Window

Countertop instead of window sill

Tabletop sill

Space shortages in small-sized kitchens cause daily discomfort to their owners. They experience inconvenience due to a lack of working space, the inability to place additional technical devices, to establish a full-fledged dining table. The space on the windowsill, as a rule, is occupied by flower pots, decor, often various trifles are stored on it - receipts, books with recipes, newspapers. Such necessary space is used absolutely irrationally. To make the room more ergonomic and comfortable will allow the windowsill-countertop, which will perfectly cope with all these tasks. This solution is also relevant for spacious kitchens, since it allows you to profitably change the design, make it more stylish and maximally effective.

Advantages and disadvantages

Design advantages

The main advantage of the sill-countertop is the efficient use of the area of ​​the windowsill. Additional workspace meters will never be redundant. You no longer have to rush around the kitchen, looking for an empty spot for a cutting board or hot lid. The space will be fully utilized, which is very important for a small kitchen.

Placing the workspace on the window sill can significantly save energy. Due to the abundance of natural sunlight, artificial lighting completely loses its relevance in the daytime, even on a cloudy day.

Effective utilization of the area is one of the advantages of the window sill

Another advantage of installing a countertop instead of a windowsill is the ability to integrate a sink into it. This arrangement of the sink is the dream of many housewives. It makes it possible to create a truly convenient and ergonomic kitchen triangle, allows you to free up working space on the countertop placed along the wall. In addition, many just like to enjoy the beautiful view from the window while washing dishes.

Among the positive aspects of this solution, one can also single out the possibility of creating additional storage places. The tabletop can be combined with the cases and equip them with the same facades as on the other elements of the headset.And although the proximity of the battery does not allow vegetables to be placed here during the heating season, cabinets can be used to store cereals, dishes, kitchen utensils and consumables - foil, parchment paper, bags for freezing and baking.

Telescope by the window

disadvantages

The weaknesses of the design include the difficulties encountered during its installation. Judging by the reviews, the windowsill often does not match the height of the headset, and it becomes very difficult to combine the space. In order for the window sill to be flush with the rest of the working surface, sometimes you have to raise the bottom edge of the window. The solution may be the installation of a double-glazed window with a dull bar at the bottom or the arrangement of countertops at different levels. In the latter case, installation of standard height household appliances in this row is excluded.

Locker over the sofa

Another minus is that the countertop interferes with the passage of air flows from the radiator to the glazing. As a result, the windows begin to sweat, ice forms on them. This problem is solved by making several slots or holes in the countertop. Slots are closed with neat ventilation grills, and the appearance of the working surface does not suffer.

Carpet zebra on the floor Bright wallpaper in the living room Orchid on the table Radiator under the window The combination of light walls and dark floor

The choice of material for the window sill

For the manufacture of countertops, you can use various materials:

  • plastic;
  • MDF;
  • Chipboard;
  • metal;
  • a natural stone;
  • fake diamond;
  • wood.

Sill-countertop sill from chipboard

The choice depends on the interior style, the preferences of the owners and their financial capabilities. Of course, ideally, the countertop on the windowsill should be made of the same material as the rest of the work surface. It is a continuation of the headset and most often forms a whole with it. Since this area will be constantly exposed to sunlight, it is necessary to select a material that is highly resistant to fading and discoloration.

Ottomans on the floor The picture above the sofa Accent wall in the interior Lamp on a bedside table Clock on the wall

Fake diamond

The material is represented by two varieties, which include mineral components and resins:

  • acrylate;
  • composite agglomerate - quartz or granite.

The main advantage of acrylic countertops is that they are custom-made and are a seamless, seamless product. They can be equipped with a side, which serves as a kitchen apron, integrated monolithic sink. The composition of this material is 60-75% of minerals, the rest is acrylic resins and coloring pigments. The basis is a frame made of plywood, MDF or particleboard. Acrylic material acts as a skin for this structure. It absolutely does not absorb odors, spilled liquids, dirt. Mold does not form on it. Such countertops require a careful attitude - they can easily be scratched or spoiled by placing a hot pan directly on the surface.

Artificial stone window sill

Small scratches and traces of hot dishes can be removed with your own hands. To do this, lightly peel the damaged area with sandpaper and then polish it. In the case of chips and deep cracks, pieces of material are glued into the recesses, after which the surface is polished.

Acrylic countertops are presented in glossy, semi-gloss and matte varieties of various colors.

The dimensions of the acrylate sheet are 2400x2600 mm, but since the joints of the fragments of this material are invisible, the length of the countertop can be absolutely any. The width of the product can be from 40-80 cm. The thickness of the plate is 38 cm, but the thickness of the upper layer can be 3-19 mm.

