When every meter in an apartment is worth its weight in gold, it is important to properly arrange the interior and use every corner as efficiently as possible. This is especially true for the kitchen, because this room should be the most functional of all. As a rule, a small kitchen lacks a work surface.
Content
- What to choose: a table or a winter garden?
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Role in the interior
- Types of products
- Selecting the material
- Step-by-step instructions for installing a tabletop made of chipboard and ceramic tiles
- Care tips
- VIDEO: Window sill-countertop in the kitchen.
- Window sill-countertop in the kitchen – 50 photo ideas:
What to choose: a table or a winter garden?
Window sills in the kitchen are usually used as a winter garden or a small vegetable garden. Indeed, you can grow flowers, onions or dill on it.
However, when the kitchen is very small, you should not waste space. An ordinary window sill can be turned into a work surface, a bar counter.
Advantages and disadvantages
What is so convenient about a countertop instead of a window sill in the kitchen? Let's consider the main advantages of such an interior solution.
- Saving space.
You can store cereals, appliances or dishes on the windowsill-tabletop. In this case, the kitchen tabletop can replace a full-fledged table, which will significantly save kitchen space.
- Ease of installation.
Such a product is easy to make with your own hands. To do this, you just need to follow the instructions provided in this article.
- Aesthetic pleasure.
A large tabletop instead of a window sill will allow the hostess to enjoy the cooking process to the fullest.
- Saving electricity.
It is no secret that the cost of electricity is quite high today. Therefore, you need to use any opportunity to save. The work surface on the window does not require additional lighting.
- Unlimited design possibilities.
The original solution is very relevant in our time. It makes the kitchen more modern and functional.
- Low cost.
If you use available materials during installation and perform the installation process yourself, then the cost of such a product will be quite low.
Of course, this design solution for the kitchen also has some disadvantages.
Firstly, it is absolutely not suitable for people who tend to change their interior frequently.
Secondly, you will have to spend more time choosing curtains. They should be stain-resistant and water-repellent. If you don’t want to “bother”, then you don’t need to use curtains in the kitchen.
Role in the interior
In addition to functionality, the countertop will play a significant role in the interior of the kitchen and window. In order for it to perfectly "fit" into the overall design, you need to follow some recommendations:
- MThe material used must match the color scheme and style of the other interior details;
- Fthe shape of the product should be convenient during operation;
- UYou can paint the window and the product itself not only with fresh flowers, but also with various designer vases and kitchen utensils;
The window sill receives maximum natural light. - ABOUTIt is not necessary to cover the window in the kitchen with a curtain or blinds;
- EIf the kitchen is tiny, then a bar counter is not the best solution (it will take up too much space and make the room cramped);
- NThe table legs can also be used as interior decoration (legs decorated with designer forging will look interesting).
The width is selected individually and depends on the strength of the material and the availability of free space.
Types of products
Tabletops can be divided according to several features:
- Ffunctional purpose;
- FOrma.
By functional purpose window sill table top can be a bar counter, a work area, a table or a sink.
Important! The most functional solution for the kitchen is a counter combined with a window sill. In this case, it can completely replace the work surface and dining table, and under the counter itself you can install equipment or shelves.
The type of product should be selected based on your own needs and technical capabilities. For example, if the communications are located far from the window, then it will not be possible to install a sink.
Large kitchen | Small kitchen | Lack of nearby utilities | Limited budget | Need for additional protection of walls | |
Table | + | + | + | + | - |
Bar counter | + | - | + | - | - |
Washing | + | + | - | - | + |
Selecting the material
To make a tabletop with your own hands, you need to, first of all, choose the raw materials. Let's consider their main types and characteristics.
- Marble.
This is an expensive option. However, if your finances allow it, a marble countertop is an ideal option. Marble is resistant to any kind of damage. It will be able to serve for many years and will not lose its original appearance. Marble in the interior is a sign of the excellent taste of the owners of the house.
- Artificial stone.
This is a cheap alternative to marble. A countertop made of artificial stone will withstand any load. It will be resistant to water and high temperatures. However, over time, the appearance of the surface may suffer.
- Ceramic tiles.
This raw material is also relatively inexpensive. The tile is resistant to high temperatures and water, but it can be damaged by a heavy object.
- Glass.
By choosing glass, you can make your kitchen interior original and unique. Glass is not very popular, because many people are afraid that it will not withstand daily loads. However, there is nothing to be afraid of! Modern glasses for such purposes have a thick and dense structure.
- Natural wood.
If the table is not going to be used as a work surface, then natural wood is a suitable option.
- Chipboard or MDF.
They can be used in the kitchen if the window sill will not be used as a work surface or sink.
To decide which material is right for you, you need to consider some points. If the table will be used as a work area, it is best to give preference to marble, stone, tile or glass. These materials will be able to withstand high temperatures and will not lose their external properties with daily use.
Durability | Price | Aesthetic properties | Ease of installation | Resistance to damage | Variety of designs | |
Marble | + | high | + | - | + | - |
Artificial stone | + | acceptable | + | + | - | + |
Ceramic tiles | - | acceptable | + | + | - | + |
Glass | + | high | + | + | + | - |
Natural wood | - | high | + | + | - | + |
chipboard | - | acceptable | - | + | - | - |
Step-by-step instructions for installing a tabletop made of chipboard and ceramic tiles
- Purchase of material.
To get a window like this window sill table top, you need to buy the following equipment: chipboard, ceramic tiles, silicone, tape, ready-made table legs, mounting foam.
- Markup.
The table should be installed immediately after the new window is installed. If the window and window sill have already been installed, you will have to remove the old products first. Dismantling is simple and only requires the use of male physical strength. When the dismantling work is completed, you need to measure the length of the concrete base near the window and determine the width.
- Preparing the board.
The chipboard must be at least 12 mm thick. The board must be cut exactly according to the measurements. The accuracy must be maximum, so it is better to make markings in advance and check everything several times.
- Surface treatment.
The ends of the board should be treated with silicone in two layers, and the bottom surface should be covered with packing tape.
- Installation.
After installing the stove, all holes should be sealed with mounting foam. When installing, do not forget about the level. The window tabletop should be level. If it has legs, they should be screwed in advance.
- Facing.
The tabletop can be finished with ceramic tiles. They should be laid with minimal gaps. The gaps can then be painted to match the color of the tiles.
In total, the work takes several hours. Installing a product made of marble or stone is even easier, because they come ready-made. They only need to be installed on a concrete base near the window and carefully secured.
Care tips
To ensure that the product serves for a long time, it must be properly cared for.
Firstly, the surface of the new window sill needs to be cleaned regularly. Especially if it is used daily for cooking.
Secondly, you need to pay attention to the grout joints periodically. When installing ceramic tiles, it is impossible to do without joints. During operation, the joints quickly accumulate dirt, and pathogenic mold often develops in this place.
Thirdly, you need to pay special attention to any cracks and damage. If the tile is cracked, it should be replaced immediately. Bacteria can form in the crack.