13 Kitchen Window Designs You’ll Love

Kitchen windows are more than a view over the kitchen sink—they are a vital part of creating a bright, comfortable and energy-efficient kitchen. Well-placed windows amplify daylight to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Remodeling the kitchen and replacing windows is a popular home improvement project that will increase your home's value and update its look.

So, what type of windows are best for your kitchen? Read on to learn about the most popular kitchen window styles and get fresh design tips on incorporating new windows into your kitchen.

Kitchen Window Features To Consider

Because the kitchen is a busy space that requires extra airflow, it’s important to choose windows that are right for your kitchen design. Whether you’re shopping for new home or replacement windows, when it comes to your dream kitchen it’s best to keep the following in mind:

• Ease of Access: Windows over the sink or countertops can be hard to reach, so choose a style that’s easy to open and close. Because kitchen windows need more frequent cleaning, choose a style you’ll be able to clean.
• Ventilation: Ideally, most kitchen windows should be operable to let fresh air in and cooking smells or smoke out.
• Architectural Style: Use options like frame styles, grids or muntins, and custom colors to match the kitchen windows to your home’s architectural style and interior design.
• Performance: Energy-efficient glazing helps to cut utility costs, and durable frame construction will last for decades.
• Cost: Window materials vary in price; vinyl windows are the cheapest but have the shortest lifespan. Longer-lasting materials like wood, aluminum, and fiberglass are the most cost-efficient over time.

Types of Kitchen Windows

While almost any window type can be used in a kitchen, most homeowners choose windows that can open to provide ventilation. The specific style of window that’s best for your kitchen will depend on the style of your home and the kitchen layout. For example, a kitchen sink window can be hard to reach. It’ll be easier to open if it has a hand crank or only needs a gentle push to operate. Here’s a quick look at which window types are best for the kitchen and where to use them:

Sliding Windows

Marvin Signature Ultimate Glider creates a pass-through between the kitchen and dining room

Sliding windows (also called gliding windows) have sashes that open by sliding sideways instead of up and down. A single sliding window has only one side that moves; a double slider has two operating sashes. Because they move easily along a track, sliding windows are ideal for behind the sink or above a counter where windows can be difficult to reach. They’re available as plain frames or with grids for a historic look.

Casement Windows

Marvin Modern Casement Windows behind sink with crank operation

Casement windows hinge outwards, making ventilation fast and effective because the entire window opening is unobstructed. A hand crank makes it easy for almost anyone to operate a casement window. It takes very little strength to turn the handle, and the handle is conveniently located at the bottom where it’s easy to reach.

Casement windows are extremely versatile. They can be as tall as eight feet, come in wood, aluminum or fiberglass, and have optional grids for a traditional look. Push-out casements operate with a simple push and pull, so no handle is needed. Since they’re so easy to use, casement windows are one of the best windows for kitchens.

Double Hung Windows

Marvin Elevate double-hung windows add natural light to this breakfast nook

A double hung window has both a top and bottom sash that slide up and down. This classic window style is popular for its traditional look. Since they can open at both top and bottom they provide excellent ventilation. Hot indoor air rises out the top, creating a current that draws cooler air in at the bottom. One drawback to double hung windows in the kitchen is that they can be difficult to operate when reaching over cabinets. However, today’s high-quality double hung windows glide smoothly and won’t require a lot of strength to open and close.

Bay Windows & Garden Windows

Marvin Signature Ultimate Bay Window with Double-Hung side windows in a dining nook

Bay windows add extra space to a kitchen because they project outwards from the wall of the home. They’re comprised of a center window with angled windows on either side. Often the center window is fixed to provide a clear view, and the side windows open for ventilation. Adding a bay window to the kitchen can instantly create space for a breakfast nook with a window seat serving as a bench. A garden window is a small bay window, usually over the sink, that provides space for potted plants.

Bi-Fold Windows

Marvin Modern Bi-Fold in a kitchen window

Bi-fold windows use the same design as bifold doors but are sized for smaller openings. The  panels are hinged together and fold up like a fan when opened. Since the panels stack at the edge of the window, they can create a wide opening that’s perfect for a pass-through. Add a bi-fold window to your kitchen remodel to serve an outdoor seating area or open up the wall to blur the lines between indoors and out.

Picture Windows

Marvin Signature Picture Window behind a kitchen sink with casement side window

A picture window (also called fixed pane or direct glazing) is simply a window that does not open. Picture windows are designed to frame the view. Small ones can be used as clerestory windows high on the wall to bring in natural light. Use specialty shapes such as triangular or arched windows to create a unique focal point.

Skylights

Marvin Awaken Skylights in a kitchen ceiling

Wall space is at a premium in kitchens, which can reduce the area available for windows. Skylights are a great way to add natural light and make a kitchen feel more spacious. Operable skylights can be opened to ventilate the kitchen space. Modern technology even allows them to be automated to open and close according to changes in the weather or the time of day.

Kitchen Window Design Ideas

This modern kitchen incorporates Marvin’s Elevate Casement Windows into the shelving to maximize both lighting and storage.

This kitchen design creates a classic Tudor look by combining Marvin’s Ultimate Casement windows in a narrow shape with traditional window grids on the fixed panes at the top.

A sliding patio door takes the place of windows in this small kitchen to make the space feel large and open. Elevate French Doors by Marvin.

Removing upper cabinets makes room for additional windows to make this farmhouse kitchen feel bright and airy. Marvin’s Ultimate Casement Windows are finished with grids for a traditional look.

Marvin Signature Modern Direct Glaze picture windows frame the view and provide daylight through clerestory windows above the cabinetry.

The Skycove is a self-contained glass structure that projects outwards like a bay window. Here it  adds extra seating as well as natural lighting to a kitchen’s dining area.

Find the Best Kitchen Windows at Ring’s End

How do you narrow window options to the best style for your kitchen? With so many options, you may need help finding just the right combination of style and functionality. Here at Ring’s End, we love the infinite design options offered by premier window manufacturer Marvin. Explore our Marvin Windows Buyer’s Guide to learn about their extensive selection of designer windows.