Colored window sills for plastic windows appeared relatively recently and quickly gained popularity. These products look much more impressive than ordinary white ones, are well suited for any renovation, are distinguished by a variety of colors, are in harmony with plastic windows and fit well with them in terms of parameters, since they are made of the same material.
How are the products produced?
Colored plastic window sills are a rather complex product from a technological point of view. They are made from various types of plastics, which contain polyvinyl chloride; in addition, many manufacturers use cheaper fillers to make their products more accessible. When dyes are added to a liquid mass, a product of a certain color is obtained, without them it will remain white. After this, the mass is heated, and it becomes solid and takes on the desired shape using special molding compartments. The cooled window sill is cut to the desired size, obtaining the finished product.
There is another way to form flowers. It is already applied to finished products. This can be achieved in two ways:
- Using textured film of different colors.
- Applying paint.
The vast majority of colored window sills are produced using the first technology. You can choose the color and texture using the catalog, since there are really a lot of options. Typically, such a window sill is made to order by companies that produce plastic windows. The size can also be ordered: you will receive a finished product that can be installed immediately. To ensure that the window sill is not afraid of exposure to different temperatures and mechanical damage, it is treated with an acrylic layer. The same material can be used to cover windows; scratches will not be visible on them.
Window sill laminator
The use of paint is less common; it can also be used to restore an old white window sill; For this you need to use special paint for plastic, since it will not give the product new properties, but can update its appearance by making the window sill the color you need. In order for the paint to stick, the plastic is cleaned, degreased, and covered with a layer of primer.
Although, plastic window sills are most often used. You can learn more about them from our article “Plastic window sills - varieties and features”
Why you need window sill covers can be found on our website. Such overlays are used if the appearance of the window sill has deteriorated.
Best options
The rating of manufacturers is compiled based on product characteristics and consumer reviews. German brands are considered the leader :
The most popular brand is Moeller.
The original technology of the manufacturer of plastic window sills is considered to be the mixing of wood flour and polymer.The finished mixture has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, clearly holds its shape under mechanical stress, and is resistant to high humidity and temperature fluctuations.
An important advantage is the absence of formaldehyde in the composition of the material. Window sills are safe for human health. The price ranges from 800 rubles to 5250 rubles, depending on the size and color of the product.
- Another leader is the German brand Werzalit.
The manufacturer produces window sill blocks with increased strength - they are completely filled from the inside. The material is recognized as environmentally friendly, the product is guaranteed for 25 years. Cost from 1200 rubles and above depending on the series. The line contains the System, Expona, Compact and Exclusiv series, differing in parameters and design features. - Vitrage window sills are premium products from a domestic manufacturer.
In addition to standard sizes, the company produces a modification of 900 mm. Calcium-zinc technology, which does not use a lead stabilizer. You can receive your order quickly throughout the country. The price varies from 280 rubles to 680 rubles per block.
How to choose a colored window sill?
Colored plastic window sills can differ not only in appearance, but also in quality. Pay attention to the manufacturer: usually these are the same companies that produce plastic windows and doors, if their products are of adequate quality, you can safely order a window sill. Most manufacturers can offer more than 500 types of products that differ in design, color, and texture. They will help you choose the fittings that best match the colors of your interior.
Please inspect the product carefully before purchasing. A high-quality window sill does not bend, has the correct, even shape, does not fade or fade, the material should not have chips, foreign inclusions, drops, or blisters.
Work zone
To organize a comfortable workplace, place the computer desk close to the windowsill. There is a lot of natural light here, so it will be a good corner for a schoolchild. Complete the composition with a spacious storage system in the form of cabinets and shelves built into the sides of the opening.
If you need to set up a mini home office by the window, simply extend the window sill. Here you can also organize a creative workshop or a corner for handicrafts. A similar solution – a window sill-desk – will help to “unload” the interior and get rid of unnecessary furniture structures.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic window sills
PVC window sills have the same positive properties as windows. They tolerate temperature changes well, insulate sound and heat if a heating radiator is placed under the window sill. It is important to choose the right size, otherwise the air will not be distributed correctly. If the window sill is too small and narrow, warm air will rise up and poorly warm the room; if the product, on the contrary, is too large, the air will accumulate under it and the window will begin to fog up, and the room will warm up unevenly.
- The material is not afraid of moisture, is easy to clean, and does not harbor fungi or mold.
- With the help of a colored window sill, you can create a more interesting design, highlight the advantages of the interior, hide its shortcomings, focusing attention on the necessary details. Using the right color, you can create soft lighting in the room and set a certain style.
- Lamination protects the product from scratches and makes it easy to remove dust from surfaces. Window sills do not fade, even if they are in a sunny room.
