22 L-Shaped Kitchen Design with Window Layout Concepts

In this post, I’m going to share 22 practical L-shaped kitchen layouts that work perfectly with windows.

I know what makes these designs special because I’ve spent over 10 years helping homeowners turn awkward kitchen spaces into functional cooking areas. These layouts have worked for kitchens of all sizes – from tiny apartments to spacious homes.

Ready to find your ideal L-shaped kitchen design? Let’s get started!

Benefits of L-Shaped Kitchen Designs with Windows

I’ve found that combining L-shaped layouts with windows brings several key benefits to any kitchen.

Let me share what makes this setup so practical for many homes.

1. Natural Light and Ventilation: The windows in an L-shaped kitchen let in plenty of sunlight, making your cooking space bright and fresh. When I cook, I love how the natural light helps me see ingredients clearly and makes meal prep more enjoyable.

2. Space Efficiency:

• The L-shape setup uses two walls, leaving other walls free for windows
• Corner space gets put to good use with smart cabinet arrangements
• You get more counter space without blocking window views

3. Better Work Flow:

• The layout creates a natural working triangle between sink, stove, and fridge
• You can move easily between cooking and prep areas
• There’s enough room for two people to cook without bumping into each other

4. Social Connection: Having windows in your L-shaped kitchen means you can:

• Keep an eye on kids playing outside while cooking
• Enjoy garden or street views during kitchen tasks
• Feel more connected to the outdoors while working in the kitchen

5. Storage Solutions:

• Upper and lower cabinets fit well around windows
• Corner spaces can hold lazy Susans or pull-out organizers
• Wall space under windows works great for extra countertops

What Window Styles Work Best in L-Shaped Kitchens?

Window Style	Best Location	Key Benefits	Best For
Casement Windows	Above Sink	• Opens outward with a crank, Full ventilation, Easy to open while standing at sink	• Small to medium kitchens, Spaces needing maximum airflow
Sliding Windows	Long Wall	• Horizontal operation, Low maintenance, No outward swing	• Wide wall spaces, Areas near eating zones
Double-Hung Windows	Any Wall	• Two movable sashes, Classic look, Easy to clean from inside	• Traditional kitchens, Tight spaces
Bay Windows	Corner Area	• Makes space feel bigger, Creates extra shelf space, Three-panel design	• Large kitchens, Breakfast nook areas
Picture Windows	Main Wall	• Fixed panel, Maximum light, Best views	• Kitchens with good views, Well-ventilated spaces
Awning Windows	Above Counters	• Opens from bottom, Works in rain, Good for short walls	• Areas above appliances, Small wall spaces

A Note from My Experience:

I once worked with a client who picked casement windows for their sink area.

They told me later it was the best choice they made – no more awkward reaching to open windows while doing dishes!

But I’ve also seen sliding windows work wonders in bigger kitchens where people wanted to save energy.

The key is matching the window style to how you’ll use your kitchen daily.

In my own L-shaped kitchen, I chose double-hung windows because they’re so simple to clean, and I like to keep my windows spotless.

Design Ideas for L-Shaped Kitchens with Windows

1. Black and White Industrial Design

• Why It Works: The black and white colors make your kitchen look clean and simple. The dark cabinets contrast with white walls and natural light.
• Lighting Suggestions: Mix pendant lights above your counter with window light to avoid shadows.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Dark upper cabinets near windows look less bulky, making your kitchen feel bigger.

2. Large Picture Window for a View (if you have one, of course)

• Why It Works: A big window brings the outside into your kitchen and makes the room feel twice as big.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add under-cabinet lights for cloudy days or evening cooking.

3. Skylight and Window Combo

• Why It Works: Light comes from two directions, filling every corner of your kitchen.
• Lighting Suggestions: Put dimmer switches on your artificial lights to balance with natural light at different times.
• Space-Saving Benefits: No need for extra lighting fixtures on your ceiling or walls.

Designer’s Note: After installing this in several client homes, I’ve found that placing the skylight slightly off-center, closer to the wall, spreads light more evenly than centering it. This setup prevents harsh noon-time glare.

4. Store Vertically

Personal Experience: The best tip I give clients about vertical storage: keep everyday items between eye and waist level. I learned this the hard way – anything stored too high or low just doesn’t get used.

• Why It Works: Using wall space near windows keeps your counters clear for cooking.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add small LED strips to light up your vertical storage areas.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Tall cabinets and shelves use space that often goes to waste.

5. Incorporate a Corner Pantry

• Why It Works: The corner pantry fits perfectly in the L-shape bend and keeps food storage out of sight.
• Lighting Suggestions: Install motion-sensor lights inside the pantry that turn on when you open the door.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Uses often-wasted corner space to create lots of storage.

6. Light Wood and Matte Black Mix

• Why It Works: Light wood cabinets pair nicely with black hardware and window frames to create balance.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add black pendant lights that match your window frames and hardware.

7. Statement Backsplash

• Why It Works: A bold backsplash near windows catches natural light and becomes a focal point.
• Lighting Suggestions: Place small spotlights above to highlight the pattern when natural light is low.

8. Window-Side Herb Garden

• Why It Works: Plants get the sunlight they need while adding fresh greenery to your kitchen.
• Lighting Suggestions: Install grow lights for winter months when sunlight is limited.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Uses window sill space that often sits empty.

