It is very likely that kitchens, especially those that include a dining area, are the most important rooms in the house. Families gather around the kitchen table to talk about what they have done during the day, share a meal, plan family trips and even do school homework together. However, despite their importance, we generally do not give kitchens the attention they deserve.
Kitchen windows are particularly neglected: we tend to take them for granted and we don’t really think that there are things we can do either to improve the way they look or to make sure that the ones we have are perfect for our kitchen.
Kitchen windows: the basics
Kitchens get dirty easily: we cut different types of meat, chop vegetables, peel fruit, fry food, bake cakes, have breakfast, dinner or lunch, and help our children with homework or in the school projects there. That said, this means that kitchens need to be well lit, ventilated and, of course, easy to clean.
All these three conditions apply to kitchen windows as well. They need to be easy to clean and maintain, and they need to be wide enough to allow the right amount of fresh air and sunlight to enter the room.
It is also important that kitchen windows come with multi-point security locks to ensure that thieves cannot enter your home through the kitchen.
As homeowners decide to remodel their kitchen and decide to invest in new windows, there are certain things they must take into consideration to ensure that the replacement windows they are interested in are the right choice. good for their kitchen.
Let’s go over the top points that anyone looking for new windows for his or her kitchen should consider:
Size and types of windows
Those fortunate enough to have an outdoor-facing kitchen need to take advantage of the natural light the room receives. This means that the windows you choose should be large enough not only to let you enjoy the beautiful view you have but also to let natural light in.
Ask any local window company and they will probably recommend investing in French windows and doors. They make graceful transitions between indoors and outdoors while flooding the room with sunlight without obstructing the view with thick frames. New windows also give you better temperature control and can even save you money on your energy bill. The overall appearance of the new windows will give your home a new curb appeal and may even increase the value of your property. Consider Strong dog roof to make the steps for new windows for your home now.
Awning style windows are also very suitable for kitchens. Their glass allows natural light to enter the room and they can be opened or closed easily to allow fresh air to enter but not in a disturbing way. Awning style windows are perfect if you want to improve the ventilation of your kitchen or if your kitchen is particularly hot. They work best if placed above eye level, especially above the oven.
Regarding window materials, wooden windows are quite difficult to include in kitchens. They are difficult to maintain and can rot if they are constantly exposed to excessive heat or humidity. This is why they are usually limited to dining areas away from sinks and ovens.
Fiberglass or vinyl windows are probably the best choice that homeowners can make if they can put a window over the sink or cooking area. Both alternatives provide homeowners with options that are easy to install and maintain, and even easier to clean. An additional advantage these windows offer is that they come in almost every color of the rainbow and can be painted in case you can’t find one in the exact shade you have in your kitchen. Also, both fiberglass and vinyl windows come with varied security features that make them attractive when home security is your concern.
Alternative uses for windows
Have you ever considered using windows to divide two different areas in your kitchen without having to build a concrete wall that could interfere with the views or obstruct the living area? You can use a rectangular window grill, for example, to divide the cooking area from the dining area or your kitchen from an interior patio. Therefore, this graceful arrangement creates the illusion of an open area – the views are not disturbed and the light can bathe the whole room.
Privacy
Ensuring your family’s privacy as you share quality time together is essential. If neighbors or passers-by can see through your kitchen windows, you should consider investing in some sort of screening material. Roman shades are probably the wisest alternative: they keep prying eyes away but do not prevent light from entering the room.
Tinted glasses can also be an alternative, especially if you need to reduce the amount of sunlight you receive each day. If you are afraid that the colored glasses can make your kitchen darker, remember that there are different shades of tint and you can choose the lighter ones.
Kitchen windows play an essential role in your kitchen. By choosing them wisely you can make a positive and lasting impact in your family’s favorite place at home.
Mariana Sarceda is a professional freelance writer who loves to read about home decor, home improvement and interior design. She is passionate about writing and likes to make sure her home is her palace. She represents Newman Windows.