- With proper insulation of slopes, a plastic window sill will become a good barrier to cold and noise and will not allow the window to freeze.
- The material goes well with plastic windows, as it has the same technical characteristics and visually harmonizes best.
- The price of plastic is affordable, and in appearance it can be indistinguishable from more expensive materials such as wood or marble.
- The design is easy to install and has a low weight, which allows it to be installed on any window.
Disadvantages include slight rigidity. If you dream of a wide window sill on which you can sit, then it is not advisable to use a plastic one. You can make a stand under it from wood or brick, which will be covered with such a window sill. If you install a wide structure in the usual way, if it is exposed to heavy weight, it will come off or become deformed.
Don't like the window sill trim? You can change the window sill yourself. Read more in our article “Replacing a window sill is an easy job.”
Purpose, device, nuances of choice
Window sill panels as an integral part of the window system are designed to resist the penetration of street air/dust/noise into the room and help create a comfortable microclimate in the home without changes in temperature and humidity.
If you are planning a table from a window sill , when choosing a material, it is important to know that the dimensions of the slab depend on the parameters of the window opening:
- the length of the structure is determined by the distance between the slopes with the addition of 4-5 cm at the ends;
- the thickness of the model is limited by the height of the cavity between the base (concrete, brick, wood) and the lower profile of the window frame;
- the width of the plane must correspond to the opening data. According to building regulations, the window sill panel should not extend beyond the wall by more than 5-7 cm.
When thinking about how to make a table from a window sill using a wide panel, choose a model with ventilation holes. Remember, a warm air layer forms near the heating radiator, and the installed structure should not interfere with the free circulation of flows.
Basic selection of colors
Colored PVC window sills can have a rich and varied range of colors. Some colors are considered standard, are often offered and may be in stock; in most stores these include the following: imitation natural wood oak, walnut, cherry. Others are non-standard; most often you have to wait for such window sills for some time, since they are made mainly to order. These are all other colors that are selected from the catalog by the designer or the owner of the premises: for example, metallic silver, anthracite, marble, single-color or multi-color options, with a pattern.
The traditional use of window sills has long gone beyond the usual boundaries. After some modernization, this part of the window structure becomes more multifunctional or appears in the form of one of the interior items. For the desired effect, it is necessary to think through all the nuances of the design, because each specific option provides for certain adaptation.
Made from artificial stone
Very durable, resistant to all types of influences (mechanical, chemical, biological), have absolute moisture resistance and fire resistance. They are based on mineral fillers and polymer resins.
Dyes create a rich range of colors; the product can be given any shape, which opens up scope for design solutions. Any device (fan, vice) can be securely fastened/installed on such a hard surface. And any scratches that appear can be easily removed by sanding.
It also has its drawbacks. Only specialists can install the products. To securely fasten such models, brackets that can withstand heavy loads are required. And the high price (3,500–8,000 rubles/sq. m) does not allow the products to be classified as the budget segment of products.
There are 2 options for window sills made of artificial stone:
- Made from acrylic composite. A fine filler of marble, granite or quartz chips is compacted and bonded with an acrylic mixture. During manufacturing, hardeners, pigments and other substances are added to the bulk. Additives increase the hardness and viscosity of the material. New properties reduce the likelihood of chipping.
- Made from quartz stone. Quartz chips, making up 90–95% of the product’s mass, are bonded with polyester resins. The technological process involves the addition of mineral coloring pigments (iron compounds, red lead, ocher). This window sill is heavier and denser, but the risk of chipping increases.
The role and significance of the window sill in the interior
Someone may consider investing a decent amount of money in upgrading a product as a disadvantage. On the other hand, it is more logical to consider a modern window sill design as a profitable investment:
- Financially, a remodel can be cheaper than buying new furniture.
- The room takes on a finished and stylish look.
- A room of any size becomes more spacious, usable space is saved.
- The necessary things and accessories are within easy reach.
The banal use of a window sill as a storage shelf behind a curtain or a stand for a stunted “scarlet flower” is now irrelevant. By discarding the usual stereotypes, the list of original ideas on how to use a window sill can be greatly expanded.
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Manufacturing materials and installation methods
Since the structure near the window has not only a decorative, but also a practical function, the choice of material for it must be approached responsibly. The most popular window sills now are made of PVC (plastic), wood, chipboard or MDF, stone or stone-imitating material.
Non-standard options are decorated with ceramic tiles or mosaics, porcelain stoneware. Molding technology is used, as well as fabric upholstery. The shape of the window sill can be the usual rectangular, round, or curved. It is set based on the characteristics of the material, personal tastes, and interior features.
The choice of both material and installation method is determined by performance requirements. The product must be:
- Durable. Pots of flowers and people can be placed on it.