Speaking From Experience: I learned that growing basil and mint near kitchen windows isn’t just pretty – it stops these plants from taking over your outdoor garden. Plus, having herbs within arm’s reach has made my cooking much more flavorful.

9. L-Shaped Kitchen with Dark Wood Floor

• Why It Works: Dark floors ground the space while windows keep it from feeling too heavy.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use recessed lights to brighten corners where window light doesn’t reach.

10. Vintage-Inspired Cottage Kitchen

• Why It Works: White cabinets and lots of windows create that bright, airy cottage feel.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add glass-shade sconces that look like old gas lamps for charm.

11. Grey Stone Countertop (my all-time favourite)

• Why It Works: Grey stone catches sunlight and creates subtle sparkles, making your kitchen look bright.
• Lighting Suggestions: Install under-cabinet lighting to make the stone shine even on cloudy days.
• Space-Saving Benefits: The counter can double as a prep area and dining spot.

Pro Tip: In my own kitchen, I chose a grey stone with small flecks rather than big patterns. The tiny sparkles look better in natural light and hide crumbs much better than solid colors or busy patterns.

12. Earth-Toned Design with Wooden Accents

• Why It Works: Earth colors near windows create a warm, cozy feeling when sunlight hits them.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use warm LED strips under cabinets to keep the cozy mood after sunset.

13. Industrial Open Shelving with Metal Frames

• Why It Works: Metal frames let light pass through while holding all your kitchen items.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add small spot lights on the frames to light up your stored items.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Open shelves use less space than closed cabinets while storing the same amount.

14. Extend Your Countertop As a Breakfast Nook

• Why It Works: The extended counter uses window views to make breakfast time better.
• Lighting Suggestions: Hang a simple pendant light above the nook for evening meals.
• Space-Saving Benefits: One piece of furniture works as both counter and eating space.

15. Mix White and Yellow Tones

• Why It Works: Yellow walls or cabinets near windows make your kitchen feel sunny all day long.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use white lights rather than yellow ones to keep colors looking true.

16. Contrast Cabinets with Natural Light (so beautiful)

• Why It Works: Different cabinet colors on upper and lower rows create interest near windows.
• Lighting Suggestions: Add lights inside glass-front cabinets to show off your items.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Dark lower cabinets hide marks while light uppers make space feel bigger.

Expert Tip: I suggest placing darker cabinets on the window wall after many kitchen renovations. This creates depth while letting the natural light soften the dark color – a trick I used in my kitchen.

17. Use Patterns

• Why It Works: Patterned tiles or wallpaper near windows catch light in interesting ways all day.
• Lighting Suggestions: Place small lights at angles to create shadows that highlight the patterns.

18. Open Concept Cabinetry

• Why It Works: Open shelves let light flow through and make your kitchen feel bigger.
• Lighting Suggestions: Put strip lights on shelf edges to light items at night.

19. Bold Color in an L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

A Yummy Design Secret: In my kitchen projects, I’ve found that painting just the lower cabinets in a bold color works better than upper ones. It grounds the space without making it feel closed in.

• Why It Works: One bold-colored wall or cabinet set near windows becomes a fun focal point.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use neutral white lights to keep the bold color looking true all day.

20. Contrasting Dual-Tone Combinations

• Why It Works: Two different colors split between walls create zones in your kitchen.
• Lighting Suggestions: Install different light types in each zone to highlight the color change.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Dark colors can hide appliances while light ones reflect more light.

21. Bold Accent Wall Around the Window

• Why It Works: A colorful wall framing your window draws eyes up and makes the window stand out.
• Lighting Suggestions: Install small lights along the window frame to make the wall color pop at night.
• Space-Saving Benefits: Creates a focal point without using any counter or floor space.

22. Add a Pop of Color in Minimalist Setting

• Why It Works: Small bits of bright color look fresh against white cabinets and natural light.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use simple white lights to keep the focus on your color touches.

Tips for Ventilation in L-Shaped Kitchen Designs

Having worked on countless L-shaped kitchen makeovers, I’ve seen how good airflow can make or break a kitchen’s comfort.

Many of my clients used to struggle with cooking smells lingering too long or their kitchens feeling stuffy.

But after fixing their ventilation setup, they tell me their kitchen feels fresher and pleasant to cook in. Here are my tried-and-true ventilation tips:

• Place your range hood at least 24 inches above your cooktop for the best smoke capture.
• Put a small fan near your window to help pull fresh air through your kitchen.
• Consider a ceiling fan that can switch directions for summer and winter.
• Leave at least 3 feet of clear space between your stove and window for good air movement.
• Mount exhaust fans on the wall opposite your windows to create better airflow.
• Use window screens with larger mesh to let more fresh air in while keeping bugs out.
• Check that your range hood vents outside, not just through a filter.
• Open windows on opposite walls when possible to create a cross-breeze.
• Keep your window sills clear of décor items that might block airflow.

Wrapping It Up

I hope these L-shaped kitchen designs with windows have sparked ideas for your own space.

As someone who has helped turn countless kitchens into bright, functional rooms, I can say that mixing natural light with smart layouts makes cooking more enjoyable.

Remember, pick a design that fits your daily routine.

Want to explore more kitchen ideas? Check out these guides:

• U-Shaped Kitchen with Island Ideas
• Kitchen Windowsill Magic: Creative Uses
• Smart Countertop Organization Solutions

Why not start planning your kitchen makeover today? Your perfect L-shaped kitchen with windows awaits!