There are so many factors involved in measuring the right size for your kitchen window. You cannot go with just any size for the window in a room where you will be spending a significant part of your day.
The kitchen will definitely need a lot of natural light as well as air. Ensuring the right ventilation is also incredibly important in this case.
So in this article, we would like to walk you through a handful of important considerations that you should keep in mind when designing your kitchen, especially the window.
So without further ado, let’s read ahead to learn how big a kitchen window should be.
How big should a kitchen window be?
A kitchen window should be at least 14 inches in width and 12 inches in height. These are the minimum measurements for an ideal kitchen window. But considering convenience and other factors, the standard size for a kitchen window measures between 24 to 96 inches in width and 14 to 96 in height.
Building a kitchen window of the right size is not an easy task. There are several factors involved with it. But however difficult the process must be, you will need to invest the necessary time, effort, and money in order to install the right window in your kitchen.
It is important because you will be spending a significant time there. And allowing light and air to come in through the window is critical to having a nice environment inside. If you’re not careful, you will fail to install the right ventilation as well.
So if you’re wondering what size should a kitchen window be, in the following section we have answered the question for you:
Long:
the kitchen window should be at least 12 inches long. This is the minimum criteria of height that a kitchen window must check. But most homeowners prefer larger windows.
Considering light factors and other convenience, the standard that is maintained for kitchen windows is something between 14 to 96 inches in height. This size allows a satisfactory outcome for users.
Wide:
A kitchen window should be at least 14 inches wide. While this is the minimum criteria for kitchen windows, homeowners prefer the window to be wider.
The standard size that is maintained in kitchens is something between 24 to 96 inches.
What is the average size of a kitchen window? What is the standard size for a kitchen window?
There is a huge difference between the minimum size required for a kitchen window and the standard size for a kitchen window.
Homeowners often opt for kitchen windows that are larger than the minimum requirement. This is mostly due to convenience and comfort.
The average size for a kitchen window is 24 inches by 36 inches. The average and standard size for kitchen windows will differ with manufacturers, home designers and area codes.
In addition, the standard size for a kitchen window is between 24 to 96 inches in width. And the height of a standard kitchen window is between 12 to 96 inches.
A kitchen window of this size offers great comfort. These sizes allow the homeowners to bring in adequate air and ventilation inside the kitchen.
What size window should be over the kitchen sink?
Now you will have to be careful about the size of the window above the kitchen sink. You cannot mindlessly install a large window there as you will need a significant amount of wall space there as well.
So if you’re trying to install a decent-sized window over the kitchen sink, here’s the size that you should follow.
Since you will be spending a significant amount of time on the kitchen sink, it is important that you put thorough consideration in the case of installing the window above the kitchen sink. Measure the height and thickness of the cabinets.
The average size of kitchen cabinets are 34.5 inches in height and 1.5 inches in thickness. In such a case, your window height should be about 37 inches.
Which window is best for the kitchen? What size is best?
There are several window options for your kitchen. So much so that it tends to overwhelm homeowners while deciding which window will be best for the kitchen and what size is best.
In the following section, we will break down the windows that might be ideal for your kitchen:
Double hung windows:
Double hung windows are appropriate for almost any room in your home, and they will be a great fit for your kitchen as well. This window type is great for controlling ventilation inside the house.
You can open it from top to the bottom and you can also open the window as little as you’d like. So the double hung windows will give you total control.
If you want to be able to control the ventilation in your kitchen, then the double hung windows will be the best windows for your kitchen. You can get this window in the size 24 inches by 36 inches.
Sliding windows:
Sliding windows are also great for your kitchen. If you’re looking for a ventilation source in your kitchen, then this will make a great window. You can slide this window above your kitchen sink and counter.
You can easily open and close this window because of the sliding rack underneath it. It will allow light inside your home as well. Not only will this window illuminate your home greatly but it will also improve ventilation by manifolds.
Casement windows:
This is a very popular window for kitchens. This window opens outwards, allowing great airflow in your home. You will also be able to welcome natural light in your kitchen if you install this window.
Should kitchen windows open? How much bigger should a rough opening be for a window?
While there are no building codes that imply that you should open the kitchen windows, you can definitely open them if you want. The kitchen windows can play a very important role in allowing ventilation in your home and in illuminating your house.
Yet, there are no building codes that make opening kitchen windows obligatory. It is totally optional and you can only open it if you like.
The recommended rough opening for your window is between ¾ inches or 19 mm to 1 inch or 25 mm larger than the height and width of the window. So you should ensure that the rough opening is level and plumb.
Where should windows be in the kitchen?
You can have two windows in the kitchen in order to allow good ventilation in your home: one should be a small window and the other a bigger one.
It is recommended that the small window should be placed on the opposite wall to the large window. This makes a great window for ventilation.
The ideal wall for placing the small window is the one on the southern wall of the kitchen. And on the opposite wall, you should place the bigger window in order to allow good airflow.
Note that the kitchen windows are generally placed a little higher than the windows in other rooms. This is to allow room for cabinets and counters underneath the window.
How to make kitchen window look bigger?
Here’s how to make kitchen window look bigger:
Do not put on dark curtains:
You should not put on dark curtains in your kitchen window. This will help you maximize the natural light that is coming into your home. Go for light colored curtains, if you need curtains at all.
Hang the curtains higher:
Hang the curtains about 3 inches higher than the window. Hanging the curtains higher than the window will help you manipulate the height and width of the window. It will appear to be larger than it is.
Paint a border around the window:
If you paint a white border around the window, the window will look much bigger than it is. This is an old technique in the book. This will add thickness to the window and will add an impact in the room.
Surround the window with colors and patterns:
Now if you surround your kitchen window with colors and patterns, it will help you make the kitchen window look bigger.
You can add colors in the walls and cabinets, along with colorful dishes. This will take away all the boundaries from the room, making the windows look bigger.
Final Thoughts
The kitchen window should be at least 14 inches wide and 12 inches high. This is the minimum measurement for an ideal kitchen window, but homeowners often opt for a larger window if they have a chance. This will enhance convenience and comfort in the kitchen.