In many kitchens, the space near the window is often not used. Sometimes seasonings or containers with cooking utensils can be placed here. But there is a way to use the invaluable space with greater efficiency and benefit. For example, today you can often find interiors that use a countertop instead of a windowsill. Let's look at how such a solution is implemented.
Ideas for arranging a window sill in a kitchen
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, the arrangement of furniture. In this case, it is not very convenient to use low window sills as a table top. From a high windowsill, it is better to make a bar counter. Let's dwell in more detail on the various options. This will help you determine what function a window sill can perform in your kitchen.
Unusual countertop
At an impromptu table it will be comfortable to eat and work. In addition, it occupies a minimum of usable room space. It is also worth noting that the windowsill 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 worktop is suitable instead of a window sill along a window. The width of this element is selected individually. It all depends on the selected material and the availability of free space.
Use of additional supports
To correctly fit the modernized window sill into the interior of your kitchen, you can think over the design so that the countertop becomes a continuation of the work surface. If communications allow, you can embed a sink in such a countertop. This solution can significantly save space in the kitchen. Also, the installation of countertops instead of window sills makes it possible to equip additional areas for food storage. The spacious kitchen will effectively look semicircular or rectangular countertop, which covers the surface of three walls.
Kitchen with a sill worktop: 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 is a straight table with supports or without supporting elements. It can be made to order or purchased ready-made design. You can use the original options.
These include:
- Folding worktops: part of the surface, if necessary, can be lowered down or retracted onto 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, that's okay. The difference will not be noticeable if these surfaces are made of the same material.
- U-shaped worktop. The size of a standard windowsill may not be enough to accommodate the whole family. 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 worktop instead of a windowsill in the kitchen may well serve as a bar counter. This solution is suitable if you need to equip a high windowsill. The main thing is that this element should be made in one color scheme with the main kitchen set. Such a kitchen with a worktop instead of a windowsill will look unusual and original.
Arrangement of a fireplace portal
If you are looking for an original idea for arranging a low window sill, you can make a portal with a fireplace instead of a wide countertop. In most standard-type apartments, heating radiators are located directly under the window. They can be masked with a decorative fireplace. For the manufacture of such an element, you can use a simple drywall box. Walls can be decorated with plaster or wallpaper with imitation of brickwork, tiles or natural stone. Heating radiators can be closed with a beautiful grille. An extended countertop will be used as a mantelpiece. It can also be used as an additional workplace.
How to choose the material for the manufacture of countertops?
Many today are interested in the question: how to make a countertop instead of a window sill? Which material is better to choose? The construction market has a wide range of materials for every taste and budget, as well as a large selection of finished designs. The countertop instead of the windowsill 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: differs in reasonable price, but has low durability. A panel of this material can be used as a tabletop 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.
- Chipboard: A more reliable option for creating countertops instead of window sills. Photos of this solution are presented in our article. A tabletop can be made of this material instead of a window sill, which can be used either as a bar counter or work surface. The advantages of particleboard include affordable cost, a wide selection of colors and textures, ease of use. If necessary, such a plate can be dismantled and replaced with a better material.
- Chipboard: the best option for countertops. Such a coating is treated with plastic under high pressure. This ensures a tight fit of the protective layer. The properties of such a material are much better than that of simple plastic. However, if the protective layer was not applied very well, 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 to make worktops. This can be an array or an MDF board coated with a PVC film or plastic. Such materials do not emit harmful chemicals.
The advantages of wooden countertops
Why is 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 home coziness and a warm atmosphere. 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 type.
Disadvantages of countertops made of wood
The disadvantages of this material include high demand for care. With excess moisture, the wood may swell. Also, the surface can quickly lose its appearance during heavy use. The countertop is quickly covered with muddy spots and scratches. The most suitable solution for kitchen furniture will be such species 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 strong countertops, it is better to take wood of class AB with a thickness of at least 40 mm. In such a material, the concentration of defects, which can affect the service life of the product, is minimal.
The use of natural stone
What other materials can a tabletop 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 several decades, even with minimal care. But this solution has its own characteristics.
Firstly, a granite countertop instead of a windowsill will look bulky in a small kitchen. Secondly, a stone countertop has a fairly high cost. Dye stains may remain on the marble surface. In this case, granite countertops will be a more profitable option. It is also worth considering that the stone does not lend itself to restoration, and its installation requires reliable support. An important feature of granite is that it naturally has a high radiation background, so when choosing a material, be sure to make sure that the certificate indicates the 1st class for radionuclide activity. Only such material can be used in the decoration of residential premises.
Artificial stone countertop
How else can a kitchen with a worktop be designed instead of a windowsill? Photos of many consumers are full of all kinds 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 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 coloring substances. However, such material is not cheap. For the price, high-quality artificial stone can even surpass natural. This is a rather heavy material, so it’s worth considering that a worktop made from it will require additional support.
Acrylic stone countertop
For those to whom the agglomerate seems too expensive material, you can advise a cheaper option - acrylic. For the manufacture of this material is used acrylic resin and mineral chips. Various pigments may also be added. One of the advantages of liquid stone is that it can take 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.
- There are no seams even on a large surface.
- They tolerate high humidity well.
- They have a lower mass than countertops made of natural stone.
- Do not lose color in the sun.
- Do not erase with active use.
- To be restored and restored.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Countertops
Acrylic has a very low heat resistance. In addition, it can be painted with various foods and drinks. It is also worth considering that the manufacture of countertops made of artificial stone 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 thickness of the countertops should be at least 12 mm.
Features of self-installation of countertops
Installing a finished countertop from MDF and particleboard on a windowsill is actually quite simple. However, there still have their own nuances. If you have a heating radiator installed under the window, 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 windowsill cannot be installed below 20 cm from the edge of the opening. It is advisable to carry out all work on installing the countertop after replacing the window, but before the completion of the finish.
Finally
The use of countertops instead of the windowsill 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 do something special, just select the configuration, size and material for the manufacture of countertops.