Window sill sofa: features, types and design tips
The interior of the dwelling of a modern person is distinguished by functionality and a non-standard approach to design. In this regard, the sofa-window sill is an interesting solution and a highlight of the interior composition. From the material of this article, you will learn what it is, what are the pros and cons of such structures and what are the main nuances of choosing one or another piece of furniture.
What it is?
A window sill sofa is a window with a sofa or an original design of upholstered furniture mounted in a window sill. This is not a window sill with mattresses, but a built-in structure with a narrow seat that does not have a hard back. The seat height of these models varies. In this case, the seat can be located both flush with the common platform of the window sill, and below it.
Features, pros and cons
The designs of the window sill sofas are different. They can differ in width and length, but they have a common property: the presence of side walls on either side of the window. It is they who are the sidewalls of the sofas and determine the width of the seating of the products. The back wall is the wall panel under the window. The front of the sofa is flush with the walls of the room.
Window sill sofas have many advantages. They are distinguished by:
- aesthetic appeal;
- variability of design and colors;
- different levels of functionality;
- rationality of the organization of space;
- visual correction of room imperfections.
This design of sofas looks extraordinary. In this case, the sidewalls can be used for arranging racks or functional shelves of various types (built-in or console).The advantage of window sill sofas is the appropriateness of their use in different rooms of the home. They look beautiful in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, in the kitchens of city apartments and country houses.
Along with the advantages, such models also have disadvantages. For example, they cannot be built into narrow window sills in rooms where windows are located on the wall without protrusions. These sofas, in fact, are recessed into the wall, and therefore, in order to organize an unusual space, you initially have to change the room perspective.
For example, this is solved by combining a room with a loggia or balcony, which is worth the labor and financial investment.
Ideally, they are built into rectangular or other geometric bay windows. Plus, sofas aren't as comfortable as their classic counterparts. To increase the comfort of the furniture while sitting, it has to be supplemented with soft cushions. Fully lean on the back and the window will not work: you can only lean on the side walls.
It is also bad that radiators have to be moved to equip the sofa. Of course, in some cases they can be left in place, camouflaged with a beautiful screen. However, in order for the air to circulate calmly around the room, it is necessary to create holes.
It is worth considering that when installing such structures, you have to additionally insulate windows and slopes, or even replace the windows with new ones.
Types of structures
Conditionally, window sill sofas can be divided into 2 types. Each of them has its own characteristics that determine its durability and reliability.
Hard
This type is nothing more than a box with boxes for storing bedding or other things needed in everyday life. As a rule, these models have dense mattresses, the number of which may vary. In addition, there are options in the interior without soft mats, designed only for sitting.
The type of designs may vary. Other options consist of one top panel, in others there are 2-3 sections, united by a common base. In this case, the seats can be box covers. There are also models with pull-out and pull-out storage systems. They have hinged doors and are equipped with compact shelves inside.
Storage systems for sofa-sills can be open. For example, some designers design options with a workplace and lower shelves, shelves, on which you can store books, towels and any things a person needs. In general, rigid structures can be divided into 2 types: linear and angular.
Options of the second type are considered an imitation of window sill sofas, since such models imply the installation of an additional set of furniture in order to give the room perspective the desired boundaries. In fact, in this case, shelves, cabinets, shelves are displayed, aligning the furniture in a single line, giving the window the appearance of a bay window ledge. Both options are great for large windows.
Soft
Such designs are nothing more than arranging the required space under the window with frameless furniture, consisting of thick mattresses. In essence, this is the creation of a comfort zone on a window with a built-in podium. Moreover, the podium itself can be classic or functional.
A large number of cushions of different sizes and shapes are already used here. Sometimes it is from a pair of rows of pillows that a rather comfortable back with sidewalls is created.
To create the most comfortable atmosphere, thick mattresses or blocks of mats are used, the number of which can vary from 1 to 4 or more.
Materials and sizes
Sofas are made from different materials. The most practical is wood. Such models are obtained reliable, high quality and durable. They can carry heavy weights and come with a wide variety of built-in storage systems.Such furniture looks expensive and can be supplemented with mats with different textures and upholstery colors.
Someone uses natural or artificial stone in their work. Such constructions are quite heavy. Variants from wood derivatives are not as reliable as plastic furniture. Usually their service life is limited to several years, after which old structures have to be dismantled.
The dimensions of the structures depend on the parameters of the windows themselves. Depending on this, the length of the sofa can be up to 2-4 m, and in spacious rooms with a sofa-bench for the entire wall and much more than 6 m. The width is also variable and ranges from 40 cm or more. The height of the furniture varies, although more often it does not differ from the typical one.
Styles and decoration for different rooms
Despite the seeming monotony of the design, you can arrange a sofa-window sill in a variety of ways. At the same time, a design solution can enhance the recognition of a particular interior style. For example, even a variant of a sofa-window sill, lined with a large rough stone, complemented by a laconic mattress and several pillows, can add aesthetics to the interior.
However, in order for the furniture to harmoniously fit into a particular stylistic solution, it is necessary to rely on its resources.
Each style has its own. For example, for arranging bay windows in provence style you need light shades, materials with medium-sized floral or striped prints, an abundance of frills and natural textiles are relevant. Minimalism is important for modern stylistics. This is the simplicity of forms, their symmetry and laconic texture. Eco Styles need a demonstration of natural materials, their texture. Retro design conveyed through the bright colors of the pillows and the creativity of their texture.
Examples in the interior
- An example of arranging a sofa-window sill in a Provence style room.
- A loft-style bench sofa color coordinated with the furnishings of the open-plan space.
- Soft nautical-style sofa-window sill with a built-in table and a small shelf for books.
- Compact false sofa in the country style kitchen; imitation of window sill furniture by installing a kitchen set.
- An example of creating an atmosphere of home comfort in the loft style.
- Decorating the corner of a spacious living room with upholstered furniture with sofa cushions.
- Design of a recreation and relaxation area in the bedroom, a dynamic choice of shades.
- An example of the choice of design for a sofa-window sill in the bedroom, installation of shelving and a soft mattress.
- Equipping the kitchen with a comfortable soft sofa with a variety of different cushions.
- The choice of the design of a window sill sofa for decorating a children's room.
For information on how to make a sofa-window sill with your own hands, see the next video.