Kitchen Sink by the Window: Pros and Cons

We asked experts whether placing the sink by the window for a nice view is worth it and what other advantages this solution offers. We also found out about the potential difficulties you might encounter.

Advantages of a Sink by the Window

Beautiful View

Not everyone enjoys doing dishes, so this point can be enhanced with a pleasant view from the window. Of course, provided that you're lucky enough to have such a view.

Natural Lighting

The working surface should always be well lit. During the day, by the window you won't need any additional light sources. This means you'll save on electricity.

Space Saving

If you place the sink by the window, you'll have additional workspace next to it.

Design: Maria Polianskaya

Disadvantages of a Sink by the Window

Problems with Utilities

In some cases, moving the sink to the window may not be possible: you need to consider the distance to the main pipe and the possibility of running utilities. Sometimes, it's necessary to raise the work surface higher and even install expensive pump units.

And with Radiators

In typical apartments, radiators on the kitchen are placed under the window, so installing a sink might cause issues. Usually, radiators are hidden in a cabinet or moved, and each case has its own nuances. Our experts will explain more about this.

Design: Evgeniya Lykasova

And with Windows

If the sink is not installed correctly or an inappropriate mixer is chosen, you might accidentally block the window — it won’t open properly.

There’s also a chance that water droplets will constantly splash onto the window, requiring frequent cleaning.

Need to Coordinate Renovation

If you're moving the sink along one wall, coordination isn’t required. However, if you want to move it to another wall, complications may arise. We’ve already explained how to coordinate such a renovation.

Design: Tatiana Fabyrnitskaya

Expert Opinions

Anastasia Vishnevskaya, Designer, Architect

Designs white interiors in farmhouse, loft, and Scandinavian minimalism styles, creates interior art in watercolor and tempera

In my opinion, placing the work surface by the window is an excellent solution because there’s enough natural light here. As someone who appreciates beauty and comfort, I'm in favor of such placement: it's much more pleasant to look at a scenic view outside the window than at a wall.

Placing the sink by the window is possible if the main pipe is located nearby and all utilities can be connected.

Design: Anastasia Vishnevskaya

If you have a common heating pipe and plan to replace radiators, you don’t need to install them under the windowsill. You can compensate for this with a warm floor (this point may also require coordination).

However, if radiators are unavoidable, they can always be installed in a wide cabinet under the sink. In that case, you need to make holes in the countertop so air can circulate freely. You can also place the radiator next to the window.

Design: Anastasia Vishnevskaya

Don’t forget that the drainpipe in the wall must have a sufficient slope to prevent clogging. Also, choose a mixer with adjustable water pressure to avoid splashing onto the window. If your window is as deep as in the photo, splash issues won’t arise.

Marina Sarkisyan, Expert

Interior Designer, with profession since 2005

Customers often want to place the sink by the window — it's much more pleasant to look out at the street than at a wall. I agree with them, especially if this solution is justified and technically feasible: you don’t have obstacles like a balcony door, and there’s room to run pipes.

There's another small issue — radiators under the windowsill, but it’s easy to solve. The cabinet under the sink should be slightly narrower, and the radiator placed behind it. Then, in the base and countertop, you need to provide grilles or holes for air circulation.

Another solution is relocating the radiator (there are many design options and placement locations for radiators now). Alternatively, you can install grille doors on the cabinet under the sink.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

If you're afraid that droplets will splash onto the windows, treat the glass with a special product — and no problems will arise. It's better to check how the window opens — it should function properly. Adjust the mixer’s position or choose a model with adjustable height. Don't forget to ensure access to the pipes and the radiator's control valve.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

Cover Design: Maria Polianskaya's Project