Kitchen Windows by Style

When designing a kitchen, every detail counts! Windows can be crucial in defining the space's aesthetic and functionality, so they need careful consideration. Choose the right window style, and you will succeed in complementing your kitchen's design, enhancing natural light, and providing practical benefits. 

Scroll down to find your kitchen style and get advice on the best windows, which material and finish is best, and other tips to elevate the design you love. 

If You're Going for the Craftsman Look...

The American Craftsman style is beloved nationwide and has been a prominent home style for over a century. There’s much to love about the classic look of a Craftsman home as they feature many American staples, such as wide front porches, exposed beams, large double-hung windows, and special attention to detail that adds unique character to each home. 

This style is highly customizable to suit various tastes, but here are some tips to consider. 

Window Styles

• Double-Hung Windows: Double-hung windows are quintessential in Craftsman-style homes. They feature two sashes that slide vertically, allowing for adaptable ventilation. Their classic look aligns with the traditional, handcrafted aesthetic of craftsman kitchens.
• Casement Windows: Hinged at the side to open outward, casement windows are practical and charming. They offer unobstructed views, maximum ventilation, and natural lighting. 

Material and Finish

• Wood Windows: Wood is the preferred material for Craftsman windows. Opt for finishes like oak or cherry with natural stains to highlight the wood's grain, adding warmth to your kitchen.

Design Tips

• Incorporate divided light patterns with prairie-style muntins that reflect the traditional Craftsman style.
• Use natural wood stains that enhance the wood's natural beauty, maintaining the handcrafted feel typical of the Craftsman style.

If You're Going for the Farmhouse Look...

Farmhouse style kitchens have become increasingly popular, blending rustic charm with modern functionality. When choosing windows for this aesthetic, it's important to consider styles that complement the overall look while providing ample natural light and ventilation. Let's explore some window options and design tips that can help you achieve that perfect farmhouse feel.

Window Styles

• Casement Windows: Casement windows suit the open, airy feel of farmhouse kitchens.
• Double-Hung Windows: Double-hung windows offer a traditional look that fits seamlessly with the cozy, inviting atmosphere of farmhouse kitchens. Farmhouse style homes incorporate numerous long, vertical windows. 

Material and Finish

• Wood Windows: Choose finishes like white or distressed wood to enhance the rustic charm. For a modern look, black window frames have become popular.

Design Tips

• Colonial style window grids add a timeless look that complement farmhouse aesthetics.
• Rustic window treatments like barn door shutters, natural woven shades, soft linen curtains, or classic striped drapes add a rustic touch while maintaining simplicity.

If You're Going for the Contemporary Look...

Contemporary kitchen design embraces clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality. This style often incorporates large windows to create a bright, open space that connects seamlessly with the outdoors. 

When choosing windows for a contemporary kitchen, prioritize options that maximize natural light and offer unobstructed views while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Window Styles

• Sliding Windows: Sliding windows offer a sleek and functional design with easy horizontal operation and large glass panes for open views.
• Picture Windows: Create a bright and modern kitchen space with expansive views and ample natural light.

Material and Finish

• Aluminum Windows: Contemporary signifies a durable, low-maintenance, and slim profile. Choose finishes like matte black or aluminum for a sleek look.

Design Tips

• Opt for sleek, minimalist frames to maximize glass area and enhance the minimalist aesthetic.
• Use large glass panes to create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.

If You're Going for the Mid-Century Modern Look...

With clean lines and emphasis on functionality, Mid-Century Modern styles continue to be a popular choice for contemporary kitchens. This style often features large windows that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

When selecting windows for a mid-century modern kitchen, consider options that enhance natural light and maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Let's explore some window styles and design tips that can help you achieve this timeless look.

Window Styles

• Awning Windows: Hinged at the top and opening outward, awning windows are perfect for mid-century modern kitchens. They allow for ventilation while maintaining a clean, horizontal line.
• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: These windows create a dramatic, airy feel and blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, a hallmark of mid-century modern design.

Material and Finish

• Fiberglass Windows: Fiberglass is strong and versatile, available in various finishes that can mimic wood or provide a sleek, modern finish look.

Design Tips

• Maximize natural light with large windows, making it a welcoming and open space for the family. 
• Keep window treatments minimal to maintain the spacious and uncluttered look typical of mid-century modern design.

If You're Going for the Cottage Look...

Cottage-style homes exude charm, comfort, and a sense of timeless simplicity. This aesthetic typically features cozy spaces, natural materials, and a blend of vintage and rustic elements. Cottage-style kitchens embrace a warm, lived-in feel with a touch of whimsy.

