When decorating our home, we very often forget about secluded corners and seemingly insignificant places in the apartment. A seemingly useless window sill is an excellent opportunity to show your imagination and use this element functionally.
A wide window sill is a distinctive feature of Russian apartments. Cold winters have caused houses to be built with thick walls, which should protect against frost and reduce heat loss. Because of this, the width of the window opening increases, and with it the window sill. Try to look at it in a new way and correct the situation in terms of rational use of free space.
Wide window sill in the interior: sofa by the window
How to use a classic wide window sill
A classic window sill can become a small cozy corner in the living room or bedroom. All you need to do is make sure it's comfortable enough. This can be solved with a few statement pillows.
The classic window sill does not always fit a good seat due to its usually narrow size. To solve this problem, you can build a wide wooden window frame, but it will require some investment, at least in time.
How to calculate correctly
When calculating the level of the window sill, you should take into account the area of the room and windows. In old apartments, the latter are located at a distance of 0.9 m from the flooring. New buildings are often distinguished by panoramic glazing at a height of about 25 cm from the floor base. With this position of the window opening, the usual protrusion is absent.
When arranging a window sill, it is important to take care of the safety of residents (especially small children and the elderly). It is also necessary to remember about the convenience of using usable space:
- In the living room and bedroom, pay attention to the dimensions of the radiators and openings. It is allowed to mount a wide model if the distance to the flooring is 0.85 m.
- In the kitchen, the height to the window sill should correspond to the location of the countertop (usually 85 cm).
- In the nursery, it is important to focus on safety, providing sufficient lighting, and placing a desk. The optimal value is 0.7 m.
Residential buildings built in different periods differ in the size of window openings and basic installation parameters.
A wide window sill model looks good if the distance to the floor surface is 85 Source stroy-podskazka.ru
Modern window sills
This is why modern window sill designs are specifically planned and designed to provide ample space for comfortable sitting and relaxation.
Architects are also experimenting with window sizes and structures. Some seats are wide and long enough to stretch your legs and lie down whenever you feel the need to snooze.
Wide window sills can be made from any material - traditional wood or modern concrete. Wide wooden frames are very popular and give windows a modern look.
Stone storefronts, on the other hand, offer a rustic touch. Modern frameless windows are not a deterrent to a wide window sill, as it can be a suitable, albeit separate, piece of furniture.
Low windows with wide sills: wide window sill in the bedroom
Can't find furniture for a low window sill? Low chests, benches and even palettes can decorate large windows. These are also good alternatives to sillless windows that are often seen in modern homes.
If your window is the size of a wall and extends to the floor, you can simply pile cushions next to it to use it as your seating.
Poufs and chaise lounges can also be included, but they will not have the same look as a large window with a wide sill for relaxation.
Bedroom
The lack of space in our homes makes it necessary to create ergonomic and functional spaces. The bedroom was no exception to the general rule. It has long ceased to be an area exclusively for sleeping. Here we work, do handicrafts, read, watch TV, put ourselves in order. It is necessary to think through the filling of this room so that every centimeter is put to good use. This also applies to the arrangement of window sills. With their help, you can select a full-fledged zone with special functionality. The wide surface is perfect for arranging a workplace or dressing table. The frame of the window opening can be a furniture structure.
Headboard
A wide window sill can successfully replace the head of a bed. This solution is an interesting alternative for those who like to sleep with their head towards the window. The window sill acts as a shelf on which lamps, photo frames, figurines and other accessories are conveniently placed. You can also put a book or phone here. Low shelves, chests of drawers or wardrobes placed on both sides of the bed will benefit from the composition.
Area for reading or crafts by the window
If you are used to solitude doing your favorite pastime, a well-equipped window sill area is perfect for this. Full natural light is a very important condition for comfortable reading and needlework. This allows you to avoid straining your eyes and maintain good vision. For sewing, embroidery, knitting, it is better to sit by the window. The window sill can be used as a sofa or table by placing the necessary materials and tools on it.
