A window is an important opening that allows light into the house. It also allows fresh air to circulate in the house. The kitchen too needs a window to allow air and light in. A standard kitchen window ranges from 2- 0 inches.
Note that in the commercial kitchen, it could go up to 72 inches. So how high should the window be above the sink?
To understand how high a kitchen window should be, you need to look at the height of the cabinets. Typically, the cabinets may go up to 3.5 inches, while the countertop thickness may be 1 ½ inch. The window height should therefore be set from 36 inches to 72 inches.
How high the kitchen window should go depends on the type of the building and how high the ceiling is. If the ceiling is 8 feet, the window can go up to 8 inches off the ceiling.
Should A Kitchen Sink Be Under The Window?
Having a window above the sink is a great thing that allows fresh air to circulate in the kitchen. It also helps in getting rid of unwanted smells. A window above the kitchen sink can be a great asset when you burn or bake things, and you want somewhere to place the burn to vent the smoke from the kitchen.
Of course, there are no rules which say that you place the kitchen sink under the exterior window. However, it is good practice to place it under the window because of various reasons. Some of the reasons are:
It is easier to install cold and hot water lines- you need both hot and cold water in the sink. This is only possible if you have the line running on the wall.
Helps in utilizing the space- when you place a window above the sink, it maximizes the space available. Also, it makes it easier to maximize storage and countertop spaces. Also, it becomes easier to wash larger items since you cannot have a window and overhead cabinets.
You see what happens outside- it is boring to wash it and rinse dishes in a closed room. So having a window above the sink allows you to see flowers, birds, and even wildlife.
Vent out smell- it allows fresh air to get in. If for some reason, you let your dishes pile, they will produce a bad smell. The kitchen may become smelly, and you will find it difficult to operate in the room.
However, by opening the window above the sink, you vent out the smell and allow fresh air to get in. It helps to get rid of the unwanted smell to help avoid kitchen disasters.
Saves energy- with a kitchen window right above the sink, you do not need to turn the lights on while washing the dishes. The window will allow enough light in, and so you can wash your vegetables, fruits, and even dishes without turning the lights on.
Enhances the design of the house- placing a kitchen sink under the window is critical in enhancing the design of the house. It makes the house smart and inviting.
Where Should A Kitchen Window Be Placed?
The best place to place a window in the kitchen is above the sink. One of the reasons for doing this is that you spent a lot of your time around the sink. So the place should be well lit to allow you to have a view of your garden and other aesthetics while in the kitchen.
Windows provide light and ventilation while offering some aesthetic flexibility in the kitchen area. Also, it allows for a breeze in the room which will generate a lot of heat. However, you must avoid placing the window above the cooking flames.
Also, when choosing where to position the window, you will need to consider access to your garden. Also, consider access to the dining area as well as the ability to view children while playing in the yard. Also, you will need to consider your desires, such as aesthetic potential, ventilation, and style.
Physical limitations- before you install your window, it may be prudent that you do not sacrifice your storage or workplace. If the space of your kitchen that is facing outside is small, your kitchen window may just be limited to that space.
Also, look at the structural supports of the wall if you are adding a window to your kitchen. If you plan to maximize the outside view, it may require that you fit a large window in the kitchen.
Type of windows- the type of windows you plan to fit may determine where you can locate the windows in the kitchen. For instance, if you fit casem*nt windows, they should be fitted in pairs so that they create a striking image.
The windows are versatile, and you may deploy them in any space. These types of windows will allow for maximum ventilation, including scooping enough air from the breeze.
The problem is that the window requires enough space that may not be available in your kitchen.
The size of the cabinets-the size of the cabinet is also an important consideration when deciding where to place a window in the kitchen. If the cabinets are too high, you may not have enough space for your window.
However, place the window so that it helps you to maximize access to light. Therefore, the window should be placed on either west or east walls to enable them to allow more light in and also lose or gain more heat when the need arises.
Above the sink- traditionally, kitchen windows were placed above the sink for a reason. Firstly, they allow one to gaze out and admire the surroundings while cleaning.
It is the preference for the expanded view that is making homeowners even choose foregoing upper cabinets.
How Much Space Do You Need Above A Kitchen Sink?
The window plays an important role in home design. It contributes to the shape of the house and allows one to capture the outside view.
Also, they let in fresh air and light therefore, before you decide the amount of space the window should take above the sink, look at how much light or the amount of air you want to receive at any given time.
Before you decide on the amount of space the window will take above the sink, you need to look at the cabinets and the positioning of the kitchen sink. A window that starts from 3 inches could serve the needs of your kitchen.
Such a window could extend up to 72 inches. Also, the width of the window may range from 36 -84 inches. This way, it will allow you to continue enjoying the ambiance of the room.
But the builder is better placed to advise on the size of the window. It all depends on where the wall is facing and the type of cabinets used.
However, the window should start from 36- 72 inches.
