21 Window Sill Decorating Ideas to Make the Most of Every Sunny Spot
Add charm to your space with photos, trinkets, and plants.
One often-overlooked design surface is the window sill. While many people pay attention to things like wall art, rugs, and tile backsplashes when they’re creating a space, few think about how to style the window sill. We’ve gathered our favorite window sill design ideas to inspire you.
Luckily, a window sill is one area where it’s easy to experiment with your design. You can try arranging plants, photos, trinkets, floral arrangements, and other knick-knacks until you find something that works. You can also find a way to make the window sill a practical storage space. Installing shelves over the window gives you a little more room to store essentials or display more of your favorite pieces.
As you’re trying different ideas, you’ll want to consider how much the natural light and the view matter to you. Some people may be fine blocking some of the light if it means they have more storage space; others may feel differently. Many of these ideas bring together the best of both worlds: They add interest to the window sill without blocking the light or the view outside.
These window sill design ideas prove that you don’t need expensive renovations or big changes to make a space feel brand new. Keep reading to see our favorite ideas.
DIY a Plant Shelf
Transform your window sill into a shelf for your favorite plants. They need the fresh sunlight, after all. Place a few right on the window sill itself, or build a two-tier shelf to fit even more succulents.
Cozy up a Window Bench
If you're lucky enough to have a cozy window seat in your home, you might as well dress it up with cushions, pillows and blankets. Whether you choose to lay down with a good book or simply daydream into the distance, window benches are the ultimate relaxation spot.
Show off Floral Arrangements
With lighting like this, it's almost impossible not to stare at these stunning floral arrangements. Embrace your love for all-things-floral and place your vases right on the window sill so you can enjoy looking at them from the comfort of your own couch.
Go Vintage
The simple greenery on top of this stunning window sill adds vintage charm to this kitchen. Take it one step further by adding a candle or a couple other knick knacks that align with your interior design style to spruce up your space.
Add a Few Picture Frames
Depending on the size of your window sill, you might be able to fit a few of your best family photos. Frame your favorite memories with loved ones and put them on display all year round.
Utilize the Extra Storage Space
Blogger Christine Higgs of For the Home places her jar of kitchen utensils right on the window sill for easy access while cooking. If you have a window right above the stove, consider using it to store spices or other kitchen gadgets to free up some space elsewhere.
Display a Cutting Board
Sure, cutting boards are a useful kitchen tool. But some are even pretty enough to put on display full time. This blogger uses one of her small cutting boards for a plant and candle she lights every night after dinner.
Ditch the Nightstand
If you have a window right next to your bed, you might be able to ditch your night stand for good. Keep your lamp right on the window sill. Not only is it convenient, it's also stylish.
Add Holiday Decor
When the holiday season comes around, use your window sill to create the ultimate winter wonderland. Christine Higgs of For the Home incorporates bottle brush trees in her bedroom for a touch of holiday charm.
Add a Pop of Color
What's better than the fresh smell of coffee paired with some morning sunlight? Paint your window sill for an unexpected pop of color and top it off with some greenery for the coffee station of your dreams.
Turn It Into a Reading Nook
Pop a few plants on top, pull together a couple pillows and blankets and open up your book. Window sills are the perfect spot to set up a reading nook. Plus, you can even keep your book right on the ledge for next time.
See more at Domestically Blissful »
RELATED: 14 Best Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
Plant a Herb Garden
Topping off your favorite dish with fresh grown herbs just makes it taste better. Grow your own herb garden right on your kitchen window sill for a convenient (and healthy) kitchen display.
Take Advantage of Shelving
Small bathrooms can be a pain when it comes to storage. If you have a window sill readily available, take advantage of that extra space. This blogger even installed two more shelves for all her toiletries.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
RELATED: 42 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Stack Some Books
Don't have room for a full bookshelf? Stack a few of your favorites on the window sill. It doesn't count as clutter if it looks good, right?
Extend the Ledge
DIY your own headboard right under your bedroom window for an extended ledge. Decorate with artwork, plants or even incorporate your own tray table like this blogger does.
Brighten up the Place
A fresh vase of summer flowers has the power to transform any space. Whether in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, consider adding a few floral arrangements. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Incorporate Antiques
That old vintage plate or set of antique glassware you thrifted does not need to be tucked away in your kitchen cabinets. Display all your favorites on the window sill. Doing so might even encourage you to get more use out of them.
Install More Shelves
If one window sill just isn't enough, don't worry. Install more shelves right above the window sill. With open shelving, you'll have more storage space without blocking any of that much-needed sunlight.
Decorate a Planter
Put that old planter box to use by incorporating it into your home decor. Fill it with candles, flowers or anything else you want to show off on your window sill.
Keep It Fresh
Let the light in for a fresh laundry room aesthetic. This blogger keeps a few potted plants right alongside her open windows for a space that feels light, airy and clean.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
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