- Moisture-resistant, resistant to chemical and thermal influences. The sun will shine on the windowsill, water will get there in the bathroom or pool, and detergents will be used in the kitchen.
- Insulating from the cold.
- Correctly distributing warm flows from the radiator throughout the room.
Made from natural stone
Granite, marble or onyx are used for natural stone window sills. Such slabs are well polished, have a beautiful texture and intricate pattern. But due to difficulties in production (possible internal voids in the stone), they are not cheap (up to 4,000 rubles / linear meter with a sheet thickness of 20–30 mm).
Window sills made of natural stone are not resistant to surface damage: they are easily scratched. And deep scratches that stand out on the stone are extremely difficult to remove. To transport and install the stove you will need 2-4 people.
How to choose and what to combine with
The most direct way is to match the material of the window sill with the frame. The frame will look more complete if the window sill is continued in the slopes. It is harmoniously combined with the color of furniture facades and some of the finishing.
Plastic structures are easy to install and do not require special care. It is advisable that the detergent used does not contain abrasives. PVC products are characterized by the ability to imitate wood or the texture of natural stone; you can choose different thickness, size, matte or shiny surface.
Wooden window sills are close to the classics, cozy, and have good thermal insulation properties. They will last longer if they are protected with a special coating and have less contact with moisture.
The top layer of MDF and chipboard is also laminated and covered with cork or “stone”.
In addition to the fact that a granite window sill will not fit plastic frames at all, it should only be purchased with a certificate; it can accumulate radiation. Marble is highly durable and comes in a wide range of color options.
When choosing a window sill material, you need to remember that the window space exists in harmony with the overall interior. The covering should fit into the overall concept with the curtains open and closed.
Wooden
Beautiful window sills made from solid dried wood indicate the good taste of the owner. They are made from:
- pine, larch (price – 2500–2800 rub./m²);
- oak, ash, beech (price - from 4500 rub./m² with a blade thickness of 40 mm);
- elite species (black, mahogany).
The solid array can be replaced with separate beams, tightly glued together.
But such products require regular maintenance. Before making window sills, the array is impregnated with an antiseptic to prevent destruction. The texture and color of natural wood are preserved thanks to a layer of oil (mastic, varnish). And this surface layer needs to be updated (once every 1–1.5 years).
On sale you can find wooden window sills with the following dimensions:
- The length of the canvas is from 15 cm, width – up to 1 m.
- The length of the canvas is from 70 cm, width – up to 3 m.
Window sill style and color
White window sills most often accompany plastic windows and most people are quite tired of them. Although their versatility can be considered almost classic. A product made from MDF will help give the product a more expensive look. The material allows you to imitate different board profiles, round corners, and add elegance to the window area.
The shape and color of the window sill are unified so that it looks integral with the frame and radiator, or vice versa, they are made contrasting to emphasize the concept of the apartment’s style. For example, a dark or even black window sill in a loft interior will emphasize its brutality and echo the radiators, metal of the refrigerator, and lintels on the windows.
If you want to change your usual color scheme, you can use more than just contrast. Use one color, but different tones. The window sill, frame and handles on it are different shades of the same color. The main thing is not to forget about the basic rules of combination.
What does the price depend on?
Main parameters of the product that affect its cost:
- material;
- coating quality;
- price of pigment (for color models);
- dimensions;
- decor;
- design features.
Important. When ordering a model, you should immediately determine the required indicators.
How much do they cost in the Russian Federation?
To get your bearings on the pricing policy, you can monitor the cost of each type of window sill.
| Material | Price |
| Plastic | from 360 rubles to 2400 rubles |
| Tree | from 13,500 rubles to 63,000 rubles |
| Natural and artificial stone | from 3000 rubles per 1 sq. m up to 12,000 rubles per 1 sq. m |
| laminated chipboard | from 160 rubles per 1 sq. m up to 240 rubles per 1 sq. m |
| MDF | from 140 rubles per 1 sq. m up to 320 rubles per 1 sq. m |
| Glass | from 6,000 rubles to 14,000 rubles |
Ideas for using a window sill
A distinctive feature of houses built in cold climates are thick walls and, accordingly, wide window sills. When looking for design solutions for every useless corner, do not forget about the rational use of the window opening. The interior design possibilities of any room will expand significantly if you approach the design of the window area wisely.
In which rooms can it be used?
A large window sill is decorated in accordance with the purpose of the room in which it is located so that it does not look like a foreign inclusion. Owners of Khrushchev-era apartments, where every centimeter counts, will like the idea of saving space by using the window space.
