Lack of space — tell me about it. If you live in a modern apartment, you know every inch matters. Funny thing is, most of us have a built-in shelf that we barely use: the windowsill. Usually, we just throw a couple of plants on there and call it a day. But trust me, a windowsill (especially a nice wide one) is a total goldmine for extra space. You can turn it into a breakfast bar, a desk, a little reading nook — even a spot to crash for a nap. I’ve tried a few of these ideas myself, some worked out beautifully, and some… well, let’s just say I learned what not to do. Stick around, and I’ll share the best ways I’ve discovered on how to use a windowsill so it’s not just sitting there gathering dust.
Breakfast Bars
I’ll be honest — I never thought my narrow little windowsill in the kitchen would turn into my favorite breakfast spot. One morning, out of pure desperation (and no table space), I slid a cutting board across the sill, plopped down a stool, and suddenly it felt like a cozy café corner. The trick is to keep it simple: a couple of stools that tuck neatly underneath, a sturdy ledge, and you’re good. Don’t be afraid if your windowsill feels too narrow — just a plate and coffee mug fit perfectly. If you’ve got a wide sill, go wild with placemats, little potted herbs, and even a candle. Honestly, nothing beats sipping coffee while watching the sunrise right from your own makeshift breakfast bar.
A kitchen counter is continued into a windowsill and is used as a breakfast bar.
A modern breakfast space with bold turquoise chairs and a cork windowsill.
A modern windowsill bar with leather stools and a nice view to enjoy.
A wooden windowsill and chairs make an industrial space cozier.
A windowsill breakfast bar with industrial stools and some storage shelves on both sides.
A cozy kitchen with a large windowsill as a breakfast zone and cool garden views.
A small kitchen clad with wood and a windowsill bar with modern stools and a view.
Desks
When I first tried turning my windowsill into a desk, I was skeptical. I mean, would it really hold my laptop and all the random pens I scatter everywhere? Turns out, yes — and now I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. A narrow sill works just fine if you keep the clutter under control. I stuck a couple of floating shelves on either side for storage, and suddenly my “tiny corner” felt like a real workspace. If your sill is thick, add a drawer or two — I regret not doing this right away because now my desk doubles as a junk drawer (oops). The natural light is the real game changer, though. It keeps me awake and way less cranky than sitting at my old desk in the darker corner of the room.
A modern windowsill desk with open storage shelves on both sides and a comfy leather chair.
A small rounded niche with a windowsill used as a desk is a great idea to incorporate into a bedroom.
A window with a narrow windowsill used as a desk and for storage.
A very comfy study space with a bult-in bookcase and a large windowsill desk.
A modern black framed window and a thick wooden windowsill desk with a bold chair.
A modern windowsill continued to the wall is enough for several people.
A small working space on the windowsill and a comfy white leather chair.
Daybeds
Not everyone has the room for this one, but if your windowsill is wide and sturdy, a daybed can feel like pure luxury. I saw one in a friend’s living room, and it instantly made the space look like something out of a magazine. She added a thick custom cushion, stacked soft pillows against the wall, and draped a blanket across for that inviting “curl up with a book” vibe. The best part? She used the space underneath for drawers, so it doubled as storage. I’d definitely recommend washable covers here — spills happen, and pillows mysteriously attract crumbs. Even if you don’t use it every day, it’s one of those features that makes a room feel warm and lived-in.
Enjoy the views lying on a cool and comfy windowsill covered with faux fur.
A wide sill with a cushion and pillows turns into the perfect reading nook. Storage drawers below make it even more practical. (@house_1la).
Even a narrow sill can double as a breakfast bar. Add a stool, fresh flowers, and a framed photo, and you’ve got a bright spot for morning coffee. (@sand.and.wax).
Add a couple of pillows and cushions to a library windowsill and you'll get a cool reading nook.
This clever design adds seating plus shoe storage. Add bold cushions, and it’s both functional and inviting. (@omgitsmrsg).
A comfy upholstered daybed with storage drawers and lamps over it.
A windowsill covered with dark stained wood is a great seat or daybed.
A comfy windowsill daybed with pillows and faux fur and Besta drawers by IKEA.
A stylish upholstered daybed on a corner windowsill allows enjoying the views.
Seats
I’ll admit, the first time I sat on my windowsill, I was a little nervous it wouldn’t hold me. But it did — and it’s now my favorite spot for sipping tea when it rains. A sill can easily double as extra seating if you add cushions or a padded bench-style cover. Just check first that it’s sturdy enough; the last thing you want is cracked paint or, worse, a cracked sill. I’ve also seen people slide a small bench underneath to support the weight and make it look intentional. Whether you use it for reading, chatting, or just enjoying the view, it’s a clever way to add another seat without buying extra furniture.
A small and comfy windowsill seat with upholstery and built-in shelves.
A thick windowsill seat with lots of pillows and a coffee table by its side.
A windowsill with a comfy seat can be used as a reading space for a kid.
A comfy reading space with built-in bookshelves on both sides of the seat.
An upholstered windowsill bench with drawers is an ideal seat for any eating space.
Other Smart Windowsill Ideas
If a breakfast bar or daybed isn’t in the cards, don’t worry — smaller touches still make a huge difference. In the kitchen, a row of herbs on the sill is not only practical but smells amazing. Bathrooms are great for ferns or candles; just be mindful of moisture. In the bedroom, I’ve seen people use windowsills for jewelry trays, stacks of books, or a tiny diffuser — little things that make the space feel personal. During the holidays, you can even switch it up with seasonal décor: pumpkins in fall, fairy lights in winter. It doesn’t take much. The trick is to treat your sill as useful space, not just a ledge for dust to collect.
Sometimes all it takes is a few potted plants to make a kitchen feel alive. This sunny sill is filled with greenery that thrives in natural light, turning an ordinary corner into a mini indoor garden. (@simplylivingwithplants).
For a bigger statement, try layering plants at different heights. Here, a mix of hanging greenery and tiered pots creates a lush, almost jungle-like look right by the window. (@simplylivingwithplants).
Natural light makes any desk better. This setup keeps it simple with a lamp, a few books, and stylish décor to stay clutter-free. (@interior_design_ideas101).
Rustic vases add charm, while layered plants create a lush, green view. Mix styles for a display that feels fresh and personal. (@arquis_homes).
Final Thought
So, maybe you don’t need a desk and a breakfast bar and a daybed all squeezed into one home — and that’s totally fine. The beauty of a windowsill is that you can pick what works best for you. In the kitchen, it might be a mini herb garden or a couple of stools for coffee. In the bedroom, maybe it’s just a few soft pillows and a book stack. The trick is to see your sill as more than just a ledge — it’s bonus space waiting to shine. Even a small touch, like candles or a jewelry tray, can make it feel purposeful. Little changes, big difference.