Material selection
Since most modern apartments and houses have plastic windows installed, a PVC window sill seems to be the most obvious solution. High-quality models come in various shades and generally look aesthetically pleasing. But the main advantage of this option is its budget. However, plastic is not the most practical material. It fades in the sun, cracks due to sudden temperature changes and over time can become covered with stains that are difficult to remove.
Plastic finishing can hardly be called universal, but it looks quite appropriate in discreet, minimalist interiors. Designer Lana Kharitonova, photographer Anastasia Rozonova
Plastic window sills and frames in dark colors will set off a light interior well. Studio Aloha Design Lab., designer Elena Kuznetsova, photographer Alexander Volodin
A wooden window sill will be a practical and durable alternative to a plastic window sill. Wood is an environmentally friendly and durable material that can withstand any load. A window sill made of natural wood can serve as a table or even a bench. Wood can be quickly repainted if desired, so this window sill is suitable for interiors of any color scheme and style. In addition to natural wood, you can use MDF or plywood - these materials are similar in properties.
A window sill made of natural wood can be complemented, for example, with a rattan chair or other wooden elements. This will soften the interior and make it more comfortable. Studio Zhuravleva.co, architect Alexandra Zhuravleva, photographer Anton Brzhozovsky
A laconic interior with classic elements will be perfectly complemented by a window sill made of stone - natural or artificial. Models made of marble, granite or their imitation look stylish. Options made from natural material are very durable, reliable and have a unique natural pattern, but an artificial stone window sill is easy to maintain.
In the kitchen, a stone window sill can be combined with a countertop, for example, made of artificial marble. Designer Pavel Zheleznov, photographer Sergey Ananyev
Many stone window sills are thin and look laconic and elegant. All Good studio, designer Natalya Baranova, photographer Polina Poludkina
A non-standard solution could be a concrete window sill. This wear-resistant and strong material fits perfectly into the popular loft style. Concrete can be not only plain gray, but also with terrazzo mosaic, which was especially relevant in the middle of the last century and has returned to fashion again.
A concrete window sill can be combined with brick slopes.
Studio ADS Group Design , photographer Sergey Nastavnik
Standard sizes
Dimensions of plastic window sills
The parameters of window sills are developed based on the properties of the materials from which they are made, as well as from consumer requests. The dimensions are set by the manufacturer, based on the minimum strength limit of the products and the capabilities of the available equipment.
Maximum length to width ratio:
- Chipboard - 600x80 cm;
- stone - 300x120 cm;
- wood - 400x60 cm;
- plastic - 300x60 cm.
Thickness standards:
- Chipboard - 17-28 mm;
- stone - 20-30 mm;
- wood - 30-50 mm;
- plastic - 20-35 mm.
The product price is calculated according to the size. The buyer can choose the best option for himself that meets all the criteria of the project.
To match the frame
A universal solution for any interior is a window sill in the same shade as the window frame. This design makes the window a solid structure, where everything is as harmonious and thoughtful as possible. However, the material does not have to be the same. For example, you can combine a plastic window with a window sill made of porcelain stoneware or painted wood. A white window sill with a white frame is already a classic. A window in black looks strict and graphic, and options in the shade of natural wood create the atmosphere of a country house in the interior.
Due to the color, white window sills and slopes can visually widen the opening slightly. Designer Elena Nikitina, photographer Denis Vasiliev
In this project, dark window openings were combined with black furniture. Designers Marina Platonova and Oksana Grushko, photographer Sergey Krasyuk
Flowers for the living room
Always a win-win option - a flower arrangement on the windowsill. You can put flowers in the living room that especially attract the eye with their beautiful flowering and solid size:
- Orchids;
- Jasmine;
- Gardenia;
- Dracaena;
- Dieffenbachia;
- Hibiscus;
- Orange or lemon tree.
For each plant that is located on the window, you can pick up a few more small accessories. For example, Feng Shui lovers can easily select a suitable figurine.
Roses in a vase on the windowsill
Sit window sill
In harmony with the slopes
The same material of the slopes and window sill gives the window design a resemblance to a painting. This solution allows you to beautifully present the view outside the window and make it a full participant in the interior. Wood and stone look great as such a “frame”. Decorating the opening with wood is more suitable for apartments overlooking a garden, park or forest - it will be in harmony with the natural environment.
In this project, the wooden window frame was also supported by an open shelving unit made of the same material. Studio Diagonal, architect Egor Egorychev, photographer Natalya Melikova
The city landscape will be effectively framed by window slopes with a window sill made of dark stone. Little Space studio, designer Evgenia Shama
Living room
The ideal living room exudes coziness, invites relaxation, and allows you to enjoy elegant compositional solutions. The spectacular design of the window sill in this room can be the focus of increased attention. The window should be perceived as another location that you can really decorate with your own hands.
