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Kitchen Windows

For most people, a kitchen serves two main purposes in the home. It’s the room where all the main cooking and cleaning happens, so it’s a functional space. It’s also the heart of the house, where people come together to eat, make coffee, and just hang out – so it needs to look good.

So should you choose replacement kitchen windows for their function, or for their style?

These days, you don’t have to make that difficult decision. You can have both function and style – as long as you pick the right window type.

Kitchen Window Functions

There are a few factors you should consider when you’re looking for kitchen window replacements.

Ventilation

The kitchen generally houses lots of heat- and steam-generating appliances – not to mention toast-burning appliances! Not only can heat, steam, and odors make the kitchen unpleasant for people, they can turn the room into a luxury resort for mold and insects. Your kitchen windows should allow lots of fresh air to circulate around the room.

Natural Light

The kitchen is the room you use to prepare meals, and therefore you need to see exactly what you’re doing in there.

Sharp knives and boiling sauce should only be handled in a well-lit space!

Lighting also helps you to make sure the room is sparkling clean – so your kitchen windows should let in as much natural light as possible.

Ease of use

You’re pretty much always busy in the kitchen – even if you just go in there to make a cup of coffee. You don’t want to have to fumble around trying to open the window when you’ve got your hands full. The opening mechanism on your kitchen windows should be easy to handle.

Style

In earlier times, kitchens were a part of the house hidden from visitors, and they were generally utilitarian and plain. Nowadays, stylish kitchens are all the rage.

Kitchen designs range from cozy-farmhouse to sleek and ultra-modern. Homeowners want to show off their comfortable and attractive kitchens, so the windows should reflect the taste and décor that the rest of the house has.

Best Kitchen Window Styles

Kitchen windows should ideally let air and light into the room, as well as being easy to use and looks great. Here are five window types that are great for kitchens.

Casement windows

Casement kitchen windows are super easy to open and close and allow plenty of fresh air into the room. They have a timeless appeal and can brighten and refresh an otherwise dull kitchen.

Double-hung windows

Double-hung windows make excellent replacement kitchen windows and are the most popular choice. They allow plenty of light into the room, and can be great to allow air to circulate even on rainy days. They’re also easy to clean.

Sliding windows

A horizontally-sliding window in your kitchen can be a stunning style feature. If you have a great view from your kitchen, a sliding window will show it off. They have bigger expanses of glass than other windows, so you can enjoy the vista while you prepare dinner, or just hang out with friends and family.

Awning windows

Awning windows let you allow lots of fresh air in (and funky air out)!

They are great for kitchens in rainy areas, as they can be opened while still keeping the rain out.

Greenhouse windows

Kitchens are all about freshness and natural things – so why not install a kitchen window that doubles as a mini-greenhouse? Flowers, herbs, and potted plants can be grouped in this window that extends past the exterior wall of your home. Some greenhouse windows have side panels that can be opened, and an awning window in the middle for extra ventilation.

Kitchen Window Materials

Most building contractors agree that vinyl is the best material for your kitchen windows. You can pick your colors – and you can forget all about needing to maintain the windows, besides your normal cleaning routine.

Vinyl windows are also pretty energy-efficient, so you can save on your heating and electricity bills.

Of course, you can go with traditional wood frames or ultra-modern metal frames. Make sure you know what to expect when it comes to extra maintenance or building requirements, as well as an extra expense.

Kitchen Window Prices

Here you can see average kitchen window costs according to the different types mentioned above. Labor costs can vary depending on what area you live in and the type of window you’re installing – but count on around $50 an hour.

Kitchen Window TypeLow CostHigh Cost
Casement windows$270$750
Double-hung windows$300$850
Sliding windows$320$1,300
Awning windows$420$760
Greenhouse windows$1,000$4,000

*The above-mentioned costs are based on national averages. Always compare estimates from professionals in your area for a more accurate estimate of how much your installation will be.”

Conclusion

Kitchen window replacements can make a huge difference to your kitchen’s functionality and style. Depending on the size and layout of your kitchen, bigger windows are generally more aesthetically pleasing, and let more light and air into the room.

Most kitchens are situated in an area of the house that isn’t visible from the curb. Because you don’t have to worry too much about what the window looks like from outside, you can put all your focus on the interior of your kitchen. You can “get away with” a simple window style.

You already have so many features in your kitchen, with appliances, cupboards, and counters filling up just about every square inch. Complex or busy window styles can make the kitchen feel cluttered. Focus on simple casement, double-hung or sliding windows for the kitchen, and save the complex styles for other rooms.

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