Discover how glazed kitchen extension ideas can infuse your additional space with natural light and views from every angle – courtesy of picture windows, rooflights, patio doors and more
Glazed kitchen extension ideas are crucial to creating a welcoming and luminous add-on that becomes the new heart of the home. Glazing can also provide a stronger link between your fresh kitchen extension and your garden.
With so many stunning images out there on the internet or in magazines, it can be challenging to decide which kitchen extension ideas to incorporate into your own project. Not only does the budget come into the picture, but also the overall style of the project. Windows, doors and other forms of glazing substantially influence the aesthetics of any home and the budget, so should be seriously considered from the beginning.
Read on as we explore the different types of glazing for kitchen extensions and where each one is most suitably placed.
Bring In Light From Above Dark Blue Kitchen With Grey Island And Large Rooflight
Rooflights are a versatile and stylish method of glazing a kitchen extension. Moreover, this feature can be included alongside virtually any sizeable or small kitchen extension ideas.
Custom sizes and unconventional configurations or forms are popular (including circles and oversized, walk-on rooflights), but carry an extra cost. Additional features such as automatic openings and self-cleaning glass also come at a higher price.
Ready-made size options are also widely available and interesting designs can be constructed around them. For example, if your rooflight will be non-openable, continue the wall finish around the frame to give the illusion of thinner sightlines.
Other ideas for a kitchen extension with skylights to consider, include:
Installing them deeper into the floorplan where the extension meets the existing house, to introduce natural light where it’s most required Positioning them above preparation areas for extra diffused light Incorporating LED light strips for night-time illumination Designing a row of rooflights along a facade that doesn’t naturally receive much natural light.
Employ Patio Doors To Connect a Glazed Kitchen Extension To The Garden Pale, Modern Kitchen Diner Extension With Black Steel Patio Doors
Constructing a kitchen extension often provides an opportunity to connect with outdoor spaces. Make the most of this by using glazing where possible with patio door ideas.
The type of patio door you choose will depend on how you wish to transition from indoors to outdoors, the style of your extension (as well as the original house), and your budget.
Kitchen extensions with bifolds reap the advantage of being able to fold back the panels of glazing against a wall, opening up the interior to the garden. However, when closed, some models feature thick bars where the panels join together.
Sliding doors eliminate this if you desire constant good views to the outdoors while closed, but they can only open halfway, unless you create a pocket cassette in the wall for them to slide into, which can be expensive.
Lastly, French, Belgian and Steel-framed doors tend to suit a traditional/heritage style that works with both modern and period-inspired designs. However, they don’t offer the uninterrupted views that the other aforementioned options do.
Add An Extra Perspective With a Side Window White Kitchen Extension With Picture Window And Sliding Doors
(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips) While it might be tempting to focus on glazing that faces the rear garden, a side aspect can bring an unexpected view into the space.
For instance, a long narrow window style adjacent to a sink will offer a pleasant view during cleaning and washing up time.
Likewise, a picture window near a dining area can add an informal extra seat, as this stunning extension demonstrates.
This will reduce your reliance on artificial lighting around the room, making the kitchen extension more efficient overall. Just make sure the view you’re framing is a pleasing one — green walls and planting along side alleys and so forth will offer a greener view, for instance.
Aim High With Clerestory Windows
Clerestory windows – typically comprising a row of windows or glazing above eye level – can be are ideal for casting a wash of natural light over the room as a whole.
This glazed kitchen extension idea can not only help carry natural light deeper into the floorplan, but can also be employed to introduce natural light down the side of buildings, where overlooking might otherwise be a problem.
Combine Various Kitchen Extension Glazing Styles
To accomplish a kitchen extension that truly exploits glazing to its maximum potential, you will need to mix and match your favourite styles.
You don’t necessarily need to purchase all your glazing from the same supplier or even use the same materials to create a unified look. In fact, contrasting warm timber with a contemporary aluminium can work quite well.
Track the path the sun takes before you commit to an extension design using a lot of glazing. While it might sound great for a south-facing kitchen conservatory extension to be full of windows, this can result in a greenhouse-like effect where a solar coating needs to be applied or overheating measures enacted.
