In many kitchens, the space near the window is often not used. Sometimes condiments or containers with kitchen utensils can be placed here. But there is a way to use priceless space with greater efficiency and benefit. For example, today you can often find interiors that use a countertop instead of a window sill. Let's see how this solution is implemented.
Kitchen window sill ideas
For the correct calculation of the parameters of the countertop, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics as the layout of the room, the height from the floor to the window, and the arrangement of furniture. In this case, it will not be very convenient to use low window sills as a countertop. It is better to make a bar counter from a high window sill. Let's take a closer look at the various options. This will help you determine what function a window sill can serve in your kitchen.
Fancy tabletop
At an impromptu table it will be comfortable to eat and work. Moreover, it takes a minimumuseful space of the room. It is also worth noting that the window sill is illuminated by natural light, which will be especially useful when creating masterpieces of culinary art. As an additional work surface, you can use the simplest design. A straight tabletop will do instead of a window sill along the window. The width of this element is selected individually. It all depends on the chosen material and the availability of free space.
Using additional supports
To correctly fit the modernized window sill into the interior of your kitchen, you can consider the design in such a way that the countertop becomes a continuation of the work surface. If communications allow, you can build a sink into such a countertop. This solution allows you to significantly save space in the kitchen. Also, installing a countertop instead of a window sill makes it possible to equip additional areas for storing food. In a spacious kitchen, a semicircular or rectangular countertop that covers the surface of three walls will look spectacular.
Kitchen with countertop-windowsill: examples
In a small room, a countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen can act as a replacement for the usual dining table. The simplest solution in this case would be a straight table with or without supports. It can be made to order or purchased ready-made design. You can also use the original options.
These include:
- Folding tabletops:part of the surface, if necessary, can fall down or be removed to the windowsill.
- Corner: if all the furniture is close to the window, then you can make the countertop a continuation of the work surface. In this case, such a design will look quite harmonious. If the surfaces do not match in height, it's okay. The difference will not be noticeable if these surfaces are made of the same material.
- U-shaped tabletop. The size of a standard window sill may not be enough to accommodate the whole family behind it. If the layout allows, then it is quite possible to make the countertop a full-fledged table or a continuation of the bar counter.
A countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen may well serve as a bar counter. This solution is suitable if you need to equip a high window sill. The main thing is that this element should be made in the same color scheme as the main kitchen set. Such a kitchen with a countertop instead of a window sill will look unusual and original.
Arrangement of a fireplace portal
If you are looking for an original idea for arranging a low window sill, then you can make a portal with a fireplace instead of a wide table top. In most apartments of a standard layout, heating radiators are placed directly under the window. They can be disguised with a decorative fireplace. For the manufacture of such an element, you can use a simple drywall box. The walls can be decorated with plaster or wallpaper imitating brickwork, tiles or natural stone. Radiatorsheating can be closed with a beautiful lattice. The elongated tabletop will be used as a mantelpiece. It can also be used as an additional workplace.
How to choose the right material for making countertops?
Many today are interested in the question: how to make a countertop instead of a window sill? What material is better to choose? The construction market offers a wide range of materials for every taste and budget, as well as a large selection of prefabricated structures. The countertop instead of the window sill in the kitchen should be selected for a specific interior.
To bring all your ideas to life, it is also important to consider the decorative and strength characteristics of the materials used.
- Plastic: Affordable but low strength. A panel made of this material can be used as a countertop instead of a window sill in a room. However, it will only serve as a stand for kitchen utensils. Under the weight of massive objects, plastic will quickly bend.
- Particleboard: This is a more reliable option for creating a countertop instead of a window sill. Photos of this solution are presented in our article. A countertop can be made from this material instead of a window sill, which can be used both as a bar counter or a work surface. The advantages of chipboard include affordable cost, a wide selection of colors and textures, ease of use. If necessary, such a plate can be dismantled and replaced withbetter material.
- chipboard: the best option for countertops. Such a coating is processed with plastic under high pressure. This ensures a tight fit of the protective layer. The properties of such a material are much better than those of simple plastic. However, if the protective layer was not applied very well, then blisters may form on the surface of the countertop. The service life of such a coating is 5-7 years.
