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Nowadays, many homeowners have problems with the size and area of their kitchen.
How to properly decorate a small kitchen is not an easy task. To make your kitchen not only practical and beautiful, but also cozy, you should plan in advance the arrangement of furniture, kitchen appliances, and, of course, window decoration.
In the kitchen, you can place a dining table along the window, especially if it is a small room. Creating a window design in such a kitchen is not very easy, but still possible.
An important part is the window sill, and if you wish, you can also add stands for flowers.
Today, new models of window sills are becoming popular, which can serve instead of:
- A dining table made from a folding table top. It is suitable for a small family, 2-3 people. This table is very original and attractive.
- Storage of kitchen utensils under the window.
The interior of the kitchen can be equipped with a U-shape option. The windows should not be heavily decorated; you can only add some decorative elements.
A small kitchen along the window can be decorated in different ways.
The interior of the kitchen can be equipped with a U-shape option. The windows should not be heavily decorated; you can only add some decorative elements. Due to this arrangement, the kitchen will have more space.
You can choose options with curtains or curtains, but in this case the window space should not be occupied.
If the room is very small, then you can expand it with Roman-style or roller blinds.
Types of countertops for the kitchen
Arrangement of a tabletop on a windowsill begins with the selection of material. Today, plastic, MDF and chipboard, wood, natural or artificial stone, and glass are used for this. The features of each product will help you fit them correctly into the interior.
Plastic
The most affordable and popular option is plastic for making a table top combined with a window sill. Thanks to this design, an angular work surface is obtained. At the same time, the place near the window can be used in different ways: for cooking, as an area for storing various small items, or as a decorative area where the housewife keeps her favorite interior items.
Tabletop-window sill made of PVC, covered with a special decorative film
The plastic table top-window sill has the following properties:
- moisture resistance;
- thermal strength;
- availability;
- plastic is available in a wide variety of textures and colors, so every user will find an option to suit their taste.
This kitchen looks great in any color, but designers advise choosing a glossy acrylic surface. This is a classic option, not so easily soiled and goes well with decoration in any shade.
Types of design
A kitchen in a “Stalin” or “Khrushchev” building needs to be equipped so that it is cozy and beautiful. A window opening is a kind of reserve that can expand the space or zone it with the help of clever design ideas.
A good decor option is curtains or curtains. If you have arranged a dining area near a window or directly in a window opening, then these elements should be short (so that they get dirty less). Roman blinds would also look appropriate here. Country style, on the contrary, will require a large amount of fabric. And in the case of minimalism, choose Japanese curtains that open quickly.
The upholstery and tablecloth should match the color scheme of the curtains or drapes (the same goes for pillows).
You can complement a certain interior with bright fresh fruits , which will be placed in a beautiful vase. Place it in the center of the table built into the window opening.
The high-tech style involves the placement of various transparent glass elements, and if you choose a rustic style, then decorate the free kitchen space with painted plates.
- The bar counter and table , which with their main part hold onto the window opening, can be continued and “stretched” along the free wall. This way you will increase the dining area.
Table top made of MDF and chipboard
These materials are perfect for decorating the continuation of the tabletop, but they must be used under special conditions. If you plan to create a work surface on the windowsill or make a built-in sink, it is better to avoid using MDF and chipboard. Wood boards do not tolerate moisture very well, and the surface coating is unlikely to be able to effectively protect the product from water.
The MDF worktop has an attractive appearance and fits perfectly into the kitchen interior
Often, the window sill and countertop are made in the same style: if a brown MDF surface serves as a working area for the entire kitchen, then it is recommended to continue it in the same shade. Contrasting colors are allowed (for example, black and white). Products made from MDF and chipboard can replace a business area and a snack area. It will be inconvenient for the whole family to have a full dinner at such a table, but drinking a cup of coffee before work will be pleasant and cozy, especially while enjoying the view from the window.
Tips for window decoration
To decorate the window, you can use various modern materials and fabrics. It can be:
- curtains in country or Provence style. Fabrics can be natural (linen, cotton) or synthetic;
- roller blinds have some advantages (they are easy to care for, they do not fade, they are easy to rise and fall);
- Roman curtains. They can be made from various types of natural and synthetic fabrics, they are very easy to handle;
- classic options (tulle, lambrequins, horizontal and vertical blinds);
- Very often, small cute things are used in window design, which add special charm and comfort to the room. These can be baskets, vases, candles, bouquets of flowers, indoor flowers in decorative pots, etc.
