Kitchens are the heart of the home. Families spend a large amount of time there preparing and eating meals as well as socializing, entertaining, and doing homework. Because you’ll likely spend a lot of time in yours, finding the right kitchen windows is important. But where do you start? We’ve put together this replacement kitchen window guide that shows you numerous ways to transform your kitchen just by adding or changing windows.
Start with Your Existing Windows and Ask These 3 Questions:
One of the best ways to tackle upgrading your windows in your kitchen is by placement. Look at the existing windows individually and ask these three questions:
1. What is the window’s function?
Does the window serve a ventilation function? Steam, smoke, and odors from cooking will build up in a kitchen and you’ll want to be able to open the window easily. Casement or sliding windows are ideal for these locations. Does it connect to another room? If your window is on a wall that connects to an outdoor area like a patio or three-season room? If so, you may want to consider enlarging it to create a pass-through window. These windows allow you to easily be a part of the fun outside when you’re in the kitchen and make passing food and drinks outside super convenient.
2. Where and when does the sun hit it?
Pay attention to when the sun comes through your window at different times of the day. More sunlight is usually preferred, but not if it’s blinding you when you are at the table or preparing a meal. Window tinting, blinds, shades, and other window treatments can help alleviate any sunlight problems, but be aware when choosing your window type.
3. Can you make it bigger?
Sunlight changes the mood of a room. A larger window will add additional light making the space seem more open, cheerier, and larger. Besides adding sunlight, larger windows make a visual impact as well. Replacing an existing window with a larger window can elevate the entire room on an aesthetic level. Sometimes, combining several existing windows into one larger window can add a wow factor without increasing the cost as much as replacing the windows individually. These factors are definitely worth taking the time to consider before simply replacing the existing windows with the exact same type of replacement kitchen windows.
Replacement Kitchen Windows by Location
Here are a few common spots in the kitchen where you find windows. If you are planning on a kitchen remodel, you will have even more options. But if you are simply updating your windows, consider these options when replacing them:
Above the Kitchen Sink
If you just want the basic window, consider a crank-operated casement window. Double- or single-hung windows (the kind that lift from the bottom and slide up) might require more leverage to operate, so a casement window that cranks open or even a slider window that slides horizontally would both be good choices. Keep this one in mind for anywhere in the kitchen you’ll be stretching to reach the window – over a sink or countertop, etc.
A beautiful replacement kitchen window option is a garden window. Garden windows act like mini greenhouses. They are essentially a small box bay window. It has a picture window at the center and side windows at a 90-degree angle. The side windows can be casement or double-hung styles so you can cool your plants off on warm days. It’s a very visually appealing way to upgrade a basic window over a sink.
In a Breakfast Nook
Double-hung windows work well in breakfast nooks for both functional and aesthetic reasons, Because they can be opened at the top or the bottom, they work well for ventilation. A double-hung window can vent warm air through the top sash while letting cooler air in through the bottom. Create cross-ventilation by placing windows on opposing walls. If your kitchen design will make opening a double-hung window challenging, you can choose a casement window with grilles styled to mimic a double-hung window.
If your layout allows, you can replace your window with a bay window and create more space in your nook at the same time without intruding into the existing kitchen space. Bay windows can also feature a bench that can be used as extra seating around the table.
Above the Cabinets
So many homes today feature tall ceilings leaving space above the cabinets. This is an ideal place to add windows to bring in more natural light. A row of windows along the roofline are called clerestory windows. Or consider a uniquely shaped window that will fit the roofline, maybe a triangle or diamond-shaped window at a roof peak.
Did you know that you could also have an awning window that opens high on your wall? Andersen windows make a powered awning window allowing you to open the window for ventilation with the push of a button. It’s called the 400 Series Awning Window.
Unexpected Replacement Kitchen Window Options
So far, we’ve looked at existing windows, but our Replacement Kitchen Window Guide would not be complete if we didn’t include a few more ideas for adding windows where they may not already exist.
Replace a Cabinet with a Window
One clever solution for bringing light into any kitchen is removing a single upper cabinet and replacing it with a window. If you can sacrifice the cabinet space, this clever swap makes a big impression. It works well in both large and small kitchens. We recommend a casement window for its ease of use and ventilating abilities.
Create Entertaining Space with a Kitchen Pass-Through Window
If you have a window on a wall that connects to the outdoors, or if you just have an outside wall with no window, consider this style of replacement kitchen window. Pass-through windows get all kinds of points for function and style because they create wide openings to merge indoor and outdoor living spaces. The most common place to add a pass-through window is on the wall between the kitchen and a patio, deck, or three-season room. These windows add not only light and air, but connect the kitchen prep area with an outdoor dining area for the ultimate entertaining space.
Kitchen pass-through windows are available in many styles including bifold, sliding, and multi-glide pass-through windows. Some styles slide into a pocket in the wall for a seamless look. There are even automated options that open and close on their own. The large opening these windows create makes it easy to pass trays of food in and out giving it its name… “pass-through”. If you love to entertain, this is one window you’ll want to consider.
We hope this Replacement Kitchen Window Guide has given you some fun inspiration. If you’re considering replacement windows for your home, please give us a call. We can show you all of your replacement kitchen window options to make your kitchen your favorite room in your home! Plus, we offer four decades of excellent customer service. Call us at (913) 262-4380 in Kansas or (816) 673-2480 in Missouri or make an appointment online. At All-Weather, it’s all good under the yella umbrella.