- MDF or Coated Wood: Natural wood can be used for the countertop. It can be an array or an MDF board coated with PVC or plastic film. Such materials do not emit harmful chemicals.
Advantages of wood countertops
What makes natural wood so good? How to make a countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen from such material? Thanks to its excellent appearance, natural wood brings coziness and a warm atmosphere to the house. In addition, the tree has a unique natural structure. A wide range of MDF coatings allows you to choose the texture and color for almost any interior. Such material is environmentally friendly, it does not emit harmful toxic substances. If the window sill from the array loses its original appearance, it can be easily restored and re-varnished. The cost of such material depends mainly on the class of wood and its grade.
Disadvantages of natural wood countertops
The disadvantages of this material include high demands on care. AtToo much moisture can cause the wood to swell. Also, the surface can quickly lose its appearance during intensive use. The tabletop quickly becomes covered with muddy spots and scratches. The most suitable solution for kitchen furniture will be species such as yew, maple, wenge, ash and oak. They are resistant to high humidity and mechanical damage. Pine, linden and alder are softer species. For the manufacture of a strong countertop, it is better to take class AB wood with a thickness of at least 40 mm. In such a material, the concentration of defects that can affect the life of the product is minimal.
Using natural stone
From what other materials can a countertop be made instead of a window sill in the kitchen? The photos presented in our article depict interesting design solutions using natural stone. The most popular materials are granite and marble. They are characterized by high resistance to wear and mechanical stress. In addition, they look expensive and solid. Such a countertop will last for several decades, even with minimal care. But such a solution also has its own characteristics.
Firstly, a granite countertop instead of a window sill will look bulky in a small kitchen. Secondly, a stone countertop has a fairly high cost. There may be stains from coloring substances on the marble surface. In this case, granite countertops will be a more profitable option. It should also be borne in mind that the stone cannot be restored, and its installation requires a reliablesupport. An important feature of granite is that it naturally has a high radiation background, so when choosing a material, you should definitely make sure that the certificate indicates the 1st class in terms of radionuclide activity. Only such material can be used in the decoration of residential premises.
Artificial stone countertop
How else can a kitchen be designed with a worktop instead of a window sill? Photos of many consumers are full of all sorts of design options with artificial stone structures. Such a countertop will look no less impressive than an element made of natural material. There are analogues, which in their characteristics are in no way inferior to the same granite. In this case, we mean an agglomerate consisting of marble and quartz chips. Its surface does not wear out due to the addition of epoxy resin. It does not fade in the sun and does not absorb dyes. However, this material is not cheap. At the price of a high-quality artificial stone, it can even surpass the natural one. This is a fairly heavy material, so be aware that a countertop made from it will need additional support.
Acrylic stone top
For those who find the agglomerate too expensive material, we can advise a cheaper option - acrylic. For the manufacture of this material, acrylic resin and mineral chips are used. Various pigments may also be added. One of the advantages of liquid stoneis that it can take on any form.
Why choose acrylic countertops?
The following advantages can be distinguished:
- A large palette of colors and a wide variety of textures.
- Acrylic has a "warm" effect when touched.
- Even on a large surface, there are no seams.
- Tolerates high humidity well.
- Lighter than natural stone countertops.
- Do not lose color in the sun.
- Do not erase with active use.
- To be restored and restored.
Disadvantages of acrylic countertops
Acrylic has very low heat resistance. In addition, it can be stained with various foods and drinks. It is also worth considering that the manufacture of artificial stone countertops can take a lot of time. It is necessary to carefully approach the choice of material for the substrate - MDF, wood and glass. This affects the strength and weight of the entire system. The tabletop must be at least 12mm thick.
Features of self-installation countertops
Installing a finished MDF and chipboard countertop on a windowsill is actually quite simple. However, there are still some nuances here. If you have a heating radiator installed under the window, then you need to make sure that the countertop will not interfere with air circulation. Otherwise, mold may appear in the room. According to building codes, the window sill cannotinstalled below 20 cm from the edge of the opening. It is advisable to carry out all work on installing the countertop after the replacement of the window, but before the completion of the finishing.
In conclusion
Using a countertop instead of a window sill allows you to correctly use the space in small apartments, as well as create an original unique interior. Today on sale you can find many ready-made options for such designs. If you want to make something special, you just need to choose the configuration, size and material for making the countertop.
