Will I regret a low window over sink?

12 years ago

I saw the picture linked below and fell in love with the low window and marble window sill. Our builder said it would be easy to do. We plan to use white subway tiles as well on our backsplash. The bottom of the window does not have wood framing anymore. Is that a loss? I like that the window sill matches the counter. I would like to put potted plants in my window so I like the idea of a surface that is easily washed and tolerates water. Will putting granite or quartzite in there look odd? Will it cause any other maintenance issues? Our house is being framed with 2x6s so we will have deeper window sills. Finally, the builder told me it would cost $100 to add the stone to the window sill. Does that sound fair?

FWIW- I've seen the threads and pics of the windows that go all the way down to countertop level. For some reason it's just not my style to do it like that.

Here is a link that might be useful: pic of window

Featured Answer

schoolhouse_gw

12 years ago

I also have a low window in my old kitchen, the sill is even with the sink back splash. With a modern window you may not have this problem, but because mine has small side metal pieces you pull out at the same time you lift, opening the window is really difficult because you have to stretch across the sink. Hard to obtain leverage. That being said, it can be done and I like the window where it is.

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Comments (16)

palimpsest
12 years ago
I don't see why you would regret it. I think it is best to match the sill with the countertop material behind a sink, especially with your intended use. I think it is generally very nice.

The only thing I could say is that in the house I did this for a client, we did put window treatments up to compensate for the feeling of exposure when standing in front of a large window then the outside is a black hole.
abbeys
12 years ago
I think it looks beautiful - can't think of a problem. You wouldn't want the wood trim of the window to get wet - which could happen if it went down to the countertop. As long as the sill is proportionately right - it should look great and function well. Good Luck!
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a2gemini
12 years ago
Wish I had done it!
Circus Peanut
12 years ago
Mine is like that, albeit with the original wooden sills, and it doesn't have the apron of my other windows, just a small strip of the same wood. It's at about 3.2" height off the counter, which nicely fits just one row of subway tile.

A stone sill would make even more sense than my wooden one - more protection from moisture in plant pots etc. I say go for it, it's extremely friendly, I wouldn't want it otherwise!
babs711
12 years ago
We're doing a low window in our build. I'm very excited about it. I haven't decided if I'm sticking with a wood sill or using the stone of our countertops. I can't think that there would be a single thing to regret.
sandy808
12 years ago
My kitchen sink is in front of a large window overlooking our property. My window comes down to backsplash height. We just had soapstone counters put in and the sopastone is continued on up into the sill. Joshua from Creative Soapstone cut the stone so that the veining is continual into the sill. It is stunning.

Horizontal wood surfaces will eventually show water damage no matter how many coats of polyurethane you put on it, and no matter how much you dry it off. Been there, done that.

It is worth the money to match your sill to your counter. It gives the kitchen a nice custom touch, and you won't have to worry if you want to put a pretty plant on it or happen to splash some water.
Mom23Es
Original Author
12 years ago
Circus peanut- thank you so much for posting your photo! That's exactly what I was thinking for tile and curtains. I feel much better about it. I wasn't sure if I would miss the wood molding all around the window or not.
User
12 years ago
I wish my window were lower. And wider. I can't see any reason to regret doing it.
hosenemesis
12 years ago
My favorite look for a kitchen sink and window. It will be beautiful.
Renee
Anfrale
12 years ago
My window is low and it has been 18 years. I am now in the process of remodeling my kitchen. One thing I would do different is a marble sill. When rinsing pots & such some water will get on the sill and over time the wood paint is peeling.
Tim
12 years ago
We have two low 'windows' over our counter. One is an actual window while the other is a passthrough to the rest of the main floor, allowing light etc. to come through (small narrow 90 year old Toronto home).

Haven't regretted it for a moment - the picture you linked to isn't that low. Some have been talking about the sill being flush with the counters - now that's low :)

The faucet is a little tight with the deep sill I made for the passthrough, but not too bad and easy to wipe everything still. That was a result of a fairly deep (front to back) sink.
djayh20
12 years ago
We are building as well, and I have ordered a Triple Window to go over my sink. We will have a large open kitchen, and the triple window will be 3ft tall by 6 ft wide, and will be starting at approx 8 inches above my countertop.

Here is a pic we found that inspired the look....

Here is a link that might be useful:
ideagirl2
12 years ago
Circuspeanut, what are those lights over your sink? I love the shape of the shades!
dbemky
6 years ago
We haven't heard from you in several years. Did you install the window behind the sink? I am considering this and don't want regret it because I am constantly cleaning water drops off the window.
Buehl
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Welcome, dmikutsky!

It's doubtful that after over 5 years Mom23Es is still around (she might be, but most people drop off once they finish their Kitchen.)

I suggest you first search the forum for other counter-height window discussions. If you don't find your answer, then start your own thread.

Here's one that has pictures:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2484108/counter-height-window-pictures-please

I especially like MamaDadaPaige's and ErikaNH's windows.

Note that most counter-height windows work best with a 6-inch or more "bump out" b/w the sink and window. That helps reduce splashing. But, don't go too deep or you won't be able to reach the windows to open them or clean them.

.

New to Kitchens? Read Me First!
- http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4306041/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first

Will I regret a low window over sink?

schoolhouse_gw

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palimpsest

abbeys

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Will I regret a low window over sink?

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