Kitchen Decor With Windows Over Sink

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the sink area is often one of the most used spaces for food preparation, cleanup, and gathering. Choosing the right window for over the kitchen sink is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, functionality, and enjoyment of your culinary space.

When selecting a window above the sink, consider size, natural light needs, and ventilation requirements. Typical window types like double-hung, casement, and awning each have advantages. Materials like wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum clad wood also vary in durability, maintenance, and cost.

Size Matters

Measure carefully to get the window sizing right. Standard sink sizes range from 18-33 inches wide. Allow extra space on the sides for window operating mechanisms. Factor in counter depth and backsplash height as well. A rough opening height of 36-42 inches often works well. Get the window size right for ample light and views without impeding workflow.

Maximize Natural Light

Well-placed windows over the sink bring in valuable natural light to brighten kitchen tasks. Consider adding a skylight or extra windows along the surrounding walls too. For dark kitchens, choose larger windows, energy efficient glass, and sheer curtains to allow light penetration.

Enhance Ventilation

Steam, cooking smells, and humidity are all part of kitchen life. A window over the cooktop is key for ventilation. Awning and casement styles crank open to maximize air flow. Some double-hung and sliding windows have ventilation locks as well. Prioritize a window that offers generous ventilation capabilities.

Design Ideas for Kitchen Windows Over Sinks

Once you've selected the perfect window for over your kitchen sink, it's time for stylish solutions to dress it up. Window treatments, coordinated accessories, placed nearby lighting and decor create an inviting, well-designed sink area.

Window Treatments

Consider privacy needs, maintenance, and your decor style when choosing window dressings. Curtains infuse softness and texture while being budget-friendly and easy to launder. Roll up shades, cordless blinds, and shutters offer light filtering and privacy solutions. Stained glass, patterned films or mirrored glass provide decorative touches.

Purposeful Accessories

Build your kitchen window over sink vignette with purposeful accessories. Supplement with plants, herbs or fruit strategically placed on the windowsill to add life. Hang a vintage dishtowel over the faucet or display dried flowers in a windowsill planter as the finishing touch.

Stylish Lighting

Proper lighting around the kitchen sink is a must. Place attractive pendants or sconces nearby to illuminate tasks without glare. For windows situated near eating spaces, try an overhead chandelier to cast a warm glow for meals and entertaining.

Coordinated Colors

Tie it all together with color coordination. Choose window treatments and valances that pick up on dominant kitchen hues. Paint or wallpaper the interior window frame to match with your cabinets for a seamless look. Echo decorative backsplash tiles with patterned window film or textured shades.

Decorating Kitchen Windows Above the Sink

Kitchen windows over the sink offer prime decorating real estate to enhance your design. Take advantage of this focal point with lovely and lively decor elements that complement the space.

Lively Greenery

Turn your window over the kitchen sink into a greenhouse display. Fresh herbs, succulents, flowers and potted greens breathe life into the culinary workspace. Opt for low maintenance varieties that thrive on natural light. Water as needed and rotate plants in and out seasonally.

Tasteful Textiles

Infuse your kitchen window decor over the sink with lovely linens and textiles. Hang a swag valance in on-trend patterns complementing your style. Roll down bamboo shades to filter light. Accent with embroidered towels or curtains in colorful patterns and textures.

Stylish Sill Styling

The windowsill over the kitchen sink provides opportunity for display. Prop up cutting boards and cookbooks for inspiration. Place decorative bowls filled with fruits like lemons and apples that also serve a purpose. Change out dried floral arrangements, candles, and knickknacks for seasonal touches.

Painted Perfection

Paint or wallpaper the inside window frame over the sink to match with the rest of your kitchen design. Choose lighter hues to reflect light if your space is dark. Bold citrus shades like lemon and lime inject energy. Pick colors and patterns inspired by your dishes and linens.

Functionality of Windows Over Kitchen Sinks

Besides good looks, kitchen windows over the sink need to perform. Site the window for optimal ergonomics, lighting, and ventilation. Select styles to suit your tasks, cleanup, and kitchen workflow.

Ergonomic Positioning

Locate the window above the sink at the right height for your space. Standard counter height is 36 inches. Place the bottom of the window just above that for a comfortable view while prepping and washing. Consider an extra tall window or higher mounting for deep sinks or taller homeowners.

Task Lighting

A sink window provides crucial task lighting for kitchen duties like washing dishes, cleaning produce, and meal prep. Place pendants or under cabinet lighting nearby as needed. Optimize natural light with sheers and light colored window treatments. Position for minimal glare during key daytime tasks.

Maximize Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key for kitchen windows above the cooktop and sink. Awning, casement and hopper styles open wide to dispel humidity and odors from cooking. Locate the window to take advantage of cross breezes. Use screens to allow ventilation while deterring pests when opened.

Kitchen windows see plenty of action. Grease, water marks, food splatter, and dirt build up easily. Choose materials like vinyl and fiberglass that resist moisture and require minimum maintenance. Schedule regular window washing along with deep cleaning. Ensure window treatments like curtains and shades are easy to remove and launder.

The kitchen sink area sets the tone for the whole room, so choose windows purposefully. Function and beauty combine in well-designed windows over the kitchen sink that enhance the heart of the home.