Vintage style windowsill decor with candles, books, white tea set and fresh greenery on the ledge.

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.

Lit red candle and pewter candlestick on vintage book on windowsill decor.

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.

Windowsill Decor Ideas- With an Easy Creative Style
Doll Chair and Flowers in windowsill decor.

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.

Framed Photo, candles, and vintage books as windowsill decor

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.

Pewter candlesticks with red tapered candles and framed photograph in windowsill decor.
Bowl of apples on blue and white dining room table with three windows with bamboo shades and vintage hutch.

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.

Vintage books in different colors leaning on windowsill decor.

These antique books were all collected by my mother.

There’s nothing like a good book to jazz up an ordinary window sill.

Windowsill decor vintage style in dining room.

#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.

Vintage windowsill decor with white porcelain tea set with greens, candles and pictures on ledge.

A simple pewter carrousel with glassware also rests on this windowsill—another beautiful vintage piece from my mother’s extensive pewter collection.

Antique Pewter on Early American Tablescape

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.

Vintage style windowsill decor with candles, books, white tea set and fresh greenery on the ledge.

#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.

How to Repurpose an Oil Lamp into A Unique Flowers Vase

Pro Tip

You may also find inspiration in this How to Repurpose an Oil Lamp into a Unique Flowers Vase post.

Vintage decorative decor on windowsill in the winter.

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!

White tulips in a silver vintage pitcher in a corner nook.

Pro Tip

Find more tulip inspiration in this 17+ Simple Tulip Arrangement Ideas for Spring post.

Vintage Dining room with table set with vintage dinnerware and windowsill in the background with four tall windows.

Pro Tips

  • Remember to keep the windowsill clutter-free and leave enough space for opening and closing the windows.
  • Direct sunlight can fade fabrics, warp wood, and melt candles. Opt for LED faux candles instead of traditional ones and periodically rotate vintage or delicate items to prevent discoloration or wear.
  • Windowsills are often exposed to breezes, so lightweight items like picture frames or small vases can easily topple. Use museum putty or small adhesive strips to keep fragile items in place, especially in drafty areas.
  • If you’re adding plants, ensure they can thrive in the light and warmth from the window. Succulents, snake plants, or pothos are excellent choices, while more delicate plants like ferns or begonias may struggle in direct sunlight. Always rotate the plants to ensure even growth.
Timeless vintage spring table setting in dining room.

Be sure to read on to find 24 more windowsill decor ideas:

The Spruce Make Your Best Home Logo.

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

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4 Comments

  1. Your tulip arrangements are gorgeous. Your vases are exquisite.. You are an artist with such grace. A breath of fresh air. Beautiful

    1. That’s so kind of you to say, thank you!

  2. Susan Mogensen says:

    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

    1. Thanks, Susan the tulips are real from Trader Joe’s! Thanks so much for always stopping by!