Window sill in the kitchen: varieties, useful tips for choosing

A window sill in the kitchen is an excellent option for a small apartment. It will help not only save the treasured meters in the kitchen space, but also make the interior of the room original and unusual.

Usually in the kitchen, windowsill is not used much. The maximum that is installed on it is a pot of flowers. It’s easy to add functionality to it - just install a countertop on the windowsill, and you can assign a different value to it.

Cutting table

For this, the window sill is equipped in the continuation of the kitchen. Downstairs, a place with a heating radiator can be decorated with a facade to match the kitchen and, if space permits, organize additional storage places there, for example, for kitchen utensils. Natural lighting is very convenient here, preparing food at such a table, your eyesight will not irritate artificial light.

Embed a sink in the countertop

In many American and European homes, the window area is often used in this way. When washing dishes, it’s much more comfortable to watch a changing picture in a window than to admire a boring apron every day. This option is only suitable if there is a technical possibility for the supply of communications. If you make the sewer wrong, then it will become clogged, and using such a sink will cause inconvenience.

Dinner table

A table on the windowsill can replace the bulky dining area, while saving a large part of the area. There may be several options.

A windowsill is a folding table.
Stationary table
Dining island.
Bar counter.

If you organize a windowsill, smoothly passing into the countertop, you can place up to four people behind it, that is, it is enough for a full-fledged family.

The design of a modern kitchen very often leads to the installation of a bar counter. And in some apartments the only option is to organize it, arranging instead of a window sill. It’s very convenient to enjoy a view from the window over a cup of tea and relax from pressing problems.

If your balcony is adjacent to the kitchen, then a great option would be to insulate it and organize a single space. In such a room, it is easy to place a dining island in place of a windowsill, for which the whole family will fit.

Materials

Any surface that is used in the kitchen space must have good moisture resistant properties, be resistant to scratches, various detergents, and elevated temperatures. They should not absorb dirt and grease, emit harmful substances.

The tabletop can be made of chipboard, the thickness of which is at least 12 cm. Then, as a finishing material, you can use ceramic tiles in the color of the wall. It should have a smooth surface and have minimal tile joints.

It is very popular to use artificial stone as the table surface. It can be synthetic acrylic corian or artificial marble. In case of scratches, this material can be re-polished. It has various colors and it will be easy to fit into any kitchen interior.

The table top made of natural stone is an environmentally friendly material. He even over time will not emit harmful substances. Very often, for the manufacture of countertops, natural marble or quartz is used. A table made of this material is very expensive and has considerable weight, so folding structures from it will not work.

Natural wood - an excellent material, has long been used for kitchen tables. But in order for the countertop made of this material to serve for a long time, it must be treated with special impregnations and varnished. You can give any color to such a table, or leave its natural shade.

You can also make a table of glass, metal, moisture-proof drywall or concrete. If the table is a continuation of the built-in kitchen set, then it is made of the same material as its countertop.

In the choice of material, it all depends on your preference. As well as the budget that you have identified for the arrangement of the dining area.

Arrangement Tips

When arranging a table in place of a windowsill, you need to follow the advice of professionals.

If there are batteries under the window, it is necessary to ensure free air circulation, therefore, you must either provide holes on the surface of the countertop, which is not always convenient and debris will fall on top of the cabinet, or install facades with a grill.
When installing the countertop under the frame, it is necessary to make high-quality waterproofing so that moisture does not spoil the table, especially if it is made of chipboard or wood.
For window decoration, it is better to use blinds or curtains that cover only the upper half of the window. Roman or Austrian curtains are perfect here.

Worktop Shapes

The most commonly practiced option is the straight form of the countertop. However, designers do not stop there, so they constantly improve its shape, improving its appearance and expanding functionality. Consider the main options that apply to small kitchens.

Direct countertop window sill. This is the easiest option that you can install yourself.

Sill-countertop with folding table. The design allows you to free up space for movement, and at the right time allows you to set a table at which you can comfortably sit in the family circle.

Worktop smoothly turning into a bar counter. This option is often used in large kitchens. Properly selected and correctly arranged kitchen furniture will create comfortable conditions for those who are in the kitchen.

