Interior Awning over kitchen sink in stone white finish.

15 November 2024

Types of Kitchen Windows to Consider for Your Home

Kitchen windows play an important role in your home. They can provide much needed ventilation. They can also provide more natural light. Learn more about the types of kitchen windows available to decide what will fit best in your home.

Picking the Best Kitchen Windows

The best kitchen windows for your home depend on your home’s style. Extra considerations include available space, along with the features and options you want. Most often people think of kitchen windows as those that appear over a kitchen sink, but think about the other windows in your kitchen as opportunities to add light and ventilation.

Best Type of Window over Kitchen Sink

Casement and awning windows remain two of the most popular types of windows over a kitchen sink. Both types of windows use a crank handle to open and close the window. Having a handle that extends out makes opening and closing the window easier. Other windows like sliders and double hung windows require you to reach over the sink to open and close them.

Casement Windows

Casement windows work well as kitchen windows. Casement windows allow for uninterrupted views and plentiful ventilation. That kind of ventilation can help with air circulation. When you’re cooking in warmer months the ventilation helps cool your kitchen.

Interior view of a Marvin Replacement white awning window above a kitchen sink.

Awning Windows

Casement and awning windows function with a crank handle. The difference between casement vs. awning windows is the orientation of the window. Awning windows have a horizontal orientation while casement windows have a vertical orientation. Awning windows often appear above kitchen sinks to provide gentle breezes. You can also pair awning windows with picture windows in the kitchen for expansive natural light and views.

Interior view of a Marvin Replacement bay window with EverWood finish above a kitchen sink.

Kitchen Bay Windows

Bay windows often appear in kitchens to add natural light and architectural appeal to a home. Bay windows also provide ventilation with flanking windows that open and close. You can also choose to have all three windows open and close. Kitchen bay windows can fit over a kitchen sink or near a dining table. Bay windows feature a seat board for a cozy nook or extra shelf space for plants.

Interior view of a kitchen with Marvin Replacement Round Top windows above a kitchen sink.

Arched Windows

Arched windows have gentle curves to soften your home’s architectural style. They fit well in home styles that have curved features. In the kitchen you can add an arched window for an extra splash of natural light. You can also add round top windows above other types of windows for a flourish of style.

Interior view of a white kitchen with a Marvin Replacement picture window above a farmhouse sink.

Picture Windows

What is a picture window? A picture window is a type of window that doesn’t open and close. Picture windows can come in a variety of sizes and styles. Picture windows won’t provide ventilation. Instead, they offer panoramic views and nourishing natural light.

Interior view of a white Marvin Replacement double hung window above a kitchen sink.

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows appear throughout kitchens. The two moving sash help ventilate a kitchen. Cool air enters through the bottom sash and hot air escapes through the upper sash when opened. If you have double hung windows throughout your home, having them in your kitchen can maintain continuity.

Large Kitchen Windows over Kitchen Sink

Large kitchen windows can help make a space feel bigger. Larger-sized windows allow natural light to pour in. They also have contemporary style appeal.

Small Kitchen Windows over Kitchen Sink

Small kitchen windows above a kitchen sink can have a big impact. Awning and casement windows fit in well to provide a nice breeze to ventilate a space that can get warm when you're cooking. You can also crack a double hung window a smidge to bring in some fresh air.

Kitchen Window Ideas

If you’re remodeling your kitchen there are creative window options. Pass-through windows enhance indoor-outdoor living. Adding windows in underutilized spaces makes for bold looks. You can also choose different window and feature options. Window grilles and finish options are some of those choices.

Pass-Through Windows

Pass-through windows have gained popularity to connect your kitchen to an outdoor patio. A pass-through window can make bringing food from the kitchen to an outdoor dining area easier. You can also serve beverages outside without having to scramble to find a patio door handle. Slider windows work well for pass-through windows.

Window Space for Plants

A bay or bow window can add space for plants in your home. Bay and bow windows extend outward, creating shelf space that you can use for plants. Plants can get sunlight and plants can improve air quality.