The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall. In terms of plumbing, using as short a waste pipe as possible from the sink to the drains is not only the most effective but also the cheapest, solution.
Many designers agree that centering a kitchen sink under a window is the optimum placement, it often looks tailored and well-planned, however, this is not always practical. If you have a small kitchen with very little room for large reconfigurations, you may have more limited options in terms of optimum sink placement.
In addition to bringing in the all-important natural light for daily kitchen tasks, they give the person working at the sink something to look at outside, or as part of the window design itself. They can also be helpful for extra ventilation, which is important in any busy kitchen.
Traditionally the sink was installed below a window to provide a view when washing up but if you prefer to let a dishwasher take the strain, save the view for somewhere you'll linger longer, like the main prep area or a breakfast bar.
Sliding windows: Sliders make ideal kitchen windows. They are oriented horizontally and come in custom sizes to fit the width of your kitchen sink. Smooth tracks make sliding windows easy to open with one hand. Double-hung windows: This is the most popular window style in the US.
“Sinks are usually in front of a window because there aren't any cabinets above it, making it easy to maneuver around,” said Christopher. “However, the sink can be placed elsewhere and still be very functional and beautiful. For example, a lot of time a sink in an island makes sense even when you have a window .”
Probably the most popular choice is to fit a wall unit or top box above a sink, where there is no window present. The wall units help to continue the lines of the kitchen and encase the sink area nicely. A few lights and plants can also make the sink area more appealing.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
There are pros and cons to centered and offset drains. But to sum up, we recommend offset drains for small and busy kitchens, and centered drains for larger sinks and quick renovation projects.
The sink, main refrigerator, and stove should be in close proximity to each other. You require a minimum of 4 feet between each point to easily maneuver, and equally not more than 9 feet. This allows easy access to get food from the refrigerator to a preparation point, and then into the oven.
There is no right size, but typically a window above the sink lines up with the height of the cabinets on either side to give a cohesive look and keep the line of sight. Measure the area between each cabinet and that is how large the window will be.
For this, one needs to know their cabinet's height —34.5-inch traditionally— and the countertop's thickness— generally 1.5 inches. The height of the window, therefore, should be kept at 37-inch.
While a window can provide natural light and ventilation and add to the overall aesthetic of the space, it is not a necessary component of a functional kitchen. As with any design decision, it is important to carefully consider the options and choose the best solution for the specific needs of the homeowner.
Keep in mind that you can put the sink anywhere you want, but changing the plumbing will affect your budget. 2. What appliances does it need to be near? Another practical issue is where the sink should be located vis-à-vis other appliances or work spaces.
Items not recommended to store under the sink
Harsh chemicals, bug spray, paper towels, waxes, carpet shampoo, drain cleaners, polishes and paints. Even some cleaning products, including dishwasher pods and colorful spray bottles, can be dangerous and entice curiosities for paws or tiny fingers.
In order to maintain the good health of kitchen sinks, it is essential that they are properly vented. Sinks, and kitchen sinks in particular, usually have to be vented for safety reasons. It does not matter what kind of sink you have, it still needs a vent.
This allows for more uninterrupted space in the basin of the sink, which comes in handy when you're tackling a pile of dishes. This allows you to rinse straight into the corner drain, instead of chasing debris around a centered drain.
Without venting, the negative pressure caused by the flow of draining water can potentially suck water out of the drain trap and allow sewer gases to enter the home. The vents allow air into the drain pipes to help keep the drain flowing properly.
Whenever you flush the toilet or empty the sink, the wastewater goes down the drain and into a pipe, which takes it to a larger sewer pipe under the road. The sewer then joins our network of other sewers and takes the wastewater to a sewage treatment works.
Birchfield agrees, pointing out that fireclay and granite selections have been on the rise as they offer more warmth or a sense of nostalgia to the kitchen space. "White fireclay apron front sinks have been on the rise offering a charming statement piece.
Timeless: Think farmhouse sinks in porcelain, soapstone sinks (integrated into the counter, or not), and surprisingly, concrete (subtle colors akin to soapstone or slate). Copper is a timeless material for pantries and bars.
Waterproof roller blinds made of PVC or vinyl are the blinds that I personally consider to be the best blinds for a window above a kitchen sink. Any of the options I mentioned above will be fine, but the best choice for my money is waterproof rollers, for a few reasons.
As you can see, the space under a window can easily be filled with a seat, bench, bookcase, desk, breadboard, or decorative trim moulding.