Plastic

Plastic countertop - This is the cheapest and most effective option of all the existing offers on the market. The plastic model is in perfect harmony with kitchen sets made of chipboard and MDF.

Today, numerous design solutions offer chic color options that perfectly imitate wood and stone.

Merits. The material has beautiful external characteristics. PVC has a low cost, a wide color range, can be combined with any fittings, easy to clean, does not fade from UV rays.

disadvantages. The material is damaged when temperatures change, it can be scratched. If moisture gets on the joints, the inside of the stove may swell and deform, so it is recommended to use plastic boards in the living room, on the loggia, for the bedroom window. If a plastic worktop is selected for the kitchen, it should be made of moisture-resistant chipboard or HPL plastic.

Worktop made of MDF and particleboard

Structural slab material soared to the pinnacle of popularity due to its attractive appearance. Plus, it is also in the fact that the color of the stove can be selected for every taste. It is even possible to choose a stone-pattern or natural-wood pattern.

Merits. A wide range of colors and patterns, high wear resistance, ease of maintenance. Due to the inexpensive materials used, MDF countertops, as well as particleboard, have a low cost.

Disadvantages. The tabletop must be washed carefully so as not to damage the protective layer. Water entering damaged areas can lead to swelling and, consequently, to plate deformation. Also in practice, there is a low resistance of the web to impact loads.

Wood worktop

It is installed in cases where it is necessary to preserve the uniqueness of the style of the kitchen.

Merits. The wooden cloth has high environmental performance. The material has an elite look. According to the type of wood, you can choose the perfect option with the best technical characteristics.

For the manufacture of countertops, pine, oak, as well as mahogany and beech, are ideal. The most expensive option will be from cherry, the cheapest - from pine. To enhance the water resistance of the plate, a wax layer is applied to it.

Disadvantages. A wooden canvas does not like water, under the influence of excessively high temperatures it can catch fire. Under the influence of shock loads and strong weight, the wood worktop may be deformed. In addition, the material requires proper care and periodic special treatment.

Stone sill-countertop

Stone window sill are very popular. The basis of such a plate is laid both natural rock and artificial. The greatest demand is for quartzite, granite, polymer-mineral and marble slabs. Most often, buyers prefer granite. At the same time, they do not even realize that the stone has the ability to accumulate radiation, which over time will undermine the health of the inhabitants of the apartment.

Therefore, when ordering a countertop, you should be interested in the safety class of the stone (only the first class is allowed). A marble worktop cannot have radiation problems, since the stone is not able to absorb radiation. However, a problem may arise if tea, coffee or wine spilled on the stove leaves stains that cannot be removed.

If we talk about artificial stone, then the list of pluses includes durability, resistance to shock loads, inability to deform from water and exposure to high temperatures. Artificial stone has two drawbacks. This is a heavy construction weight and high price.

Artificial stone countertops are top sellers due to their high strength. The technology for the production of artificial stone slabs allows pouring forms of any complexity and making beautiful openings. Moreover, there will be no joints and seams on the surface of the structure.

Glass countertop

Glass tops have a rich and unusually beautiful appearance, the popularity of which never fades.

Merits. Erasable patterns are easily applied to the glass sill-countertop. The plate is easily washed from dirt and is not damaged by aggressive substances. The material is resistant to mechanical stress. Manufacturing technology allows you to give the plate the most unusual shape.

Disadvantage. The glass top is afraid of temperature changes.

Useful tips for choosing and installing countertops

1. For a simple headset should choose a simple countertop. That is, it is not necessary to install a marble table-window-sill to a kitchen set made of chipboard. It would also not be appropriate to install an expensive wooden chipboard worktop to a wooden headset.
2. Any matt tops are more practical than glossy ones.
3. Slabs made of natural stone are quite solid, so the owner of such a kitchen will have to learn how to put the dishes very carefully.
4. Installation of countertops should be carried out in the presence of the owner of the apartment.
5. Natural stone slabs look more effective in spacious kitchens because of their massiveness.
6. When choosing material for a countertop, it is worth seeing and touching your favorite exhibition model. No piece of canvas will not allow to present it in finished form.
7. When ordering a tabletop made of MDF and chipboard, it is better to give preference to light colors. During operation in frequently washed places, plastic loses color and becomes lighter. On a darkened countertop, light spots will be especially noticeable.

