Sill-countertop in the kitchen: design options

Surely everyone at least once thought about how uselessly the space under the windows is used. Often, flower pots are placed on the windowsill in the kitchen, and sometimes various household items are stored there. But you can use it with much greater benefit. For example, an installed countertop sill will help form a very practical and fairly functional area.

Countertop under the window: a great modern solution

Today, redesigning kitchens in apartments to maximize their functionality is a popular trend. Often, the owners are looking for the most interesting options, modern ideas, opportunities that allow use the maximum number of square meters in order to optimally place furniture, elements interior and equipment.

This is especially true for small apartments, in which every centimeter is worth its weight in gold. However, the idea of ​​rationalization is no less relevant for spacious rooms.

One of the most successful solutions in the kitchen is a countertop window sill. In this case, you can use the free space as efficiently as possible, both under the windows and at the window level.

Note! While this idea is quite practical and interesting, it will require excellent planning skills, as well as considerable financial costs, to bring it to life.

Often in apartments, window sills have an auxiliary function. A radiator is most often placed in this area. It is he who acts as a stumbling block for most rationalizers.

How to make a window sill on a balcony or kitchen as a functional area depends on the flight of the artist's thoughts, on the needs of the owners, as well as on the geometry, area and a number of other features of the room.

Sill-worktop in the kitchen: know-how in the field of interior design

If earlier the kitchen window sill was used exclusively as a stand for flower pots and storage of small household utensils, now it's time to get acquainted with many other options for it exploitation. Especially if the area of ​​the premises is limited and there is a desire to create an extremely functional area on modest square meters. The design of the window sill can be arranged in such a way that it turns into a bar counter, a workspace or a dining table.

Sill table in the kitchen: a smart workspace

The simplest and most natural way out, if there is not enough space for organizing the working area, is to create a table from the windowsill. The fact is that a fairly wide window sill by itself may well act as a countertop or a horizontal auxiliary surface. And if you enlarge it a little and cover it with a layer of waterproof hygienic solution, you can get a functional work table in the kitchen.

In the presented case, it is not recommended to use the plastic window sill that comes with the glass unit. This is due to the fact that it is not suitable in terms of characteristics for such misuse. The windowsill will soon be covered with stains and scratches. Therefore, the best solution would be to first replace the standard profile or fix the worktop directly on top of it.

When choosing material for a table instead of a window sill in the kitchen, one should take into account that it will be in conditions of high humidity, as well as constant temperature changes. Therefore, you should look for an option that, despite the loads, will last quite a long time. It is best to give preference to natural granite or high-quality composite material.

Note! Having decided to design a built-in table in the kitchen to use it as a worktop, you should definitely install a special skirting board in the place of its abutment to the walls in order to create protection for the finish from flowing water and mud. In addition, you will need to protect the slopes (for example, sew them up with plastic).

In the process of creating a kitchen with a countertop window sill, it is necessary to take into account the presence of a radiator under it. To prevent the surface from interfering with the flow of heated air, it will be necessary to cut holes in it, which, for aesthetics, are recommended to be closed with gratings. As for the worktop itself, it will be more convenient to combine it with the remaining working area, giving it the shape of the letter "G".

When planning a large-scale renovation involving a complete alteration of the kitchen space, you can turn the window sill area into a part of the work surface. To do this, you will need to position the furniture set along the corresponding wall. In this case, a sink or a stove can successfully fit in opposite the window.

If a decision is made to equip a functional tabletop on a table instead of a window sill, the free space under it should be used with the greatest benefit by placing floor cabinets there. This is how it will be possible to increase the number of locations for storing food or utensils and at the same time to fit the countertop of a non-standard size into the interior, linking it with the main set.

Decorative details and similar facades will help to achieve the greatest similarity. Sometimes even large household appliances are placed under such a table - a washing machine or a dishwasher. However, in this case, it will be necessary to move the basic communications closer to the windows, which will significantly complicate the repair process.

Bar counter window sill: a modern solution for kitchens

An excellent alternative to a rather high kitchen window sill can be a bar counter (like the one you can see in a cafe - with a wonderful view from the window). This will also require replacing it with a countertop, although here more freedom is given in terms of the choice of materials:

• plastic;
• glass;
• Chipboard or MDF;
• wood.

However, in the event that the edge of the window is lowered below the standard 115 cm, this is also not a problem. The bar counter can be fixed at the "desired" height, and the window sill itself can be dismantled or turned into an additional shelf. In small kitchens, where there is not enough room for a full table for eating, this will solve many problems. But such a recreation area will not interfere with spacious rooms, especially if you can admire a beautiful view from the window.

