Interior view a kitchen garden greehouse window above a sinkExterior view of a garden window with side casements windows openExterior view - garden windows with casement side windows open
Perhaps you’d like to take advantage of an herb garden for cooking year round – or maybe you’d like to keep some of your potted plants alive during harsh winters….. if so a kitchen garden window may be just the choice. In this article you’ll learn the definition, advantages and disadvantages, options and places to use garden window.
Definition – Agarden windowis a 4 glass sided window that comes out from the house to increase light and provide views and fresh air from multiple sides. This window is most commonly used above a kitchen sink for growing plants (and for that reason is sometimes called a greenhouse window).
Advantages of a Garden Kitchen Window
Maximizes the views– Since these windows protrude out for the home you get a wider view of a backyard, side yard, or front yard.
Provide a place for plants to grow or for knick knacks – With glass on 4 sides this plant window (as it’s sometimes called) can provide a greenhouse environment which improves the growth of plants – year round.
Add more light– With glass on the top, 2 sides and the middle more light will flow into a kitchen or master bathroom area.
Offers improve ventilation – With 2 side casement windows (i.e. crank out windows) the garden window can provide cross ventilation. Since this window is often placed above a sink it can help to remove cooking smells after a meal as well.
Provides heat gain during the winter – Picture windows let the sunlight shine in to warm the home on a sunny winter day.
Window box will make the room look bigger – The 4 sided construction will add depth to a room.
Disadvantages of Garden Kitchen Windows
Solar heat gain – You may want to use an insulated glass package to minimize heat gain.
Can be a more expensive window– Given their multi-sided construction garden windows are more expensive than the standard double hung, casement or slider windows they often replace.
Will need to be cleaned from the outside– Since the top and middle windows are fixed they will need to be cleaned from outside.
Popular Options
Add more style with these options:
Interior veneer trim options to match traditional style decors
Multiple vinyl frame color choices to accent the curb appeal of your home
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
Linda – given the roofing requirements often involved with a kitchen window box it’s best to get a local contractor to look at what needs done and to quote you. Where is your project located? Mike
Linda Quiroga
I have a kitchen window box that needs to be replace . I am checking prices. Can you help me ?
Shelly – you usually have a roof which is built over the garden window. With this one you’ll be best served by finding a local company who supplies and installs garden windows and send them a picture of what you’re looking to do and they can give you input if it’s feasible or not – thanks for your comment – Mike
Shelly
I have a kitchen window, southern exposure, but underneath a porch. Is a kitchen garden window futile?
Yes Robin – the cats find all the fun places to nap! Mike
Robin
It is also a great place for the cats to nap!!
Kayla
We are buying a house with a kitchen garden window. What do we use for Hurricane coverage? Do you make a cover of some kind for these windows for storm protection?
Mike Foti
Linda – given the roofing requirements often involved with a kitchen window box it’s best to get a local contractor to look at what needs done and to quote you. Where is your project located? Mike
Linda Quiroga
I have a kitchen window box that needs to be replace . I am checking prices. Can you help me ?
Mike Foti
Shelly – you usually have a roof which is built over the garden window. With this one you’ll be best served by finding a local company who supplies and installs garden windows and send them a picture of what you’re looking to do and they can give you input if it’s feasible or not – thanks for your comment – Mike
Shelly
I have a kitchen window, southern exposure, but underneath a porch. Is a kitchen garden window futile?
Mike Foti
Yes Robin – the cats find all the fun places to nap! Mike
Robin
It is also a great place for the cats to nap!!
Kayla
We are buying a house with a kitchen garden window. What do we use for Hurricane coverage? Do you make a cover of some kind for these windows for storm protection?
Phyllis Beima
We are looking for a white, modern, rounded-style, no shelf or middle support bar.