Cabinet location
If necessary, the window sill space can be converted into a full-fledged work desk. The depth of the tabletop for comfortable work should be at least 50 cm. It can easily accommodate a laptop or monitor, office equipment, and an organizer for office supplies. Under the protruding part of the surface you can fix a pull-out shelf for the keyboard. The height of the improvised desktop should be at least 75 cm. Good lighting and proximity to fresh air will increase efficiency and speed up the process. It is necessary to provide the window with thick curtains to protect against blinding sunlight. To work in the evening you will need good local lighting. The light from the central chandelier will create unnecessary shadows on the table. Shelving systems can be installed next to the desk to organize documents and office supplies.
When choosing the depth of the tabletop, it is necessary to provide free legroom.
Organization of the dressing table
Have you always dreamed of a dressing table, but don't want to take up precious space? Indeed, it is not worth wasting space on furniture that is used no more than 20 minutes a day. Both the mirror and organizers with cosmetics can be easily placed on the windowsill. Daylight will allow you to create high-quality and invisible makeup. If you need to work at the computer, cosmetics can be easily moved to another place.
Window sill-chest
The implementation of this idea will be a real salvation for a small bedroom. Just think how many things can be placed in such a storage system. In the drawers you can place bedding sets, place organizers for linen, hosiery, and knitwear. Some of the containers can be used for cosmetics, perfumes and jewelry. It is convenient to equip a safe in the chest of drawers and store important documents and valuables in it. There is a place for an iron, curling iron, hair dryer and other necessary equipment.
Convenient window sills for storage: sofa window sill, how to make
Storage-friendly window seats make a lot of sense. If you have enough space for them, use them to store seasonal clothing, miscellaneous gear, or bedding. Open storage areas are ideal for books and magazines.
Spare seating can take many forms. Some of them repurpose Ikea cabinets as window benches, using the spare space inside them.
Others build entire storage walls with random windows in them. Regardless of the shape you decide to go with, storage accessories like baskets and drawers can also help you declutter and create a convenient window spot.
Design style
Window sill is a transitional area from the window to the main space of the room. Therefore, it is necessary to make it as harmonious as possible. If the window is completely hidden by curtains and drapes, there is no point in decorating it. There is no point in decorating a minimalist interior. But in Provence, country, maritime and many other styles, decorative elements are more than appropriate. Short curtains and roller blinds are a reason to place one or two accessories. You can use vases with flowers, figurines, and candles as decorations.
A great idea is to place photographs on the windowsill. They can be made in black and white in accordance with the retro style or, on the contrary, “scream” with bright colors as an element of the pop art style.
The soft zone can be decorated in a variety of styles. The main thing is that it matches the design of the room. Floral textiles and aged Provence wood, strict plain minimalist textiles, and concrete loft structures would be appropriate here.
In a classic interior, an ottoman window sill is made of a wide, spacious base made of wood or stone. It is decorated with a soft high mattress with many spectacular pillows.
High-tech style is characterized by simplicity and minimalism. In such interiors, narrow plastic sofas with a thin mattress are used. This type of sofa is not intended for sleeping. Rather, it is suitable for relaxing, reading and drinking tea.
In ethnic interiors, narrow solutions made of wood or stone with a flat mattress and pillows with national motifs will look organic.
For an Art Deco style room, a plastic base covered with colorful textiles is suitable. A bright mattress and pillows with fancy patterns and reproductions will come in handy here.
What style to use is a matter of taste for the home owner. In any of them, the sofa-window sill will look attractive and organic. The main thing is that the materials correspond to the chosen concept and take into account the tastes of the owners and the capabilities of the room.
Complex shapes of wide window sills: a wide window sill in a nursery
Weird windows tend to look cool, but are they practical? They certainly can be like that. There's nothing stopping you and your architect from creating an extraordinary window for you to sit on.
Protruding round windows are especially suitable for seating as you can see more and enjoy daylight in the room.
Luigi Rosselli Architects took advantage of curved architecture in one of their projects to create the most breathtaking window yet.
Living room
As a rule, a room for receiving guests occupies a significant area of housing; it often has huge window openings. But if the outside view is not entirely pleasant (parking lot, wall of a neighboring building), then modern stylish glazing is inappropriate: it is better to replace a large window with several smaller ones.
