Window sill height from floor - standards, differences

Standard window sill height from floor

Rice. 2. Standard parameters of windows and doors in the room

The construction standard for window openings in multi-story buildings requires compliance with the size of the room and location. But the results do not always correspond to the project. The recommendations suggest using the current standards:

With standard ceilings of 2.45-2.65 m, the location of the windows is oriented along the top of the 2 m high internal doorway. This leaves a convenient gap between the ceiling and the window to position the fasteners for curtains or blinds. With higher ceilings, taller windows are usually used, which fill the space proportionately.
Window openings traditionally begin at a height of 0.9 m above the floor - this is due to the arrangement of furniture and the correct visual perception of the horizon in the room, as well as the location of heating radiators under the window.

Fashionable panoramic glazing starts almost from the floor. The window sills are located very low. This requires additional security measures:

protective fences in the children's bedroom, if the bottom line of the window opening is below 0.6 m,
reinforced glass - if the glazing starts below 0.45 m from the floor.
If the views from the window are not pleasing, the landing of the window sill board in the living room is at around 0.8 m - slightly higher than the dining table.

Windows are installed below and above the proper height of 0.9 m above the floor. The traditional mark allows you to place furniture under the window sill. But if the place is not occupied, lowering the window sill will increase ventilation, open up the panorama, and increase the luminous flux.

Ceiling niche length.

This size L between the left and right edges of the niche depends on its location - near the window, along the entire wall (the length of the niche is determined by the size of the wall), from one edge of the window to the opposite wall and vice versa. To be specific, let’s take the “near the window” option. In this case, the niche should extend beyond the window opening on the left and right. The question is - for how long?

Let’s assume that you have a small window relative to the size of the wall, and you don’t want thick curtains opened during the day (we selected them earlier for definiteness) to block it, reducing the flow of light. In this case, the niches overhanging the window opening should be at least 50 cm in order to provide enough space for the gathers of porter fabric.. But if you are determined to hang a Roman blind on this window, instead of our option, then 10 cm will be enough for each approach That is, we again observe the dependence of the size of the niche on the selected curtain model.

Another nuance: if your non-standard window sill has edges that extend far into the walls, then the length of the niche should be such that our curtains can then hide these edges. In connection with this, too, another case from my practice is indicative. I came across this version of windows with irregular niches in the hall of my customer’s cottage:

The lengths L1 and L2 of the two niches are such that in three places they end clearly at the level of the walls of the window opening, completely ignoring the significant overlap of the window sills onto the partitions... That is. only the left end, reaching almost to the wall, near the niche of the first window, is correct. How they came to such forms - history is silent. This is how I managed to level out the existing niche disadvantages in this case:

With the thin profile cornice mentioned at the very beginning, I imitated the continuation of the niche to the right for the second window and covered the entry of the window sills onto the partitions. Curtains can fix a lot of things... including the ceiling niche...

Extending the niche to one of the walls (or to both), thereby increasing the length L , makes sense if you want to hide on the wall with curtains something that could not be hidden structurally during the renovation. Or maybe you like beautiful curtain fabric flowing from the ceiling all over the wall...

The height of the window sill from the floor in the living room

The living room occupies a significant area in the apartment and is usually equipped with large windows. But stylish glazing does not guarantee a pleasant panorama. For example, if from the living room you can only see the wall of the house opposite or a parking lot, you can change the large opening to a couple of smaller ones.

Rice. 3. Windows and window sill in the living room

Large south-facing windows can flood the entire room with bright light, but be mindful of the possibility of overheating in the summer. Many living rooms also have glass doors on their balconies. Stacking windows and doors together creates an open feel to make the home appear larger than its actual size. But this magnificence requires integration into the design using coordinated trim and accents. In this case, a window sill with a suitable texture is used.

Rice. 4. Height of the window sill from the floor in the living room

The window sill of panoramic windows is located at 0.25-0.40 m - the gap allows you to install special batteries that compensate for heat loss through the large window space. By increasing the width of the board, you can create a great place for flowers or reading.

In utility rooms

For utility rooms, the choice of window sill height is dictated by the purpose of the room and the size of the furniture used in it. In such cases, windows are made only to provide light; aesthetic considerations, if present, are only an afterthought.

In the kitchen, the height of the window sill should not be less than that of the furniture used.

Most often, kitchen tables and cabinets have a height of 90 cm, which is most convenient for working while standing. Therefore, the installation height of the kitchen window should be at least 90 cm .

For bathrooms or toilets, the window sill height is usually

180 cm is accepted , which allows you to use the wall to place mirrors, shelves with detergents or other bathroom accessories on it.
Similar requirements for window sills in workshops, storerooms, on balconies, where the presence of windows should not take away useful space from the walls on which racks, shelves, etc. are placed.

The windows themselves in non-residential premises are smaller in size, since their purpose is to provide ventilation and access to sunlight during the day.

Height of window sill from floor in bedroom

The most important function of a bedroom window is to provide adequate air flow on warm nights. Functional additions provide a workable area:

awning windows can remain open even in light rain,
high double mosquito nets have flaps.

