Designers offer to expand the functionality of the room with the help of a window sill, which is turned into a sofa. It becomes not only a comfortable place to relax, but also an original interior detail. The structure saves space and makes good use of useful squares. There are several ways to design a bed that are used in residential premises.
Parameters of a sofa on the windowsill Source zlatamebel.ua
Features and Benefits
As a child, many people probably loved to climb onto a window sill covered with curtains, hiding there from everyone and watching the falling snow or driving cars. Of course, it’s not comfortable for adults to sit like that. It’s another matter if the window sill in the house is turned into a cozy sofa. All household members can afford to relax on an unusual bed - this is a good idea for creating such a place. More practical advantages of the design include:
- Increased functionality - a sofa made from a window sill will fit perfectly into any interior and will become its brightest and most stylish part. The space underneath can be used to store things that the owners rarely use.
- Practical and comfortable - you can read your favorite books on it, listen to music, watch movies on your laptop or just dream.
- Ability to withstand heavy loads - up to 90 kilograms or more.
- Durability - will stand until you get tired of it.
In the nursery and bedroom, a sofa placed on the windowsill will help create additional space for sleeping; in the living room, you can create a relaxation area or organize evening gatherings. And such furniture can become a favorite place for pets. It’s not difficult to make an unusual design in your home. To do this, you need to strengthen the window sill by increasing its width, put a mattress and a couple of pillows. When arranging the bed, the battery does not have to be moved to another place; it can be covered with a special screen.
Flowers that were on the windowsill should be moved to another place. For example, you can put them on hanging shelves or racks, or place them in hanging flowerpots on the wall.
Installation stages
Window sill-sofa with sliding windows - ideal for relaxing in the warm season
First you need to measure the space in the opening. You need to add 2 cm to the resulting width dimensions - this is the distance the slab will go under the window. We add 5 cm to the length on each side: they will go under the window slopes.
When installing a regular window sill, it is taken into account that it can protrude beyond the plane of the opening by no more than 10 cm. When installing a sofa, the protrusion can be increased, but in this case it is necessary to strengthen the structure. Metal corners are used for this. However, remember that the edges of the surface should not be overloaded during operation so that they do not become deformed.
Installing a frame for a window sill-sofa
During the process it is necessary to check the level of the structure
Ready-made version of the window sill-sofa
Special pads are placed under the slab to avoid sagging and foamed. Foam is applied to the middle and edges of the product. Before using the foam, everything must be cleaned of dust and dirt. After checking the correct installation, the product is completely fixed. To ensure better adhesion, the surface must be moistened with water.
The installation of the base under the sofa must be controlled with a building level, because a large slope towards the room will not allow the mattress to stay on the surface. Since there will be no condensation from the window or water from watering flowers on such a surface, there is no need to make a slope for water drainage.
Which window sill is suitable for use as a sofa?
A stylish sofa on a windowsill can be made if the windows in the room are located at a distance of no more than 50-60 cm from the floor and have a width of at least 90 cm. If this rule is not followed, the bed will turn out to be too high, small and uncomfortable. The depth of the window opening is also important, but if necessary, it can be increased by erecting an additional structure made of plasterboard or installing the tabletop on special supports. Before placing the mattress on the base, it is very important to insulate the window openings to get rid of drafts. If the window is old, it should be replaced. Also, when creating a design, you should take into account the features of windows:
- Panoramic - do not have a window sill as such. Designers recommend choosing light sofas or seats and fixing them in the walls (slopes).
- Bay windows are best suited for creating a sofa area. The length of the seats is increased due to the oval shape, the recessed bench keeps the living space of the room as untouched as possible.
- Located in stairwells, such corners of the house are ideal for creating recreation areas. The design of the window sill-sofa should be kept as simple as possible.
- In the living room - if there is a bay window, the space can be expanded, covered with a mattress and a bright fluffy blanket, and decorated with voluminous pillows.
- In the kitchen, the windows fog up due to the steam coming from the stove. Therefore, it is better not to place a sofa here. Instead, you should think about creating a wooden bench for seating that fits into the overall concept of the interior.
An ordinary window sill can also be used to create a relaxation area. To turn it into a sofa, you need to install and strengthen a wide tabletop, then you can do the design. Another option is to remove the classic structure and build a podium in its place.
