How to choose the right window sill?

Recommendations for selection

The first thing you need to know about window sills is that they should not only be beautiful, but also functional. It is a high-quality installed window sill that protects the apartment from temperature and humidity changes, condensation, cold air and extraneous noise.

An important aspect is the size. The width is limited by the existing slopes (plus 3-5 cm in length on each side), the thickness is limited by the gap between the base and the window (standard 2-4 cm). And the depth is not regulated by anything, so some people, for the sake of convenience, choose wide countertops 1.5-2 times deeper than the intended opening.

But according to construction regulations, this is prohibited: the surface should not extend beyond the wall more than 5-7 cm, so as not to interfere with the formation of a warm air layer. Or, it is necessary to cut ventilation holes in the slab for free circulation of warm air from the radiator.

In the photo, plastic under marble

It is also necessary to take into account the operational characteristics. Window sills should be made of durable, moisture-resistant material that is not afraid of sunlight and has the highest resistance to mechanical impact.

If the requirements are not met, the product will deform and will need to be replaced after a short period of time.

What types of window sills are there and what are their features?

Today, the technology for manufacturing window sills from almost any material has been established: from cheap plastic to exclusive natural stone, rare species of mahogany. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

PVC window sill

Plastic window sills are a logical addition to plastic windows. Most often, they are used by developers or offered by manufacturers of window structures. Despite the low cost and simple design, PVC window sills have many advantages:

• They are not afraid of water and moisture. Plastic is an absolutely hydrophobic material: it does not absorb water, does not swell and does not deteriorate from prolonged contact with it.
• They are distinguished by high strength. The product, at least 20 mm thick, is made of thick polyvinyl chloride and reinforced with stiffeners. It is impossible to break it, the maximum is to break the surface with a strong blow of a heavy object.
• They are presented in a large assortment. Plastic and products from it can be not only different colors, but also textures: for example, with imitation of wood or stone. The coating can be glossy, matte, satin.
• Easy to care for. PVC can be cleaned with detergents with a chemical composition. High hygienic properties allow it to be used in kitchens, children’s rooms, bathrooms.

Important! To avoid scratches, do not use abrasives for washing, even the smallest ones like melamine sponges.

To make the plastic panel last as long as possible, choose models with a surface made of acrylic resin film. They are more expensive than economy class, but they look better and are highly resistant to high temperatures, mechanical impacts, do not scratch or fade in the sun.

Wooden window sill

Even simple products will cost more than plastic, but they will definitely look better. In some styles (country, Provence), wooden window sills are absolutely irreplaceable. The use of different wood affects not only the appearance. The service life directly depends on it.

Wooden window sills are made of inexpensive pine, durable larch, heavy oak and other species. The stronger the original material, the more resistant it is to external influences.

Advantages of installing a wooden window sill panel:

• Environmentally friendly. You can be sure that you will not receive even a small dose of harmful substances.
• Durability. With proper processing, even cheap pine lasts 8-10 years, not to mention oak or walnut.
• Great processing options. Wood can be easily shaped into the desired form, so the window sill can be made not only square, but also semicircular or beveled.

The disadvantages include swelling during prolonged contact with water, cracks from drying out due to improper care, and the need for regular care. The frequency of renewal of the protective layer depends on what the wood is covered with during installation (varnish, oil, wax).

The photo shows the window decoration with natural wood

Stone window sill

Stone window sills are probably the most durable.

1. Firstly, the stone does not deform from temperature and humidity changes.
2. Secondly, reliable granite or marble will not split even from an accidental blow.
3. Thirdly, the choice of colors and designs is limited only by the budget: from inexpensive quartz to bright onyx. Window sills made of artificial stone have an even wider range: while the price, unlike natural stone, does not depend on the structure.

There are not many negative aspects – the main disadvantage is the price. The products will cost 1.5-2 times more than wooden ones. Moreover, both natural slabs and composites are expensive.

Some types of stones cannot be in contact with acids – so before choosing marble for the work area under the kitchen window – you should carefully evaluate all the pros and cons.

The photo shows an example of artificial granite

Window sill made of MDF/chipboard

To imagine what the future window sill will look like, remember what standard MDF countertops look like. Firmly pressed sawdust is an excellent option for creating a smooth, beautiful surface.

Thanks to the ability to laminate the surface, a huge selection of colors and textures is achieved: plain, wood, stone, concrete. The film performs not only a decorative, but also a protective function, protecting sawdust from water or moisture. However, the ends still remain open and even special plugs will not prevent swelling when in direct contact with water.

Also, decorative film is easy to wash, it does not absorb dirt, and is not afraid of acids and bleaches. But it is easily scratched – therefore it is not recommended to use abrasives in care.

When choosing between chipboard and MDF, give preference to the second option: it is stronger, does not emit harmful formaldehyde, is more resistant to high humidity (although constant or long-term contact with water will still lead to swelling of the filler).

How to choose a color?

The easiest way to decide on the color of the window sill is to look at the window. Since the frame will be the closest part, it is logical to make both parts the same color. Example: a white plastic window with a snow-white PVC window sill.

In this case, the color is more important than the material – that is, an MDF or acrylic board will suit white PVC windows – why not? Moreover, the latter two have much wider possibilities for decoration and shape adjustment.

Another option is a combination with slopes. That is, the window can be white, and the slopes around the perimeter and the horizontal plate can be gray, beige, or black. The appearance of such a structure when assembled resembles a portal and actively attracts attention – an excellent way to decorate a window without using curtains.

Don’t forget about the radiator: if you are going to close it with a grill, make a complete composition with a window sill – it will look harmonious. The best option for finishing in this case is wood.

The photo shows a plywood window sill

On the reverse side, it is not necessary match with something: you can make an accent on it. For example, a wooden covering in combination with a white window. Or white paired with black.

The location of the window also has its influence on the choice of color: in the kitchen or bedroom, for example, the window sill can serve as a table and it is logical to make it match the rest of the furniture in the room.

Design ideas

Often the window sill performs a very specific function: it allows you to save space and money, avoiding the purchase of additional furniture. In the kitchen, for example, a sink, work or dining area are placed opposite the window. There will be room for legs below (if you plan to eat there) or space for cabinets and household appliances.

It is convenient to install a work desk in the window area of a child’s room or bedroom. To do this, make the window sill wider (don’t forget to cut out ventilation holes in it!) and additionally strengthen it with brackets or legs.

The photo shows a wide countertop under the window in the kitchen

An equally common option is to install a sofa under the window. The main role here is played by the height of the window sill itself – it is desirable that it is not higher than 50-55 cm. If you are lucky – feel free to make the panel wider, put a mattress, pillows and a blanket on it.

These simple steps will turn the window area into a favorite corner for every family member. Everyone will enjoy admiring the view, reading, surfing the Internet or just enjoying the silence with a cup of aromatic tea.

No need for a table or sofa? Leave the window as is: decorate it with flower pots, paintings, figurines. Don’t forget about beautiful curtains: thick blackout curtains for the bedroom, bright cafe curtains for the kitchen, strict Roman curtains for the office, flowing curtains for the living room. You can leave the window opening without them, using the window sill as an additional shelf for books or household appliances.

Installing a window sill is a difficult process, related to rough construction work. Accordingly, during it there is a lot of dust and dirt – therefore, to reduce the likelihood of alteration to zero, choose high-quality durable material.