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Window Sill Decor Ideas For Your Home

Window sills are one of the easiest places to overlook. In many properties, they can stay completely empty or slowly become a storage place for other items such as letters, keys and spare change. With very little effort, a window sill can become a very nice detail in any room.

A decorated window sill can add colour, display your favourite items, add plants, or make the space feel more finished. Window sill decor can depend on the room, how big the sill is and how much natural light the window gets. In this article, we will share with you some simple window sill decor ideas for kitchens, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and bay windows.

Before You Decorate A Window Sill

Before deciding to add anything to your window sill, take a moment to look at the space you are working with. A deep bay window sill gives you a lot more space rather than a narrow bathroom ledge, so choosing the right decor will depend on the shape and size of the sill.

Consider how much sunlight your window gets during the day time. Some plants love bright sunlight, whilst candles, photos and delicate items can soften or fade if they sit in direct sunlight for too long.

It is worth checking how blinds or your curtains move. If they brush up against the window sill every day, glass items, plant pots or tall ornaments may become annoying very quickly.

Window sill decor should look good, but also should match or suit the room. A kitchen sill may need to stay a lot more practical compared to a living room sill, as a living room window sill can be decorated with a much more softer look.

natural-light

Window Sill Decor Ideas By Room

Different rooms in your home may have different styles of window sill decor. What works in the living room may not work in the kitchen or bathroom, so it helps to design a style that suits the room being used.

Below are some simple ideas that you can use for the different rooms around your home.

Living Room Window Sill Ideas

The living room window sill is a great place to add personality and warmth to the room. You can use candles, photo frames, books, small planets or even a simple vase.

Do not overcrowd the free space. A few carefully placed items usually look much better than lots of small items lined up along the sill.

If you are looking for the cosy look, consider using framed photos, candles, and neutral decorations. For a modern look, try using one large plant, a simple decorative bowl or a vase.

Window Sill Plants
Window Sill Plant Pot

Bathroom Window Sill Ideas

Bathroom window sill are typically smaller, so use simple decor. Candles, storage dishes or a small plant can work really well without making the room feel cluttered.

Because bathrooms can become very humid, avoid items that can become damaged by moisture. Ceramic pots, glass jars and moisture loving plants are great choices compared to wooden and delicate fabrics.

Using a bathroom window sill can make the room feel more relaxing and calmer.

Bedroom Window Sill Ideas

Bathroom window sills can be styled in a much more softer style and personal way. Jewellery trays, perfume bottles, framed photos, lamps or small plants all work nicely.

Try to keep the area relaxed instead of being over crowded. The bedroom should feel calm, so choose certain items that will add warmth without making the sill look cluttered.

If your window sill gets a lot of sunshine and morning light, be very careful with adding photos, perfumes, cosmetics as the strong sunlight can damaged them over time.

Bay Window Sill Decor Ideas

Bay windows tend to offer a lot more space than your standard window sill, which makes them perfect for both practical and decorative styling.

Deep window bays can be used for cushions, books, plants or used as a small reading corner. In a front living room it can become a cosy feature that then just an empty ledge.

For a simpler look, use some large items rather than filling the whole window bay with lots of small decorations. This keeps the space looking styled without being cluttered.

windows prescot
Plants for Window Sills

Using Plants As Window Sill Decor

Plants are one of the best window sill decor ideas. They bring with them texture, colour and life into any room.

For more sunny windows, use herbs, small plants and flowering plants will work really well. For softer sunlight choose plants that do not require strong direct sunlight.

A kitchen window sill is great for herbs, whilst a bedroom or living room sill can work well with small houseplants or a simple vase of flowers.

Adding plants can make a window area feel more natural. However, avoid blocking too much light. If the window sill is too narrow, use only one or two small pots that may be enough.

Cosy Window Sill Decor Ideas

If you want your room to feel more inviting and warmer, choose smaller and softer decorative items.

Books, small lamps, framed photos, candles and seasonal decorations can all help to create a cosy window sill. These work really well in bedrooms, living rooms and snug areas.

Try placing items together in odd numbers, such as three small items together. For example you could place a small plant, candle and a photo frame together. Which will create a more natural look rather than a long line of matching items.

You can also change the type of decor throughout the year. Using fresh plants and lighter flowers work really well in the spring and summer time. Whilst candles, bring warm tones and festive decorations can look amazing in autumn and winter.

Practical Window Sill Storage Ideas

A window sill does not have to be just for decorations. In kitchens, hallways and bathrooms, it can also provide useful storage.

Trays are very helpful because it allows you to keep items together instead of being scattered across the window sill. In a bathroom, you can use a tray for hand creams, soap or even small jars. A kitchen window sill can be used for pots of herbs, small everyday items and utensils.

Jars, baskets and containers all work really well, but use small ones to keep the sill looking tidy. The aim is to provide more useful space without turning into a dumping area.

Kitchen Window Sill Storage

What Not To Put On A Window Sill

Some items are best kept away from window sills, especially if the window gets a lot of strong sunlight or is opened often.

Avoid placing far too many small items on the window sill as this could quickly make it look messy. It also makes the area harder to keep clean.

Be careful with adding anything that might fade, melt or become damaged in sunlight. These include candles, photos, fabrics and cosmetics.

You should avoid placing heavy items on a narrow or weak window sill. If the window does open inwards, make sure nothing is blocking the path as this could lead to things being knocked over and damaged.

The best window sill decors should feel natural and intentional, not like an area for spare storage.

Simple Window Sill Decor Ideas

Style Decor Ideas Best Room
Natural Plants, herbs and flowers Kitchen, living room or bedroom
Cosy Candles, books and photo frames Living room or bedroom
Practical Trays, jars and baskets Kitchen, bathroom or hallway
Minimal One vase, one plant or one decorative piece Any room
Seasonal Christmas decor, autumn candles or fresh flowers Living room, hallway or bay window

Frequently Asked Questions

Plants, photo frames, candles, books, storage trays, ornaments and seasonal decorations can all work really well with a window sill.

When using a narrow window sill, keep the decor simple using small plant pots, a slim vase, candles or framed photos can work really well without taking up too much space.

Flowering plants, herbs and small houseplants work really well on window sills, depending on how much sunlight they receive.

Bay window sills can be styled with books, throws, cushions, plants or large decorative items depending on how deep the window sill is.

Not all the time. Most often a clear sill can look clean and minimal, but some carefully chosen items can make the room feel more refined, warmer and finished.

Use less items and make sure you group them together. A plant, small vase and candle can make it look more styled than having lots of small objects spread across the window sill.

Windows That Suit Your Home

A beautiful designed window sill can make your room feel brighter, warmer and more personal. But the window itself plays a massive part in how the space should feel and look.

Here at St Helens Windows, we provide a wide range of modern window styles for homes, including bay windows, uPVC windows and energy-efficient replacement windows.

Get in touch with our team today on 01744 611203 to explore a wide range of frame options, styles and glazing choice for your home.