Wondering what to put on your window sill this spring? Let me offer you some ideas, tips, and inspiration for how to style your window ledges.
One can never have enough areas to do a little styling, don’t you agree? One of my favorite spots in my home to style is my window sill ledge. Window sills can also be quite hard to style.
Window sills can easily either look too bare or too cluttered, they are usually pretty narrow and you have to consider how it looks from the outside as well.
That is why I have come up with a little list of tips and tricks when decorating window sills that I use all the time when I am giving my window bottoms a new (seasonal) look.
Window sill decorating tips
<strong>My little tips and tricks for decorating my window sill in style</strong>
Total Time: 1 hour
Plan your window sill decor: some questions to answer first
My window sills are usually not the spaces in my home that I update often. My coffee table or little sideboard could get a weekly little change-up, but I tend to keep my window sill decor up for longer periods of time.
So if that applies to you too, it is good to start your window sill decorating with a little careful planning first. Ask yourself: how long do I want this window decor to last? Do I want to show off the season or do I want it to be evergreen? Are there any ‘window sill users’ in my home that might mess with my decor (think cats and dogs that like to sit on the window sill)? How much of this window sill can be seen from outside? Does my window sill decor need to provide privacy?
Think about balance, repetition, and symmetry
Your window sill is basically a long, narrow shelf, that – in the case of a bay window – might have one or two angles in them. I have always found that starting with some repetitive elements works best for a wide window sill like this and that symmetry in the design helps to avoid a cluttered look.
That doesn’t mean that the right and left sides need to be identical. Symmetry can also be attained if you have elements that echo size, color, and/or shape.
Go for big, or group the little ones
Of all the styling corners in your home, I think window sills tend to be the ones that get too cluttered the quickest and the easiest. That is why I like to use rather big objects on my window sills as a focal point. Like tall lamps, chunky lanterns, robust potted plants (if your window receives a lot of sunlight a cactus or succulents will thrive there), or heavy candlesticks. They look better from the outside too.
If I want to use little do-dats in my window sill decor I usually find a way to group them. Use a narrow tray or box to ground all the little accessories and turn them into one big group instead of a collection of separate little things.
Don’t forget about the practicalities
When you think you are done with your window sill decor, take a step back and think if you are still able to:
– close your curtains easily
– look outside from your favorite spot on the couch
– allow your cat or dog to sit on the window sill to look outside
– receive a lot of natural light
– quickly remove everything (and put it back) if you need to dust your sill or clean your window (one more reason to corral small items).
– block or allow views from outside.
Window sill decoration ideas
Window sills are often an under-utilized space in the home. They can be used for more than just holding plants and cacti. You can use them to display seasonal items like pumpkins, ornaments, candles, or even pictures. There are many ways to decorate a window ledge, but the best eye-catching window sill decor ideas are those that draw attention to the window while leaving enough space to look outside. Decorating your window sill with style will give your home a unique look while also adding a touch of style and whimsy.
As you can see in the image above. I have grounded my window sill decor by using too rather large lanterns on either side. Moving in I have created height with two groupings of flowers that are almost identical on both sides. In the center, I used a vintage brick-making mold to group a collection of smaller items. The collection of candles in mason jars, vases, and bottles becomes a cohesive whole because they all share the same color.
I added symmetry in the grouping itself as well by adding the same silver dollar stems on the outer edges of the mold.
Using a tray, crate, or drawer to organize a collection of decorations really is one of my go-to decorating tips of all time. And it is so easy to update the little collection with seasonal details without having to redesign the area completely.
A window sill is a perfect place to add a bit of seasonal decor. For this spring window sill, I used bulb flowers, faux flowers, and lots of light colors. I have also decorated this window sill with this crate for the fall season and I used leaves and pumpkins in the tray. And for Christmas, I made window sill ornaments.
Window sills are a great place to decorate when you want to make a statement. From the start, you want to make sure your design is eye-catching. Make sure that your design is unique and has an element of surprise. Use your imagination to come up with creative ways to style your new window sill decoration that fits the season, your style, and your home.
More spring decor and window sill decor ideas
<<<< Window sill decor at Christmas >>>>
<<<< Spring decorating on a budget >>>>
<<<< Double layered roman blinds DIY >>>>
<<<< Spring mantel ideas for your home >>>>
<<<< Easy Easter Centerpiece DIY >>>>
Have you decorated your window sills? And do you regularly change their decor or have they been the same for years?
Is there anything you are struggling with when it comes to decorating your window sills? Could I offer some help or advice? Just send me a message, I’d love to help out!!
Please feel free to share and pin this post for future reference!
Siggie says
So pretty Marianne! Is that an old stained glass window resting on your bay window? I love that!
Marianne Songbird says
Hi Siggie. Thanks, yes those are some old stained glass windows that I think used to be set in a door. They are just leaning against the window.
Mary Anne Komar says
Isn’t Spring wonderful? Just a hint of color and promises of warm weather and abundance. Thanks for sharing your lovely window sills. Mary Anne
Marianne Songbird says
Yes I love Spring, and by the looks of it, we are finally going to have some of it. Can’t wait to go outside and play in the sun. Thanks for stopping by!
Rachel says
Simple and beautiful, just the way I like it.
Emilou says
Morning Marianne, beautiful settings. Thanks for sharing, but ack! going to put your plaids away! Oh well, spring really is here. Blessings and smiles, Emilou 🙂
Marianne Songbird says
Hihi, don’t worry I am going to put the ‘winter’ plaid away. I’ll probably bring in a lighter one that is just as warm but doesn’t feel so heavy.
Thanks for stopping by! I love your visits.
♥ Marianne
Lorrie says
Wonderful, welcome spring! How I love her. Your window coverings look so light and pretty – and the windowsills are charming.
Marianne Songbird says
Thanks Lorrie!
I love Spring too, and I am so glad she finally arrived in these parts. I am going to soak up a lot of sun this weekend!
Thanks for your kind words, they always bring a smile to my face.
Andrea says
Hi Marianne, thank you for your beautiful Spring post 🙂 Spring is slow to arrive in my little corner of Canada as well. We have just had two days of freezing rain advisory and schools were cancelled yesterday 🙁 I am looking at your photos rather than out the window. Your pansy is adorable – there are none to be found here yet!
Marianne says
Jaaa, de lente is er (bijna). De vensterbank en rolgordijnen zien er mooi uit. Het glas in lood is ook erg mooi. Het lijkt net alsof je glas in lood ramen hebt.
Groetjes, Marianne.
Demi says
Love the spring decorations. Fortunately, the decorations can also be used in different seasons and I want to know where the tray is from, since I’m totally obsessed with it. *hearteyes*
Thank you in advance!
Marianne@Songbird says
Hi Demi,
Thank you for your lovely comment. Yep this certainly is a versatile window decor, I have changed it up many times in different seasons. The tray is an old brick makers tray. I found it in my in-laws attic, so I am afraid it is a one of a kind.
Betsy says
So lovely! Thanks for the spring inspiration Marianne.