Half Shutters For Kitchen Windows Half Shutters For Kitchen Windows window coverings plantation shutters home design elements 1200 X 960 – Kitchen Amazing
If there are two windows in the kitchen and they are located next to each other, then it is advisable to decorate them the same. If the kitchen area is large, the windows may be located far from each other. Then variety in the design is allowed with mandatory consistency (for example: one window - Roman blinds; another window - Roman blinds plus curtains).
When organizing space in a corner kitchen with a window, you need to take into account the location of the window. If the window is located in the very corner, it is rational to fit it into the corner furniture, replace the window sill with a tabletop.
In this case, it is not recommended to decorate the window with tulle or curtains, and especially with lambrequins. The most preferred option is blinds.
Thus, a reasonable, careful approach to planning the kitchen and organizing its interior will help create a comfortable area for creating culinary masterpieces, relaxing and socializing.
Wooden countertop: features
Making a window sill combined with a wooden countertop is an excellent solution for those who decorate their kitchen in a classic design. Manufacturers offer a variety of wood for arranging a table under the window. For this purpose, pine, walnut, oak, ash, and larch are used. Depending on the choice of breed, the color of the tabletop will be determined. To avoid scratches, chips and other damage, developers coat products with a protective varnish.
Wooden surfaces always look natural and stylish
Several advantages in favor of choosing a wooden tabletop-window sill:
- natural wood has an attractive appearance;
- the material is environmentally friendly for humans;
- with proper treatment, the wood will last for a large number of years;
- such a tabletop can be used as a dining area.
Due to its susceptibility to moisture, wood is not recommended for decorating a work area or installing a sink. This window sill is well suited as a tabletop for a balcony. Special care of the surface will help preserve its original appearance for a long time.
In "Leningradka"
In the Leningrad project, the kitchens are very unsuccessful. There is no big window as such. There is a very small window that stands somewhat obliquely and there is a balcony door with glass, through which light comes in. This window is simply impossible to beat in any way and not a single interesting idea is suitable for this project. It’s better not to invent anything and just hang a nice curtain.
Typically, dining areas in such apartments are located in a niche where sunlight does not reach at all. In this case, pay maximum attention to the lighting, since it determines whether you will feel comfortable dining there.
Stone window sill-tabletop: manufacturing materials
All countertops made of stone can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. The first option has excellent characteristics of durability, style and practicality. The second one is inferior in appearance, but the technical indicators are also excellent. The advantages of stone countertops and window sills are:
- resistance to mechanical and chemical damage;
- beautiful view;
- UV resistance, which is especially beneficial when placing the tabletop near a window;
- durability;
- resistance to hot temperatures.
A designer window sill made of natural stone can replace a work surface and serve as a dining area. It is possible to build in a sink here, as well as organize the storage of small items.
A countertop made of natural marble looks solid, suitable for a classic interior and a retro-style kitchen
Where to begin?
First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are installing your table. He can be:
combined variants of the two previous varieties.
Then you need to choose the type of material from which the table will be made. You should also consider the layout of your apartment and its design. There are Khrushchev buildings, and there are Stalin buildings - you can’t really get around in them.
People living in such houses need to use the space in such a way that it is useful and comfortable.
A window seat is good for this. Designers have long learned to use this space to their advantage. If you try and think through everything carefully, you can arrange everything so that you get a kitchen-living room.
Glass table top
Glass window sills, made like table tops, look stylish and modern. It is known that glass is considered a durable material, especially since only thick glass is used for such a surface. However, the material is not particularly popular due to user concerns due to fragility. But these are unnecessary worries: the thick and dense structure of the glass allows you to organize a dining area, a work surface and a place to store dishes on the windowsill. In this case, the kitchen set should also be decorated with glass to maintain the harmony of the interior.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each case has its pros and cons. When choosing the right option for kitchens, it is worth considering all these factors in order to make the right choice. The positive aspects include the following:
- The ergonomics of the room increases;
- An influx of natural light, which helps save on artificial lighting;
- You can install additional cabinets and drawers, not to mention a dishwasher or washing machine;
- A clear zoning of the room is created, so that a room of any size becomes increasingly orderly;
- The presence of a lively picturesque picture outside the window, which helps to distract from the routine;
- Attractive U-shaped apartment layout.