When huge windows face south, they provide too much light and can cause overheating in the hot summer. In addition, some living rooms have glass doors opening onto the balcony. They create a feeling of openness and visually increase the dimensions of the room. But such a room requires special finishing, the presence of accents, and a window sill panel of a suitable texture.
In a living room with panoramic windows, the distance from the window sill to the floor should be within 25-40 cm. The resulting gap allows you to install radiators that compensate for the considerable loss of heat through the huge window space. Additionally, it is possible to expand the panel to create a convenient place for reading and arranging flowers.
A spacious sofa-window-sill with many decorative pillows fits perfectly into the interior of a living room with a bay window; it is recommended to install it at a height of 50 cm Source dg-home.ru
Large format windows: how to strengthen a wide window sill
Wide window seating sills are designed for those who like to spend a lot of time reading, relaxing or working in natural light, which is definitely good for your eyes.
The wider your window, the more space you will have. And the more space, the more you can do with it.
In the living room, this can be your daybed that you can use instead of a traditional sofa.
In the cabin by Raum Architects, a large, wide wooden window frame becomes an avenue for daytime relaxation and observation of nature.
Window seats for a great view: wide window sill on the balcony
If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view outside your window, it would be a crime not to take advantage of it. Just take a look at some of these projects. The architects purposefully lowered them to take advantage of the stunning views outside.
The architects at Bark Design took it a step further with a corner window and matching space that opens the modern bedroom to the wild green jungle.
By the way, corner windows are becoming increasingly popular, especially in private homes located in beautiful natural places.
In living rooms
The standard window sill height for residential premises is 70-80 cm. It fully complies with technical requirements (placement of heating batteries), provides high-quality lighting, and creates the impression of harmony. When calculating the level of the window sill, the following nuances are taken into account:
- Aesthetics. An excessively low or high installation of a window looks inharmonious - it does not correspond to the proportions of the room.
- Psychology. An incorrectly selected window opening level causes residents to feel discomfort.
- Safety. A low window sill often causes someone to fall out of a window. This is especially true in cases where small children, people with disabilities, and poor vision live in the building.
An ill-considered height of the window sill from the floor may subsequently turn out to be unacceptable. To avoid the latter, it is important to consider all factors in advance.
For living rooms, the standard window sill height is in the range of 70-80 cm, which meets the basic technical requirements Source img.okna.ua
Dining windows: wide window sill in the living room
The chair window should not stand apart from the rest of your interior. In smaller homes, it makes sense to integrate it with the rest of the area to save space. A popular idea is to use it as a dining table or bench. Or you could create a small breakfast nook using it.
The kitchen corner windows are the perfect spot for breakfast, and the built-in seating feels right at home in place of traditional window sills. Take advantage of them if you want to greet the new day with a hearty breakfast and side rays of sunshine.
Children's
For children, the window sill board is usually mounted at a distance of 0.7 m from the floor base. Experts advise using a wide model to ensure sufficient lighting inside the room. In addition, it is important to equip the window with a reliable safety net.
Successful combination of the window sill with the table guarantees long-term lighting for the nursery. In addition, the window structure is often supplemented with ordinary curtains, as well as an opening blocking device.
A window sill table allows you to save space in a small children's room; its height should be about 70 cm Source pdnr.ru
Kitchen window design with a wide window sill: wide window sill in the kitchen
However, you don't need a kitchen nook to take advantage of this kitchen window. A modern window seat can provide an area to sit and wait for dinner to be ready or for your morning cup of coffee.
Modern kitchen architecture has plenty of daylight from large format windows. So take advantage of them and create a dreamy kitchen. InArch did a great job of concealing this heating unit with wooden slats that match the window frames, and created a generous seating area where two people can talk about a simple snack.
Cabinet
The location of the window sill in such a room is tied to the furniture. A harmonious appearance of a room is obtained in cases where the top lines of windows and cabinets coincide. With a single-level placement of the window sill and tabletop, the maximum amount of natural light enters the workplace. Because of this, the desk is placed near the window opening. Its placement on the other side requires some design changes. Without changing the dimensions of the window, the window sill board can be lowered to 60 cm. The latter will help improve the lighting of dark corners.