Slope tile

Composite agglomerate is one of the most worthy varieties of artificial stone and the most successful of all existing materials for creating a kitchen worktop. In some moments even natural analogues lose to him.

There are two options for sinter:

  • quartz - consists of 93% crushed quartz, polyester resins and modifying additives.A large percentage of the mineral component provides the material with a strength exceeding similar characteristics of natural quartz;
  • artificial granite - a little more prone to the formation of scratches and the appearance of traces of hot, since granite chips in its composition occupies only 80-85%.

The absence of pores on the surface of the composite greatly facilitates the care. There are no colored spots on the product, since the coloring matter cannot penetrate the structure of the material. Due to its high strength, it is possible to cut products directly on the countertop - almost no scratches are formed. The composite countertop will not have to be repaired or polished. It can have absolutely any form.

Wall outlet

A natural stone

Natural stone products have pristine beauty, thanks to unique shades and patterns. But despite this, insanely expensive, presentable and durable materials have many disadvantages:

  • high cost - a running meter of this luxury will cost 25-100 thousand rubles;
  • the inability to produce a monolithic countertop;
  • they absorb liquids and dirt well - spilled pomegranate juice, coffee or red wine may leave an indelible stain.

Slabs made of natural stone are produced in a thickness of 20 or 30 mm, and their length can vary from 1.5 to 3 m. The length of stone countertops rarely exceeds 2.4 m.

Natural stone sill-countertop

The following breeds are used for manufacturing:

  • granite - has a fine-grained structure, high density and strength. It comes in the form of slabs. Has a rich palette of shades;
  • marble is a spectacular and beautiful material that does not tolerate contact with acids and does not tolerate shock. Such a surface has a porous and loose structure and therefore instantly absorbs dirt, grease, water. If the spilled coffee is not wiped off immediately, the stains will always remain on the countertop. Marble requires special care - it is necessary to rub protective agents into it regularly.They recommend doing this no less than 1 time per month.
  • onyx is an attractive mineral that is resistant to moisture, grease and dirt. It has the ability to transmit light through itself, so it is often offered to provide illumination. A variety of lines and delicate weaves form amazing patterns on the stone and make it incredibly attractive.

Light curtain on the window

Plastic

PVC worktops are an excellent choice for a budget interior. Despite the low cost, they are more practical than wood and marble products. The basis for plastic is wood chipboard MDF or chipboard. The first are more durable and do not contain toxic components, and therefore are somewhat more expensive. Externally, it is a plain product or an imitation of stone, metal, wood, can be matte or glossy.

Dimensions

Plates are available with a length of 4100 mm. A typical width is 60 cm, but it can also be 40, 70, 80, 90 or 120 cm. The thickness of the products can be 28, 38 or 40 mm. Thick countertops look more solid, moreover, it is more convenient to incorporate hobs in them.

Plastic tabletop window sill

The advantages of plastic countertops include:

  • durability;
  • water resistance;
  • resistance to ultraviolet rays;
  • wide selection of shades and textures;
  • the ability to manufacture large surfaces;
  • low cost.

Despite the high resistance of the plastic to moisture, the surface may swell when water enters the seams.

The disadvantages of the material are that it is susceptible to thermal and mechanical influences. The innovative plastic of the latest generation has practically no drawbacks.

Corner wash

Natural wood

Wooden tabletops can hardly be called practical and durable. It is chosen because it looks organically and effectively in both classical and modern interiors, has a pleasant texture and exudes healing phytoncides.It can be made of veneer based on particleboard or MDF, or it can be a typesetting sheet of glued wood blocks. Consider these two varieties in more detail.

  1. Veneered countertop. It looks the same as completely natural, but costs half as much, and is better adapted to temperature extremes and high humidity in the room. Its “Achilles heel” is an edge that can be damaged or peel off, and a thin layer of veneer - 3 mm, which does not allow for numerous restorations.
  2. Stacked countertop. This surface can be restored by grinding and polishing countless times. The possibility of milling the front edge allows you to create a variety of forms of countertops. The weaknesses of the wooden countertop is that it does not tolerate the effects of moisture, temperature changes. It may crack, bend. Regular oil or wax treatment is required - at least 1 time per year.

Wooden window sill

Dimensions of wood countertops

The maximum length of the top is 4100 mm, width - from 600 to 630 mm. The thickness of the canvas is from 32 to 42 mm.

Oak or larch wood is best suited for the manufacture of a wooden work surface. Birch, walnut, alder also show themselves well. The lowest performance characteristics have a soft and unstable to wear - pine countertop.

