Should A Sink Be Centered Under A Window?

As the saying goes, "The kitchen is the heart of a home." One of its vital parts is the sink where we wash all the food we consume and the utensils we use. That is why placing it in the perfect spot is a vital task. We know why you're here, and you won't be disappointed with the answers from interior designers and plumbers.

Your sink should not necessarily be centered under the window. It can function perfectly well regardless of where it is, as long as there is a good source of water. In modern interior design, though, placing it in a kitchen island or below the cabinet is normal. Having it aligned below the window is more or less for these purposes:

1. Aesthetic
2. Light
3. Functionality

Can't wait to learn more? We have interesting information to share. And since we're at it, let's also talk about related topics that might be your future concern.

Why are kitchen sinks usually under the window?

There is no written law that you should place a sink under your window. But why are they commonly there? What made this spot such a common choice?

The aesthetic

Having to stand in front of a "moving painting" within your window frame can be a blessing, especially if you have a stunning view of the scenery or the skyline. You won't be facing a blank wall while your hands are busy scrubbing and rinsing the dishes. Plus, your eyes can relax as you gaze at the greens in your garden once in a while.

It can provide you with fresh air while working. Let's just hope that you'll be looking at a worthwhile setting.

If you want to hang curtains on it to add some spice, check out this article: Curtain Length Rules You Should Know [By Type Of Window]

The light

Whether it is day or night, life's natural sources of light like the sun, moon, and stars, always play their part by never letting darkness fill the spots they can reach.

With the sunlight beaming through your space, you can still work and see your sink's surroundings without having to turn on your lights until the sunset approaches your windows.

Ages before, people did not have enough sources of electricity, and not all of them had access to it. They were highly dependent on the weather in order to see the inside of their houses.

If celestial bodies were blocked by dark gray clouds, they'd probably suffer from not seeing much inside. That is why placing their kitchen window where the sink is or vice versa is a must. 

Nonetheless, you may find it difficult to match the two if you're after coordination and consistency in your home. 

The functionality

Placing your sink under the window mainly benefits those people who work in the kitchen. For instance, you can wash large kitchen items since it does not have any cabinets or racks to limit your movements and restrict the sizes of things you can clean there.

Another is that the window can serve as a vent. Sometimes, the leftover food on dirty dishes and utensils would stink, especially if left overnight. Or if you are washing meats like fish, having the window right in front of you can help circulate the air inside to blow off the unwanted fishy smell.

Lastly, your sink under the window strategically makes it easier to access your kitchen plumbing if ever you need to repair, inspect, or replace it. The pipes under the sink are nearer to the exterior wall.

Does an asymmetrical sink ruin your interior design?

Not at all. Look at this brilliant kitchen arrangement by homeowners and take note of how they dealt with it. If you have installed a sink, you have no choice but to live with it, unless you are willing to renovate the space. But it will be expensive and will require professional work.

Don't worry! The photos you see will prove perfectionists wrong. You don't always need symmetry in order to reach perfection. If you are one of those who can't stand seeing unaligned details, thinking out of the box can give you new ideas. After all, we can always find beauty even in imperfections.

Not having your sink centered under the window can also have its fair share of benefits. For example, it can give you privacy when you are doing something. It can also help you focus and keep you away from distractions on the other side of the wall.

What should be the height of a window above the sink?

You or your architect can discuss what the best size of the window above the sink is. It can reach the ceiling if you want. But most commonly, the base of the window frame is a few inches above the countertop while some prefer to extend it all the way down.

It will depend on your preferred style and how it can help you function better in the kitchen.

You can get more insightful information about this topic here: How High Should A Window Be Above A Kitchen Sink?

Can you put the fridge next to the sink?

Yes, but they shouldn't stand too close to each other. If you are familiar with kitchen layouts, you may be familiar with the three major working areas: the range, the sink, and the refrigerator. And you've probably heard of the famous triangle rule.

The kitchen triangle rule Is the ideal space between the major working areas. It is designed for a distance that can help you work around comfortably—not too short, not too wide, and not too narrow. The sides of the triangle should not measure less than 4 feet and more than 9 feet while its perimeter should be between 13 to 26 feet.

With this, you can have an idea of where you can locate your appliances without making you suffer by worrying about their arrangement during your cooking.

See how it is applied in this setup:

Does the kitchen sink need to be centered on the island?

No; not all the time. What should be set as a priority is putting the sink in a spot where you can easily access it if you need to. If that is in the middle, then maybe it needs to be centered.

In this setup, the sink is placed on the other side of the corner to minimize the movement you need to do while doing your food prep. You can slice the ingredients in the space between them while waiting for the water to boil on the left and the frozen meat to defrost on the right.

What is the perfect kitchen layout?

Here are the best kitchen layouts you can consider after deciding if you'll put your sink centered under the window or not. First and foremost, you have to identify the total area of your floor. From there you can determine which suits your home best.

• One wall - This type is designed to keep your workplace (the stove, sink, and fridge) next to each other in a straight line. 

• L-shaped - If you want to apply the triangle rule, you should go after this. It is the upgraded version of one wall with the addition of a countertop placed vertically beside it. It can accommodate your kitchen activity that needs more space like baking.

In this photo, the homeowner decided to put a stool chair on the island to use as a table.

• U-shaped - A leveled-up version of the first two layouts, this one adds another wing for the extra island, cabinet storage, or even more room for extra ovens.

You're set and off to go!

Wherever your sink ends up, you should remember that style and functionality can both be achieved without giving up on the other. Sinks are the primary tool that can keep the heart of your house clean. With that, you can ensure the safety of your family with the meals that are made in that room.

But, of course, do not forget every cook's secret recipe, which is a spoonful of love!