Setting up a workspace on the windowsill is an excellent solution for owners of small apartments, where every square meter counts Source n1s1.elle.ru
Design of soft window seats: using a window sill in the interior
Seats on wide window sills don't have to be hard. Built-in seats and sofas can also find their place next to the opening glass.
Again, this is a great opportunity to move away from the classic living room sofa and create a more comfortable window seat.
Even if your window seat is a wooden bench, soft cushions will help you enjoy your throne for long periods of time.
Preliminary preparation
It’s not difficult to figure out how to increase the window sill. There are two options. The first involves its complete replacement with a wider plastic one. This option has certain disadvantages, the main one of which is that the width will increase by only 10 cm. The second disadvantage is the need to replace the entire window with a double-glazed window.
Many people prefer the second option - not to change the window sill, but to extend the existing one by attaching an additional board to it. In this case, the sizes will depend only on the wishes of the family. But it is important to remember that according to standards, the protruding part of the window sill can only cover the battery to the middle.
When building a window sill yourself, you first need to measure its parameters, then buy the necessary material - a wooden or plastic board of a suitable size and color, nails, screws, self-tapping screws, brackets, pins. The exact choice of fasteners depends on the material used.
Source group-stone.ru
Wooden window sill
It’s easy to understand how to enlarge a window sill with your own hands if it’s wooden. This can be done in several steps:
- First you need to purchase a board of the right size and from the right material. It can be the same as the window sill, or have a different color. If necessary, cut off excess. You also need to prepare it in advance: sand the edges, paint it, treat it with a moisture-repellent compound.
- A groove is cut out in the front part of the window sill - a recess for better joining of parts.
- A comb is cut out in the prepared board. It should fit into the groove in size.
- Several brackets are attached to the lower part of the window sill. There should be at least 2 of them, preferably 3 or 4 if the window sill is long. They are attached in a certain way. A hole is made in a concrete or brick wall, the depth of which corresponds to the length of the screw. A wooden plug with faceted walls is driven into the hole. The cork is pierced with a nail whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the screw, then the screw itself is screwed in and the bracket itself is hung.
- The board is put in place, driven into the groove, and secured to the brackets.
In order for the window sill to hold better, it can be additionally secured with brackets on the sides.
Source dorofeybrychov.ru
Plastic window sill
Figuring out how to build up a plastic window sill is not difficult. It is based on the same principle as when working with wood.
Installation is carried out in several steps:
- First, a dock of suitable size and thickness is selected. If you couldn’t find the one you need, you can cut it out yourself. The ends must be covered with edge tape, gluing it with a hairdryer or glue.
- In the front part of the window sill and the part of the board adjacent to it, symmetrical holes for the pins are drilled. There must be at least 3 holes, their length is at least 10 cm, diameter - 1-1.5 cm.
- The pins are lubricated with epoxy glue and driven into the hole in the window sill.
- The board is placed on them and adjusted tightly so that the structure does not fall.
If necessary, the gap between the parts of the structure is puttied, dried and painted. This will hide traces of extensions and slightly strengthen the structure.
Source dostupokna35.ru
Modern windows in transitional spaces: photos of window sills
Staircase windows are often empty and have no function. The surroundings of a window can make an area more welcoming and therefore livable. This is also a great opportunity to create a reading corner.
The areas between flights of stairs are very prone to simplicity, so pay attention to how you plan them and make the most of the available space. We love an example where a double-bay window is barely covered by a floating staircase that leaves plenty of room for seating underneath.
In utility rooms
For non-residential rooms, the level of window sill boards is selected based on their purpose and furniture features. In such cases, windows are first provided to ensure adequate lighting. External aesthetic appearance is taken into account last.
For bathrooms and toilets, the recommended height of the window sill is 1.8 m. This allows the wall to be used for placing mirrors and shelves with all kinds of equipment.
Similar requirements apply to window sill panels on balconies, workshops, and storage rooms. They should not take up usable space.
There are no standard window sills for sitting: designing a window sill in the bedroom
A typical chair by the window will not surprise anyone. So to really break the mold, opt for protruding windows, sunken seats or extensions to the outside of your home.
Wide sill window seat designs can be as imaginative and creative as your imagination and budget. Don't limit yourself to regular window sills as you can have so much more.
