It will never be cheaper than it is now.

Those are BEAUTIFUL cabinets! They (you) deserve a lovely window. Especially if you find the current one a PITA.

PS How tall are your upper cabinets?

The stile in the middle of the window would bother me. I would go with a window that doesn't have that, maybe a single casement (crank out) window. Your window would look great with wood blinds the color of your cabinets, maybe with a cloth tape.

If it matches the other windows in the house, I'd leave it - I'd worry about damage to the new cabinets, etc. If it is an older window that should be replaced, then I would have done it before the cabinets went in (i.e what we did but we also did it to learn how to put a window in). With trim and a nice shade, it will look nice - I would leave it alone - replacing windows can cause a lot of damage depending on how that one was installed (although it wouldn't be too bad since your trim is removed).

I agree with sue36 that you need a new window. Windows are so important (psychologically and in every other way) and this one over the kit sink is a big part of your life. I would take pcjs's comments to heart too though, and make sure the installer is skilled and reputable.

I agree that a new window would look great. However, I would be very cautious about the quality of a $300 window in that size. That seems too low a price for a quality window - based on what we've spent on windows in the past.

if the window is not special order, in terms of size, i would go ahead and order it. if you will have people playing or gardening outside under this window, i would reconsider swing out casement... the person that said it will never be cheaper than now is probably right IMHO. good luck, your kitchen looks nice. FWIW, i think the window as is looks fine with the cabinets. kren

If it's a good energy efficient window, I'd leave it and use window film to reduce the glare. I've used film in the past when I lived in the SW and wanted to reduce the heat gain in the summer months...I had a type that was reusable--up in the summer, down in the winter. Worked great.

OTOH, now is a good time to replace it. I wouldn't worry about damage to the cabs since the window will be installed from the outside. I've often seen bargains on new windows on CraigsList. People order them, change their minds, get the wrong size... And often, there are good used windows that are only a few years old that have been taken out in remodels. Also, you could sniff around & see if you can find some window warehouses. We've a couple in this area and you can find some good bargains on brand name windows at those places. Returns from window companies shipping the wrong size, etc.

Thank you all for your feedback.

Mmme - Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you reminded me; I'd been meaning to double-check my figures for your cabinet height thread. I put some more information there.

Patser - I think the window was an Anderson but will double-check. This would be my first new window, so I've got a steep learning curve.

Ci_lantro - Thank you for the film tip. I'll check the warehouses and CraigsList. I'm nervous about warehouses affiliated with the companies with those annoying TV ads. I've heard mixed things about those companies, to be honest. Outside installation would be good. I'm a little nervous bc our outside wall isn't flat. We had some warpage over the years (brick wall, so we can't force it back to flat).

Kren_pa - The deck is out there, and the patio table. I did wonder about kids running through and getting their noggins knocked off, but it's not a main path. I think they'd learn fairly quickly. I guess there's not a casement option for a window that cranks all the way around to lie close to the outside wall?

Pcjs - I definitely don't want more damage or more project creep. I'll ask how often there's additional work before making a final decision.

Jan_s - I'd assumed my GC would do it. I'll find out more about installation, too. The psychological aspect is interesting - might not have bothered me a year ago, but now that I'm thinking about it... well!

Sue36 - Single casement is exactly what I had in mind. Thank you for the blinds tip. Wooden with fabric tape would be a good neutral - what I need right now, especially since I haven't chosen window coverings for the other side of the room. I guess I'd have to mount them inside the window frame, to avoid that light?

I appreciate the help! Cate

Do NOT put anti-glare film on the window. The window mfrs hate that and it voids their warranty. I hang around with window experts in my day job, and film is a bad idea. Sheer curtains will cut down some of the glare, and you can see out but the kids can't see in from the backyard (which might be a very good thing).

Awnings work well - plus they mount outside.
Simple roller blind in an outside mount would also do the trick.

Just want to say that replacing the window and/or getting window treatments may cause you to replace the light fixture. Its hard to tell how deep those lamps are.

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern Roller blinds Not an endorsement (wouldn't know)

Bluekitobsessed - Do you know why it voids their warranty? I thought it was a factory-offered, thus acceptable, option.

I do have sheer panels in the DR. Maybe I can figure out a way to make them work in the kitchen.

Bmorepanic - Not sure about awnings. I haven't seen any that have spoken to me. I haven't shopped around, though. Thanks for the link to the blinds website. I like some of the wooden ones.

I can't do a window treatment that would make me replace the light fixture. DH insists on the over-sink light, and it was a real treat finding one that the GC, electrician, and I could agree on. Hopefully a new window would be the same size and wouldn't get in the way of the fixture.

Sounds like there's a lot to find out still. Thank you for the tips and steering.

What about a Roman blind in a fairly sheer fabric? It can mount on the top of the frame, so won't get in the way of the light fixture. They're pretty easy to make, if you feel brave. Otherwise, there are simple, plain ones at Ikea and other places. I've made them with velcro to fix them to the top edge of the frame, so they can be easily removed for laundering. Having a window blind will also help keep the room cooler in summer by reflecting the heat back outside.