Kitchen Window Ideas and Inspiration

Kitchen windows are a great way to add both natural light and style to your homes kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a way to brighten up a dark kitchen or you want to add a unique design element, there are plenty of kitchen window ideas to choose from. From garden windows to unique kitchen window treatments, the possibilities are endless. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular kitchen window ideas and show you how to incorporate them into your kitchens overall design. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or just looking for inspiration to redesign an existing kitchen window, this post will have plenty of kitchen window ideas for you. 

Common Kitchen Window Types

Sliding Windows

These traditional horizontal sliding window styles are a popular choice when it comes to kitchen windows. Sliding windows offer classic styling, allow for excellent ventilation and are typically less expensive than other types of windows.

Garden Windows

Garden windows, also known as bay windows. These types of windows are excellent for allowing the most natural light to enter your homes kitchen. Garden windows are more expensive than other windows but the added dimension and style they add can make up for the cost difference.

Casement Windows

Casement kitchen windows are windows with hinges and that open outward to the right or left, similar to a door. These types of windows are also known as crank windows and are common in older homes. Casement are a great feature to have in your home but they do come at a cost as they are typically more expensive than other window types.

Picture windows

Picture windows are a larger window that allow for expansive views  while also allowing tons of natural light to enter your kitchen. These types of windows are the most energy efficient window and they do not typically have moving parts so maintenance is virtually nonexistant.

A downside to using picture windows in a kitchen are that they do not typically open up so catching that cool summer breeze will be tough.

Kitchen Window Ideas

Kitchen Window Bamboo Shades

Bamboo shades are a great choice for any kitchen window. The bamboo shades add both style and privacy to your kitchen while still providing a nice natural touch to your kitchen. The bamboo is also easy to clean and care for and more durable than other types of window covering materials making them an excellent choice for a long term window covering solution.

Open Air Kitchen Window Idea

For an open air kitchen window idea, consider installing a casement window. This casement allows for easy pass through from the kitchen area to the backyard barbecue area. Casement windows are also a great choice for ventilation when the summer months come around. 

Light Over Kitchen Window

Another great kitchen window idea is to install a pendant light light fixture above the kitchen window and kitchen sink. This can add a little extra style and have the added benefit of allowing you to illuminate the entire kitchen even the kitchen island at night or when the curtains or shades are drawn. 

Kitchen Window Shelving Idea

Turn your kitchen window into a feature piece with the addition of some across window shelving. Adding shelving is great for adding both form and function to any kitchen window and can be used to display items like plants or artwork as well as to store items like spices and kitchen tools and utensils. 

Garden Kitchen Window

If you are fortunate enough to have an existing garden window in your kitchen or the space to install one, take advantage of it by decorating the space with some greenery. Installing planters or hanging baskets as well as herbs and flowers can turn any kitchen garden window into an eye catching focal point in your kitchen. 

Linen Kitchen Window Shades

For a kitchen window with an elegant look, consider installing a linen shade. These shades bring the beauty of natural fabrics to your kitchen and can be used in conjunction with any decor style but pair particularly well with both modern and traditional design styles. The linen fabric also helps to soften the hard lines of the kitchen window while still allowing plenty of natural sunlight into the space. 

Kitchen Window Valance

For a classic kitchen window look, consider installing a valance. Valances are an easy way to add color and texture to a kitchen window without taking away from the view of the outside. Valances also come in a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s decor style perfectly. 

Traditional Kitchen Window Blinds

If you are looking for a more traditional window covering option, consider installing blinds on your kitchen window. Blinds are an easy way to add both privacy any kitchen window while still allowing you to control the amount of natural light in the space. Window blinds come in a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, and vinyl so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen’s design.

Kitchen Stained Glass Window Idea

For a truly unique and different window covering option, consider installing a stained glass window in your kitchen. Stained glass windows are beautiful and can be used to catch the natural light coming into the kitchen while adding also texture and color to the space. 

By taking some time to dress up your kitchen window, you can add both style and function to one of the most important rooms in your home. Stained glass comes in tons of different styles and colors so there is certainly a stained glass window that would pair perfectly in your kitchens window.

Kitchen Window Shutters

For a classic look, consider installing shutters on your kitchen window. Shutters are an elegant addition to your kitchen and offer both privacy and style to the space. Like blinds shutters come in a variety of materials including wood, vinyl, and aluminum so you can find the perfect ones to match your kitchen’s decor style. You should even consider painting the shutters a color other than white for that extra pop of color.

Window Film

This fun window film can help bring some privacy and style to any kitchen window. These window films are easy to install and are a great option for renters as they do not not damage or alter the window in any way. Window films come in a huge variety of styles or you could custom order a window film to better suit your needs.

Frosted Windows

Frosted kitchen windows can add privacy as well as a modern touch to any kitchen. Frosted kitchen windows offer complete privacy but do have some downsides. The frosted glass does not allow a lot of natural light to penetrate so that limits the amount of natural that can enter your kitchen. Depending on the type of frosted glass you choose it can be permanent which may not be ideal especially if you frequently change your homes decor. If you decide to go the frosted glass route I would recommend that you use a frosted glass film vs actual frosted glass. The results will be nearly identical without the permanency of traditional frosted glass.

Bench Seating

Finally, you should consider adding a window bench seat or built-in seating beneath the kitchen’s window. This will not only provide a cozy spot to enjoy the natural light, but will also all you to make the most of the space near and above the kitchen window.

For a great DIY tutorial on a lovely window bench click over to this blog post on How to Build a Window Bench with Storage.

Kitchen Window Curtains

Consider adding some kitchen curtains to the space. Curtains can be used to add color, texture, and pattern to a kitchen, as well as provide privacy when needed. Curtains come in many different styles and materials so you’re sure to find one that will fit perfectly into your kitchen’s decor style. By adding a fun curtain rod you can a bit more creativity and design to your kitchen remodel. Whether you have smaller windows or large kitchen windows curtains are also a great choice. The great thing about curtains is they come in a huge variety of colors so you can certainly find ones that coordinate with your countertops, backsplash tile, wood floors or dining table.

By taking some time to dress up the kitchen window, you can make this often-overlooked space an integral part of your kitchen design and give your kitchen that finished look. Whether you have large windows or a small window with these kitchen window ideas, you are sure to add charm, visual interest, character and privacy to your kitchen. Enjoy the view!