Bumped out counter-height window - to drywall or trim?

11 years ago

Hi,

I need to finalize my window layout for my new counter-height bumped out window so it can be ordered.

I like the look of the bump-out to be about 9-10" of counter into the bump-out space.

I'm trying to decide whether to use drywall vs a finished trim look (similar to finished look around windows and door openings using moldings).

I think the 2 options are:

1. drywall and no 3.5" casing around the outside of the opening.

2. 9-10" trim piece + 3.5" casing around the outside of the opening.

Is there any reason to do one vs the other?

I was leaning towards the finished trim look, but on a different thread, someone mentioned the drywall being a more modern look and it made me question this.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

annkh_nd
11 years ago
I wouldn't worry about "modern" look - choose the option that you want to live with.

I also understand about second-guessing every decision!
lyfia
11 years ago
Well what style are you going for? Is your design overall modern as in a modern style kitchen (contemporary)? If so then I would use all drywall and I wouldn't use trim around the opening and drywall inside.

However is your kitchen more traditional style or transistional style? If so I would do all trim.

In general I don't like the look of wood trim around an opening that then the insides are drywall. Use the same material around the opening and the sides. The mixing of the two to me looks odd.
Related Discussions
Extra deep counters, bumped out range, and vent hood
Q
Comments (4)
I also bumped the rangetop cabinet out 3", but went with a 24" range hood depth. I think it will be fine, as the burners and grill are located about 2 1/2" from the front edge of the rangetop. So I think it depends on the location of your actual burners. All my burners are same power, but if they were not, I would not want both of my power burners on the back, as it would be inconvenient for stir frying or making a roux. However, if you are bumped out 4" and the front of your front burner is more than 24" out, I would definitely go with a 27" depth. Just my @.02
...See More
Counter-height window - is this a good thing?
Q
Comments (30)
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
...See More
kitchen window bump out at counter hight or higher?
Q
Comments (8)
I think its personal preference. i opted to have the window installed a little higher than the counter. Some things you should consider are: What will you use for window sill? I used a separate piece of granite. I was lucky to get a piece leftover from counters to make the sill. The granite was too thick and had to be shaved. This was a bit pricey. If you wanted to use continuous granite for a counter height sill as shown in the first picture above, then you will either have a seam behind your faucet or you will need to have enough width on you slab to accommodate the bump out. If you had the width, How would this work if the window had to be changed? Would the faucet and whole countertop have to come out? I assume the window frame will be mounted to the studs inside the wall. What if you plan on counter height, but your measurements are a bit off or your granite is thicker than the clearance you allowed when the window was installed? What if you decide to tile the sill? Tile is not as thick as granite. I had an excellent GC, but he steered me away from the counter height sill. I'm happy with my decision.
...See More
URGENT: Counter Height Window w/ Bump Out Framing
Q
Comments (4)
There can be molding both directly at the window plane or at the wall plane, or both, or neither. The boxing out is basically an "extension jamb" at this depth, and molding at the window isn't really needed (used basically to eliminate a shadow box effect with jambs over 1 foot deep) Another approach is to angle the jambs somewhat (splayed jambs) so the angle of view is increased. If you want to hang curtains or blinds at the window plane, some amount of trim would be needed, like 2" or so. Then the regular casing used everywhere else in the room would run around the wall plane perimeter. IMO, it looks best not to crowd the window too much by having the cabinets abut directly. (I bent this rule in my own kitchen owing to very wide old-house trim (5") and a crying need to squeeze wall cabinets in; I had to customize some of the trim to 4 1/2" , and then cut some of it back to the cabinet edges. But it worked out fine. Casey
...See More
seosmp
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the replies!

I agree with you about the casing trim around drywall - I don't think I'd go that route.

If I use casing, I will use a nice wood on the box as well, painted the same color as the trim. I just saw an example of this yesterday (2LittleFishies window). I think our window depths will be approximately the same.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/msg0323361126337.03225538154 1.jpg

I think that looks good.

I actually just saw another option - drywall the box, have the backsplash wrap into the box, and then put the casing right at the window (inside the box). That looks pretty good too. I guess the benefit there might be that the box could be a bit wider (width of the trim on each side) -- assuming the wider width could be accommodated. Or the window would have to be narrower to account for the casing, and if there is no casing on the inside, the cabinets could be a bit wider.

Hmmm - I better figure this out quickly!

This post was edited by seosmp on Thu, Apr 4, 13 at 14:11
toddimt
11 years ago
I would pick it more on the overall look of your kitchen.

Mine is all drywall. It is a more modern/transitional look.

I also have moulding around all of the other windows and doors. My kitchen is open to the other rooms and all is visible. I went this route also since I am not planning on tiling this wall or having a tiled backsplash. I saw this look on another kitchen and liked it. If the wall was going to be tiled or you were having a small height of tile/granite/marble, etc as a backsplash, then you may want to have the moulding as a way to terminate it versus having the tile turn the corner and run into the windows. It may not even be possible to do the latter if there isn't a wide enough amount of trim between the edge of the window and the sides of the bump out. If you we're planning on tiling all the way up the wall, then you could use tile chair-rail vs. wood trim as well

Think about your backsplash and what you are doing on this wall since that will help decide how to trim or not trim it out. You can always drywall the insides of the window anyway and then just decide later if you want trim or not. There really isn't a need for wood jambs on the inside on the window anyway.

You could make the box wider and put casing on the inside as well. Depends on how wide you want the box to go and if you can do that and handle the plumbing questions you had in the other thread. Also, depends if you want a more modern/transitional or craftsman look vs traditional. That also depends on the casing look.

How did you handle outlets and the kitchen sink. Don't want that to come back and haunt you at inspection time.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN The Kitchen Counter Goes to New Heights

By Tiffany Carboni

Varying counter heights can make cooking, cleaning and eating easier — and enhance your kitchen's design

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Easy Reference: Standard Heights for 10 Household Details

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

How high are typical counters, tables, shelves, lights and more? Find out at a glance here

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Match Tile Heights for a Perfect Installation

By By Any Design Ltd.

Irregular tile heights can mar the look of your bathroom. Here's how to counter the differences

Full Story

MATERIALS Raw Materials Revealed: Drywall Basics

By Buckminster Green LLC

Learn about the different sizes and types of this construction material for walls, plus which kinds work best for which rooms

Full Story

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Bring Out Your Home’s Character With Trim

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Add moldings and baseboards to enhance architectural style and create visual interest

Full Story

106

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Kitchen of the Week: Rich Materials, Better Flow and a Garden View

By Jeannie Matteucci

Adding an island and bumping out a bay window improve this kitchen’s layout and outdoor connection

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN Vanity Towers Take Bathroom Storage to New Heights

By Jennifer Bishop Design

Keep your bathroom looking sleek and uncluttered with an extra storage column

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN The Right Height for Your Bathroom Sinks, Mirrors and More

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Upgrading your bathroom? Here’s how to place all your main features for the most comfortable, personalized fit

Full Story

124

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Details: Out-of-Sight Paper Towel Holder

By Mary Jo Bowling

See how some homeowners are clearing the counter of clutter while keeping this necessity close at hand

Full Story

CEILINGS 13 Ways to Create the Illusion of Room Height

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Low ceilings? Here are a baker’s dozen of elements you can alter to give the appearance of a taller space

Full Story

Bumped out counter-height window - to drywall or trim?

Comments (4)

annkh_nd

lyfia

Related Discussions

seosmp
Original Author

toddimt

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Bumped out counter-height window - to drywall or trim?

Comments (4)

annkh_nd

lyfia

Related Discussions

seosmpOriginal Author

toddimt

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

seosmp
Original Author