Bottles on a stand

Coated MDF

In the production of such countertops, MDF acts as the basis. The plate is covered with a high-strength laminate layer and a finishing protective layer.

The advantages of MDF countertops

  1. Safety - in the manufacture of plates, harmless paraffin and lingin are used as a binding component.
  2. Availability - a running meter of material costs from 30 y. e.
  3. A rich palette of colors, imitations of natural materials.
  4. Resistance to the appearance of fungal formations.
  5. Water resistance.
  6. Resistance to temperature jumps.

disadvantages

  1. Low resistance to dyes and acids.
  2. Insufficient heat resistance.
  3. At the joints, water can penetrate, which will lead to swelling of the material and swelling of the surface layer.
  4. Weak shock resistance.

The choice of MDF countertops for the windowsill is justified if high loads on it are excluded.

MDF worktop

Shape and size

The width of the standard countertops is 60 cm. Such a top is quite suitable for the design of the windowsill. If space permits, a wider product can be ordered. This will make it possible to equip deep lockers for built-in furniture or equip a comfortable dining area, leaving enough room for legs.

Decorative cage under the ceiling Ottoman by the armchair Laminate flooring Curtains made of bamboo on the window Interior with light walls

Particular attention should be paid to the decorative processing of the end edges. They can be rounded off, decorated with milling or left straight. The complexity of the design of the ends will certainly affect the price of the product. It is advisable to equip the countertop with bumpers or just close the gap between the wall and the working surface with corners. They will prevent water and dirt from entering the lower enclosures.

Large tabletop windowsill

You can completely abandon the corners if you start laying out the apron after installing the headset. Then the tile or glass will rest on the countertop and a gap will not form.

Work room in a bay window Laminate in the living room Window blinds Shelf Boxes Hide on the floor

Stylistic and color solutions

The countertop should be in harmony with the rest of the interior, combined with it in color and style. In traditional classics, a wooden, stone surface, as well as their imitation, will look great. The tree with the same success fits perfectly into the loft, Provence or country. A concrete or metal top will look just as organic in a loft. Countertops made of steel, acrylic stone, agglomerate or wood are ideally integrated into modern interiors.

Dark sill-countertop

Choosing a shade, you need to focus on the color of the facades, apron, countertops of the dining table, household appliances, doors, floor and wall finishes. Dark countertops look luxurious and presentable.Unfortunately, this effect lasts only until the first drops of water and even the smallest spots get on the surface. All pollution becomes very noticeable on a dark uniform background. It is better to choose a product on which there are white and colored streaks, blotches or even pay attention to light models. Dark coatings have to be cleaned twice as often as light ones.

Ceiling fan The lamp above the bedside table Striped wallpaper on the wall A pot of flower on the bedside table Gray walls in the nursery

Kitchen location options and sizes

An ordinary window sill can be turned into an additional workspace, a dining table, a bar counter. The choice depends on the layout of the premises and the needs of the owners.

Sill-countertop as a bar counter or table

In a small kitchen, you often have to choose between installing a table and a refrigerator. If you wish, you can convert the windowsill and turn it into a dining table. The result is a comfortable, well-lit, compact dining area. It is necessary that the front edge of the window sill is at least 25 cm from the radiator. This space is necessary for placing the legs. An impromptu table can have any shape - rectangular, semicircular or irregular.

Window sill as a bar counter

You can create a lounge in the kitchen by installing a spectacular bar counter in place of the windowsill. This technique is relevant both for large rooms and in tight spaces. The rack can be of any shape. In spacious rooms, you can install a curved structure that will separate the dining area from the kitchen. When the balcony is attached, the counter can go to the countertop or island, equipped with storage space, a built-in oven or a mini fridge.

Knives on the wall

Countertop sill with integrated sink

This decision is not always easy to implement - it may require lowering or raising the level of the windowsill. Transferring a sink to an adjacent or opposite wall requires designing and obtaining permission.

Countertop sill with integrated sink

This technique is easiest to implement in kitchens where water pipes are located near the window. Otherwise, you need to install a pump. Most often, this option is used when arranging kitchens in private homes. A sink built into the countertop is organically combined with classic, rustic styles - country, Provence. This arrangement of the sink makes the kitchen very comfortable, and washing dishes while admiring the picturesque views from the window is very pleasant. True, this advantage has a downside - the spray falls on the glass, so it will have to be washed more often. A protruding mixer may make window opening difficult.

Place the sink closer to the edge of the window so that at least one leaf opens 90 degrees. In this case, you can ventilate and wash the windows without any problems.

