Sink by the Window: Pros and Cons

We asked experts whether placing the sink by the window for a beautiful view is worth it and what other advantages this solution offers. We also found out about the possible challenges you might face.

Advantages of a Sink by the Window

Beautiful View

Not everyone enjoys washing dishes, so this point can be made more pleasant with a beautiful view from the window. Of course, only if you're lucky to have such a view.

Natural Lighting

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

Space Saving

If you place the sink by the window, you'll have an additional working surface nearby.

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 riser and the possibility of running utilities. Sometimes it's necessary to raise the work surface higher or even install expensive pumping units.

And with Radiators

In standard apartments, radiators on the kitchen are often 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 specifics. Our experts will explain more about this.

Design: Evgenia Lykasova

And with Windows

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

There is 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. But 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

Experts' Opinions

Anastasia Vishnevskaya, Designer, Architect

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

In my opinion, placing the working 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 general riser is located nearby and it's feasible to run all utilities.

Design: Anastasia Vishnevskaya

If you have a common heating pipe and plan to replace radiators, it's not necessary to install them under the windowsill. Compensating for this solution can be done with a heated floor (this point may also require coordination).

But 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 that air can circulate freely. You can also place the radiator next to the window.

Design: Anastasia Vishnevskaya

Don't forget that the drain in the wall must have a sufficient slope to prevent clogging. Also, choose a good mixer with adjustable water pressure so that droplets don't splash onto the window. Though, if your window is as deep as in the photo, there won't be any splash issues.

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 at the street than a wall. I agree with them, especially if this solution is justified and technically feasible: you have no obstacles like a balcony door and the pipes can be run.

There's another small issue — radiators under the windowsill, but it can be easily solved. The cabinet under the sink should be slightly narrower, and the radiator placed behind it. Then you need to provide grilles or holes in the cabinet and countertop so that air can circulate freely.

Another solution is to relocate the radiator (there are many design options for radiators and their placement now). Or you can make cabinet doors with grilles.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

If you're afraid that droplets will remain on the windows, treat the glass with a special product — and no problems will occur. It's better to pay attention to how the window opens — it should function normally. Adjust the mixer position or choose a model with adjustable height. Also, don't forget to ensure access to pipes and the radiator control.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

Cover Design: Maria Polianskaya's Design Project