The deficit of space in small kitchens are delivered daily discomfort of their owners. They experience inconvenience due to the lack of working space, it is impossible to place additional technical devices, install a full dining table. Space on a windowsill, as a rule, take flowerpots, decorations, often it is warehoused various little things - receipt book with recipes, newspapers. Much needed space used absolutely irrationally. Make the room more comfortable and ergonomic design allows the sill-table top, which is great cope with all these challenges. This decision was important for large kitchens, as it enables profitable to change the design to make it more stylish and efficient.
Content
- Advantages and disadvantages
- pros design
- disadvantages
- The choice of material for the windowsill, countertop
- Fake diamond
- A natural stone
- Plastic
- natural wood
- Coated MDF
- The shape and size
- Stylistic and color solutions
- Options for the location and size of the kitchen
- Windowsill, countertop as a bar or table
- Windowsill, countertop with integrated sink
- Windowsill, countertop with storage system
- Windowsill, countertop in the bay window
- Options in the living room arrangement
- Windowsill, countertop as a workplace in the living room
- Writing desk in the nursery
- Windowsill, countertop as a place to rest
- How to make your own hands
- Materials and tools
- installation steps
- Folding table, windowsill
- conclusion
Advantages and disadvantages
pros design
The main advantage of the sill-table top - an effective involvement of the sill area. Additional meters of working space will never be superfluous. You no longer have to rush to the kitchen, looking for a free place to a cutting board or hot cap. The space will be used one hundred percent, that for a small kitchen is very important.
Accommodation on the ground sill workspace allows you to save energy. Due to the abundance of natural sunlight, artificial light has fully lost its relevance in the daytime, even on a cloudy day.
Another advantage of installing countertops instead of the sill - the ability to build in her sink. This arrangement of shells - the dream of many housewives. It makes it possible to create truly convenient and ergonomic kitchen triangle, frees up workspace on the table, placed along the wall. In addition, many just like during dishwashing admire the beautiful view from the window.
Among the positive aspects of this decision can be identified as an opportunity to create additional storage space. Tabletop can be combined with shells and to equip them with the same facade, as in the remaining elements set. Although the proximity of the battery does not allow the vegetables to post here during the heating season, cabinets can be used to storage of cereals, dishes, kitchen utensils and supplies - foil, parchment paper, bags for freezing and baking.
disadvantages
Weaknesses include design difficulties during installation. Judging by the reviews, the sill is often not the same as the height of the headset, and combine space becomes very difficult. To the window sill stood on a par with the rest of the work surface, sometimes it is necessary to raise the bottom edge of the window. Solution could be the installation of glass with a hollow bar at the bottom of the countertop or arrangement on different levels. In the latter case, the installation is excluded in this series of household appliances standard height.
Another negative - worktop prevents air flow from the radiator to the glazing. As a result, windows are beginning to sweat, which is formed on the icing. This problem is solved by doing the worktop several slots or holes. The slits closed ventilation grilles neat, and the appearance of the working surface is not affected.
The choice of material for the windowsill, countertop
For the manufacture of countertops, you can use a variety of materials:
- plastic;
- MDF;
- chipboard;
- metal;
- a natural stone;
- fake diamond;
- wood.
The choice depends on interior style, the owners' preferences and their financial capacity. Of course, ideally worktops sill must be made of the same material as the rest of the working surface. It is a continuation of the headset, and often is a single whole. Since this area will continue to be exposed to sunlight, it is necessary to select a material having a high resistance to fading and discoloration.
Fake diamond
Material represented by two species, which include a resin and mineral components:
- acrylate;
- composite agglomerate - quartz or granite.
The main advantage of acrylic tops - they are carried out under the size of the customer and represent the whole seamless product. They can be provided with a rim, which serves as a kitchen apron, monolithic integrated sink. The composition of this material is 60-75% mineral and the rest - acrylic resins and coloring pigments. The basis protrudes frame made of plywood, MDF or chipboard. Acrylic material acts as casing of this construction. He absolutely does not absorb odors, spills, dirt. It does not form mold. These countertops require careful treatment - they can be easily scratched or break by placing directly on the surface of the hot pan.