A kitchen with a table by the window may have a number of disadvantages, which will be a serious problem in some cases:
- Near the window, the convention is violated, since a partially or completely closed radiator no longer creates the required level of thermal curtain;
- The instability of the structure under frequent loads, which is especially typical for a large family, leads to loosening of the slopes, and window frames are susceptible to deformation;
- The dining area pollutes the surface of the slopes and adjacent parts;
- Good lighting with natural light results in the fact that at night from the side of the street when the lights are on, the entire meal is in full view of passers-by.
Kitchen design with window sill-countertop
When the material has already been chosen, it is worth thinking about the overall design of the kitchen. Depending on the purpose of this zone, you can choose a certain finishing style, and also decide where the remaining areas for cooking, storing dishes, and eating food will be located.
Working surface
This solution will be an excellent option for owners of small kitchens. The design of a kitchen with a window sill-countertop, where it plays the role of a working surface, involves the use of durable materials, because in this area there is a constant load on the table. To redesign the finished room, you will have to knock down part of the wall under the window sill: this will free up more space for your feet.
A good example of a small kitchen design with a work surface on the windowsill
When decorating such a kitchen, you should pay attention to the following features:
- if there is a battery under the window, you must first hide it by venting the air upward using special ventilation grilles;
- it is advisable to continue the existing tabletop by connecting it to the window sill: this will create more space from the window, and several people can cook here at once;
- if there is free space, it is advisable to extend the tabletop by turning it 90 degrees and setting up a bar counter;
- To adjust the height to the window sill, it is best to use legs.
In cases where residents do not want to change the parameters of the space under the opening, the window can be redesigned. To do this, part of the hole is replaced with a special blind insert made of glass or plastic, and the window itself becomes slightly higher than the previous window sill. Such actions are possible in a private home.
Table along the window in the room: cons
First, a little technical digression
This is important to know when planning to put into practice the furniture scheme in question.
In our homes, it is customary to place heating devices under the windows. And this is not an accident, not a whim of the designers and not a desire to free up other walls. This decision is based on common sense and the laws of physics.
The window is several times colder than the inner surface of the wall in which it is located. It is known that warm air rises and cold air flows down. The air directly next to the window glass is cooled. It goes down and makes the entire window area cold, including the window sill, the bottom of the wall, and the floor. When it's not hot outside, being near a window with no radiator under it can be very uncomfortable.
If there is a radiator under the window, the cold air, falling towards it, heats up and returns to the top, warming the glass. Firstly, it makes the entire window area much warmer. Secondly, warm air from the radiator protects the window from fogging, condensation, and mold on the slopes.
By the way, so that nothing interferes with the movement of air, the window sill must be narrow enough. It must not cover the heating device by more than half
We will pay attention to this rule later.
So, a battery under the window is a necessity. The countertop will obstruct air circulation. As a result, the temperature under the table will be higher than desired. Sitting here can be unpleasant as your feet will feel hot (maybe even hot). At the same time, it is quite possible that a clearly noticeable cold will come from the window itself, because it warms up less effectively when the radiator is hidden under the table. As a result, it may turn out that the head and hands of the person sitting are cold, and the legs “steam”.
This, of course, is a very significant disadvantage. Especially significant when it comes to a tabletop in a children's room. A schoolchild has to spend a long time at his desk - therefore, this area should be as comfortable and safe as possible.
Window sill-countertop with sink: setting up a work area
To install a built-in sink in a window sill, you will have to think about the choice of material. You should not decorate the tabletop with wood, chipboard or MDF. It is better to give preference to stone or plastic. Don’t know how to organize a sink if water hoses must be connected to it? Designers advise using the following techniques:
- all communications are hidden behind the kitchen unit, and the drain must have a smooth downward slope so that the water drains correctly;
- when moving the sink to the opposite wall, approval from the authorities is required;
- it is necessary to install the sink near the window so that the tap does not interfere with the opening of the sash;
- if the window is three-leaf, then the washbasin should be placed at the blind central sash;
- It’s better to choose one tap - the window sill is not the place where it is possible to create an entire water system;
- To prevent splashes from flying onto the glass, it is recommended to buy a deep sink.
Perhaps, any housewife will be pleased to wash dishes with a view of the street: it calms you down and lifts your spirits when performing a difficult daily task. Photos of a countertop-window sill with a built-in sink can be found in this material - they will serve as excellent ideas for planning your own kitchen.
