To avoid frequent splashes of water from sink on the glass of window, the window should be installed at a gap of 5 inches from the countertop.
If the window is to be installed at a place where sink is not nearby then the gap between window and countertop can be even more less which is usually around 2 inches.
It is to be noted that if the gap between countertop and window is higher, the lesser is the amount of outside light that falls on the countertop. That’s why cooking areas often have windows very close to the countertops.
Should window above countertop have trim?
Generally, it is good to keep windows above countertops without trim to save space and get as much light as possible to fall on the countertop.
However, keeping the trim to minimal is also an option to utilize space above countertops efficiently.
For that, all the windows that are installed near working areas other than sink, can have a trim without apron and sill whereas the windows that are placed above the countertop near the sink can have both apron and sill in their trim.
The reason for not adding complete trim to window over working areas like near burner is that trim with apron takes a lot of space which would ultimately result the window to be placed higher above countertops.
Even though with proper light fixtures, the countertops can be provided with sufficient lighting but comparatively window placed lower without trim brings more of natural light than a window with trim placed higher.
What size & type of windows to place above the countertop?
Near a tight sink area, the length of the window above the countertop should be around 38 inches. This length allows a good amount of light to fall on the sink area while the window look well proportioned in the narrow space.
A too small of a window like less than 20 inches in length would be only good for ventilation purposes but not for getting light.
| Kitchen size | window width near sink | window width near other working area |
|---|---|---|
| Small <80 sqft | 20 – 24 inches | 56 inches |
| Medium ~120 sqft | 28 – 32 inches | 62 inches |
| Large > 150 sqft | 44 – 48 inches | 68 – 72 inches |
| Kitchen size | window type near sink | window type for other areas |
|---|---|---|
| >80 sq ft | single hung, oriel, casement | 2 panel slider, transom |
| ~130 sqft | picture window, deadlites, awning | 3 panel slider, casement |
| > 150 sqft | two panel slider, three panel slider | Bow window. |
Among the different types of widows single hung, oriel deadlites are best suited for narrow areas where wider windows cannot be installed. Similarly, awning casement, 2 panel slider & picture windows are best suited for medium size sink areas whereas a 3 panel slider, bow window & transom window are wider and thus can be installed above countertop in a big size kitchen.
Which side should the windows open above countertops?
Windows above the countertop either near sink or other areas should always open towards outside.
In kitchen, work is done near countertop an if a window opens towards inside of the kitchen the window panels tales up space above countertop which makes the work difficult. That’s why windows in kitchen always open towards outside.
Many kitchen often use slider windows which opens sidewareds thus are very effective in utilizing space while allowing light and fresh air inside the kitchen. Such windows are excellent option for medium to large size kitchens.
Should window match with countertop?
There is absolutely no need for the color of window to match with the color of countertop because countertops comes in limited colors whereas the color options for the wall of kitchen are many. Since window is placed on the wall, the color of window should be such that it looks good on the wall.
Also due to the material of countertops the surface of countertops always appear to be shining.This does not get the accurate perception of color of the countertop.
It is important to know that if the paint color if kichen wall is white and the color of countertop is black or gray then almost any dark shade color for window can look good and coordinate with the color of countertop.
On the other hand if the walls are not white instead have a solid color then the window color should be such that it creates a contrast on the wall.