Small scratches and marks from hot dishes can be removed by hand. To do this, gently clean the damaged area sandpaper and then polished. In the case of formation of chips and fractures in the deep recesses are glued pieces of material, after which the surface is polished.
Acrylic countertops presented glossy, semi-gloss and matte varieties of different colors.
See also:Refrigerator under the window
Dimensions of sheet acrylate - 2400h2600 mm, but since space fragments compound from this material are invisible, countertops length can be any. Width can be from 40-80 cm. Plate thickness - 38 cm, but the thickness of the upper layer may be 3-19 mm.
Composite agglomerate - one of the most worthy varieties of artificial stone and the most successful of all existing materials for kitchen countertops. Him in some moments even lose natural counterparts.
There are two versions of agglomerate:
- Quartz - it consists of 93% ground quartz, polyester resins and modifying agents. A large percentage of the mineral component material provides strength exceeding similar characteristics of natural quartz;
- Artificial granite - a little more prone to scratches and traces the emergence of hot as granite chips in its composition takes only 80-85%.
The absence of pores on the surface of the composite greatly simplifies maintenance. It is not colored stains from foods, since the coloring substances can not penetrate the fabric structure. Due to the high strength products can be cut directly on the worktop - scratches are not formed. Countertops made of composite does not have to repair and polishing. It can be absolutely any form.
A natural stone
Natural stone products have pristine beauty, thanks to the unique shades and patterns. But despite this, insanely expensive, presentable and durable materials have many disadvantages:
- high cost - meter this luxury will cost 25-100 thousand rubles;
- the inability to produce a monolithic tabletop;
- well absorb fluid and pollution - from spilled pomegranate juice, coffee or red wine can remain an indelible stain.
Plates made of natural stone in a thickness of 20 or 30 mm, and their length may vary from 1.5 to 3 meters. Rare stone countertops length exceeds 2.4 m.
The following breeds are used for the manufacture of:
- granite - it has a fine-grained, high density and strength. It comes in the form of plates - slabs. It has a rich palette of colors;
- Marble - striking and nice material which can not tolerate exposure to acids and tolerates impacts. Such a surface has a porous and open structure and therefore instantaneously absorb dirt, fat, water. If you spilled coffee is not wiped immediately spot will always remain on the table. Marble requires special care - it is necessary to regularly rub protective equipment. It is recommended to do no less than 1 time per month.
- onyx - attractive mineral, stable to moisture, grease and dirt. It has the ability to pass through the light itself, so it is often offered to provide illumination. A variety of lines and interlacing of openwork form surprising patterns on the stone and make it incredibly attractive.
Plastic
Countertops made of PVC - a great choice for a budget interior. Despite the low cost, they are more practical than wood and marble products. As a basis for plastic are chipboard MDF or chipboard. The first - more durable and do not contain toxic components in the composition, and therefore are more expensive. Externally, the product is a single color or imitation stone, metal, wood, may be gloss or matt.
Dimensions
Plates produced with a length of 4100 mm. Sample width - 60 cm, but it also happens to 40, 70, 80, 90 or 120 cm. The thickness of the products may be 28, 38 or 40 mm. Thick countertops look more thoroughly, besides them easier to incorporate hobs.
The advantages of plastic countertops include:
- durability;
- water resistance;
- resistance to ultraviolet rays;
- a wide selection of colors and textures;
- possibility to manufacture large surfaces;
- low cost.
Despite its high resistance to moisture plastic, in contact with water can swell the surface of sutures.
Cons material and that it is susceptible to the effects of thermal and mechanical nature. In the latest generation of innovative plastic virtually no drawbacks.
natural wood
Wooden top is hardly a practical and durable. Is chosen due to the fact that it is organically and looks spectacular in both classical and modern interiors, has a pleasant texture and exudes healing volatile. It can be performed on the basis of veneer or chipboard or MDF represent dialer web of glued wood bars. Consider these two species in more detail.
- Veneered table top. Looks just like the all-natural, but it is worth half as much, and thus better adapted to temperature extremes and high humidity. Its "Achilles heel" - edge which could be damaged or peel off, and a thin layer of veneer - 3 mm, which does not allow multiple restoration.