Design advantages

A table instead of a window sill is a modern solution for a small-sized kitchen in odnushka or studio apartment. The design serves as a dining table for several people or a place for cooking, storage of household appliances. When arranging such a countertop, the following rules should be followed:

So that the kitchen is not cold and damp, and the window does not fog up during cooking, it is necessary to ensure the free circulation of warm air from the radiator and the window opening. To do this, shelves, cabinets without a back wall are installed under the countertop.
To preserve heat, it is recommended to install a “warm floor” system or transfer the radiator to another free wall.
The window sill should not overlap part of the window, it is installed 2-3 cm below.
You can install a sink on a wide sill-countertop, but a stove in this place is prohibited by building codes.
It is worth remembering that the window sill is attached to the outer wall and is located next to the window. Therefore, to equip the structure, you should choose a durable material that does not lend itself to moisture and mold.
To provide free space, access to the stove and refrigerator, you can use countertops of various shapes.

To design a window, roller blinds are suitable that are attached directly to the sashes. It is also convenient to use short curtains, classic blinds. Bright lamps are always hung above the dining table or work surface.

Use cases

You can make a table-window-sill in the kitchen for different purposes. It is nice to dine with a view of the street or cook food, do dishes in good daylight. An additional box is placed under the window or shelves for storing preservation, dishes, household chemicals are built. In any case, this solution becomes the best for apartments with small kitchens or for private houses with a small area.

Continuation of the working area

To increase the working area, the window sill should be adjusted to the height of all countertops. This is easy to do in a private house or if the opening opens onto a balcony. It is enough to reduce the window and raise the work surface. You can also put furniture over the windowsill, and use the opening that appears to store kitchen utensils. The island is created in the case of installation between the furniture and the window of household appliances. If the kitchen table borders the balcony door, its edges are rounded off, without obstructing the passage to the window.

An interesting solution is moving the sink under the window. So, daily washing the dishes brightens up with an excellent view from the window, fresh air and adequate lighting. The sink for this design should be deep, located on the side of the window, closer to the edge of the countertop. Proper positioning will provide easy access to the window and reduce the risk of permanent contamination of the glass from splashing water.

Design and shape

In a small kitchen, you can choose a folding table made from a window sill. It is laid out only for lunch, but the rest of the time does not interfere. For large families, a countertop is installed, turning into a full-fledged table. The design is L-shaped. To provide free access to the kitchen, designers offer different fancy shapes with all kinds of colors. The classic option is a rectangular window sill. In modern interiors, there are often radial, semicircular options.

The design of a small kitchen is based on a combination of light shades: cream, gray, light green, purple. For a classic design, a white or blue surface of the headset is suitable. Wood or its imitation is applied in country style. In Art Nouveau, neoclassic, tables made of dark stone or wood look unusual. A glass plate decorated with themed images fits perfectly into the Mediterranean style.

Many manufacturers offer photo printing tables. The user has the ability to select any image. For example, you can place a collage of family photos on the countertop.

Useful tips for a small kitchen

In a small kitchen in Khrushchev, it is necessary to make maximum use of space, so arranging the windowsill under the dining table will be the best option. On the countertop, you can cook, put small household appliances or pots with indoor plants. When choosing the material, shape and design of the headset, you should use the recommendations:

Before purchasing furniture, all measurements should be made, sufficient space must be left for free movement around the room,
the sill table should have a single plate without joints and drops,
for an inexpensive headset made of chipboard or MDF, a simple plastic tabletop is suitable,
for visual expansion of the space, mirror smooth surfaces are used, but a matte texture is considered more practical in use,
in a small kitchen, a massive slab of natural stone will not look appropriate
if the window sill is used as a dining table, it’s better to place a decorative grille under the surface and do not block the radiator,
you can install a small drawer in the table in which the cutlery will be stored,
if additional space is required for storing kitchen utensils, it is better to use open cabinets with shelves and make ventilation holes in the countertop.

If the kitchen design does not include open shelves, you will need to transfer the radiator to another wall. Also, if there is additional space, designers recommend extending the window sill. So you can get a dining place and a functional work area.

