There are two types of people when it comes to home decor: those who love showing off their keepsakes and those who favor a more streamlined, functional look. Your home’s window sills are an ideal space that works well for either style. They offer more than a vantage point of your yard; they’re the perfect place to display small knick-knacks without sacrificing floor space or crowding shelves. Let’s outline some ways you can use your window sills or ledges to your decorating advantage.
Go for Greenery and Flowers
Perfect for those with green thumbs or a more minimalist style, your window ledge is a logical place for plants and other natural displays to live.
Potted Plants and a Mini Herb Garden
If you’re constantly shifting small sun-loving plants to maximize their sunlight, why not give them a stationary spot with plenty of sun? Your window sills often offer just enough space for succulents or small potted plants, and aptly-named garden windows are perfect for thriving plants. Place seasonal herbs like basil, thyme or rosemary on your kitchen sills to keep precious counter space free—and fresh ingredients close at hand.
Layered Looks and Terrariums
If you’re looking for form and function from your greenery display, there are various ways to add visual interest to your sill:
- Vary the heights and visual weights (or, simply, how large a plant appears due to size, shape, color or texture) of your items to create an arresting tableau.
- For something truly unique, add a small terrarium to your window ledge. Use small plants, drainage layers, potting soil and decorative elements like stones to create a miniature garden inside your own home.
- For a dynamic but organized look, place all your plants on a tray. Play around with how they’re displayed and change things up periodically to keep your view fresh.
Add Personal Decorative Touches
Curate your space with a well-loved feel by adding personal items like keepsakes and souvenirs to your window ledges.
Collections and Trinkets
Whatever you collect—be it vintage glassware, travel mementos or framed concert tickets—your window ledge is a great place to display part of your collection. The light pouring through your windows provides a natural spotlight for your prized items. If your window glass provides adequate UV protection, you can even leave more fragile items out without worrying about fading.
Books and Photos
Bookworms know how precious shelf space is. Why not shift a few treasured favorites to your window ledge? (Just be careful about book covers fading in the sun!) Another way to incorporate family treasures: lean framed photos on your sill. This brings your loved ones or favorite memories that much closer to your everyday life.
Functional and Ambient Designs
If you love the idea of using every inch of space in your house but don’t want excess clutter, try incorporating functional objects to your sills.
Lighting and Candles
Add ambiance and light to your window ledge with a small cordless lamp or a candle or two. This works especially well for bedrooms or living rooms, where you’re likely to appreciate a little extra light at night, even if you don’t want a bright bedside light. Your eyes will thank you!
Contained Storage
If you’re low on storage space, look no further than your ledge for more options. Small woven baskets or lidded boxes can look aesthetically pleasing while serving a purpose.
Cozy Nooks
If you have a large window sill, you can recreate the look of a bay or bow window indoors, but without the outside silhouette. Add cushions and a blanket or two for a cozy reading or lounging space, no additional furniture required.
Additional Tips for Styling Your Window Sill
Some further considerations for expert window sill designs include:
- Vary Heights and Textures: Mix and match items of different heights and materials, like glass, ceramics and wood, to create visual interest and discussion points.
- Avoid Clutter: The difference between a thoughtful display and plain clutter is intention. Curate what you’re placing on your sill carefully.
- Cleanliness is Key: A dusty ledge and smudged glass will detract from your decor, no matter how beautiful. Clean your display space regularly. This is a great time to re-evaluate what you have in your space.
- Consider the View: Ensure your decor complements the view outside without blocking it. You could change the display seasonally, or display items as an homage to your beautiful outdoors.
The Perfect Canvas for Your Decor
Window sills are a valuable part of your home’s decor potential—but so are the windows themselves. If it’s been more than 15 years since they were last replaced, it’s time to give your keepsakes a new place to shine. With industry-leading warranties and plenty of local knowledge, our team has what it takes to bring your home to life. Ready to get started? Get your free estimate today!