A sofa on the windowsill for children will not only look good, but will also serve as an additional place to sleep. Only the windows must be insulated so that in winter children do not catch a cold or get sick. You can also make an unusual bed on an insulated loggia or balcony. Created according to a special project, it will allow you to transfer these rooms from utility rooms to the most comfortable places in the house.
Redevelopment must be coordinated with the Housing Inspectorate.
In the living room
In the stairwell In the kitchen Panoramic window
Bay window
Things to remember
To prevent the sofa on the window from disrupting the heat circulation in the room, it is worth removing the radiator. The radiator is moved to a cooler wall, helping to save on heating costs.
Any redevelopment work in the apartment is carried out after obtaining permission from the management company.
Sofa on the windowsill without heating devices Source roomester.ru
If the device cannot be moved, then the pipe is covered with a special screen. A device with holes does not prevent warm air from entering the room. Models with decorative coating will help improve the appearance of old cast iron batteries. Designers recommend using radiator grilles made of wood or metal mesh in residential areas.
Sofa-window-sill with radiator screen Source pinterest.com
Cozy area with Roman blinds Source bezkovrov.com
Stylish interior Source bezkovrov.com
Manufacturing materials
You can make a sofa-window sill with your own hands if you have the material and the simplest tools in just a few hours. Armrests are attached to the slopes at the base of the window, and a mattress made of foam rubber or polyurethane foam is laid and attached to the surface. Then the resulting structure is decorated with textiles, leather or fur, a beautiful blanket and a couple of pillows are laid. If there is a window sill, but it is old, and there are fears that it will not support the weight of an adult, it needs to be dismantled, the base strengthened and a more durable structure installed.
The basis for creating a sofa on the windowsill can be made of different materials. Plastic is the simplest. It weighs little, does not need painting, is not subject to rotting, is not afraid of exposure to UV rays, and is easy to install. A sofa on a wooden base in window openings looks good, but requires additional treatment with wax or varnish for durability, and on a stone base it looks presentable, but can only be placed in spacious rooms and must be equipped with a thick mattress.
The algorithm for creating a base for a sofa depends on the material:
- Made from natural wood. Remove the old window sill and eliminate any debris that appears. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth. If necessary, level the slopes. Make calculations - the blank for the window sill-sofa should be 4 cm longer than the window opening. Its tilt angle is no more than 2 degrees. The width can be any. After taking measurements, the workpiece must be driven to the required size and then installed - best on pre-prepared spacers, secured with polyurethane foam or concrete mortar. Additionally, it is recommended to secure the wooden sheet with self-tapping screws. The joints of the window sill with the window and walls should be filled with acrylic or other sealant. After this, the base must be treated with stain, paint or an antiseptic to protect it from atmospheric influences.
- Made from high quality plastic. To make a plastic window sill for a sofa, you need to measure and cut the material using a special hacksaw, jigsaw or saw. It is better to work with glasses and gloves to prevent individual plastic particles from getting into your eyes. To fasten the installed base, you should use two-component polyurethane foam; it does not “expand” after hardening. It is recommended to place heavy objects on the surface of the window sill after installation. They need to be distributed evenly to prevent deformation of the base. After the foam has dried, the excess should be removed with a stationery knife.
- Made from natural or artificial stone. The installation process of the structure is similar to the previous ones. The only difference is that it is recommended to use special polyurethane adhesives instead of polyurethane foam.
If there is no window sill, you can use wood, MDF or laminated chipboard as the basis for creating a sofa. The base should be attached to the walls, having first checked their strength and installed special “corners” for reliability.
From wood From stone From plastic
Tips for choosing
When looking for a sofa to place near a window, you need to consider a number of factors. For example, you need to pay attention to the height and shape of the backrest . Some models do not provide for its transformation if you need to expand the sofa. However, there are also those that, when decomposed, require moving the furniture away from the wall.
In addition, the height of the product should not cover the window opening.
It is important to pay attention to the shape and design of the product. The sofa should be combined in color and shape with the existing furnishing elements of the interior of a particular room. In addition, they make sure that the color of its upholstery matches well with the color scheme of the interior composition. The texture, design, pattern, quality of upholstery material and type of filling are important.