How to use the space under the window: ideas for every taste

The use of window sills in the kitchen depends on the height from the window to the floor. The standard height of the dining table is 74 cm, the sink is 84 cm, the bar counter is 90-120 cm.

If the windowsill is above the rest of the work surface, between it and a table-top put ventilation lattices for air circulation from batteries.

If the windowsill is lower - the kitchen line is built on top of it, and the distance between the furniture and the window is used for flower pots. With this arrangement, it will not be possible to fully open the window, this is a minus in terms of fire safety.

Window sill as an additional working area in the kitchen

there is two ways to organize an additional workplace on the windowsill:

Install an additional countertop for the entire length of the windowsill. It is made of the same material as a conventional countertop, due to which both surfaces become one. If the windowsill is wide, it is used as a small table, to which one or two chairs are placed.
If the tabletop is used as a shelf or work surface, open or closed shelves with doors are installed under it. To prevent the free circulation of air around the battery, they make holes in the countertop itself or in the cabinet doors under it. In some cases, the battery is removed and a warm floor is installed.
Set the sink. This attractive option has several drawbacks. Transferring a sink to another wall requires an approved design. It is forbidden to ditch the load-bearing walls, so you will have to hide the drain pipe to the sewer riser in a box. Standard furniture in this situation cannot be set; one will have to order individual furniture. By installing the drain pipe, withstand a slope of 2-3 cm per linear meter. If the sink is in front of the window, the mixer will prevent it from opening. Special folding mixers are much more expensive than standard ones. To solve this problem, the window sash opposite the mixer is made non-opening or the sink is placed closer to the corner of the window sill.

Sill bar counter in the kitchen

The high window sill is easy to adjust to the bar. You can use only the width of the window or make a single U-shaped surface from the countertop, window sill and bar, perpendicular to the window. The entire surface is combined with one material.

In this case, the bar counter is made both rounded and rectangular. The rack is mounted on one or two legs or on a pedestal, which creates additional storage space.

A natural stone

It is an expensive, hygienic, environmentally friendly, water and heat resistant and hypoallergenic material.. Heavy worktops from it require additional fastenings and supporting stands under them.

Granite emits radiationTherefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the radiation certificate when purchasing. According to the sanitary rules on radiation safety standards, the radioactivity of various building materials used in the interior should be no more than 360 Bq / kg. Granite is a hard, durable and dense stone, which makes it more suitable for countertops than marble and onyx, because of these same characteristics it is the heaviest stone. Granite leaves no traces of hot pots and is less susceptible to mechanical stress.

When processing stone with protective agents, the countertop is washed, then polish for 5 minutes and wipe the surface with a cotton cloth. To prevent water absorption, the countertop is washed, the sealant is evenly applied for 5 minutes, then wiped with cotton.

Natural marble can be white and colored with an intricate pattern., so picking it up for any color scheme is not difficult. Marble countertops are recommended to be regularly treated with a protective agent based on synthetic and natural waxes and at the same time any spilled liquid should be removed immediately so that no spots remain.

On a note! Marble is sensitive to acidic environments, so it should especially be protected from lemon juice, wine and vinegar.

Onyx is more expensive than granite, the countertop made of this stone looks like a work of art. Onyx has many colors and patterns, so there cannot be two identical products. The worktop of this fragile and soft stone is supported by a fiberglass backing and requires careful handling. Otherwise, it will quickly become scratched. This material, like marble, is sensitive to acids.

To protect the surface, it is coated with polishing paste.:

the countertop is washed and dried,
degrease and putty the seams with two-component glue,
with a grinder at a minimum speed of revolutions and diamond disks grind the surface of the countertop, gradually moving from a disk with a grain of 50 to a disk with a grain of 800,
polish the countertop with a felt polishing wheel and polishing paste,
excess paste is removed and washed with clean, warm water.

Fake diamond

It is durable, practical, environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.. From it create integral complex surfaces of various colors in shape, including those imitating natural material. They are lighter than natural stone coatings, do not absorb water, dirt and odors, but have low heat resistance.

there is two types of artificial stone:

Acrylic stone (Korian) was invented in the 60s of the 20th century, consists of acrylic resins, natural stone chips and pigment additives. Imitates natural breeds of stone, absolutely homogeneous, does not fade with time. There are scratches and traces of cuts on it, so it is better to use a cutting board, it is sensitive to the effects of acids, only a specialist will repair serious damage.
Quartz Agglomerate consists of natural quartz chips, polyester resin, dyes and decorative additives. Strong uniform material resistant to mechanical stress, dyes and acids. Of the minuses - the duration of manufacture and the difficult installation of finished products, suitable only for simple forms.