- Dialing worktop. Such a surface can be restored by grinding and polishing countless times. Possibility of milling front edge allows you to create a variety of forms countertops. Weaknesses wooden countertops is that it does not tolerate exposure to moisture, temperature extremes. It can crack, arch. Requires regular treatment with oil or wax - at least 1 time per year.
See also:Glazed verandas and terraces: the options and methods
Dimensions of wooden worktops
The maximum length of the stamp is 4100 mm, width - from 600 to 630 mm. The thickness of the web is from 32 to 42 mm.
For the manufacture of wooden worktop best wood of oak or larch. Just bad manifest themselves birch, walnut, alder. The lowest performance has soft and unstable to wear - pine worktop.
Coated MDF
In the production of these worktops as the basis of MDF stands. Plate coated with a layer of high strength and finishing of the laminate a protective layer.
Advantages of countertops made of MDF
- Security - the manufacture of the plates as a binder component is used harmless paraffin and lignin.
- Availability - meter of material costs from 30 at. e.
- A rich palette of colors, imitations of natural materials.
- Resistance to the emergence of fungal structures.
- Water resistance.
- Resistance to temperature jumps.
disadvantages
- Low resistance to acids and colorants.
- Insufficient heat resistance.
- In the joints can penetrate water, leading to swelling of the material, and swelling of the surface layer.
- Weak resistance to shock.
The choice of countertops made of MDF for the windowsill is justified in that case, if the high load will be excluded her.
The shape and size
The width of a standard table top - 60 cm. This top is quite suitable for the decoration of the window sill. If space allows, you can order a broader product. This will provide an opportunity to arrange deep cabinets for built-in furniture or be equipped with a comfortable dining area, leaving plenty of legroom.
Particular attention should be paid to the decorative treatment of the end edges. They can be round, decorate milling or left straight. The complexity of processing the ends necessarily affect the price of the product. It is advisable to equip the countertop bumpers or simply close the gap between the wall and worktop areas. They prevent the ingress of water and dirt for the lower body.
Can and does give up the corners, if laid out to start flashing after installing the headset. Then tile or glass will rely on the table and a gap is formed.
Stylistic and color solutions
Table top should be in harmony with the rest of the interior, combined with them by color and style. In the traditional classics will look great wood, stone surfaces, as well as their simulation. The tree with the same success, ideal for the loft, Provence, or country. The loft is just as organically will look concrete or metal top. In modern interiors perfectly integrated steel countertops, acrylic stone, or wood agglomerate.
When choosing a color, you need to focus on coloring of facades, aprons, table top dining table, appliances, doors, floor and wall finishes. Dark countertops look luxurious and presentable. Unfortunately, this effect lasts just before hitting the surface of first water droplets and even the smallest spots. All pollution becomes very noticeable on a dark homogeneous background. Better to choose the product, which contains white and colored streaks, blotches or even pay attention to the blonde model. Brown cover has to be cleaned twice as often as bright.
Options for the location and size of the kitchen
Ordinary sill can be turned into additional workspace, dining table, bar. The choice depends on the layout of the premises and the owners needs.
Windowsill, countertop as a bar or table
The small kitchen is often forced to choose between setting the table and refrigerator. you can convert the window sill and make it into a dining table, if desired. The result is a comfortable, well-lit, compact dining area. It is necessary that the front edge of the sill retreated from the radiator at least 25 cm. This space is necessary to accommodate the legs. Makeshift table can be of any shape - rectangular, semi-circular or irregular.
Create the kitchen sitting area you can be setting in place the windowsill spectacular bar. This technique is relevant for larger rooms, and space is limited. The rack can have any shape. In the spacious rooms you can install a curved design that will separate the dining area from the kitchen. When attached balcony rack can move into the countertop or island, equipped with storage space, built-in oven or mini-fridge.
Windowsill, countertop with integrated sink
Such a decision is not always easy to implement - you may need lowering or raising the level of the window sill. Transfer wash on adjacent or opposite wall requires the project development and approval.
