21 Window Sill Decorating Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space
Dress up every ledge with your favorite decor.
If you're investing time to carefully style the rest of your house, why not also decorate the window sills? These small spaces are perfect for adding personalized touches throughout the house, whether it's a few plants, knick knacks or your favorite stack of books.
Still, window sills can be tricky — you don't want to go overboard with too much decor that you block the window. To help you get started tackling these tiny yet mighty spaces, we rounded up our favorite window sill decorating ideas for design inspiration.
Place a few special family photos, use it for storage or even grow your own miniature herb garden. Regardless of what you decide, we guarantee you'll get more out of your window sill space with these inspiring decorating ideas.
DIY a Plant Shelf
Transform your window sill into a shelf for your favorite plants. They need the fresh sunlight, after all. Place a few right on the windowsill itself, or build a two-tier shelf to fit even more succulents.
Cozy up a Window Bench
If you're lucky enough to have a cozy window seat in your home, you might as well dress it up with cushions, pillows and blankets. Whether you choose to lay down with a good book or simply daydream into the distance, window benches are the ultimate relaxation spot.
Show off Floral Arrangements
With lighting like this, it's almost impossible not to stare at these stunning floral arrangements. Embrace your love for all-things-floral and place your vases right on the window sill so you can enjoy looking at them from the comfort of your own couch.
Go Vintage
The simple greenery on top of this stunning window sill adds vintage charm to this kitchen. Take it one step further by adding a candle or a couple other knick knacks that align with your interior design style to spruce up your space.
Add a Few Picture Frames
Depending on the size of your window sill, you might be able to fit a few of your best family photos. Frame your favorite memories with loved ones and put them on display all year round.
Utilize the Extra Storage Space
Blogger Christine Higgs of For the Home places her jar of kitchen utensils right on the window sill for easy access while cooking. If you have a window right above the stove, consider using it to store spices or other kitchen gadgets to free up some space elsewhere.
Display a Cutting Board
Sure, cutting boards are a useful kitchen tool. But some are even pretty enough to put on display full time. This blogger uses one of her small cutting boards for a plant and candle she lights every night after dinner.
Ditch the Nightstand
If you have a window right next to your bed, you might be able to ditch your night stand for good. Keep your lamp right on the window sill. Not only is it convenient, it's also stylish.
Add Holiday Decor
When the holiday season comes around, use your windowsill to create the ultimate winter wonderland. Christine Higgs of For the Home incorporates bottle brush trees in her bedroom for a touch of holiday charm.
Add a Pop of Color
What's better than the fresh smell of coffee paired with some morning sunlight? Paint your window sill for an unexpected pop of color and top it off with some greenery for the coffee station of your dreams.
Turn It Into a Reading Nook
Pop a few plants on top, pull together a couple pillows and blankets and open up your book. Window sills are the perfect spot to set up a reading nook. Plus, you can even keep your book right on the ledge for next time.
See more at Domestically Blissful »
RELATED: 14 Best Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
Plant a Herb Garden
Topping off your favorite dish with fresh grown herbs just makes it taste better. Grow your own herb garden right on your kitchen window sill for a convenient (and healthy) kitchen display.
Take Advantage of Shelving
Small bathrooms can be a pain when it comes to storage. If you have a window sill readily available, take advantage of that extra space. This blogger even installed two more shelves for all her toiletries.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
RELATED: 42 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Stack Some Books
Don't have room for a full bookshelf? Stack a few of your favorites on the window sill. It doesn't count as clutter if it looks good, right?
Extend the Ledge
DIY your own headboard right under your bedroom window for an extended ledge. Decorate with artwork, plants or even incorporate your own tray table like this blogger does.
Brighten up the Place
A fresh vase of summer flowers has the power to transform any space. Whether in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, consider adding a few floral arrangements. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Incorporate Antiques
That old vintage plate or set of antique glassware you thrifted does not need to be tucked away in your kitchen cabinets. Display all your favorites on the window sill. Doing so might even encourage you to get more use out of them.
Install More Shelves
If one window sill just isn't enough, don't worry. Install more shelves right above the window sill. With open shelving, you'll have more storage space without blocking any of that much-needed sunlight.
Decorate a Planter
Put that old planter box to use by incorporating it into your home decor. Fill it with candles, flowers or anything else you want to show off on your window sill.
Keep It Fresh
Let the light in for a fresh laundry room aesthetic. This blogger keeps a few potted plants right alongside her open windows for a space that feels light, airy and clean.
See more at Jenna Sue Design »
RELATED: 15 Clever Laundry Room Hacks Pro Organizers Swear By
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
Nostalgia Decor: 2025's Most Comforting Home Trend
The Best Carpet Cleaners
A Look at Behr's 2026 Color of the Year
9 Designer-Approved Paint Color Combos