For some, one of the decisive factors will be the presence of soft armrests and legs . Thanks to supports of this type, cleaning the room will be simplified. When purchasing a transformer, you need to pay attention to the smooth operation of the transformation mechanism, the reliability of its connections, and the quality of the manufacturing material.
Any deformation of the metal is excluded; such a mechanism will not last its intended service life.
The upholstery must be durable and dense. Ideally, you should take leather models . This material is easy to care for, is not afraid of water and lasts quite a long time. Among the textile options, it is worth highlighting tapestry, jacquard, and flock. If you want to buy a sofa with textile upholstery, choose the model that provides for the installation of stretch covers or standard covers.
False window with imitation
You can make a sofa in an apartment from a real window sill only if the windows are located low enough. If there is no suitable opening, do not be upset. There is a way out of the situation: you can arrange a recreation area with a false window. It looks as organic as possible if it is located in a niche made of plasterboard. To create a structure, you need to cover the interior space with photo wallpaper or posters, attach a wooden frame, and move it slightly forward, if space allows. Design the slopes, make a wide base, put a mattress and pillows on it - ready. You can create a false window in other ways, see the table for more details.
| Creation method | Advantages | Stages of work |
| 3D imitation | It allows you to get rid of the feeling of a dead space, but it “eats up” the area of the apartment a little. | Choose a location, make a sketch of the window, and transfer it to the wall. You can choose a 3D window simulation. These images are usually printed on self-adhesive film, which is easily transferred to any surface. The top of the drawing should be covered with plexiglass. Attach a wooden frame. Cover it with stain or paint it with enamel. After drying, install the bench and arrange it. |
| Drawing | Such false windows expand the space, create coziness, and allow you to make use of an empty corner. | Instead of hanging a picture, you need to paint it directly on the wall. It is also worth drawing shutters, curtains, curtains. It is better to make a “real” window sill, wide, and install it on supports or columns. |
| Mirror | Allows you to visually expand the space and make it brighter. | Make a frame with a lattice simulating binding. Glue a mirror tile made of plexiglass or polystyrene inside the binding. Mount the structure on the wall. Place a sofa. |
It’s quite easy to make a sofa from a window sill in a nursery, living room or other room. It doesn’t matter whether the house has suitable windows or not. In the interior, a false window looks amazing, especially if it is illuminated.
We create the interior with our own hands
You can easily make a window sill-sofa with your own hands
If your house or apartment has a large window with a wide opening, you can create a window sill-sofa with your own hands. It will turn out to be roomy: to do this, just slightly increase the width of the existing element and place a mattress on top.
Please note that the height of the window should not exceed 50 cm from the floor: only in this case will it be possible to create a comfortable place to sit. It is also desirable that the frame be large, otherwise your sofa will turn out to be too small and uncomfortable.
Window sill-sofa with a beautiful view of the lake
A successful combination of wood and stone in the interior of a relaxation room
Minimalism in the interior of the kitchen of a private house
A glass balcony with a place to relax is a very bold decision
Photo
Installing a plastic base
Recently, window sills are increasingly turning into sofas, tables and other interior elements.
The most common type of window sill is plastic. It has a number of advantages:
- firstly, it is light;
- secondly, it does not need painting;
- thirdly, it is resistant to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and heat.
Window sill-sofa in a children's room with a plastic base
In addition, plastic does not rot and is practically non-flammable. To install such a window sill, the same scheme is used as for a wooden one, but foam is used to fix it. To prevent shifts and deformation of the base, heavy objects are placed on its surface before applying foam. After hardening, the foam is cut off with a stationery knife.
Storage space
Some people are so accustomed to using the window sill for storage that they decided to go further by attaching a network of cabinets under the window sill and making it not only a place for flower display, but also a place for storing clothes, various accessories and other items.
Many people combine two ideas and make a small sofa out of a window sill, and organize a storage area underneath it. The window sill is an undervalued area that is rarely used productively. By equipping a window sill in the form of a kitchen, work area or recreation area, residents will significantly save space in the apartment and free it up for more important needs.
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How to embed
First, you need to clearly define what should happen in the end.
Next, all the necessary materials and tools are prepared.
Measurements and calculations are carried out, after which a drawing is drawn.
If the width is suitable for constructing a sofa, all that remains is to cover the radiator under it (if there is one) with a special screen and select a soft mattress.
