices. First, you’ll want to select the style

Kitchen sink windows can be hard to reach to operate, depending on how far your sink juts out. With this challenge, it may be harder to open a single- or double-hung window. Instead, a sliding window that moves left to right may be a better choice.

If you’re more interested in ventilation than the view, an awning window is an excellent choice. Awning windows open from the bottom and swing out.

Other Kitchen Windows Possibilities

Beyond the kitchen sink, there are many other opportunities to bring light in and add detail to your space. You can choose a row of double-hung or sliding windows for your breakfast nook area. Decorate these with grilles for an accent on the exterior.

If you have very high walls in your kitchen, you may want to add some fixed or transom windows toward the top that can let natural light cascade into the room.

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Windows

You’ll also want to make sure you’re choosing features to help with efficiency. Low-E glass, or low emissivity, is designed to reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Choose this option for energy-efficient kitchen windows.

Talk to The Window and Door Shop About Kitchen Windows

There is a world of possibilities when it comes to adding windows to your kitchen, and The Window & Door Shop has them all. Get in touch with us today to chat about your vision for your new kitchen.