Do you love cooking but either feel trapped in a small space with little to no ventilation?One of the best ways to increase the appearance of space in a small kitchen and improve ventilation is to get the right style of kitchen windows. The additional light from the new windows will also make the space feel more cheerful and get you excited about whipping up a meal for your friends and family!So, if you’re wondering if updating kitchen windows should be on your kitchen renovation list, we highly recommend it! The right windows will give you a wide range of practical and aesthetic benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss the top styles of kitchen windows to choose from. Along the way, we’ll also cover the attributes that make a good kitchen window. Let’s get started!
Top Kitchen Window Designs and Styles
When shopping for new windows for your kitchen, it’s important to keep these six key elements in mind:
- Their level of maintenance;
- Their durability;
- Their energy-saving capacity;
- Their ventilation and amount of sunlight; and
- How they operate.
Considering the above characteristics, here are the top window styles that we recommend:
1. Sliding or Slider Windows
Unobstructive | Good ventilation | Good amount of sunlight Sliding windows, also called slider windows, are unobstructive in operation because the window sashes slide horizontally on a track. This means that this style is one of the best kitchen windows if you want to grow herbs on a window box or if the window is facing a walkway. Slider windows also give good ventilation. However, only half of the window can be open at a time. Compared to the other windows that enable larger window openings (end vent sliders, bay windows, and casement windows), slider windows give less ventilation. This style of kitchen windows also lets in a good amount of sunlight thanks to its horizontal configuration. There are, however, larger kitchen window styles on this list that let in more sunlight by virtue of their added size and surface area.
2. End Vent Slider Windows
Unobstructive | Great cross-ventilation | Great amount of sunlightHaving sliding sashes means that the end vent slider windows are unobstructive. The difference, however, is that end vent slider windows have two sashes that can open on opposite ends with a fixed glass component in the middle. This design means two things: great ventilation and great sunlight penetration. Because the two sashes can be opened at the same time, this window type allows for cross-ventilation. Being on two ends also mean that the opened parts are more likely to catch a breeze.
3. Bay Windows
Unobstructive | Great cross-ventilation | Great amount of sunlight Bay windows are projection windows that have at least three panels. Typically, the middle panel is completely fixed. Meanwhile, the angled panels on each of the sides can be casement windows or hung windows (with sashes that slide upwards).If a bay window is fitted with hung windows on the two sides, it can be considered as unobstructive – similar to slider windows and end vent slider windows. With hung windows, only half of the window is open at a time. However, being on angled panels, these windows have a better chance to catch a breeze and can also provide some cross-ventilation. Bay windows are large combination windows, meaning that these kitchen windows let in an excellent amount of sunlight. One last benefit of choosing bay windows as kitchen windows is that it gives additional interior space such as a comfortable nook where one can place the sink, a small herb garden, or additional seating.
4. Casement Windows
Obstructive | Great ventilation | Good amount of sunlight Casement kitchen windows open outwards on a hinge, similar to how a door opens. This means that these kitchen windows are within the “obstructive” category. However, if you have no intention of having a window box for plants and your kitchen is not adjacent to an outdoor walkway, casement windows could be a great choice for your kitchen. The angled sashes on casement kitchen windows, once open, can catch a breeze fairly easily. The window also opens completely. All-in-all, these provide excellent ventilation. Last but not least, because casement windows are typically installed in pairs and have large panels of glass, they can give a good amount of sunlight to your newly renovated kitchen.
Energy-Efficient and Durable Kitchen Windows by Clera
Ready to start window shopping for your kitchen renovation? Clera Windows + Doors has a wide collection of high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient windows for you to choose from. These windows are also fully customizable to offer sleek, modern styles that will add beauty to your home. In the past 41+ years, we’ve transformed hundreds of homes in Ontario. We’ll be glad to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Check out our collection or contact us today for a FREE in-home consultation!
