10 Charming Kitchen Window Ideas to Instantly Brighten Your Space
Not sure what to do with your kitchen window? It’s a common problem — especially if, like me, you have a cat that adores sitting on the windowsill. I spoke to several design experts for their best kitchen window ideas, so you can upgrade yours to be an even brighter spot in your home (even if that means adding a suction cup cat bed to the glass).
1. Tile the sill.
Damla Turgut, founder and creative director of Otto Tiles & Design, says tiling the windowsill is a great way to both decorate and refresh kitchen windows. “Most kitchens, regardless of whether they are traditional or modern in style, will have a backsplash to offer walls practical protection and provide a decorative element to your kitchen scheme,” she says. “When it comes to the window, I often see the tiling stop, but this creates a break in the scheme, whereas tiling your windowsill provides a sleeker and more considered finish. Whether you choose a plain tile or a patterned one, a bold color or a neutral, it’s a small-scale idea that can have a big decorative impact.”
2. Add cafe curtains.
Cafe curtains are back, says Terri Brien, owner of Terri Brien Interiors. “Thanks to the resurgence of more traditional touches and details, [cafe curtains] are a great option to add interest to a kitchen window without completely obscuring the view,” she says. “For larger windows, go with rings and clips in a contrasting metal, and for smaller windows, opt for a rod pocket. Have fun with patterns and textures to further increase visual interest.”
3. Include open shelving near the window.
Open shelving next to your kitchen window can enhance the space without taking away any brightness. “I like placing open shelving near the window,” says Cyndy Cantley, co-owner of Cantley & Company. “The open brass shelving in this kitchen does not block the light as traditional wood cabinets can, and provides a beautiful place for your favorite items you use daily.”
4. Bring in natural materials.
Julia Fishman, owner of JP Fishman Architect, brought natural materials to this kitchen window with Roman shades made from bamboo, which she says offsets the hard surfaces found throughout the kitchen. “As far as materials, woven woods as well as textured fabrics are great ways to provide warmth in contrast with other design elements like backsplash tile, countertops, and millwork,” she says.
5. Upgrade the window frame.
If you can’t add anything to the sill, Joyce Huston, cofounder and lead designer at Decorilla, suggests changing the window frame. “Choose interesting window frames that go well with the kitchen aesthetic,” she says. “You don’t need anything else. So instead of having the usual go-to frame, switch things around and go for a color that’ll make your kitchen pop. Or, if you like neutrals, then choose different window trims that make sense.”
6. Add a patterned window film.
If your kitchen looks out onto a public space, adding a window film can spruce up the area and provide some privacy between you and the world. “It will cover the window from the prying eyes, and the pattern and color will delight you with an unusual look that may resemble stained glass,” says Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D.
7. Brighten the space with lamps.
Keep the light in the kitchen window with lamps. “When there is space to incorporate a lamp, it adds another layer to the design and creates a perfect softness at night,” Cantley says. “With all the sources for lamps that are rechargeable, an outlet is not needed, and you don’t have to deal with ugly cords.”
8. Welcome nature inside.
The kitchen window is a great place for plants — they’re right by the sink for easy watering, and you’re guaranteed natural light. “If utilizing potted plants, be sure they add interest,” Brien says. “If using more than one potted plant, while the pots don’t need to match, make sure they complement one another and the overall design. Lavender and pretty herbs are a great choice. Try to avoid common houseplants like pothos, as they will look dated.”
9. Make a window seat.
If you have a kitchen window away from the counters, add seating. “If the window is not at the countertop, you can make a seat instead of a windowsill, and decorate it with cushions or a blanket,” Juzėnaitė says. “This spot will be not only for eating, but also for relaxing and resting.”
10. Add shelving to the window itself.
This is a great way to showcase things you love and use. “Built-in shelves are amazing if you want to add a bit more decor to the space,” Huston says. “It might not be an obvious choice for a kitchen window, but it certainly does the job. And you can personalize it and customize it as you wish. If you’re into cooking, then you could have a couple of cookbooks there, maybe some souvenirs from your last trip, and even faux plants if you wish.”