The window above your kitchen sink is more than just a source of natural light—it’s a prime spot for adding personality and style to your cooking space.
Whether you’re looking to maximize storage, create a cozy ambiance, or simply spruce up your view while doing dishes, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 35 delightful ideas to transform that often-overlooked area into a focal point of your kitchen.
1. Hang a Kitchen Window Shelf
A suspended shelf is a game-changer for your kitchen window area. It maximizes storage and creates a charming display opportunity.
Hang it from the rafters or ceiling, positioning it midway between the top and bottom of the window.
For a farmhouse feel, opt for rustic wood that adds warmth and character to your space.
2. Try Black Kitchen Blinds
For a sleek and modern look, consider black kitchen blinds.
Matching them with your window frames creates a seamless appearance, especially complementing industrial-style windows.
This option works particularly well in contemporary black-and-white kitchens, offering adjustable privacy while making a bold statement.
3. Hang Plants in the Window
Bring the outdoors in by hanging plants in your kitchen window. This approach beautifully fills the dead space above the countertop.
Use macrame plant holders for a boho touch, and stagger the heights for an organic feel. It’s an easy way to add life and freshness to your kitchen atmosphere.
4. Add Wall Texture
Highlighting architectural details can transform your kitchen window area. Paint the window frames white for contrast, then use a soft or earthy color with a textured finish on the surrounding walls.
This technique especially enhances the natural beauty of arched windows, adding depth and interest to the space.
5. Hang a Woven Shade
A woven shade adds natural warmth and texture to your kitchen window. It complements neutral patterned tiles beautifully and pairs well with wooden cutting boards displayed nearby.
This option creates a soft, modern look that balances comfort with style.
6. Hang Colorful Curtains
Inject some vibrancy into your kitchen with colorful curtains. Choose patterned cafe curtains that complement your cabinet colors.
This approach works exceptionally well in butler’s pantries or vintage-style kitchens, adding a cheerful pop of color to brighten up your daily tasks.
7. Decorate With Potted Flowers
For a touch of cottage-style charm, decorate your kitchen window with potted flowers. Use terra-cotta pots filled with cheerful geraniums, placing them on windowsills and countertops.
This simple addition creates an English cottage aesthetic that’s both inviting and picturesque.
8. Try a Kitchen Picture Window
Prioritize natural light with a kitchen picture window. Install an extra-wide single glass pane, framing it with black for definition.
This creates a minimalist look that maximizes your outdoor views, turning your kitchen sink area into a scenic spot.
9. Hang a Vintage Lantern
Anchor your kitchen sink area with a vintage lantern. Choose an industrial-style lighting fixture that works well with farmhouse apron sinks.
This option complements brick tile floors beautifully, adding a touch of rustic elegance to your kitchen.
10. Add a Transom Window
A long, narrow transom window provides extra natural light without sacrificing cabinet space. Carve out room from your upper or lower cabinetry and use black trim for definition.
This works particularly well with flat-front cabinet designs, adding architectural interest.
11. Hang Sheer Curtains
Add a nostalgic feel to a modern farmhouse kitchen with sheer curtains. Pair white curtains with a black rod for a crisp look.
This option works well with inset windows and complements shiplap walls, creating a soft, airy atmosphere.
12. Accent With Brass
Install a trio of brass sconce lights to add a touch of glamour to your kitchen window. These provide extra evening illumination and function like jewelry for your kitchen.
Carry the brass accents throughout the space with matching fixtures and hardware for a cohesive look.
13. Hang a Roman Shade
Create a dramatic focal point with an oversized Roman shade, especially effective for large window banks.
A theatrical plaid treatment adds a country manor touch, enhancing spacious kitchens while providing adjustable light control.
14. Frame With Open Shelving
Add extra storage and display space by framing your window with open shelving. Install L-shaped shelves above and around the windows, placing them at the midpoint for a built-in look.
This solution works particularly well in small kitchens, maximizing vertical space.
15. Hang an Opaque Sun Shade
Block unwanted glare and views with an opaque sun shade. This option works well in minimalist kitchens, pairing nicely with open shelving around the window.
It creates a clean, simple look while providing privacy and light control.
16. Decorate the Windowsill
Style your windowsill with personal items to create a warm, personalized feel. Add favorite photos or practical items you use daily.
This approach works especially well with starburst or decorative windows, turning the sill into a curated display space.
