Kitchen Window Buyers Guide: Benefits, Options & Placement
Mar 11, 2025Rethink Your Kitchen Sink Window! Learn About Styles, Options, and the Appeal of a Casement Kitchen Window
From family feasts and weeknight pizza to folding laundry and finishing math homework, your kitchen pulls double-duty as a space for dining and for completing everyday household tasks. With that in mind, having at least one reliable kitchen window can help shed light on everything your family does in the kitchen.
But what’s the best type of kitchen window? Many homes are built with standard double-hung kitchen sink window installations, but this might not be the best choice for your space. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, window replacement, or general home improvements, take a look at smart kitchen window considerations to make sure you choose the right kitchen window for your home.
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Kitchen Window Benefits
Kitchen windows bring light and ventilation to your home – two benefits especially important in your hardworking kitchen space.
- Ventilation: Cooking, washing dishes, and even your kids’ science experiments can create a buildup of odors and moisture in your kitchen. Having a window in good working order allows you to let fresh air in, while helping to remove lingering smells and excess humidity.
- Natural Light: A well-placed window brightens up your kitchen, making food prep easier and enhancing the overall atmosphere of your space. Natural light also helps you see food and ingredients more clearly so you can better assess their quality and doneness.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-placed kitchen window can serve as a beautiful focal point, especially when paired with a scenic backyard view. Since kitchens are often popular gathering places, take advantage of a great window to boost your mood and your kitchen enjoyment.
If your current kitchen window isn’t meeting these needs, it might be time to consider an update.
Kitchen Window Placement options
The best kitchen window placement depends on your home’s layout and how you use your kitchen. Some of the most common placements include:
- Above the Kitchen Sink: This is the most traditional and functional spot for a window. A window over the sink brings in light and fresh air while providing a nice view while doing dishes. However, it’s important to choose a window style that’s easy to open in this location—casement and slider windows are great options.
- Near a Dining Area or Breakfast Nook: A large picture window or a bay window in a dining space floods the area with natural light and makes the room feel more open and inviting.
- Above Countertops or in a Backsplash: If you have a long stretch of counter space, a horizontal slider or awning window can bring in light and ventilation in place of a traditional backsplash, without taking up storage space higher on the wall where you might otherwise place a cabinet.
Kitchen Sink Window Alternatives: Consider an Awning, Slider, or Casement Kitchen Window
Standard double-hung windows are often placed in kitchens, but can be challenging to open – especially when placed above a kitchen sink. Why? Because the elevation of the window and depth of the countertop can reduce the amount of leverage you have to open a double-hung window in these situations.
Thankfully, double-hung windows are not the only kitchen window option. Many homeowners opt for a casement kitchen window, or slider or awning options for a better experience. Here are the benefits of each:
- Casement Kitchen Window: A favorite choice for kitchens, casement windows open outward with a crank handle, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas like over the sink. They provide excellent ventilation and seal tightly for energy efficiency.
- Slider Kitchen Window: These windows glide open from side to side, making them easy to operate with just one hand. They’re a great choice for smaller kitchens where space is limited.
- Awning Kitchen Window: Hinged at the top and opening outward with a crank like a casement window, awning windows let in fresh air while keeping out rain. They work well above sinks or in combination with larger picture windows.
What Materials are Best for Kitchen Windows?
Like bathroom windows, kitchen windows need to stand up to high humidity, temperature changes, and frequent cleaning. Choosing the right materials ensures durability and low maintenance.
- Vinyl Windows: A vinyl kitchen window is the best material option because it resists moisture, won’t warp or crack, and requires minimal upkeep. Vinyl windows like Performax54 are also highly energy efficient, helping to keep your kitchen comfortable year-round.
- Tempered or Privacy Glass: If your kitchen window is near a cooktop or in an area where safety is a concern, tempered glass may be required by code. Privacy glass can also be a good option for homes close to neighbors.
Can You Add A Kitchen Window if You Don't Have One?
If your kitchen lacks natural light or ventilation, adding a new window may be a possibility. At Improveit, we can assess your home’s framing, siding, and kitchen layout to determine the best placement for a new kitchen window to help bring more light and fresh air into your space.
update Your Kitchen Window with Your Next project
A well-placed, easy-to-use kitchen window makes a big difference in your home’s functionality and style. If you’re struggling with a hard-to-reach double-hung kitchen sink window, have general window replacement needs for your home, or are thinking of making some kitchen updates, the Improveit team can help.
Call 855-637-2999, fill out the form below, or click here to start the conversation! Our team of trusted advisors can guide you on the best approach for your next project, whether that includes your windows, your kitchen, or both!
