What type of window is best over a kitchen sink?

The best type of window over a kitchen sink is one that fits the space and your home’s style. Many people choose casement windows because they open wide to allow a breeze to pass through, plus they don’t have a seam in your sightlines. Others prefer an awning window over a kitchen sink, which can accomplish similar things as a casement window. If you’re considering large windows, then a bay or picture window can work well. You can also combine window types, like a large center picture window flanked by casement or double hung windows.

Why is there always a window over the kitchen sink?

Windows tend to appear over a kitchen sink for design purposes. A window above a sink works because having cabinets above a sink can make dishwashing cumbersome. A kitchen sink window also provides daylight to make the space brighter. Homes also have windows above the sink for plumbing reasons. Kitchen sinks often appear near a wall to eliminate the need to run plumbing under a floor. Also, in the days before indoor plumbing, people tended to throw dishwater out of a window after washing dishes, and the home design has persisted.

Why put a kitchen sink in front of a window?

A window above a kitchen sink can help illuminate the sink basin so it’s easier to see dirty spots on dishes when you’re washing them. A window above a kitchen sink also makes sense because it opens the space so you can wash dishes without obstacles, like a cabinet.

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Best Kitchen Window Ideas Over the Sink

Interior kitchen image featuring an Awning window in Stone White interior finish.

19 May 2025

Best Kitchen Window Ideas for Over the Sink

Kitchen windows over a sink provide a perfect fit for the space to provide natural light and ventilation. Kitchen window ideas for over the sink can range from simple design to more elaborate concepts like a bay window over a sink. Discover kitchen window ideas over a sink for your home.

Interior view of black kitchen casement windows.

Kitchen Window Ideas Over Sink

Kitchen sink window ideas can include all types of windows and window combinations. Most often you’ll find casement or awning windows over a sink. But you can see double hung, picture, and even bay windows above kitchen sinks, too. The right kitchen window for above your sink will depend on the available space and style considerations. A Marvin Replacement design consultant can help you navigate all the options to find the best kitchen windows.

Interior view of a bronze Marvin Replacement triple sash slider window.

Large Kitchen Window over Sink

A large window over a kitchen sink invites rays of natural light to illuminate your cooking space and sink area. You can create the look with a large picture window. Awning windows can come in large sizes. Or, you can pair an awning window with a picture window for a sprawling view of the outdoors. Slider windows also work well as a large kitchen window option above sinks. They can extend high on a wall or wide, making them a versatile solution.

Interior view of a Marvin Replacement bay window with EverWood finish above a kitchen sink.

Bay Window Above Kitchen Sink

If you prefer more than a single window over a sink, consider a bay window over a sink. The three-window assembly can have all three windows open. Plus, a bay window above a sink offers additional space for plants. Though bay windows often appear in large living rooms, they can also come in smaller sizes. A small bay window over a sink can fit perfect in smaller kitchens to create stunning looks, too.

Interior kitchen with Round Top Windows and Casement Windows assembly in Stone White finish.

Casement Window Over Kitchen Sink

Over the sink kitchen window ideas often start with casement windows because their crank handle extends outward to make it easier to open and close the window. Casement windows paired together expand uninterrupted views and can improve air circulation. The improved ventilation with a kitchen casement window over a sink can help in the kitchen to keep it cool while you cook.

Interior view of a white Marvin Replacement double hung window above a kitchen sink.

Small Kitchen Windows Over Sink

A single window over a sink brings light and fresh air in kitchens with limited space. In a scenario like that, a single hung or double hung window works well. Marvin Replacement custom builds all its replacement windows and accommodates the window size you need for your kitchen.

Replacement Kitchen Windows Over Sink

In addition to the types of replacement windows over the sink you can choose, it’s important to consider the options. The window material you select makes a difference. Marvin Replacement Ultrex® fiberglass windows are 8x stronger than vinyl windows. You can also choose from seven exterior colors and five interior finish options, including our EverWood® interior finish, which mimics the look of wood windows but without the same maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best type of window over a kitchen sink is one that fits the space and your home’s style. Many people choose casement windows because they open wide to allow a breeze to pass through, plus they don’t have a seam in your sightlines. Others prefer an awning window over a sink, which can accomplish similar things as a casement window. If you’re considering large windows, then a bay or picture window can work well. You can also combine window types, like a large center picture window flanked by casement or double hung windows.
Windows tend to appear over a kitchen sink for design purposes. A window above a sink works because having cabinets above a sink can make dishwashing cumbersome. A kitchen sink window also provides daylight to make the space brighter. Homes also have windows above the sink for plumbing reasons. Kitchen sinks often appear near a wall to eliminate the need to run plumbing under a floor. Also, in the days before indoor plumbing, people tended to throw dishwater out of a window after washing dishes, and the home design has persisted.
A window above a kitchen sink can help illuminate the sink basin so it’s easier to see dirty spots on dishes when you’re washing them. A window above a kitchen sink also makes sense because it opens the space so you can wash dishes without obstacles, like a cabinet.