11 Kitchen Window Ideas to Maximize Light and Style

Garden Window

Garden windows are ideal to position in front of kitchen sinks, offering additional countertop space to display your favorite décor and plants—like in this project.

“In row homes where space is limited, creativity is key,” says Maggie Goodrich, interior designer at Third Street Architecture. “By extending the counter past the sink, the garden window not only provides extra room for daily tasks, but also helps keep the kitchen feeling less cluttered.”

Sky Light

Short on wall space? You can always take advantage of the fifth wall—otherwise known as the ceiling—by adding skylights.

“The result is a space that feels open, grounded, and connected to the rhythms of the day,” says Josh McClendon, project coordinator at Maestri Studio. “A skylight draws the eye upward, [transforming] the ceiling into an ever-changing canvas of sky and shadow. It’s a way to bring the outdoors into the heart of the home—literally from every direction.”

Above the Sink

Doing chores can be a bore, but the right window placement will offer some relief.

“We especially love to see a window positioned above the sink, where time spent doing everyday tasks feels brighter and more connected to the outdoors,” says Erin Hackett, owner of Village Design Studio.

Flank the Range

Bulky appliances tend to dominate kitchens; windows can break up the space with breathing room—starting with your stove. “Windows flanking a range create balance and symmetry, while also framing a beautiful focal point,” Hackett says.

Classic Casements

There’s plenty of room to play around with casements, from French to Georgian styles. However, traditional options are Hackett’s favorite.

“When it comes to style, we feel windows are best kept classic, framed in casement to match the rest of the house,” she says. “A timeless window detail allows the architecture to feel cohesive, while letting the views, the light, and the kitchen itself take center stage.”

Double-Hung Window

Double-hung windows are a classic style. Here, Goodrich’s goal was to maximize natural light without sacrificing storage space.

“By combining full-height cabinetry with a window centered over the sink, we were able to achieve both,” she says. “The added benefit of a double-hung window is its ease of use—[it’s] simple to clean and maintain, making it as functional as it is timeless.”

Frame Views

When your home has a view, the kitchen window can act as a visual centerpiece.

“We love windows that connect to something meaningful—a canopy of trees, a garden, or even a vertical growing wall—so that every glance outside adds life and texture to the room,” says McClendon. “Thoughtfully framed views make even the most functional task feel elevated.”

Stained Glass

Sometimes the most charming windows are those that already exist. “In one historic home, a stained-glass arch became the soul of the space—we designed everything around it,” says McClendon. “Windows like these are more than just sources of light; they’re storytellers, revealing a home’s history and adding emotional depth.”

The stained glass window is punctuated with vibrant hues, so fragments of colored light shine through the space.

Eat-In Kitchen Window

Enjoy entertaining in your kitchen? Treat your guests to a warm embrace by surrounding your seating with windows. “In an eat-in kitchen area, windows transform the space into an inviting gathering spot, filling it with light and a sense of openness,” says Hackett.

Continuous Light

Uninterrupted stretches of glass or steel-framed expanses can make a kitchen appear larger than it is—and open up to impressive landscapes.

“These create a dynamic play of light throughout the day,” says McClendon. “It’s less about the size of the window and more about the quality of light it captures—soft morning glow, filtered tree shadows, or the warmth of a sunset.”

Arched Window

Architecturally, McClendon is drawn to classic rectangular proportions—”sometimes elongated horizontally for a modern ribbon effect, or given a gentle arch when the home’s character calls for it,” he says.

“We often specify steel or painted wood frames in darker tones to define the view, or natural wood for warmth in more traditional spaces,” he adds.