Sill-countertop in the kitchen
In a tiny kitchen space, you have to go to any tricks in order to carve out precious square meters of area. You have to save on everything: on the dimensions of the headset, the size of the table top, the number of chairs.
One of the unusual and interesting options for the competent organization of space is a window sill table in the kitchen. This solution will help not only save space, but also expand the functionality of the window area.
Do-it-yourself window sill table
Installing a countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen is easy. Unless you decide to make it from metal, impact-resistant glass or a piece of marble that needs additional processing. It is especially convenient if the window opening has a large depth. In this case, you can even do without additional support for the table top.
Choice of materials
When choosing materials, it is worth considering the specifics of the room as a whole and the window opening in particular. Namely - high humidity, fat deposits, fumes not removed by the hood, a large amount of ultraviolet radiation.
The most common materials:
Particleboard and MDF
The least expensive option. The surface needs additional moisture protection. A cheap analogue of an array.
Wood
Natural and more expensive material. Needs protection from moisture and other aggressive influences. High decorative qualities, requires maintenance.
A natural stone
Natural material. Differs in high cost, increased complexity of additional processing, good decorative and operational properties. Due to its heavy weight, it needs a strong enough support.
Plastic table for plastic windows
It can be made of the same material as the original window sill. PVC is resistant to moisture, easy to process and maintain. The cost is low.
Artificial stone
Visually resembles natural. Good performance properties. Cost and weight are lower than that of natural stone.
Placement of the window sill-table top
When placing a window sill from a countertop, you should follow some rules:
- Consider the location of the heating radiator. In kitchens, the battery is usually located under the window opening. Air must circulate freely. Hot - go up, cold - go down. Air exchange can be provided by a ventilation grill or additionally drilled holes.
- The distance from the window sill table to the lower edge of the window is 15 mm or more.
Options for arranging a window sill-countertop
The countertop window sill in the kitchen complements the room with at least one functional area.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular options.
As a work surface (without sink)
Turning a window sill into a work surface is a pretty attractive idea. An additional plus of this option is good natural illumination of the area located directly by the window. Bend your arm at the elbow and measure 15 centimeters down. It is approximately at this level that the working area should be located from the point of view of ergonomics.
If the distance from the elbow to the window-sill-table is less, your hands will quickly get tired. More - you have to work with your back slightly bent. The height of the sill from above is limited by the window. If you cannot raise the table to the desired level, it may be better to find another use for the window sill.
The decision to lay the lower part of the window with a brick or other material is costly and not always feasible. And in apartment buildings it is also illegal.
With sink
Both the entire working area and part of it can be taken out on the windowsill. If you decide to place a sink on the window table, you may have to transfer communications.
Like a dining area
The height of the dining area should be roughly the same as typical kitchen counter heights. This is about 0.8 m for conventional and up to 1-1.2 m for bar counters. The minimum width is at least 0.4 m. The heights are determined by ergonomics ... and the size of the chairs. If the level of the window opening allows, you can even "stick" a "full-size" dining table to the windowsill.
Sill-table top with a small storage system
If the height of the window does not allow using the window sill as a dining or work area, there is one more option - a table with a small storage system. Implementation options: cabinets on a window sill extended beyond the window opening, drawers or niches directly under the table top.
Let the window-sill surface be inconvenient to use as a dining or work area, but nothing will prevent you from putting household kitchen appliances on it.
Countertop decor
Implement any decor options that you just like, but taking into account the specifics of the kitchen room in general and the window opening in particular. Namely - high humidity, high concentration of burning, fat, aggressive household chemicals.
Disadvantages of a window sill countertop
The biggest disadvantage of the window sill countertop is the proximity of the heating radiator, which is usually located in close proximity to the window opening (either directly under it, or with a slight offset). Perforation and additional ventilation grilles solve the problem of ensuring normal air exchange only partially.
But even these half-measures do not completely solve the problem. The kitchen temperature will drop by a couple of degrees. Options for eliminating the disadvantage: additional heating or transferring the heating battery to another place. Both are time consuming and costly. The latter is also an agreement with the management company if you live in an apartment building.
There are a couple more disadvantages:
- The height of the structure is determined by the height of the window opening above the floor level. To raise or lower the window sill, you will have to move the window. And this is either very problematic or completely impossible. The height adjustment options for the thickness of the table top are minimal.
- Condensation from the window. The end of the structure must be protected from moisture.
- No matter how good the hood is, the room needs to be ventilated from time to time. An open window can severely limit the functionality of the sill table.
Whichever version of the window sill countertop you choose, you will surely encounter difficulties not specified in the article when implementing it.
The topic is too extensive for a small article, so you will have to solve some issues yourself. But the goal is worth it, everything is in your hands.
Video: how to make a window sill from a countertop
Examples of window sill design from a countertop