Instead of installing a separate desk in the children's room, you can convert the window sill into a tabletop, which will also add natural light to the child while studying. You can make a comfortable bench from the window sill, which parents will allow you to climb on with your feet and even eat ice cream there. Under it there are shelves and drawers for storing toys. The main thing is to think about safety.
The housewife will not be so tired of routine washing dishes or cutting salads if the sink or kitchen work surface is moved to the window. A nice place to relax will appear in the bedroom or living room if you place a branch of a library or coffee shop behind the curtains. You can use the wide window sill of a bay window or balcony as a mini winter garden or a place of privacy, equipping them with a podium and providing them with sliding partitions.
Relaxation place by the window: window sill-sofa
A soft sofa with many different-sized pillows will become a favorite place of relaxation if the windows start approximately 40-50 cm from the floor. Here you can retire with a book, isolating yourself from the hustle and bustle of your home with thick curtains. Such a sofa will not be superfluous and will serve as an additional seat in the kitchen next to the dining table. In this case, its height will need to be brought into line with the height of the chairs or stools so that the dining companions are at the same level.
In old houses with various architectural elements in the form of a bay window, the room can be zoned. The window sill is turned into a soft sofa, a small table is placed next to it, and lamps create coziness. And now a separate room is almost ready.
To prevent a windy winter from creating problems, the window opening with frames must be carefully insulated, and the structures being constructed must be reliably strengthened. When making calculations, the expected load must be taken into account.
Workplace
A place for hardworking people is created in the office or living room by constructing a massive tabletop made of wood or artificial stone. Such a desktop frees up expensive square meters and saves energy.
If the window sill becomes a study table, then you need to choose a chair with height adjustment for it, because the table top will generally be higher than the standard height of a traditional model. You can order a chair according to individual sizes.
Types of false windows
There are many options for simulating window openings, both wall and ceiling. Let's look at the most popular of them.
Photo wallpaper
Imitating windows with photo wallpaper is the easiest and cheapest way to transform an interior
Imitating a window using photo wallpaper is the fastest and easiest way to transform a nondescript view outside the window into a mesmerizing landscape. Wallpaper with images are very popular due to the widest range and low price. The product is glued to a flat surface, and the contours are fixed with a wooden frame or decorative polyurethane strips. To make such a false structure look as realistic as possible, you can install a window sill, plexiglass and hang a curtain.
painting
A false window with a painted landscape will help hide an unsightly wall
The false opening, along with the landscape outside the window, frame and other elements, can be drawn in its entirety. This window allows you to use an empty corner and create a colorful atmosphere in the room. However, wall decoration is an expensive pleasure. However, the result will leave even the most demanding customers satisfied. A well-drawn image will bring comfort to your home and emphasize the style and uniqueness of the interior.
Mirror design
The frame for a mirrored false window can be made of wood or plastic
Quite an interesting design technique, the main task of which is to visually enlarge the room. The materials used here are a solid mirror or tile. Installation of such a false window is usually done on a flat surface without a niche.
There are two ways to attach the mirror structure. The first option involves step-by-step installation of structural elements. That is, first a mirror is installed on the wall, and then framed. The latter can be made of decorative plastic or wooden planks. The second method of installing such a window involves fastening the assembled product. First, a frame with a lattice is prepared that imitates binding. After this, mirror tiles of the appropriate size are glued into the resulting cells. Finally, the assembled structure is installed on the wall.
Ceiling option
False window on the ceiling - the beauty of the night sky all year round
This technique has been used in recent years no less often than decorating walls with fake windows. You can place the interior element on the main ceiling, which must be perfectly flat. But false windows look much more beautiful on suspended structures. In this case, you can achieve the effect of a glass roof. Of course, nothing can replace the stunning atmosphere in a room with such architectural sophistication, however, installing false windows allows you to create a beautiful illusion. The easiest way to install such a ceiling consists of three stages. First, a suspended ceiling with a niche is installed. Then the recess is covered with photo wallpaper depicting the starry sky. And at the end, the window frame with sash is assembled and fixed to the ceiling.
Illuminated window
A false window with illumination is a spectacular decorative element filled with real sunlight
Elements with lighting close to natural light can serve as a replacement for the main room lighting. Therefore, such windows are excellent for use in rooms with a lack of sunlight. Designs made of tinted, frosted stained glass or illuminated glass give the interior a touch of aristocracy and sophistication. In addition, such windows, thanks to the lighting, look very realistic.
Virtual room decoration
Virtual false windows are the most realistic
This is the most modern and technological way of interior decoration. The main advantage of a virtual window is its live view. So, you can watch the river flow, the snow swirl or birds fly - it all depends on the desire of the owner of the home. The window design consists of a liquid crystal panel connected to a PC and controlled by a special program. The quality of the demonstration video is very high, so most guests do not immediately realize that the picture is not real.
