This most definitely is something we would recommend! In fact, b/c of this site, I have a window that's counter-height - it's wonderful!

Two people, MamaDadaPaige & ErikaNH, have exactly what you are thinking of doing. I'll look for the window threads that show pictures of their windows - both inside & outside.

Here's a link to a discussion on how high to place the window over the sink complete with pics. I like them lower, myself (probably because I'm on the short side!)

Here is a link that might be useful: Window Height Thread

Make sure you can meet the receptacle spacing rules.

The wall behind the sink does not count, but you need a receptacle within 24 inches of each edge of the sink.

We did exactly what you are proposing, and we love it. The extra space behind the sink is great bc then the water doesn't splash and hit the window. We also love the full height windows. I highly recommend doing it!

We are doing it as well - 7' wide x 4' high. Link to an old thread with many pictures.

Here is a link that might be useful: Counter Height Windows

We're going to do the same with a bump-out. Mamadadapaige's box bay is our inspiration pic.

Thanks! Did you all bump out your kitchen window as well? Did you paint the surrounding window area the same color as your walls?

I'm not quite sure how I will finish the window but I suppose that's a topic for another thread...

I did the bumpout as well. Counters to be installed next week. I painted the inside of the bumpout the same color as the window trim.

I recall the day our GC called in a panic (and he is not prone to panic). The electrical inspector was requiring outlets under our windows and there was not room for them. I had 4 inches between the counter and the actual window, but we needed room for window trim. Also,the wall behind the area under the window had multiple pieces of wood to support the weight of the windows. These could not be cut through for a 4 inch electrical box without compromising the strength of the wall. I did an online search and found a solution called sillights. Here's the link just in case you need it. I like the looks of your plan, laurajane
http://www.sillites.com/newconstruction.php

Sorry I didn't post the links yesterday, I didn't have time at work yesterday to find them!

The thread MichelleDT linked to is the primary one I was thinking of. It has interior & exterior pictures of MamaDadaPaige and ErikaNH's windows as well as how to measure for a counter-height window.

I've also linked to Fothia's finished kitchen - it was my inspiration. However, both Fothia and I have bay windows, not straight windows like you are planning and MamaDadaPaige and ErikaNH had/have.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of 99% finished Kitchen Reno (Fothia's Finished Kitchen thread)

@splitrock -those sill outlets are way cool and will solve the outlet issue we have been struggling with. We hate regular outlets. Perfect!

We just did this, too. We put in a 9' window. Our exterior wall was pretty thick, so it give us an extra 4" or so. Our contractor just trimmed the inside white to match the rest of the trim.

We also put in a regular ole outlet in the top rail of a narrow bank of cabinets next to our dishwasher.

Outlets - we used Mocketts to satisfy the outlet requirement. But, check to see if they are approved in your area if you consider them. We spoke with both our electrician and the County inspector b/f installing them, so we knew we would be OK.

They recess into the counter when not in use. About the only time I use them is at Christmas for electric candle lights. The nice thing about them is that if I only need one outlet, I just lift it high enough for the top outlet.

Mocketts up...

Mocketts down...

Mockett closeup...

Another vote for counter-height window. I got the idea for ours here and it's one of the nicest features in my kitchen.

Awesome, thanks for all the info! It didn't occur to me that electrical could be an issue, so it's nice to know ahead of time.

Our GC said no problem to a 6-10 inch bump out so we're going to do it!

I love this idea! I was just looking at my window today thinking, "In our new kitchen, this should be lower!" I am 4'11" (and a half!) and can barely see out of it!

I just checked with my electrician regarding receptacle placement. He said that there won't be any issues and that we can just put a receptacle on the wall on either side of our window (outside the frame). I guess in Canada, the rules surrounding this aren't as strict. At least in my area anyway.

todds ~ I really appreciate those photos! I will show them to my GC. Thank-you.

laurajane02,

If you or your GC has any questions, just click on my name and send me an email. I don't always check the threads I have previously posted on for replies.

I wish I had done this - but did the new siding before the kitchen and not willing to throw away the garden window that we put in - so stuck with the garden window as is - I have seen some awesome pictures of the counter height windows and am very jealous!
Good luck!

I love the look of Buehl's -- don't know if she posted a photo here. It's a beautiful, open, refreshing feeling. Go for it!

I love the look of a counter-height window, and we would have done it if the cost of retrofitting windows in an old stucco house had not been prohibitive. It would have brought at least several more square feet of fenestration and light into the room, for one thing.
Lynn

todds ~ Thanks, that's great to know. I think that the bump out offers a nice architectural detail on the exterior of your house.

Another fan of the counter height window. MMDDP was my inspiration, and I had the contractor and window person study her window carefully. I couldn't get exactly what she had, but I'm happy with what I have.

Measure measure measure to get the right height. Check to make sure the flooring is level and/or the cabs can be shimmed to take the difference into account. And check your countertop thickness. I was told 1 1/2", but in reality it was 1 1/8".

I trimmed the inside of the bumpout with wood, but installed the backsplash tile up and around the window. Thanks to this site for all the info people are willing to share, I got a much better kitchen.

puppeez, can you share a pic of how your counter height window turned out?

You are spot on about measure measure measure for the right height, and to check the countertop thickness. I told my GC that I wanted a 1/4 inch "reveal" of the window trim showing at the counter, but they did the trim before the cabinets arrived. I should have re-checked, but figured he knew what he was doing. After the countertops were in, it is in actual reality a 1/2 inch of trim above the counter.

I know that doesn't sound like much, but every time I look at it, it bothers me. Especially since:

a. I really really wanted flush, but he convinced me of the risk of water from the counter getting into the window that way), and

b. The reveal on the sides of the windows is 1/4 inch, so the bottom ends up looking "chunkier".

--Lee

Do you have to do a bump out in order to do this?

la-
here ya go, the first pic is of the left side of the window that is about 1/8" low. I really don't notice it anymore.

and this is the right side that is exact.

and here it is overall, hmmm bad cell phone pics.

Thanks!

2LittleFishies - I don't think a bump out is necessary, but then you have less space behind your faucet and may be washing your window more. Some have brought up the issue of window trim and how it would look with only 3 sides of trim (4th side being the counter). With the bumpout, this isn't an issue. So, I guess it's a matter of preference and feasibility.

As laurajane02 said, if you don't do a bumpout the the windows will be right behind the faucet. In that case I wouldn't make them counter height but just high enough for a backsplash.

On mine above, the plan is to have the counter run right up to the trim. I ripped/installed the trim so that it was flat pieces on a all 4 sides. The wider mullions between the windows just run into the thinner trim around the windows. Then the counter should but up to the trim.

Love it.
I'm going to do this! :)