17. Remodel a Bay Window
Create a focal point by remodeling your kitchen window into a bay window niche. Use white window frames for a clean look and pair with marble countertops.
Add a reclaimed wood ceiling with exposed beams for a touch of rustic charm.
18. Hang Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains are perfect for blocking neighbor views while adding warmth to your window area.
Install them halfway up the window for privacy, using brass rings for easy opening and closing.
Choose earth tones for a natural look that complements various kitchen styles.
19. Add a Cookbook Stand
Display your favorite recipes with a cookbook stand beneath your kitchen sink window. Flank it with decorative elements for balance.
This idea combines function with decoration, making your most-used recipes easily accessible while cooking.
20. Surround With Tile
Create a striking accent wall by surrounding your kitchen window with eye-catching tile. Use a bold pattern or color, and outline the window with decorative tile for extra impact.
Add symmetrical decorations on each side to complete the look.
21. Try Kitchen Window Shutters
For a Mediterranean beach house feel, install kitchen window shutters. Use natural wood for warmth, or paint them to match your kitchen’s color scheme.
This option works particularly well in black and white kitchens, adding texture and interest.
22. Anchor With Lighting
Add definition to a neutral kitchen by anchoring your window with lighting. Use black metal gooseneck sconces to create a graphic accent.
This approach works especially well for double windows above the sink, providing both style and function.
23. Fill the Sill With Plants
Turn a bump-out window into a mini greenhouse by filling the sill with plants. Use varying types, sizes, and heights for visual interest.
This prevents windowsill clutter and makes great use of deep windowsills, bringing nature into your kitchen.
24. Pair Black and White
Soften a black-trimmed industrial window with a simple white window shade. This creates a clean, contemporary look that maintains a minimalist aesthetic.
The contrast between black and white adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
25. Add Patterned Half Curtains
Bring vintage charm to your kitchen with patterned half curtains. A grain sack stripe or black-and-white striped pattern works well, hung halfway up multiple windows.
This complements repurposed antique furniture and adds a touch of nostalgia.
26. Accent With Color
Energize your kitchen space by using simple decor in a bright color. Fill containers with white wildflowers and add matching color accents throughout the kitchen.
This creates visual interest, especially in predominantly white kitchens.
27. Frame With Reclaimed Wood
Add instant character to a bump-out window nook by framing it with reclaimed wood. Use antique barnwood beams to add warmth to farmhouse-style kitchens.
This complements darker hardwood flooring and brings a touch of history to your space.
28. Light the Kitchen Window
Place a simple table lamp on a wide windowsill to add ambient evening light.
Choose a lamp that blends with your decor and balance it with tall plants or decor on the opposite end.
This creates a cozy atmosphere for nighttime kitchen use.
29. Install a Curtain Panel
Block unsightly views and minimize glare from south-facing windows with a fixed fabric panel. This allows filtered light while maintaining privacy.
It pairs well with reclaimed wood window frames and adds a touch of cottage charm to your kitchen.
30. Layer Lighting
Create a pleasant ambient glow by layering lighting around your kitchen window. Mount sconces on the sides of cabinetry, flanking the window for a balanced look.
This optimizes space while providing both function and style.
31. Hang a Semi-Opaque Shade
Filter glare without blocking light completely with a semi-opaque shade. This is ideal when privacy isn’t a major concern.
Choose a loose weave Roman shade to create soft, diffused lighting that enhances your kitchen’s atmosphere.
32. Try an Interior Window
Open up your kitchen without removing walls by installing an interior window. This allows light from other rooms to filter in, supplemented by pendant lighting.
It creates a unique architectural feature that adds interest to your kitchen design.
33. Add a Tray for Supplies
Keep your countertops clear by adding a tray for supplies on your windowsill. House soap and dishwashing liquid neatly, choosing tray colors that complement your kitchen scheme.
This maximizes windowsill functionality while maintaining a tidy appearance.
34. Decorate With Potted Herbs
Create a mini kitchen herb garden on your windowsill or surrounding countertop. This combines function with decoration, allowing you to grow fresh herbs for cooking.
Start small and expand your collection over time for a lush, aromatic display.
35. Soften With a Roman Shade
Soften modern kitchen lines with a creamy neutral Roman shade. This works with any color scheme and complements midcentury modern design beautifully.
It adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a clean, contemporary look.