One thing you might not pay attention to so much when renovating is the position of the windows. The more windows you have, the bigger the space around you seems. Your room looks more open thanks to the view and soft natural lighting. Not to mention it would save a lot of power. So should you have windows in your kitchen?
Windows are not necessary for a kitchen, but they are desirable. They are a great way to provide your space with natural light and allow air to freshen up your kitchen after long hours of cooking.
This article will guide you through the renovation process: how to position them, how many your space needs, what if you can’t have windows, and how to fake them. If you don’t have an answer – we do, so find out everything about ventilation and lighting in your cooking temple.
Are Kitchen Windows Necessary?
If someone tells you that they have a kitchen without windows, you will immediately think this is a dark room full of furniture.
If you correctly approach the design of this type of kitchen by yourself or with the help of experts, you can certainly get a beautiful and exciting space in which you will be happy to stay.
As we mentioned before, having a window in the kitchen is unnecessary, but if you have one at least, it would be beneficial.
How Many Windows Should a Kitchen Have?
Assuming you will be spending a significant amount of time in your kitchen, you will want your kitchen to be efficient, comfortable, and above all functional. Even though it is unnecessary to have windows in your kitchen, we recommend at least one.
If this dimension is added, your space will look a lot more open and balanced, more approachable, and more enjoyable. However, you should think of some safety measures when positioning your windows.
First of all, do not place windows above cooking surfaces. If you reached a window to open or close it, you could potentially hurt yourself on a hot stove. If you insist on placing them above, use fixed instead of operable windows.
If ventilation is a necessity, use an operable window. For views, use fixed windows. Make sure operable windows are placed in a way that is not dangerous and easily reachable. Another factor to consider is what your kitchen face – is there a need for privacy in this room or not?
And finally, think about design. Do you handwash your dishes in the sink? If so, place a window above your sink to avoid looking at a wall. If you are picky about the amount or angle of sunlight, consider cardinal directions and your kitchen positioning. Think about lighting as well, how will it fit in.
Can You Have A Kitchen Without Windows?
Yes, it is possible to have a kitchen with no windows. Without windows, however, you will be missing light and ventilation.
In case you didn’t know, man’s need for daylight is natural, and its lack and increasing exposure to artificial lighting not only reduces our productivity but also adversely affects our health.
Sunlight has a significant impact on maintaining good health and quality of life. Besides, it makes the living space warm and attractive. Too little light makes the rooms more minor, and enough natural light gives the impression of spaciousness and comfort.
As most of us spend most of our time indoors, it is essential to provide as much daylight as possible in our home, and therefore a much better solution is to install at least one window in the space where we will be cooking.
Natural daylight has several benefits for our health, and that is why we must be exposed to it as much as possible. A good example is the installation of roof windows that will allow natural light in dark spaces. Adding bright furniture and painting the walls in lighter shades can help reflect natural light from your roof window.
The room where you cook should have plenty of natural light, creating a bright and comfortable environment.
The kitchen should have a well-lit work surface and stove, and it’s a good idea also to have the option of looking outside when you’re standing behind the kitchen counter.
If it is not possible to install the roof window, then choose the regular one with white frames because they reflect light deeper into the room than those with dark edges.
Ventilation In A Windowless Kitchen
Kitchen ventilation is essential for keeping your space as clean as possible, and it also improves air quality. Grease can attach itself to surfaces such as cabinets or walls, so ventilation would be a great way to remove these particles from the air.
Using a vent hood is one of the options since there is a wide range to choose from. They are becoming even more popular by the day!
If you use gas for cooking instead of electricity – install a window in your kitchen. Kitchen appliances that use gas, oil, wood, central heating, water heaters, and cookers are all sources of carbon monoxide. You can read more about the dangers of gas here.
If your ventilation is inadequate or there isn’t a system that would provide you with fresh air, you could be in danger of getting carbon monoxide poisoning. Some of the symptoms that can lead are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
If there is a leak and your kitchen does not have a window or other forms of proper ventilation, a poisoned person can faint and, in the worst cases, die. Exposure to substances your kitchen can create can lead to long-term illnesses such as heart disease.
Nevertheless, we advise you to install a window if you have enough room to do it. While it is unnecessary to have, fresh air and natural lighting have so many benefits – they could even save your life.
How To Brighten Your Kitchen Without Windows
For a kitchen without windows, it is necessary to choose the right colors. It is not recommended to use dark shades for the walls and ceiling, but only light colors in such a kitchen.
Why is that so? Dark colors will not reflect light while natural and light shades visually enlarge any space (e.g., beige, soft pink, white). Do not use wallpapers or other decorations with extensive patterns, as they also visually reduce the space.
The pleasant contrast you will get is painting one wall with a light color such as pink, yellow, or lilac. Remember, you have to make the ceiling a little brighter than the walls. If you cannot decide, leave it white.
Like the walls, the floor should be lightly shaded with a reflective surface. Pastel, cream, and white are just perfect pavement colors. Avoid light-absorbing or rough textures, such as stone or dark ceramic, which would be better.
Besides the walls and ceiling, you can also paint your kitchen cabinets with light colors.
The second step is to choose the proper lighting that needs to be correctly and equally distributed.
If your kitchen is small, ceiling lighting will be sufficient. You will need additional lamps in different places for the bigger space – e.g., above the work surface or LED light bars under the kitchen cabinets.
Keeping your kitchen surfaces and furniture clean will increase light reflection and the perception of open space.
Adding a mirror to one wall can also help your kitchen look brighter.
Faux Windows In The Kitchen
A fake window is nothing more than an artificial window frame that can display different outdoor scenes.
If you decide on this option, you will have something that will look like a window but without its benefits.
You will, however, have a view – no matter if it’s a sticker, a poster, a natural frame, or glass. Here is a tutorial on creating your fake window with the desired view.
First, you need to decide on the motif. Do you want a picture of a beach, sky, mountains, or forest?
You will need a frame to make this window as real as possible and some curtains – decorate it like you would a standard window.
Conclusion
Kitchen windows aren’t necessary and are many ways to get creative with your kitchen view.
We’ve compiled a complete list of frequently asked kitchen questions for new and experienced homeowners.
Our team of experts answers these questions to help assist you through DIY projects and home repairs.
For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.