Functional window sill-sofa - design options and photos of the best ideas
A comfortable window sill-sofa in an apartment or house solves several design and functional problems at once. This element looks impressive, saves space, creates a cozy nest for relaxation and decorates the window in a new way. You can make a sofa instead of a window sill in the kitchen, children's room, bedroom, living room, library. There are a lot of design options - with hard and soft seats, with shelves and niches, with drawers and the most lightweight designs.
Which window sill can be turned into a sofa?
You can make a seat on a windowsill only if the window is located at a suitable height. The width does not matter - even a small sofa will add zest to the interior. But the depth of the window opening is an important question. If the window sill is very narrow, then you will have to build an additional structure that will increase the width of the bench, but reduce the area of the room.
The easiest way to make a false wall is from plasterboard using the framing method. If the room is already small, you can limit yourself to columns. A practical option is to turn the superstructure into cabinets. This way, the place will not be wasted, and the interior will become original and attractive.
Panoramic windows do not have a window sill, but in this window design they often choose light sofas with legs or seats mounted in walls (slopes).
A bay window is ideal for creating a sofa area - the oval shape increases the length of the seats, and the recessed bench does not interfere with movement around the room. A bay window with a sofa zones the space and makes it functional.
In a private house, you should pay attention to the windows located on the staircases. Small benches will decorate mini-halls and make them functional. In such corners you can arrange libraries, places for relaxation, home offices, and pet beds. If the site is compact, it is better to make the design of the window sill as simple as possible.
Design ideas and photos of design options
A window sill with a seat fits into almost all interior design styles. It is only important to clearly follow the general direction, choosing the right materials for the bench and fabrics for upholstering the seat and sewing pillows. It is more practical to make removable soft seats than permanent upholstery, since the glass needs to be washed periodically.
Cozy window-sofa in the living room
The living room is an ideal place for a soft tray - such a sofa can become a central design element. This technique visually expands the space and makes the window part of the interior. There is no need for curtains, and more sunlight enters the room. But here it is important to consider where the living room windows face. If this is a private house and they face the courtyard, you can do without curtains, but in city apartments such a technique is not always appropriate.
There is no need to give up the sofa in place of the window sill; you just need to stick on a mirror film or think about how to hang the curtains to get the desired result. If there is a water heating radiator under the window sill and it is impossible to move it, you need to use masking screens that create convection and allow warm air to pass through. You can also look for designer radiators with seats.
When remodeling, designers often combine a loggia with a living room, constructing a spacious sofa in place of the former balcony. In this case, the sofa area is located in a natural recess and fits perfectly into the interior of the living room, including those combined with the kitchen.
Soft window sill in the bedroom
In a small bedroom there is rarely room for a banquette, but you don’t always want to lie on the bed. A soft area on the windowsill is a wonderful alternative to a full-fledged armchair or sofa. Here you can read, sit with a tablet or do embroidery. This “seat” is convenient to use when getting dressed and doing makeup. Under the sofa it is possible to build a mini-chest of drawers for bed linen, pillows, and clothes.
If the bedroom is spacious, it makes sense to organize a full-fledged relaxation area with a sofa on which you can not only sit, but also lie down. Such cozy beds are convenient for families with children - kids love to stay in the parents' bedroom.
We have already told you how to make a bedroom in a one-room apartment, but this method is not there. If the window sill is very wide, then you can make a full-fledged sleeping place out of it, which during the day will turn into a roomy sofa with soft pillows. Of course, there is no question of a double bed, but a bed 90 cm wide can be considered. It’s good to make a closet around it – this will leave both usable space and add the required width.
Cozy corner in the children's room
An unusual window with a seat in a children's room will become a child's favorite corner, but in this case it is important to take care of absolute safety. Even if you live in a private house, and the risk of falling is reduced to zero, you must not forget about injuries. It is recommended to install shockproof glass for such windows, protected from destruction and splinters with a special film.
Under the window sill with a sofa in the children's room there is an opportunity to create storage space for books or toys. In a small room, the window opening can be beautifully framed with a built-in wardrobe. For classes, they often build a table - folding, hanging, sliding, turning the window into a useful area.
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.