Installing a frame for a window sill-sofa Checking the level of the structure
Ready-made version of the window sill-sofa
If the window sill is too narrow, then you need to start constructing a frame or false wall, since the window sill can protrude beyond the window opening by no more than 10 cm. After this, the structure is strengthened and the assembly and equipment of the sofa area begins.
What it is?
A sofa-window sill is a window with a sofa or an original design of upholstered furniture built into the window sill. This is not a window sill with mattresses, but a built-in structure with a narrow seat that does not have a rigid back. The seat height of these models varies. In this case, the seat can be located either flush with the common platform of the window sill or below it.
Unusual wall decor in an interesting design
Using various stencils or artistic skills, monochromatic and boring walls can be given a new elegant and unique look, which will not only update your interior, but also make it much more interesting and varied.
Illustration of shelves with kitchen utensils
Tree stenciled onto the wall
Cheerful designs on furniture fronts will always contribute to a good mood
Painting is not the only way to decorate the walls in the kitchen. A favorite technique of many designers is to decorate walls by gluing various items of plates, forks, spoons, etc. on it. You can, of course, go the other standard route and use brick, laminate or decorative tiles as the material, but individual style risks becoming ordinary.
A white wall is an excellent backdrop for bright decor.
Bright colors on the wall - an indicator of inspiration
Natural or artificial stone?
The stone is not cheap, but it is a very beautiful and durable base option.
Natural products will require more constant care, since, for example, marble easily absorbs spilled moisture and is quickly scratched when cleaning with abrasives.
Marble base
By itself, any stone is quite cold, so if you plan to use it as a base for a sofa or bed, it is necessary to ensure the maximum level of insulation.
Granite base
Artificial products clearly win against this background; in addition, you can pour liquid stone with the addition of granite or marble chips. Although it costs more, the end result is better.
Example of a self-leveling stone
The installation of stone slabs is never accompanied by foaming, since construction foam is not able to cope with the imposed load. It is also likely to cause harm, since the foam will penetrate into the stone pores, destroying the element from the inside. It is better to choose polyurethane-based glue.
Installation of stone products for window sills
Window sill-sofa with a stone base in the interior of a cozy veranda
After a hard day, it’s nice to have a cup of coffee or tea, relaxing on the windowsill-sofa
Stone looks very beautiful in the interior. And if you put a mattress on it, then sitting on it will be quite comfortable. Granite is used to create outdoor products; marble is more suitable for indoors. The stone can be either natural or artificial.
The installation diagram is similar to that described above with only one feature. Foam mortar is not suitable for fixing a stone base. You need to purchase a special polyurethane-based glue.
Types of structures
Conventionally, window-sill sofas can be divided into 2 types. Each of them has its own characteristics that determine its durability and reliability.
Hard
This type is nothing more than a box with drawers for storing bedding or other things needed in everyday life. As a rule, these models have dense mattresses, the number of which may vary. In addition, in the interior there are also options without soft bedding, designed only for sitting.
The type of structures may vary. Other options consist of one top panel, while others have 2-3 sections united by a common base. In this case, the seats can be the covers of the boxes. There are also models that have retractable and roll-out storage systems. They have hinged doors and are equipped with compact shelves inside.
Storage systems for sofa-window sills can also be open. For example, some designers design options with a workplace and lower shelves-racks on which you can store books, towels and any things a person needs. In general, rigid structures can be divided into 2 types: linear and angular.
Options of the second type are considered an imitation of window-sill sofas, since such models imply the installation of an additional set of furniture in order to give the room perspective the necessary boundaries. Essentially, in this case, shelves, cabinets, and racks are placed, aligning the furniture into a single line, giving the window the appearance of a bay window. Both options are great for large windows.
Soft
Such designs are nothing more than arranging the required space under the window with frameless furniture consisting of thick mattresses. Essentially, this is creating a comfort zone on a window with a built-in podium. At the same time, the podium itself can be classic or functional.
A large number of sofa cushions of different sizes and shapes are already used here. Sometimes it is from a couple of rows of pillows that a rather comfortable backrest and sides are created.
To create the most comfortable environment, thick mattresses or blocks of mats are used, the number of which can vary from 1 to 4 or more.
