Discover windowsill decor ideas that add easy creative style to your home. Make the most of natural light and transform any window ledge into a space full of charm and visual interest.
How do you decorate a window sill?
Decorating a window sill can be tricky, as they are often small and awkward.
However, when done right, window sill decor can charm a room.
Decorating windowsills is a simple way to elevate the style of any room, especially the living room.
By adding decorative items like vases, candles, or books, you can create a stylish look that enhances the natural light pouring in.
Incorporating natural elements such as plants, flowers, or stones brings an organic charm, making your windowsill a beautifully curated focal point.
5 Windowsill Decor Ideas
Decorative Items
Transforming a tall window into a cozy, vintage-inspired display is as simple as using the right decorative items.
What can you put on a window sill?
With a bit of creativity, you can incorporate natural stone accents, green plants that thrive in direct sunlight, and charming vintage finds to craft beautiful focal points.
These elements not only enhance the natural light but also bring warmth and character to your windowsill decor.
#1 Candles in Windowsill Decor
Candles are a timeless choice for windowsill decor, bringing a cozy ambiance and soft glow to any space. Using a mix of candle holders in warm tones and tapers in different sizes creates a layered, elegant look that complements both vintage and modern styles.
Here, I placed a small vintage-designed pewter candleholder from my mother’s pewter collection with a red tapered candle.
It rests upon a vintage “American Pewter” book, which adds height and a cozy charm.
Next, I added two taller pewter candlesticks with red tapered candles to the other end of the windowsill.
You will see how the different heights of the candles draw the eye in.
Pro Tip
You may find more windowsill decor ideas in this Decorating with White Pumpkins Ideas post.
#2 Pictures in Windowsill Decor
Adding pictures to your windowsill is an easy way to give it a personal and inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s a cherished family photo or a vintage art print, placing frames at center stage turns your windowsill into a meaningful focal point. This windowsill idea is a simple yet stylish way to showcase your favorite memories or artwork.
Photos are always special and personal to a home, and there’s no better place to showcase them than on a window sill.
Next, I added a vintage photo of my parents to our windowsill decor on a local beach when they were young.
It’s one of my absolute favorite photos of them.
Windowsill decor lets you personalize your space and make the most of a typically underutilized area.
Get creative and have fun experimenting with different ideas to create a window sill display that reflects your style and enhances the room’s overall ambiance.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Bamboo Shades, No Drill Cordless Cozy Window Shade post.
#3 Books in Windowsill Decor
Collections of books scattered on bookshelves and window sills are great fillers of space. It’s just like having a good coffee table book! Depending upon the room, collect books that are appropriate for that room. This is a dining room; therefore, I look for books that may be pulled off the windowsill anytime as a conversation starter after or during dining.
These antique books were all collected by my mother.
There’s nothing like a good book to jazz up an ordinary window sill.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy these 11 Creative Ideas to Display Your Vintage Collections and Decorating with Vintage Books: 20+ Ideas to Try posts.
#4 Vintage Windowsill Decor Design
Vintage finds are a charming way to add aesthetic appeal to your windowsill decor. Arrange items in odd numbers, like a thrifted table lamp paired with a colorful fruit bowl, to create balance and visual interest. These creative ways to decorate add a pop of color and personality, elevating the overall look of your space with timeless style.
I chose a beautiful white porcelain tea set that my mother thrifted.
It’s perfect for a dining room, and I like the simplicity of the white.
The windows and view should always remain the focal point; therefore, I don’t want to add pieces that are too heavy for this space.
A simple pewter carrousel with glassware also rests on this windowsill—another beautiful vintage piece from my mother’s extensive pewter collection.
Pro Tip
Visit my featured blog series, In My Mother’s Maine Home, to see more of all the antique collections and makeovers in this dear inherited home of ours.
#5 Windowsill Decor Delicate Flowers
Flowers add life to a room. I once read that you should have something living in every room of your home. I love that idea!
A quick trip to Trader Joe’s, and I was able to add a dozen white tulips and greenery to the window sill for that living outdoor look—even though it’s February and the snow is still falling outside.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this How to Repurpose an Oil Lamp into a Unique Flowers Vase post.
I created this windowsill decor in the early morning with a cup of coffee in my favorite thrifted lobster mug.
It was so dreamy to decorate, as the morning sun was coming up and glistening off the winter snow outside, and the light was streaming through the dining room windows so beautifully!
Pro Tip
Find more tulip inspiration in this 17+ Simple Tulip Arrangement Ideas for Spring post.
Pro Tips
Be sure to read on to find 24 more windowsill decor ideas:
Featured in:
Thank you to The Spruce for featuring our windowsill decor ideas in their 24 Designer-Approved Window Sill Decorating Ideas You’ll Want to Copy article.
In conclusion, windowsills offer an excellent place to get creative with decor, whether you’re showcasing vintage finds, arranging mason jars for flowers, or creating an herb garden for your green thumb.
The type of window, whether a bay window or a smaller ledge, can influence your design, making it a great place to experiment with different elements.
With a dose of creativity, your windowsill can become a charming focal point that complements your home’s style.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
Your tulip arrangements are gorgeous. Your vases are exquisite.. You are an artist with such grace. A breath of fresh air. Beautiful
That’s so kind of you to say, thank you!
Hi Ann,
I love the way you decorated with the white tulips!
The greenery is eye catching, especially the tall stems that look like large coins. Wondering if they are real? I have used leaf fabric pieces with real flowers on occasion.
Love your posts…
Susan
Thanks, Susan the tulips are real from Trader Joe’s! Thanks so much for always stopping by!