When it comes to windows, cottage-style kitchens benefit from designs that let in plenty of natural light while adding architectural interest. The right windows can enhance the quaint, welcoming atmosphere that defines cottage style.

Window Styles

• Bay Windows: Bay windows extend outward, creating a cozy nook that can be used for seating or display, adding charm to cottage kitchens.
• Garden Windows: Perfect for growing herbs and plants, garden windows offer depth and space for indoor greenery. Your cottage kitchen will look perfect with this quaint window. 

Material and Finish

• Wood Windows with Classic Finishes: Choose finishes like white or pastel colors to sweeten the light look of a cottage kitchen.

Design Tips

• Use decorative trim and moldings to add a touch of traditional charm.
• Open shelving displaying vintage dishware or collectibles
• Opt for lace curtains and floral or gingham patterns to complement the cottage style.
• Try to use soft, muted color palettes with pops of pastels.

If You're Going for the Hill Country Look...

In many cases, people tend to use the Hill Country style interchangeably with rustic and farmhouse styles. While the Hill Country style is extremely similar to both of these, there are a couple of stylistic differences that make the Hill Country style unique to Texas (specifically, the mid-western parts of Texas).

Hill Country, rustic, and farmhouse styles all celebrate natural materials and cozy, inviting spaces. But, they each have distinct characteristics.

Hill Country style – inspired by the Texas Hill Country landscape, distinctly blends native stone (particularly limestone) and wood. Another difference is instead of opting for large picture windows, Hill Country homes will typically have smaller windows, to help regulate the Texas heat.

Window Styles

• French Windows: With their tall, narrow panes, French windows bring a touch of elegance and allow for ample ventilation. They're similar to casement windows but without the central post. 
• Arched Windows: Add architectural interest and curb appeal with an arched window style.

Material and Finish

• Wood Windows: One of the defining features of the Hill Country style is the use of regional materials. So wood windows made of timber that is native to your area is the best option for archiving the true look of this style. This can also be said when considering materials for floors and countertops.

Design Tips

• Incorporate natural materials like stone and wood, with solid frames for a sturdy look.
• Wooden shutters, burlap curtains, and similar rustic window treatments will add the ideal finishing touches.

If You're Going for the Bungalow Look...

Bungalow homes are typically defined by their single-level construction, wide-hipped roofs, and welcoming porches. Bungalows are typically the perfect starter home, but are not known for being spacious, resulting in another one of their defining features being making use of the space they have.

Window Styles

• Double-Hung Windows: These windows have two operating sash allowing for ventilation on the top, bottom, or both. They offer a classic look that adds to the welcoming feel of a bungalow kitchen.
• Casement Windows: Functional and stylish – not to mention casement windows feature an opening mechanic, which helps open up spaces and make them feel roomier.

Material and Finish

• Wood Windows with Traditional Finishes: Choose traditional finishes like dark stains or earthy colors to maintain the bungalow’s warm tones.

Design Tips

• Use muntins to divide top sashes into four or six sections. Elongated grille panes create divided light patterns that add to the classic look.
• Opt for earthy colors that reflect the natural surroundings.

If You're Going for the Ranch Look...

Homes with a ranch-style design remain one of the most popular choices today. While often compared to rustic styles due to their shared use of natural materials like wood and stone, one of the defining differences of ranch-style kitchens is incorporating modern touches like updated stainless steel appliances and open layouts. 

A kitchen embracing the elements of a ranch style will have a perfect balance of traditional warmth and contemporary convenience with a classic look.

Window Styles

• Sliding Windows: Practical and with a streamlined look, sliding windows complement the horizontal lines and open feel characteristic of ranch-style kitchens.
• Picture Windows: Enhance your ranch design with wide, unobstructed views. Large picture windows are ideal for showcasing the expansive landscapes often surrounding ranch homes.

Material and Finish

• Aluminum or Vinyl Windows: Choose durable and low-maintenance materials like aluminum or vinyl. These practical options blend seamlessly with the no-fuss aesthetic of ranch-style homes.

Design Tips

• Opt for windows with simple, clean lines to maintain the uncluttered, functional feel typical of ranch kitchens.
• Maximize natural light with large windows or window groupings that span a significant portion of the wall, connecting the indoor space with the outdoors - a key feature in ranch design.
• Consider awning windows above kitchen sinks or countertops for added ventilation without sacrificing counter space.
• For a modern touch, consider black window frames to create contrast against lighter walls, a trend that works well with updated ranch interiors.