Sill-table in the kitchen: how to design and use?

Every person dreams of equipping his apartment in such a way that he can live comfortably and well in it. However, most owners of typical apartments in our country cannot boast of spacious kitchens, so the problem of how to place everything they need in a small room comes to the fore. An excellent solution would be a window sill-table.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the problems of the owners of small-sized apartments arise precisely with the ergonomics of the kitchen, where it is necessary to highlight the dining and work areas, place all the necessary household appliances. Installing a countertop instead of a window sill can be a win-win option. Such a solution is especially relevant in Khrushchev buildings, the size of kitchens in which is small.

By installing a countertop instead of a window sill, you significantly free up space for washing products., cooking and eating, and thanks to natural light, electricity costs are significantly reduced.

Countertops combined with a window sill are available in several designs.

The most common option for a window table is a rectangular model, which saves usable kitchen space, and its installation is so simple that you can handle it even without resorting to the services of professionals.

A window sill table top with a folding table is another interesting option thaton the one hand, it frees up space for moving, and on the other hand, it allows you to set up a table at any time you need, at which the whole family can gather to have a delicious dinner or lunch.This option is convenient, but keep in mind that in winter, when the heating is on, the folding part will create obstacles to the movement of warm air from the batteries and it can be cool in the kitchen.

The table top, passing into the bar counter, is most common in large, spacious rooms., especially if the kitchen is combined with the hall. In this case, correctly selected furniture will make the dining room comfortable and functional.

Before proceeding with ordering a countertop, it is necessary to carefully study the properties of the materials that are used to make it. It is necessary to get as much information as possible about the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

This is a very effective and at the same time the most budgetary option of all offered on the market. Plastic models usually harmoniously complement MDF or chipboard headsets. Thanks to the wide variety of shades, textures and decors, you can choose an option that will fit into any kitchen design.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance, wide range of colors;
• versatility - plastic goes well with a wide variety of fittings;
• ease of care and cleaning;
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
• democratic cost.

Disadvantages:

• with a sharp change in temperature, the coating is damaged;
• plastic is prone to scratches;
• when water enters the joints, the inner surface begins to swell and deform.

This material has long been popular among Russian housewives due to its aesthetic appearance and a wide range of colors available in stores. There are even slabs on sale that imitate the texture of natural stone and wood.

Advantages:

• high wear resistance;
• ease of care;
• a wide range of shades and textures;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• when washing such a tabletop, extreme care should be taken, otherwise the protective layer of the material can be damaged;
• if moisture gets into damaged areas, panel deformation begins.

In addition, despite the assurances of the manufacturers, in practice there is very often a reduced impact resistance of the tabletop.

Usually, wood is not used for the manufacture of countertops built into the windowsill, but if you live in an eco-house or adhere to a unique style in the interior of interiors, wood will become an indispensable material.

Most often, elite wood species are used for the manufacture of kitchen furniture - cherry, beech, mahogany and oak. However, there are also more budget options from pine. Usually the wood is coated with special wax-based moisture-repellent impregnations.

Advantages:

• high environmental safety;
• spectacular appearance.

Disadvantages:

• low heat resistance;
• on contact with fire, a fire occurs, which spreads rapidly;
• under the influence of gravity, the surface begins to bend.

In addition, the material requires special care and regular processing.

This is the most practical option. Usually, such a countertop is made of natural or artificial types of stone. The most commonly used are granite, quartzite, marble, as well as polymer-mineral slabs. However, few people know that the stone has the property of absorbing radiation, and this over time begins to have a pathogenic effect on the inhabitants of the apartment... That is why when buying or ordering such a model, be sure to ask about the safety class of the stone - only the first is suitable for use in the kitchen. An exception is marble - this stone is incapable of absorbing radioactive radiation, but it can also become a source of problems for its owners.

Artificial stone is devoid of the above disadvantages. Its advantages include:

• durability:
• impact resistance;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• water-repellent properties.

However, it also has disadvantages, namely:

• heavy weight;
• high price.

When buying countertops instead of a window sill listen to a few simple guidelines.

• For a simple kitchen set, it is better to choose a laconic countertop. For example, if you have MDF furniture, a marble window sill table would be inappropriate.
• Matte countertops are always stronger and more durable than glossy ones.
• Slabs made of stone are quite dense, hard and tough, so the owner will have to learn how to place plates and cups as neatly as possible.
• When buying or ordering a window sill countertop, be sure to look at the exhibition sample with your own eyes and touch it.
• Give preference to light models, because during use on frequently washed areas, some materials become lighter, on a dark surface these areas will be clearly visible over time.

When installing a window sill countertop, it is extremely important that air circulates freely near the radiator. TThe heat generated by the batteries should rise up to the window, and the cold air should fall to the floor. If the heat exchange is disrupted, the room will become dank, cold and damp, and this, in turn, will lead to excessive fogging of the windows. In such conditions, an environment favorable for the appearance of mold and mildew is created. In order to avoid these unnecessary consequences, it is enough to make several holes in the worktop in order to maintain normal air exchange.

Keep in mind that a countertop sill will worsen the heating of the kitchen by a couple of degrees. Heat can be compensated by installing an additional battery or underfloor heating system.

Keep in mind - it is forbidden to install a stove near the window. Firstly, such a solution does not comply with building codes, and secondly, it is impractical, since during cooking, all splashes of oil will appear on the windows and the hostess will have to constantly wash them in order to return a fresh and aesthetic look.

No matter how you arrange the space under the window, it needs good lighting. Usually, wall sconces are hung for this or spotlights are mounted. Lamps can be hung at any height, the main thing is to place them above or in front of the workplace, and not behind it. Otherwise, the person standing near the countertop will block the light with his back.

For information on how to design and use a window sill-table in the kitchen, see the next video.