Window sill - work area in the office or kitchen
Most often, the window sill acts as a working area in the kitchen, children's room or office. You can also use it to set up a work area in the living room or bedroom, if that is where you decide to install a computer or create a permanent place for a laptop.
In the kitchen, there are two options for arranging a work area on the windowsill: with or without moving the sink and hob. The first option is more expensive, as it will require changes to the location of communications - in this case, you will have to install water supply and sewerage to the sink located under the window. Moving a gas stove is completely problematic, since such redevelopment will have to be coordinated with the relevant service.
The second option assumes that the window sill will simply become a continuation of the tabletop. In this case, the costs of money and time are not so great, and the benefits of an additional work area are numerous.
If you don’t want to change the size of the window at all, and the height of the window sill and the countertop do not match, you can arrange a separate dining table or bar counter under the window, which is in no way connected with the main working area of the kitchen countertop.
The choice of materials for the window sill, which has turned into part of the countertop, is very large: marble, artificial stone, metal, ceramic tiles, concrete, quartz stone, acrylic, glass, wood, laminated chipboard and MDF. It all depends on the financial capabilities of the owner and the overall design of the kitchen interior.
As for turning a window sill into a work area in an office, nursery or living room, in this case there is no need to level the height based on adjacent surfaces, as in the kitchen. However, sitting at such a table should be comfortable, and if there is no desire or opportunity to reduce or expand the height of the window opening, you will have to take care of having chairs of optimal height.
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.
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
To get started, you need to have a number of necessary things. To do this you should purchase:
- pencil for marking;
- polyurethane foam;
- measuring tape;
- jigsaw or file for cutting the base;
- level;
- silicone sealant;
- metal brackets and corners;
- base for the window sill.
Today, a cozy window sill is becoming more and more in demand.
Comfortable window sill-sofa in an Art Nouveau style interior
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.
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.
Styles and decoration for different rooms
Despite the apparent monotony of the design, you can decorate a sofa-window sill in a variety of ways. At the same time, a design solution can enhance the recognition of a particular interior style. For example, even a version of a sofa-window sill, lined with large rough stones, complemented by a laconic mattress and several pillows, can add aesthetics to the interior.
However, in order for the furniture to fit harmoniously into a particular stylistic solution, it is necessary to rely on its resources.
Each style has its own. For example, to decorate bay windows in the Provence style, you need light shades, materials with small floral or striped prints, and an abundance of frills and natural textiles. Minimalism is important for modern stylistic trends. This is the simplicity of forms, their symmetry and laconic texture. Ecological styles need to demonstrate natural materials and their texture. Retro design is conveyed through the bright colors of the pillows and the creativity of their texture.
In the modern world, quite often people have to buy small-sized housing. But this also has its advantages, if, of course, you decorate its interior correctly and at the same time maintain as much free space as possible. There are many tips and ideas from designers that will help you visually enlarge any room. Quite recently, an idea arose about how to use a window sill, which was previously intended only for flowerpots.
Now you can use its surface as an additional place to relax, which will significantly save room space. Such a sofa from a window sill has become very popular today, because more and more people have become interested in its properties. This solution is suitable for a children's room, living room or library, depending on your preferences. You will be able to surprise your guests and please your loved ones, because it is very comfortable to sit or lie on the windowsill, where you have a beautiful view from the window.
There you can think and watch what is happening on the street, or read your favorite book and be transported to a fairy-tale world of fantasy. The main thing is that you don’t have to fill the room with unnecessary furniture, which will definitely make it smaller. If you think that such a sofa can only be built in a private home, then you are mistaken. After all, on a high floor in an apartment you can get even more pleasure from relaxing on this piece of furniture.
You can decorate the interior, add something mysterious, unusual and original to it. Pillows or mattresses of different sizes and colors are usually placed on top to improve the level of rest. The finishing style of such a window sill sofa should be combined with other interior items. If you want to emphasize your refined taste and uniqueness, then you can use the most daring solutions in the design of this sofa model. Under which you can make an additional shelf for books or magazines, which will be very convenient and original.
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.
Cozy window sill sofa (1 video)
Resting place on the windowsill (14 photos)
Soft window sill made of different materials
Such window sills-seats are made of wood, stone, plastic, tiles, MDF and chipboard.
