The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed (2024)

When it comes to designing a home, you can go as bold or traditional as you want but some things often seem to be the same.

A British homeowner has been pondering this about kitchen windows while trying to come up with plans for their kitchen renovation.

"Realised we can easily move the kitchen sink away from the window to give us more usable counter space. Then I realised, I've never seen a kitchen sink that isn't in front of a window," they posted on Reddit.

READ MORE: How to give your kitchen sink a deep clean

"Is there a reason for that? Is staring out of the window while washing up just a British thing? Or am I crazy in even suggesting a sink with no window?"

Now that you've read that you're probably thinking about about your where your own kitchen sink is in relation to the window.

The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed (1)

When you think about it many kitchens do have sinks below windows, and there is a practical reason for it.

"The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall. In terms of plumbing, using as short a waste pipe as possible from the sink to the drains is not only the most effective but also the cheapest solution," an article on KDCUK explained.

READ MORE: The pros and cons of a traditional pantry versus pantry drawers

There are other reasons for having a window above a kitchen sink according to a person who commented on the Reddit post.

"It's also because it's where the most natural light comes through. Plus if you wash by hand, plates dry quicker. This is a hang over before the dishwasher," they wrote.

The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed (2)

The original poster appreciated the explanation but is considering bucking convention and placing the sink elsewhere.

"Makes perfect sense. Thankfully, the opposite end of the kitchen also has drains and plumbing, just no windows," they said.

While kitchen windows above sinks seems like a fairly common occurrence, it's not the case in every home.

READ MORE: The most memorable Block kitchens of all time

A few people who commented on the topic revealed their kitchen sink isn't under the window. Though most seem fine with it that way, good lighting seems to be a common problem.

"Used to have a sink in front of the window. Now, after an extension, no, as we moved it to create a more open plan kitchen/diner... Did take some use of additional lighting to help the ambience though," one person said.

The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed (3)

"I'm currently renting a house where the kitchen was redesigned and there is no window above the sink. I don't miss it, but it does mean that I'm stood in the way of the light whilst washing," another said.

READ MORE: How to unclog a drain using natural ingredients

Other kitchen sink layouts discussed in the Reddit thread included drying racks above the sink, which can be common in small kitchens, and sinks in island benches like in many homes designed on The Block.

Wherever your sink is placed, the important thing is that there's plumbing underneath and drying space available.

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The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed (2024)

FAQs

The reason why kitchen windows are often above sinks has been revealed? ›

Someone else added: "There's 2 more important reasons other than just convenience/plumbing."1 - light - you've got to have decent light when you wash up so you don't miss bits and daylight from a window is great for that because your head doesn't get in the way of it when you lean over the sink.

Why are kitchen windows above sinks? ›

As we cook and wash-up, steam inevitably rises which can cause condensation on walls or ceilings if not properly vented out. The presence of a window above the sink allows this steam to escape easily into the open air rather than condensed onto cold surfaces, thus reducing dampness risks in your kitchen.

Why is there always a window in front of the kitchen sink? ›

Placing the sink under a window allows you to take advantage of natural light, which can make your kitchen feel brighter and more welcoming. Natural light is also beneficial when you're washing dishes, as it can help you see any food particles or residue that may be left on your dishes.

Does a kitchen sink always have to be by a window? ›

Generally you would only fit a sink where there are no wall units or anything encroaching the sink/drainer area directly above it so a window wall is usually the most obvious. The only place they are usually fitted when not in front of a window is in an island unit when space and practicality permits.

Why is it important to have a window in the kitchen? ›

Windows in the kitchen can increase light, improve mood, and make the space feel larger. How do you ensure that the heat and moisture of the kitchen do not become unbearable? Open the windows and let in the breeze. Beyond this primary function, good quality windows will benefit your kitchen in many ways.

What is the window above the sink called? ›

Adding casem*nt windows above the sink is an aesthetically pleasing yet practical way to take advantage of space that often goes unutilized.

How high should a window be above the kitchen sink? ›

The usual and customary way of placing a window in the wall behind the sink is to set it at a height where the sill of the window is six inches or more above the countertop. This is done so the window above the sink does not have to be as accurately positioned relative to the countertop.

Where should kitchen windows be placed? ›

Kitchens have some traditional spots for windows–above the sink, in the eat-in area, or a bank of windows along a wall. However, if your goal is to make your kitchen truly unique and your own, finding unexpected places for windows should be at the top of your remodeling tasks.

How do you dress a kitchen window above a sink? ›

Kitchen Window Dressing Ideas to Consider
  1. Voiles / Nets. Rather than standard curtains, which tend to be made of heavier fabrics, much lighter voiles and nets tend to be popular in kitchens. ...
  2. Blinds. There is a broad range of standard blinds on the market, which are very different style and light control. ...
  3. Shutters.

Can a kitchen have no window? ›

While a window can provide natural light and ventilation and add to the overall aesthetic of the space, it is not a necessary component of a functional kitchen. As with any design decision, it is important to carefully consider the options and choose the best solution for the specific needs of the homeowner.

Is it a must for the kitchen sink to be by the window? ›

No it doesn't matter. The window let in the light so you could do a better job at cleaning the dishes before electric lights. Why are there always windows above the kitchen sink but not the oven? Because the tradition is that the person doing the dishes would like to look out the window while doing the dishes.

What happens if you don't vent a kitchen sink? ›

Without venting, the negative pressure caused by the flow of draining water can potentially suck water out of the drain trap and allow sewer gases to enter the home.

Why is there always a window above the kitchen sink? ›

Someone said it might be because it's on an outside wall which makes life easier when it comes to plumbing. Kitchen design website KDCUK has an answer: "The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall.

What is kitchen window for? ›

And yet, they serve an important function by letting out smoke, steam, and cooking smells and letting in fresh air. Equally important, windows bring feel-good natural light into this oh-so-important room.

Why is window placement important? ›

Well-placed windows improve the ventilation in your home, as well as allowing you to control airflow. To improve airflow and encourage cross ventilation, you should position your windows to take advantage of the prevailing breezes in your local area.

Does a window over a sink need to be tempered? ›

The greater risk of slip and fall injuries in wet areas means that bathrooms, saunas, and hot tubs are places where is tempered window (glass) necessary. You must temper all glass if its bottom edge is less than five feet above a walking or standing surface such as a shower floor.

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