Decorating
How to Make Your Windowsill Work Harder
Get the most out of your windowsills – no matter how big or small they are – with these inspirational multi-purpose ideas
When it comes to useful spaces in the home, the humble windowsill is often overlooked. Windowsills are in the perfect position to maximise light, views and fresh air, and can be handy helpers when it comes to creating extra seating and storage or to display treasures, herbs or everyday items you need to keep within easy reach. Try these tips to make your windowsills work extra hard.
If you’re short on spare rooms, look at other windows in your house – where else could you create a cosy little reading nook? Add a cup of tea and a good book and you have a recipe for a dreamy afternoon indoors.
Depending on the length of your windowsill, the addition of a padded bench seat and a few comfy cushions makes for the perfect day bed. Take a break from work and put your feet up without having to mess up the sheets.
Create a green screen
If you’d rather let in the light than your neighbour’s gaze, a few plants lined strategically along the windowsill should do the trick. Try tall, straight varieties such as bamboo or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) for a clean and consistent look.
If you’d rather let in the light than your neighbour’s gaze, a few plants lined strategically along the windowsill should do the trick. Try tall, straight varieties such as bamboo or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) for a clean and consistent look.
One large plant can be enough to create a feeling of privacy in an otherwise bare window. Try a peace lily (Spathiphyllum) or spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) to help filter pollutants from the air and keep your home healthy.
How house plants can improve your health
How house plants can improve your health
Building out a shelf to deepen your windowsill allows more room for bigger items such as books and vases – paint it the same colour as your walls for a seamless look.
Make a home for your herbs
Windowsills are the ideal place for herbs to thrive. Try potting a variety of herbs in two-tone black and white pots to suit a minimalist scheme, or line up matching terracotta pots for rustic, country style.
Windowsills are the ideal place for herbs to thrive. Try potting a variety of herbs in two-tone black and white pots to suit a minimalist scheme, or line up matching terracotta pots for rustic, country style.
If your windowsill is narrow, hang plants from hooks along a curtain rod to maximise space and sunlight – very handy when picking a fresh sprig for dinner!
Keep bath supplies on hand
Sliding into a warm bath only to discover you’ve left your loofah at the sink isn’t much fun. If you have a windowsill nearby, make your me-time as relaxing as possible by stashing all your supplies alongside the tub within arm’s reach. Try decanting shampoos and body wash into stylish glass bottles to make them a feature in the bathroom.
Browse more traditional-style bathrooms
Sliding into a warm bath only to discover you’ve left your loofah at the sink isn’t much fun. If you have a windowsill nearby, make your me-time as relaxing as possible by stashing all your supplies alongside the tub within arm’s reach. Try decanting shampoos and body wash into stylish glass bottles to make them a feature in the bathroom.
Browse more traditional-style bathrooms
Pedestal sinks don’t lend themselves to ample storage, so it can be useful to keep soaps and smaller items along the window. Even better if they make a pretty display, like decorative perfume bottles can.
Store your kitchen goods
If your kitchen is short on space, make the most of every centimetre by organising your oils, spices, utensils and whatever else you can fit along your windowsill. Having the essentials in front of you will make food prep easier and you’ll be less likely to forget when you’re out of salt.
If your kitchen is short on space, make the most of every centimetre by organising your oils, spices, utensils and whatever else you can fit along your windowsill. Having the essentials in front of you will make food prep easier and you’ll be less likely to forget when you’re out of salt.
If you’re lucky enough to have a deep sill with ample surface space, stack your cookbooks and add personality with plants, accessories and lamps.
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How do you make the most of your home’s windowsills? Share a photo or tell us about it in the Comments below.
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Browse more beautiful kitchens
TELL US
How do you make the most of your home’s windowsills? Share a photo or tell us about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more beautiful kitchens
In a spare bedroom or home office, built-in seating makes the most of a nice view and provides a spot to relax that’s separate from the rest of the house. Build in storage drawers underneath and you have a handy place to keep blankets and linen neatly folded away.
10 reasons to install a window seat