Bedroom windows also come with some security considerations. If rooms are located from the second floor and above, building codes require windows to be a certain size and sill height in case of fire.

You can experiment in a private house and glaze the outer wall, but the number of floors does not allow you to deviate from the rules. Therefore, small windows are the best option for relaxation as they automatically reduce heat loss. The height from the floor to the window sill does not matter, but usually for a bedroom it is 0.9 m - the approximate height of the headboard.

Rice. 5. Height of the window sill from the floor in the bedroom

How long should the window sill be? Correct “ears” and minimum gating of slopes.

This parameter requires the most detailed explanation due to the fact that stone window sills, unlike plastic ones, are not cut on site, but are manufactured in production and then installed. A miscalculation in the length of the window sill is the most unpleasant. The length of the window sill is taken taking into account the “ears” - the entry of the window sill into the slope. The slopes can be either “bare” or plastered, “ears” - at your discretion..., but:

Length of stone window sill without ears

In the first case, there are no ears at all. It is possible to measure the length of such a window sill only after finishing the slopes. It is precisely because of the reluctance to groove and re-plaster the slopes that clients ask to install window sills without ears. It looks quite sparse compared to normal “eared” window sills;

Length of stone window sill with lugs without trimming

The second option, which is aesthetically more correct, is to order the production of a window sill with ears. The length of the window sill is the sum of the lengths of the base along the slopes and the size of the lugs themselves. The sketch shows a rectangular window sill, which requires deep trenching of the slopes - this is not convenient, it will not be possible to carefully trench the slope so deeply;

Length of window sill made of stone with lugs with trim

In our opinion, the last example of cutting window sills is the most adequate based on the convenience of cutting - the depth of cutting is not large and the window sill is firmly planted in the slope. When making such measurements, be sure to check the alignment of the slopes, as described in the paragraph below.

We did not consider the option of making a window sill with “hanging” ears, without gating the slopes at all. This is when the window sill is inserted into the opening and fits tightly with its sides to the slopes and ears to the wall. Such window sills are made only according to templates and gaps are inevitable somewhere in any case. This option may be suitable for wood, but not suitable for stone, because the ears that are not inserted into the wall become the weak point of the window sill. And you have the opportunity to simply chop off your ears by hitting them with any objects. In the case of marble, this is generally unacceptable.

Sometimes there are plastered slopes that have different angles relative to the wall (crooked slope), we encountered this when replacing window sills in multi-story panel buildings. In this case, the trimming of the window sills will not be equal at the edges. We recommend not to be lazy and compare the slope angles on each window sill.

The length, width and height of the window sills are a small part of the possible nuances...

When installing window sills, and not only window sills, but also other more complex stone products, our installers are faced with different situations, different mistakes... both their own and the mistakes of clients, and the mistakes of other builders... And we strongly recommend that in order to avoid all sorts of inconsistencies invite stone measurers to measure window sills before finishing the slopes, and even better before installing windows. We will be able to prevent difficulties in advance and at least prepare you for accepting the window installation work. It’s better to go out for measurements twice than to look for the “culprits” later

Sincerely! RU STONE PRODUCTS

The height of the window sill from the floor in the nursery

On a children's window, the window sill is traditionally mounted at a height of 0.7 m. Experts recommend using a wide board to provide more natural light in the room. The window should be equipped with a protective net.

Rice. 6. Height of the window sill from the floor in the nursery

If the window sill is combined with a desk, this arrangement provides long-term lighting. Depending on the interaction of natural light and the window opening, the design is complemented with simple curtains without laces and an opening blocking system.

What is a window sill and why is it installed?

Window sills are horizontal elements installed on the inside of windows along the bottom edge. The need for such a part is due to the following functions it performs:

insulation of warm indoor air from cold outdoor air;
preventing condensation from accumulating on window glass;
giving a finished look to window openings by smoothing out the difference in the thickness of walls and window frames;
Possibility of use for various purposes - as a tabletop, shelf with flower pots, seedlings and other items.

The height of the window sill from the floor in the office

In areas such as an office, the location of the window sill is tied to the furniture. Visual well-being is ensured by the coincidence of the top line of the window opening and the cabinets, but the window sill and tabletop at the same level allow you to get maximum daylight in the workplace.

Rice. 7. Height of the window sill from the floor in the office

For the same reasons, tables are placed next to the window - in another place the workplace will require some changes. Without increasing the window parameters, it is recommended to lower the position of the window sill panel to 0.6-0.65 m. This helps to illuminate dark corners.

Location of window sills according to regulatory documents

If you look at the regulatory documents, then in city apartments the height of the window sill is always the same, because everything must fit in one place:

The regulatory documents clearly state that there must be a distance of at least 10 centimeters between the floor and the battery.
The radiator must have a height of 0.5 meters.
And the distance between the window sill and the battery should be at least 8 cm.