Such method is easiest to bring to the kitchen, where water pipes are located near the windows. Otherwise, you will need to install the pump. Most often, this option is used in the regeneration of kitchens in private homes. Sink built into the countertop, organically combined with the classic, rustic - Country, Provence. This location makes the shell very cozy kitchen and wash the dishes while admiring the spectacular views from the windows, very nice. However, this advantage has a downside - the spray hit the glass, so it will have to be washed much more often. Speaker Mixer can make it difficult to opening windows.
Place the sink closer to the edge of the box, so that at least one valve opened at 90 degrees. In this case, you will be able to ventilate and wash the windows without any problems.
Windowsill, countertop with storage system
under the sill area can easily be turned into an additional storage system. Here you can arrange the same case as in the rest of the headset. Latticed door is better to make in order not to stand in the way of warm air streams. Here you can store different-sized utensils - pots, forms, jars with spices. It can be placed under the table, windowsill small open rack or shelf mounted if desired.
See also:Decorating the exterior slopes on the windows
Windowsill, countertop in the bay window
The kitchen with a bay window, there are two great advantages - increased glazing area and additional space. The main task of the owners - as efficiently as possible to organize the space.
divided into for the construction of these projections:
- wall;
- angle;
- inscribed in an angle.
The window sill in the bay window can be used for equipment dining area. It's nice to eat looking out the window. Due to the projection surface can be obtained quite roomy.
When the panoramic windows when the window sill is too low to make it into a table, you can arrange on the windowsill seat. By improvised couch will move up a full table, and a dining area is ready. Under the seat can be equipped with a storage system with drawers or shelves, or house for a pet.
Windowsill, countertop in the bay window may act as a work surface with integrated sink.
Options in the living room arrangement
Such a detail of the interior is quite appropriate, and in the living room. However, for its devices do not need to use waterproof materials. Converted the window sill can be used as a writing or working desk, mini-settee.
Windowsill, countertop as a workplace in the living room
Replacing conventional sill countertop to create a full-fledged working area - great idea. In the living room is not always easy to allocate space for a home office, but the sill area fits perfectly. The built-in countertop comfortably accommodate your computer and office equipment, and on both sides of the window perfectly fit small racks or shelves for papers and stationery. Work in this "study" is much easier than for a coffee table or on the couch. Here you can use the high-grade office chair, which will not suffer your posture.
Writing desk in the nursery
The window sill in the children's room can be converted to a comfortable and spacious work desk. The main advantage of such a solution - an excellent illumination of the workplace, which is very important for the health of eyes. The table top is placed along the wall, so there would be enough room for two students. This eliminates the need to install bulky furniture design in the space of the room and allows you to save a place for games and active pursuits.
Windowsill, countertop as a place to rest
This option is particularly relevant in the presence of large windows with low sills. Having increased area can be equipped couch or sofa. This is a great place to read and relax. This area is relevant in any room apartments - living room, bedroom, nursery. Under the table, serving as the bed can be equipped with a mini-library and a place to rest your favorite dog.
Pridvinuv to design a coffee table, you can quickly organize a place for the reception. The lights of the city at night will help create a romantic atmosphere.
How to make your own hands
A similar construction is quite possible to produce in-house. To do this, you need only to stock the necessary materials and tools, and to understand the details of the installation process.
Materials and tools
To work need:
- Chipboard sheet with a thickness of not less than 12 mm;
- silicone;
- Scotch;
- polyurethane foam;
- packing tape;
- roulette;
- square;
- building level;
- table legs - if the countertop is greatly extend beyond the sill.
installation steps
- Dismantling of the old sill, and if necessary, replacement of windows.
- Preparing the countertop - cut the board in accordance with pre-produced measurements. We are doing work with maximum precision. Treat the surface and edges of sandpaper 60.
- Process the end sections of the two silicon layers.
- Paste over the bottom surface of the packaging tape.
- If the legs are used, fix them before installation.
- Set the plate and fill the existing holes with foam. Check the correct installation of countertops using a spirit level.
- Set the corner, all the seams and cracks should be filled with silicone.
Folding table, windowsill
In addition to the table top, replacing the sill, can be attached folding table. If necessary, it can act as an additional work surface, dining table, bar or home office.
conclusion
The transformation of the sill into the countertop - the ability to intelligently organize space, to make it interesting, stylish and comfortable. Embodiments of this idea in the interiors shown in the photo.