Note! The window sill, which serves as a bar counter, requires chairs with footrests of suitable height. It is important that the seats and the lower edge of the table top are spaced approximately 30 cm apart.

In each case, the dimensions of the bar are selected individually. First of all, at least one of the devices should be placed on it, that is, the width of the tabletop cannot be less than a third of a meter. Its edge will need to be brought forward at a distance sufficient so that those who sit behind the counter do not rest their feet on the wall under the window.

If we are talking about kitchens with a medium or large area, in this case, the countertop under the windowsill is placed in a perpendicular direction, turning it into a console. Here you can no longer do without additional accessories: support legs, as well as fixing corners, which will take the weight of the tabletop onto themselves.

Note! If you do not use auxiliary parts, the tabletop will become a kind of lever, which, even with the smallest load, will break the frame or cause cracks in the glass unit.

Although the attachment process takes time and extra effort, in the long run, such a rack design will provide the ability to comfortably accommodate a large number of people.

When planning a kitchen with a window sill, it will be a great solution to combine several functional areas. a single surface by ordering a complex structure made of composite materials (for example, made of artificial stone or acrylic). In this case, the desktop will smoothly go into the windowsill or bar counter, and then into the dining table.

It is worth noting that in terms of installation and execution, the presented structure is characterized by complexity. However, despite this, it significantly increases the functionality of even the most compact kitchens. Yes, and such a product looks very worthy - the best proof of this are numerous photos of a kitchen with a countertop under the window.

Window sill-table top: ideal for organizing a dining area

This solution is the least common among designers in the case of organizing space near the window. Nonetheless, a countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen as an impromptu dining table is a great way to rationalize space.

The presented option is suitable for both small and spacious rooms and can serve as an independent design technique. Having made the right choice of materials, shades, as well as combining with other pieces of furniture, a kitchen with a countertop by the window can be turned into an original and stylish room.

This kitchen design has several advantages over a standard meal table:

• saves kitchen space, providing the ability to move freely;
• allows you to admire the scenery outside the window during breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The table-top in the window sill can be made in two versions - a deaf and an open type. In the first case, it is assumed that people will sit facing the window, and in the second, the tabletop is placed perpendicular to the window sill itself, turning it into an island element. Depending on the wishes and preferences of the owners, you can implement any of the options, each of which is endowed with its own advantages.

The blank countertop positioning method is convenient for small families of several people and provides the opportunity to save space as much as possible. The island-style table top, which goes into the windowsill, allows chairs to be placed on two sides, making it possible to accommodate many guests.

The design of an open-type window sill can be implemented in the form of an impromptu bar counter, if you place special shelves under it for storing bottles with elite alcohol.

Kitchen countertops with a sink: every housewife's dream

A window sill in the form of a countertop equipped with a sink is the most desirable, but difficult and costly project to implement. This is due to the fact that a problem arises as to how to carry out the supply of pipes to the window. In addition, washing directly in the windowsill brightens up the routine with a pleasant view of the surroundings, but in practice it does not always bring convenience.

Note! In the event that the window slopes are not very wide, when organizing a sink in the countertop for the window sill, the window will often get splashed. In addition, the mixer will act as an obstacle to opening the window.

Often, in the process of supplying pipes, both for hot and cold water, there are no difficulties. But above the supply of pipes for draining from the sink directly to the riser, you will have to work hard, namely, install it at a certain slope by several centimeters per meter of length. In this case, absolutely all communications will need to be hidden. The ideal place for this would be plasterboard boxes, podiums or kitchen sets.

Related article:

Countertop in the bathroom: an interesting interior and an additional work surface

Types and sizes of structures, installation methods. Basic materials for manufacturing: wood, stone, glass, plastic, ceramics. Do-it-yourself countertop.

Speaking about coordinating the transfer of sinks, it is worth considering that you do not need to develop a project to perform this operation along the "native" walls. If the transfer is planned to an adjacent or opposite wall, it will be necessary not only to develop a project, but also to legalize it in competent authorities.

And here are some useful tips for creating a countertop for a windowsill with a sink:

1. It is desirable that at least one window sash opens at a 90 degree angle. Then you can easily clean the entire window. To do this, place the sink closer to the edge, not in the center.
2. The exception is windows with three sashes. In this case, the sink is installed opposite a blind flap, located in the center.
3. Since a cabinet for storing dishes cannot be located above the sink near the window, it is better to place it under the sink or to the side of it. For a similar reason, choose a sink with a special drainer for drying dishes.

To help the window panes absorb less water splashes, it is recommended to choose a deep sink and a mixer tap with a medium spout. If possible, it is better to give preference not to the usual, but to the folding mixer, which is equipped with a bayonet mount. The cost of window sills with such mixers will be higher, but they will provide the ability to open wide-open windows without interference.