When caring for a table-sill made of artificial stone, do not use abrasive detergents, hard brushes and sponges. Products need to be cut on a cutting board, and hot dishes from the stove put on a special stand.

Tree

It is environmentally friendly, easy to handle, maintain and repair, combined with any other finishing materials and organically fits into any interior style. The disadvantages include flammability and vulnerability to mechanical influences: the surface is scratched by sharp objects, stains from hot dishes appear on it.

The quality and cost of the product is influenced by the type of wood, the composition of the adhesive and the type of coating. A tabletop made of beech, larch or oak is more expensive, but will last longer. Larch is as durable and moisture resistant as oak, but cheaper. Linden, pine, ash, birch, walnut, spruce - a more budget option. Pine and spruce have a low density, so scratches and dents often form on their surface.

Solid wood worktops are more expensive but deformed over time. Glued from narrow boards - lamellas, the countertop is more elastic and flexible, therefore it does not deform. As an impregnation, use oil with wax or varnish. The tree is impregnated from all sides, including the ends, once a year. Disadvantages of varnish: it may darken, crack or delaminate over time.

Joints on corner or U-shaped countertops are closed with a metal profile. When fastened with internal dowels, the cracks are masked with putty in the color of the coating.

Rules for the selection of wood coatings:

The tree should be dry, humidity not higher than 12%.
There should be no wormholes, tar pockets, rotten knots in the boards.
Moisture-resistant or water-repellent treated wood is installed.
The thickness of the countertops is at least 25 mm to withstand heavy kitchen utensils.
The depth of the countertop is 3-5 cm more than the depth of the pedestals.
The color of the countertops is combined with the color of the headset, apron, and kitchen walls.

Chipboard laminated with film or plastic is an inexpensive option for kitchen countertops. Many options for colors and textures, fast manufacturing and installation - these are the main advantages of the coating.

The certificate for the material should indicate the emission class E0 or E1 indicating the compliance of the level of evaporation from formaldehyde resins in the composition of the plate with the norm for residential premises. Particleboard treated with a moisture-resistant coating has a bluish-green tint.

disadvantages:

instability to coloring liquids,
swelling from water with a poor-quality protective layer,
low heat resistance - even a cup of hot tea can leave a mark,
service life of 5-7 years.

Nuances of self-assembly

The installation of the tabletop on the windowsill differs from the installation of the working surface of the headset in some nuances:

It is important to consider the battery during installation. If the circulation of warm air is disturbed, condensation will begin to accumulate on the windows, and mold may form from increased humidity.
The window sill cannot be installed below 20 cm from the edge of the window opening.
First, the window is replaced, then floor cabinets are assembled and installed, after which the window sill-countertop is installed and the assembly of the remaining elements of the kitchen set is completed.

Countertops are entrusted to specialists if installation is included in its price and if the design is made of fragile material.

How to make a table out of your windowsill with your own hands

Install by yourself the easiest way is a table-sill made of solid wood and chipboard. Work order:

If the installation of the window sill table is carried out after replacing the window, the installation is carried out before the installation of the slopes. If the window is not changed, just dismantle the old window sill.
After making measurements, all the necessary markings are applied to the products and the tabletop is cut with an electric jigsaw.
Near the window, the countertop is installed on obor from bars, checking the correct position of the building level.
The space under the countertop is filled with foam. After it dries, the excess foam is cut off, and the joints are sealed with sealant.
Protective impregnation is applied to the countertop.
If the countertop is installed on the legs, they are fastened with screws.

Conclusion

After making the necessary measurements and choosing your option for using the window sill zone, we proceed to the choice of the material for the future table. For the selected material, it is better to immediately buy means of care for it.

They mount the table on their own, taking into account all the nuances of the installation, or trust this process to professionals. The second option is preferable if you choose expensive heavy material or a solid curly countertop covering two or three walls of the kitchen.