Vase of flowers by the window

Countertop sill with storage system

The area under the windowsill can easily be turned into an additional storage system. Here you can arrange the same cases as in the rest of the headset. Doors are best made lattice so as not to block the path of warm air currents. Here you can store miscellaneous items - pots, dishes, jars with spices. If desired, you can place a small open shelf or hanging shelves under the tabletop window sill.

Countertop sill with storage system

Window sill in bay window

The kitchen with a bay window has two remarkable advantages - an increased glazing surface and additional area. The main task of the owners is to organize this space as efficiently as possible.

By design, these protrusions are divided into:

  • wall mounted;
  • angular;
  • inscribed in the corner.

Window sill in bay window

The window sill in the bay window can be used to equip the dining area. Nice to eat, looking out the window. Thanks to the protrusion, the surface is quite roomy.

With panoramic glazing, when the window sill is too low to turn it into a table, you can arrange a seat on the windowsill. A fully-fledged table will be left to the improvised sofa, and the dining area is ready.Under the seat, you can equip a storage system with drawers or shelves, or a house for your pet.

A window-sill in a bay window can act as a work surface with an integrated sink.

Cactus on the window

Living Room Options

A similar detail of the interior is quite appropriate in the living room. True, it is not necessary to use waterproof materials for its device. The transformed window sill can be used as a desk or desktop, a mini-sofa.

Sill-countertop in the living roomPendant Chandeliers Bed with soft headboard Niches in the wall TV stand Shelves above the door

Sill-countertop as a workplace in the living room

Replacing a regular window sill with a worktop to create a full-fledged working area is a great idea. It’s not always easy to allocate space for a home office in the living room, but the window sill area fits perfectly. The built-in countertop will comfortably accommodate a computer and office equipment, and small racks or shelves for documents and office will perfectly fit on both sides of the window. Working in such an “office” is much more convenient than using a coffee table or sofa. Here you can use a full-fledged office chair in which your posture will not suffer.

Sill-countertop as a workplace in the living roomLight ceiling in the interior Map on the wall Shelves above the table Panoramic window in the interior Lilac sofa in the living room

Children's desk

The window sill in the children's room can be converted into a comfortable and roomy desk. The main advantage of this solution is the excellent illumination of the workplace, which is very important for eye hygiene. The countertop is placed along the entire wall, so there is quite enough space for two students. This eliminates the need to install bulky furniture designs in the space of the room and allows you to save space for games and active activities.

Window sill in the nurseryRecessed Ceiling Lights Photos on the shelves Parquet in the nursery Bright carpet on the floor Bed with a ladder

Sill-countertop as a place to relax

This option is especially relevant in the presence of large windows with low window sills. By increasing the area, you can equip a couch or sofa. This is a great place to read and relax. Such a zone is appropriate in any room of the apartment - living room, bedroom, nursery.Under the countertop, serving as a bed, you can equip a mini-library or a place to relax your beloved dog.

Sill-countertop as a place to relax

By moving the coffee table to the design, you can quickly arrange a place for receiving guests. The lights of the night city will help create a romantic atmosphere.

Stone on the walls Flower pots on the floor Lanterns on the walls Shelves on the sides of the seat Brick Wall Interior

How to do it yourself

A similar design can be made on its own. To do this, you just need to stock up on the necessary materials and tools, and delve into the details of the installation process.

Do-it-yourself window sill countertop

Materials and Tools

For work you will need:

  • LDSP sheet with a thickness of at least 12 mm;
  • silicone;
  • Scotch;
  • polyurethane foam;
  • packing tape;
  • roulette;
  • square;
  • building level;
  • legs for the table - if the countertop will protrude strongly beyond the windowsill.

Installation steps

  1. Dismantling the old window sill, and, if necessary, replacing the window.
  2. Preparation of countertops - we cut the board in accordance with previously made measurements. We carry out the work with maximum accuracy. We process the surface and edges with sandpaper at 60.
  3. We process end sections with two layers of silicone.
  4. We paste over the bottom surface with packing tape.
  5. If the legs will be used, we fasten them before starting the installation.
  6. We install the slab and fill the existing holes with mounting foam. Check the correct installation of the countertops using the building level.
  7. We set the corners, fill all the seams and cracks with silicone.

Homemade window sill

Folding table-sill

In addition to the countertop, which replaced the windowsill, you can attach a folding table. If necessary, he will be able to act as an additional work surface, dining table, bar counter or home office.

Folding table-sill

Conclusion

Turning a window sill into a countertop is an opportunity to competently organize the space, to make it interesting, stylish and comfortable. Examples of translating this idea into interiors are presented in the photo.



I love needlework and everything connected with it.Especially home-made furnishings are my passion!


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