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Does a kitchen need a window?
Many apartments and terrace houses lack windows in their kitchen spaces. But fear not, there are plenty of design solutions to illuminate these windowless rooms. It’s time to bid farewell to dark, cramped spaces and embrace a brighter, airier kitchen environment. In this article, we will explore practical tips on how to design your windowless kitchen.
Windows offer more than just a view—they bring in natural light and fresh air, enhancing the sense of space and improving visibility and temperature control. If you’re considering adding or replacing windows as part of your kitchen renovation, keep reading for some fantastic ideas!
Adding or Replacing Kitchen Windows
Having a sizable window above your kitchen sink can truly transform a mundane chore into a pleasant experience. Not only does it offer a delightful view, but it also floods your kitchen with welcoming natural light as you tackle your washing-up tasks. Opting for casement windows is a wise choice—they’re generously sized and open fully from the side hinges, allowing for easy manipulation of incoming breezes. Additionally, if you have the available space, bay and bow windows offer an expansive vista of the outdoors, imparting a sense of openness and airiness to your kitchen.
Tricks for Small Kitchen Windows
If you have small windows that cannot be replaced, there are a few tips for making the most of the light they offer.
- Avoid heavy curtains. Instead, install light-coloured blinds that have minimal impact when fully retracted. The heavier the blind or curtain, the smaller the appearance of the window.
- Low windows can appear larger if a sheer white curtain is hung closer to the ceiling, giving the window a taller appearance.
- Keep your windows clean. Dirty windows will restrict the amount of light that enters the room.
Look through some of our kitchen designs where we’ve utilised ways to create warm and inviting spaces with limited natural lighting such as open plan kitchens:
Kitchen Without a Window?
Install a Skylight in Your Kitchen
Opting for a skylight in your kitchen can be a game-changer. Positioned overhead, it floods your benchtops with natural light, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Picture yourself cooking amidst the warmth of the sun—it’s an inviting thought, isn’t it? Additionally, you might want to think about installing a roof window, a type of skylight that can be opened. This not only brings in more natural light but also allows fresh air to circulate. With better airflow and temperature control, rooftop ventilation can significantly enhance the comfort of your kitchen.
Open Up Your Kitchen
If it’s possible, open up your kitchen by removing a wall and making use of an adjacent space like a dining or living room. You can also create a pass-through by having a builder remove part of an internal kitchen wall. This allows light from the adjacent room to enter the kitchen and allows you to interact with family or guests.
Kitchen Design Ideas
If you have as kitchen without a window, here are more tips on how to design a windowless kitchen:
- Install white cupboards, benchtops and splashbacks
- Use reflective surfaces like glass, high-gloss laminate, stainless steel and high-gloss tiles
- Keep your colour consistent and use a low-contrast colour scheme
- Keep the kitchen streamlined with handle-less doors and horizontal lines
- Install lots of overhead lighting that directs light onto the benchtops and other reflective surfaces
- Add LED strip lights underneath overhead cupboards
- Install clever storage with internal lighting
- Minimise clutter on the benchtops!
- Engage a kitchen designer to create the perfect kitchen layout
Wonderful Kitchens can help you create your dream kitchen today. Contact us today to speak with one of our kitchen designs or visit our kitchen gallery for more ideas.