Tree
To create a window sill-sofa, it is better to prefer wood. It has high quality and good thermal insulation properties. Popular wood is from trees such as oak, larch, cherry, ash, chestnut, maple, mahogany and beech. It is recommended to install a pine window sill if you need to reduce the purchase price. Wooden window sills are environmentally friendly and durable (especially those made of oak and larch, which are very hard).
Wood has a positive effect on human health. It does not cause allergies, promotes natural ventilation and normal humidity. Pine has natural antiseptic properties.
Wood can be used in any design style. It suits any interior.
One of the main disadvantages of wooden window sills is their low resistance to moisture. Therefore, they are periodically treated with anti-rotting agents. They need protection from mechanical damage. Natural wood has a high cost.
In construction stores, you can choose a window sill from a large collection of models made of MDF or chipboard, but their disadvantage is that they lose their qualities when in contact with moisture.
Plastic
A wide window sill in the interior can be made from inexpensive plastic. It does not rot, is lightweight, does not deteriorate from the sun's rays, does not require periodic painting, and is easy to install.
It is easy to cut it with a jigsaw, but you need to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from small particles from the plastic being cut. A two-component polyurethane foam is applied under such a base. When dried, its volume does not increase and does not lead to distortion of the plastic base.
Stone
You can also use natural stone to create a seating area under the window. You can sit comfortably on it by placing a soft mattress on top. And if you remove the insulation, then the window sill, even a nondescript gray color, will look attractive.
You can use natural marble. The qualitative characteristics of artificial stones are not inferior to natural materials, and in appearance they are similar to natural stones.
Manufacturing materials and installation methods
Since the structure near the window has not only a decorative, but also a practical function, the choice of material for it must be approached responsibly. The most popular window sills now are made of PVC (plastic), wood, chipboard or MDF, stone or stone-imitating material.
Non-standard options are decorated with ceramic tiles or mosaics, porcelain stoneware. Molding technology is used, as well as fabric upholstery. The shape of the window sill can be the usual rectangular, round, or curved. It is set based on the characteristics of the material, personal tastes, and interior features.
The choice of both material and installation method is determined by performance requirements. The product must be:
- Durable. Pots of flowers and people can be placed on it.
- Moisture-resistant, resistant to chemical and thermal influences. The sun will shine on the windowsill, water will get there in the bathroom or pool, and detergents will be used in the kitchen.
- Insulating from the cold.
- Correctly distributing warm flows from the radiator throughout the room.
During installation, take into account the planned finishing and try not to tightly close the radiator. The latter is left half open or special convection holes are made. Protrusions beyond the wall level should not exceed 5-6 cm, extend beyond the edges of the slopes at a distance of 1 to 8 cm.
How to decorate a window sill-sofa in different rooms
A soft corner on the window fits into any room and design style. A bed in the opening will help you use the usable space wisely and increase the functionality of the space. To prevent the window sill-sofa from looking like a foreign element, you need to choose the right design.
Kitchen
A bench in a window opening looks much better than a work area. In the interior of a small room, a storage system is equipped under the seat; small shelves are appropriate on the slopes. For a sofa in the kitchen, designers recommend choosing a mattress or pillows of practical, non-staining material with removable pillowcases. A side or coffee table is installed nearby.
In a spacious room there is no need to save usable space, so the soft area is left independent. The marble bed, which matches the material of the set's countertop, looks luxurious. Lighting is installed around the perimeter of the window block, making the area more isolated.
An island work area is often installed next to the window seat. While the food is being prepared, the hostess can relax on the sofa. The heating system is moved to the walls, and a bedside table with drawers is installed under the bed. A long bench that covers several windows looks impressive.
The role and significance of the window sill in the interior
Someone may consider investing a decent amount of money in upgrading a product as a disadvantage. On the other hand, it is more logical to consider a modern window sill design as a profitable investment:
- Financially, a remodel can be cheaper than buying new furniture.
- The room takes on a finished and stylish look.
- A room of any size becomes more spacious, usable space is saved.
- The necessary things and accessories are within easy reach.
The banal use of a window sill as a storage shelf behind a curtain or a stand for a stunted “scarlet flower” is now irrelevant. By discarding the usual stereotypes, the list of original ideas on how to use a window sill can be greatly expanded.