In this case, the mixer is located at the corner, which will not interfere with the normal opening of the window sash
Location of the sink in front of the window
What could be better than a combination of prosaic dishwashing and contemplation of the space outside the window! But before deciding on this option, you should consider all the pros and cons. Basic tips for the device:
- modify communications from the tap to the main drain;
- combine the window sill with the tabletop;
- position the water mixer and sink in such a way that it is possible to open the window;
- organize lighting of the space above the sink;
- It is advisable to place indoor flowers on the windowsill. They will create comfort and protect the window from splashes;
- use roller blinds and blinds as curtains.
Window sill-tabletop as a dining area: how to arrange it
In houses built in the last century, the kitchen area often does not exceed 6-8 square meters. m. That is why it is recommended to arrange a dining area on the windowsill, freeing up part of the kitchen for free movement. In a small space there is simply no room left to place a traditional dining table, so this window sill comes to the rescue:
- this type of redevelopment is considered less expensive and less labor-intensive; all that is required is to replace the space above the window with a tabletop, screwing stable supports from below;
- to make eating comfortable, but at the same time the chairs do not take up much space, it is recommended to purchase bar stools or chairs: they are compact, comfortable and modern;
- If necessary, the table top-window sill should be moved forward a little so that the feet of the person sitting do not rest against the wall or radiator;
- The shape of the table can be any: round, square, or connected into a corner with a subsequent bar counter - this solution will be ideal for a large family.
If the place is too narrow and it is not possible to eat in this area, there is a way out: install a folding table near the window sill, which will be located in front of it. A family of 4 people can fit behind it.
Bar stools are perfect for a dining area converted from a window sill
Tabletop along the window in the room: design options
In relation to the window sill. The tabletop can be mounted:
under the windowsill (close or significantly lower);
flush with the window sill, that is, joining it at the same height;
instead of a window sill, the tabletop in this case takes on its function. A single surface is created without transitions or indentations.
It's hard to say which option is better. The choice primarily depends on the height of the window. If the window sill is noticeably higher than needed for a desktop, whether you want it or not, you will have to install the tabletop lower.
However, there is a way out here too. You can raise the floor in the window area by building a podium. By the way, it can also be useful, playing the role of storage. Raising the floor will allow you to install a single surface that will replace the window sill. However, such a somersault is impossible if renovation of the premises is not included in the plans of the owners.
Depending on the availability of additional structures. If you mount the tabletop from wall to wall, you will end up with a rather long table. This is not always advisable. After all, if the wall is wide enough, the workplace will be too large - at least for one person sitting. In this case, it is more practical to combine the table with other furniture.
Workplace and cabinets by the window in the nursery
Workplace by the window in the bedroom
Workplace by the window in the bedroom
Tabletop along the window in the nursery
Most often, the workplace is made equal to the width of the window, and cabinets or shelving are installed on the sides. If the width of these wall sections is large enough, the cabinets are placed parallel to the table. If there is not enough space on the sides of the window, cabinets are installed along the side walls “facing” the work surface.
Double workplace under the window in the nursery
Table with shelves by the window in the nursery
Instead of cabinets, chests of drawers or open shelves can be placed on the sides of the window. If the tabletop is longer than required, cabinets with drawers are placed under it.
Workplace by the window in the nursery
Workplace by the window
Workplace under the window in the bedroom
Tabletop under the window in the bedroom
A tabletop located along the window can be combined not only with cabinets, shelves or chests of drawers, but also with a seat, that is, with a window sill bench. This is an excellent solution if the window is wide and a large table is not required. Provided, of course, that there is no shortage of storage space in the room. If there is one, it would be more practical to complement the tabletop with a cabinet rather than a mini-sofa.
Combined design
Window sill-tabletop with small storage system
Another great use for a countertop on a windowsill is organizing storage areas. The surface is recommended to be used for small things – spice jars, lid holders, decorative items. And the lower part can be made into a full-fledged kitchen cabinet.
To transition between different levels of the window sill and tabletop, special strips are used
Corner kitchens with a window sill look good and have good functionality (photos of such rooms can be found in this material). Here the junction of the surfaces is a transition zone between the table top and the window sill, and this is where the arrangement of the set for storage begins. Most likely, it will not be possible to allocate a large space below for pots and pans, since the depth of the cabinet is too small. Jars of pasta, tea, as well as small dishes will fit in such a cabinet.
Organizing a window sill-countertop in the kitchen will not only save space, but also significantly transform it. Interiors with this layout look stylish and modern. A cozy window can be framed with a Roman or roller blind, and if there is a level difference between the window sill and the table, it can be easily hidden with a special corner. Before planning the interior, it is better to first study photographs of examples in order to know exactly what the idea will be.