Of course, if all the nuances are calculated by specialists, this is good. If the room is on the sunny side, then you can change everything without any extra costs. But if the room is dark, then these moments cannot be left to chance; windows and window sills must be replaced.

Let us next consider what the standard window sill height is.

Height of window sills from the floor in the kitchen

In the kitchen, a window sill installation at 0.9 m is considered comfortable - this is a popular height for kitchen furniture and floor slabs. The dining table is made slightly lower, so it is illuminated by natural light during the day.

Rice. 8. Height of window sills from the floor in the kitchen

If the panel is installed in the kitchen, the window should be higher.

The comfortable height of the bar counter is 1.1 m or slightly higher. Installation of the window sill in this case is at about 1.2 m.

You should pay attention to convenient control of the sashes when ordering glazing. The high seating of the window will make opening inconvenient, so the handles are located at the bottom of the frame.

In the attic

The attic is located high, which puts forward its own requirements for the arrangement of windows:

Often, roof windows open outward, and placing them too low will create a risk of falling out of the window.

Height of the attic wall.

Installing a window below the attic wall line will affect the appearance of the home.

A window sill that is too high will prevent you from seeing what is happening directly below the window. In addition, it is desirable that the height of the lower level provides a view of the street from the window from a sitting position , which is impossible if the window sill is too high.

Based on these circumstances, the height of the window sill in the attic usually ranges from 90-110 cm , this installation allows you to use the window, care for it and provides a satisfactory view at the normal height of the attic wall (90 cm).

In conclusion, it should be recalled that the given values are not dogma and do not have the force of law. They were developed through many years of practice in the construction and use of housing, take into account technical requirements and are designed to promote maximum comfort and safety of housing.

Everyone is free to arrange their home according to their personal preferences, but in this area, what is generally accepted means the most convenient , so it is not recommended to neglect this information.

Find out how to install a window sill with your own hands from the video:

The height of the window sill from the floor in a private house

The problem of designing windows in a private house is the choice of placement and optimal height of the window sill. The location of the window sill above the floor is not fixed by standards, but is advisory in nature. If you want to build a house or carry out major renovations, you need to focus on your own sense of comfort, but do not forget about the facade. Window openings at different heights will look strange from the outside.

Glass structures provide insolation with a ratio of window sill to floor in living spaces and kitchens of at least 1:8. Window frames can be made of any materials - wood, plastic, aluminum, metal, wood-aluminum material. Each material has its own characteristics and advantages. There are other requirements for window sills - aesthetics and durability.

Rice. 9. Window sills in the house

Most often, the placement of windows is determined at the design stage of the house. This can cause visual alignment problems in the interior if the door and window heights do not match in individual rooms or on either side of a corner. The secret of success is that when installing windows and window sills, visual harmony is simultaneously present both inside and outside:

The installation height is planned to be 0.8 m, with the upper edge of the opening being about 0.3 m from the ceiling.
In private houses, windows are sometimes installed in the toilet, utility rooms, and bathrooms for fire safety purposes. Experts recommend a mark of 1.7 m for such premises.
International standards focus on the comfortable height of the window sill for a person in a wheelchair - this figure calculated using the formula is 0.81-0.91 m.
In bedrooms on the first floor, installation of 1 meter and above is considered convenient in order to save heat.

Designing window layouts may seem easy until you consider all the factors that go into window design and what all the windows look like on one side of a façade. It's worth making compromises in room assignments, window styles, and sills as you design to give your home more personality.

In living rooms

For living rooms, the standard height of the window sill lies in the range of 70-80 cm. This value meets all technical requirements (location of radiators), and also ensures sufficient illumination of the room and does not cause a feeling of disproportion.

The height of the window sill is a value determined by many factors. Taken into account here:

Installing a window too high (or low) looks inharmonious and does not match the proportions of the room or the furniture.

An incorrectly selected height can cause a feeling of lack of comfort, especially if set too low.

A low window sill can cause a person to fall out of the window , especially if there are small children or disabled people or people with visual impairments in the house.

Thus, an arbitrarily chosen installation height may turn out to be unacceptable for one reason or another, therefore, when choosing an installation height, all factors must be taken into account.

Window sill functions

At first glance, this is just a stand for pots of flowers or for something else. There is also the opportunity to sit by the window, lean your elbows on the windowsill and look into the distance. But the window sill also has other functions that should definitely be taken into account. Namely:

protection against condensation;
increasing the air gap in the window area;
participation in the overall design of the room.

When drawing up the standard for window sills, they relied on this. As for any decorative differences, this is a matter of personal preference. The main thing is that the product performs its main functions.

Of course, the thickness of the window sill, as well as its length and width, are also important.

It is required to comply with the rules regarding the material. However, perhaps the most important thing in the entire installation process is to choose the height from the floor correctly. Not only the appearance and comfort of use, but also the condition of the window and the indoor climate depend on this.

Also, do not forget that heating radiators are usually located under the windows. For them, you need to leave space so that the distance from the radiator to the floor and to the window sill complies with GOST. Only in this case there will be no problems with either the climate or the safety of the premises.