The most practical options:
- Decorating the window space as a creative bookshelf;
- Mini-corner with children's works;
- Installation of a souvenir fountain with gurgling water and corresponding paraphernalia;
- Installation of original candlesticks (looks impressive in a living room decorated in an expensive classic style).
The decor is developed taking into account the design direction in which the room itself is decorated. It is important to avoid heavy structures and a feeling of cluttered space.
Orchid in window sill decor
Autumn window sill decor
Contrast of textures
A window sill made of solid wood or marble will help add originality to an ordinary plastic window. In contrast to the neutral frame, the texture of these materials will become even brighter and more noticeable. This technique can be used if standard windows from the developer do not fit into the overall style of the interior, and it is not possible to replace them. To pair with a black frame, it is better to choose a window sill in dark shades. Both light and dark material options go equally well with a basic white window.
A stone window sill will give the interior a more expensive and noble look and will draw attention away from the plastic slopes and frames. Designer Elena Zufarova, photographer Evgeniy Kulibaba
In this interior, a wooden window sill softened the rich dark palette and introduced a variety of textures. Designer Anna Zueva, photographer Evgeny Kulibaba
The nuances of landscaping a bedroom
It is not customary to place many flowerpots here. There is an opinion that massive bulky flowers are capable of taking oxygen. However, there are types of house plants that will fit perfectly into the bedroom interior:
- Fern;
- Montera;
- Cyperus;
- Any miniature succulents;
- Yucca.
It is better not to decorate the window with flowers that have an excessively strong smell (lily, hyacinth, gardenia, rose). The same applies to cut flowers, which are best not placed in the bedroom.
Figurines on the windowsill
Candles for window sill decoration
Piece of furniture
If the design of the opening allows you to install a wide window sill, it can be used as a full-fledged table or an extension of the tabletop. For example, it can become a comfortable workplace in a nursery, office or bedroom. It is better to make a similar table from the same material as other furniture in the room (for example, cabinets or shelving). In this case, the window sill in the kitchen should be matched to the countertop - this way the interior will look most harmonious.
Working near a window will be more comfortable due to the abundance of natural light. Designer Ekaterina Belyaeva, photographer Sergey Ananyev
In a small kitchen, the bar counter can be leaned close to the window and form a dining area. Architect Rustem Urazmetov
The space under the window can be used not only as a table, but also as a lounge area with soft pillows. For this design, it is better to use wood or MDF to match the rest of the furniture in the room. In this case, the radiators can be covered with decorative panels made of the same material or at least in the same shade.
Radiators can be covered, for example, with wooden slats, so that heat will continue to flow into the room in sufficient volume. Studio Make Interiors, designer Vlada Peterson, photographer Evgeniy Kulibaba
Cover photo: Studio Diagonal, architect Egor Egorychev, photographer Natalya Melikova
Books
Another interesting and practical way to decorate a windowsill is to arrange a library next to it. Shelves with books can frame the window opening, be placed at the bottom or on the sides - much depends on the location of the batteries.
If you equip the window not only with shelves, but also with a seat with a soft mattress or pillows, the ledge will serve as a place for relaxing and reading.
Types of paints suitable for painting concrete surfaces
Despite the high degree of wear resistance and strength, concrete has one feature that must be taken into account when choosing paint:
“Even a perfectly ground and polished concrete window sill has a porous structure. This means that its surface will absorb moisture, which affects the durability of the color. Therefore, you need to carefully approach the choice of paint, giving preference to special compositions for concrete.”
Maxim Sevastyanov, master finisher
- Paint for concrete window sills must meet a number of requirements. These include zero water absorption, good adhesive properties, pigment resistance to ultraviolet radiation, hiding power, and quick drying.
Among the concrete paints offered by manufacturers, the following types can be distinguished:
Acrylic compositions. These paints have many advantages - high resistance to external influences, low water absorption after drying, light fastness, excellent adhesion and hiding power
It is extremely important that acrylic polymer compounds form a protective film on the concrete surface, dry quickly and do not emit a specific odor.
Epoxy compounds. This type of paint has excellent adhesive properties and zero water absorption
They are resistant to any external influences, do not fade, and surfaces painted with them are easy to clean. The smell is weak, but the drying time is longer than that of acrylic paint - up to 2 days.
Latex compounds. They are also called rubber because after drying they form a stretchable polymer film that is resistant to cracking. At the same time, the window sill looks smooth, matte, even, pleasant to the touch, and pores are not visible on it. The smell of latex paint is barely noticeable, and the drying time is about half an hour.
Polyurethane compounds. Paints with good adhesion and low water absorption, resistant to abrasion. However, their light fastness is quite low, and the pigment fades over time. The coating is formed very thin, and if the window sill has defects in sanding and polishing, polyurethane paint will not hide them, but will highlight them. The smell is minimal, but the drying time reaches 10-12 hours.
Thus, when painting a concrete window sill, it is better to choose latex, epoxy and acrylic paints.
