Where to Find Solitude at Home: Ideas for a Reading Nook by the Window Sill

If you live in an apartment with family or friends, you'll sooner or later want some time alone. And we know how to solve this problem. A wide windowsill can easily turn into a sofa and a cozy spot for reading and relaxation. Get inspired by ideas from our projects and don't hesitate to implement them right now — we have a step-by-step guide that will help you.

Multifunctional Windowsill

To make a one-room apartment comfortable and functional, designer Rustem Urazmetov made use of all the windowsills. In the living room, they were transformed into a desk and a cozy sofa — they compensated for the lack of space for standalone furniture.

Smart Tip: Pillows on the bed and windowsill match in color. This creates a sense of unity in the interior.

Design: Rustem Urazmetov
Design: Rustem Urazmetov
Perfect Spot for Reading

Designer Marina Zhukova added individuality to the relaxation area with color — vibrant combinations create a special mood. Here, bookshelves were also placed — an ideal spot for reading.

Smart Tip: to avoid distractions from your favorite book in the evening, Roman curtains were installed here. The light source is a small lamp embedded in the shelf.

Design: Marina Zhukova
Simple but Cozy Windowsill

If you have wide windowsills at home, take inspiration from designer Alexander Arngoldt. The professional decided not to overcomplicate things and simply placed two cushions on the windowsill for chairs. It created a comfortable spot for relaxation.

Smart Tip: A table was placed right next to the windowsill so that you can always put a cup of tea or a smartphone on its surface.

Design: Alexander Arngoldt
Windowsill as a Sofa

This idea is perfect for apartment owners with panoramic windows: designer Irina Chistyaikova took advantage of the spaciousness and created a cozy sofa where you can even lie down fully or sit together.

Smart Tip: Two narrow bookcases with open shelves were placed on either side of the windowsill. If you suddenly need a new book, you won't have to go far.

Design: Irina Chistyaikova
Secret Lounge Zone

You probably didn’t notice it at first glance: designers from ToTaste Studio hid the windowsill behind the headboard of a bed and a small armchair. It can be closed with a dense curtain if desired. The perfect spot for anyone who wants some solitude in their own apartment.

Smart Tip: The windowsill area was highlighted with color (just like the ceiling) — it added brightness and atmosphere to the interior.

Design: ToTaste Studio
Relaxation Spot on the Balcony

Designer Anna Pavlovska came up with a way to expand the bedroom space: she connected an insulated balcony to it. The workspace and a wide windowsill were placed there, where you can sit and dream.

Smart Tip: The balcony can be hidden using semi-transparent curtains. They let in enough light and effectively zone the room.

Design: Anna Pavlovska
Cozy Rest Area in the Children's Room

A child sometimes also needs to hide from everyone and spend time alone, so designer Natalia Preobrazhenskaya provided a soft windowsill in the children's room. There are closed boxes under the seat where you can store things.

Smart Tip: The windowsill was painted in a bright green color, and the room instantly transformed.

Design: 'Cozy Apartment'
Small Windowsill on the Kitchen

Why not? Ksenia Strezhova placed a couple of cushions on the wide windowsill — here you can comfortably settle or temporarily put away unnecessary things when cooking.

Smart Tip: The wide windowsill in the kitchen can be used as an additional workspace surface. A low version like this is useful when guests come (especially if there aren’t enough chairs).

Design: Ksenia Strezhova
Windowsill with Shelves

We found another great idea for a children's room in Irina Legotkina’s project. The designer created a cozy reading corner that will appeal to both adults and children.

Smart Tip: Open shelves were made not only on the sides of the windowsill but also at the bottom — here it's convenient to store blankets and pillows.

Design: Irina Legotkina