Tabletop under the windowsill: a variety of materials

The first step in the installation process is to determine the desired material for the countertop sills. The most common options are:

• marble construction;
• artificial stone product;
• ceramic option;
• glass sill;
• wooden product.

Structures made of marble are resistant to mechanical damage, as well as to the effects of a humid environment and aggressive substances. At the same time, the high cost of the material is fully justified by the highest quality and reliability.

The table-top, made of artificial stones, is an affordable analogue of the marble version. The only drawback is the fragility (in comparison with the marble product).

The table top on the windowsill, which is made of ceramics, is characterized by fragility. In the process of using it, you should be extremely careful, because if objects fall on it, chips may appear that simply cannot be hidden.

Note! Despite the significant disadvantage, the ceramic countertop is easy to maintain and affordable in terms of price.

The glass structure will add style and originality to the kitchen interior, and due to the thickness of the glass, it will not be possible to break it.

If we talk about wooden window sills, it is worth noting that they can be installed only if further, this space will not be used for the cooking process, which requires constant contact with water.

Thus, the variety of options for materials for the countertop under the windowsill is quite large. It all depends on the budget and personal preferences.

Sill height: when size really matters

When it comes to kitchen space, every centimeter matters here, including window sill sizes. Often the height of the headset together with the table top is 0.85 m. However, sometimes it can be higher due to the adjustable legs and an enlarged base. The "correct" height of the working area is considered a value equal to 15 cm from the elbow in the bend. This should be taken into account when ordering a kitchen.

Thus, if the height of the sill is approximately equal to the height of the countertop, it is best to simply continue the work area parallel to the window. In this case, the battery at the bottom can be safely left open.

Note! The width of the slopes should be taken into account when choosing a tabletop by the window, which is planned for installation. In addition, the material of the performance deserves special attention.

Restricting the access of moisture to the countertop under the windowsill is important. It is not permissible for it to get wet from window condensation. However, if the problem of excess phlegm on the wall is still present, it is better to give preference to a product made of artificial stone or a beautifully beaten plastic countertop.

If the window sill is at a higher level than the countertop, the gap between the upper and lower structures is often decorated with tiles or closed with a plinth. Which option will be chosen depends only on the features of the kitchen design. Speaking of wide window sills in the interior, it is worth noting that they are made of the same material as the countertop. Moreover, they serve as additional shelves. If a decision is made to leave the window sill in its original version, it is cut to the width of the slope.

If the countertop is higher than the window sill, it is best to simply lay part of the window opening with bricks and order a smaller window. However, this solution is only suitable for private houses. As for the apartment, such an action is a violation of the law, since it entails a change in the architectural appearance of the building.

From a technical point of view, the simplest option is to build a kitchen line on top of the window sill, while leaving up to two tens of centimeters, so that you can open the sash and ventilate premises. The "groove" between furniture and glass can be closed with plant pots. It is not the most ergonomic solution, but the most economical one. There will be no need to replace the glass unit and go for tricks during the installation of furniture.

How to make a countertop with your own hands: basic secrets

When the renovation in the kitchen is nearing completion, and the window sill needs rework, the question arises of how to install the countertop. Perhaps the simplest solution would be to attach a folding table to the windowsill. This design will be characterized by mobility and compactness - if necessary, it can be folded into a narrow shelf.

Of course, such a table can be easily purchased at any specialty store. Or you can save a little and, using the detailed instructions, make the product on your own. By installing this structure flush with the window sill, you can get a completely functional space.

The following materials will come in handy to get the job done:

• not thick plywood sheet;
• jigsaw;
• self-tapping screws;
• dye;
• primer;
• brush;
• matte varnish or wax;
• level;
• screwdriver;
• puncher;
• hacksaw for wood;
• piano hinges;
• card furniture hinges.

First of all, you have to cut the countertop of the desired shape and size. The best option would be a semicircle or a rounded triangle. After that, the support and its base are cut out. At this stage, if you wish, you can make decorative perforations in the leg.

Then the end parts of the resulting blanks are subject to grinding, all elements are primed, and then painted and coated with wax or varnish. After that, the leg must be connected to the base with piano hinges, and the tabletop must be fixed with card hinges. After all the above steps, the support is fixed to the wall, and a tabletop is installed on it using several self-tapping screws.

Thus, the idea of ​​turning a window sill into a worktop in many design variations is incredibly successful. Thanks to this solution, you can not only free up precious space for relaxing, eating or working, but also give style and modernity to the design of the kitchen.