How to choose a windowsill?

Selection recommendations

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

An important aspect is 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, for the sake of convenience, choose wide countertops 1.5-2 times deeper than the intended opening.

But according to the construction rules, it is forbidden to do this.: the surface should not extend beyond the wall by more than 5-7 cm, so as not to impede the formation of a warm air gap. Or, it is imperative to cut ventilation holes in the stove for free circulation of warm air from the battery.

In the photo, marbled plastic

Also required take into account performance... Window sills should be made of durable, moisture resistant material that is not afraid of sunlight and has the highest resistance to mechanical stress.

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 their features?

Today, a technology has been established for the manufacture of window sills from almost any material: from cheap plastic to exclusive natural stone, rare species of mahogany. Each option has 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 a lot of pluses:

• Are not afraid of water and moisture... Plastic is an absolutely hydrophobic material: it does not absorb water, does not swell or deteriorate from prolonged contact with it.
• They are characterized by high strength... The product, at least 20 mm thick, is made of thick PVC and reinforced with stiffeners. It is impossible to break it, the maximum is to break the surface with a strong blow with a heavy object.
• 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. In this case, the coating is glossy, matte, satin.
• Easy to care for... PVC can be cleaned with detergents with a chemical composition. High hygienic properties allow using it in kitchens, children's rooms, bathrooms.

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

For the plastic panel to 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 withstand high temperatures, mechanical stress, do not scratch or fade in the sun.

Wooden window sill

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

Wooden window sills are made from inexpensive solid pine, strong larch, heavy oak and other species. The stronger the starting material, the more resistant it is to external influences.

pros installation of a window sill panel made of wood:

• Environmental friendliness... 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 possibilities... It is easy to give a tree the desired shape - therefore, the window sill can be made not only square, but also semicircular or beveled.

Of cons - swelling with prolonged contact with water, cracks from drying out with improper care, demanding regular care. The frequency of renewal of the protective layer depends on what the wood is covered with during installation (varnish, oil, wax).

In the photo window decoration with natural wood

Stone sill

Stone window sills are perhaps the most durable.

1. Firstly, the stone does not deform from changes in temperature and humidity.
2. Secondly, durable granite or marble will not crack even from a careless 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 assortment: the price, in contrast to natural stone, does not depend on the structure.

There are not many negative sides - the main disadvantage is the price. Products will cost 1.5-2 times more expensive than wooden ones. Moreover, both natural plates and composites have a high cost.

Some types of stones cannot be in contact with acids - therefore, before choosing marble for the working 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 how the future window sill will look like, remember what standard MDF countertops look like. Hard pressed sawdust is a great option for creating a smooth, beautiful surface.

Thanks to the ability to laminate the surface, a huge selection of colors and textures is achieved: monochromatic, wood-like, 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 protect against swelling in direct contact with water.

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

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

How to choose a color?

The easiest way to determine the color of the window sill is to look at the window. Since the frame will be the closest part, it makes sense 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, a board made of MDF or acrylic is suitable for white PVC windows - why not? Moreover, the possibilities of decor and fitting the shape of the latter two are much wider.

Another variant - combination with slopes. That is, the window can be white, and the slopes around the perimeter and the horizontal slab can be gray, beige, black. The appearance of such an assembled structure resembles a portal and actively attracts attention - a great way to decorate a window without using curtains.

Don't forget about the radiator.: if you are going to close it with a lattice, make an integral composition with a windowsill - it will look harmonious. The best option for finishing in this case is wood.

In the photo, a plywood window sill

On the other hand, it is not necessary to select for something: you can focus on it. For example, wood flooring combined with a white window. Or white paired with black.

The location of the window also has an influence on the choice of colors: in the kitchen or bedroom, for example, a window sill can serve as a table and it is logical to make it under 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 is placed opposite the window. Below there will be legroom (if it is supposed to be on it) or space for lockers, household appliances.

It is convenient to install a desk in the nursery or bedroom in the window area. For this, the window sill is made wider (not forgetting to cut the ventilation holes in it!) And additionally reinforced with brackets or legs.

In the photo there is a wide countertop under the window in the kitchen

An equally common option is to install sofa under the window... The main role here is played by the height of the window sill itself - it is desirable that it should not be 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 of every family member. Everyone will enjoy admiring the view, reading, surfing the Internet, or simply enjoying the silence over a cup of aromatic tea.

No need for a table or sofa? Leave the window as it is: decorate its pots with flowers, paintings, figurines. Do not forget about beautiful curtains: thick blackout curtains for the bedroom, bright cafe curtains in the kitchen, strict Roman curtains for the study, flying curtains into the living room. You can leave the window opening without them, using the window sill as an additional shelf for books or household appliances.

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