The window sill is the most visible part of your window. It’s where you set things and rest your feet when sitting in a chair at the window. It’s also where you display plants and other items that enhance your view from the inside.
The sill can be an extension of the floor or mounted on top of the window casing. It can be plain or decorative, but it should never be too deep or narrow to hold items. And it should never overhang the edge of the wall to create a tripping hazard.
Functionality is the Key
The first thing to consider when choosing a sill for interior window is its functionality. You want a window sill that will allow you to keep your windows open without worrying about water damage, drafts, and insects. Your choices include:
- Sliding Sill: This type of sill has a hinged bottom that slides out from inside the window frame and locks in place when it reaches the outside edge of the frame. It’s ideal for sliding glass doors and casement windows.
- Fixed Sill: These sills are usually made from aluminum or vinyl and have no moving parts. They’re ideal for double-hung windows, which don’t have an openable lower sash like single-hung models.
- Corbeled Sill: These wooden frames sit on top of your existing window frame and extend over your lower pane of glass; they look like a shelf above your windowpane. Some corbeled sills even include built-in ventilation screens, so you don’t have to worry about bugs getting inside through open windows!
Style Considerations
Consider the style of your home when choosing a sill. If you have an older home with a Victorian-style exterior and interior, then you will want to select a wooden sill that matches the style of the house. For modern homes, consider choosing a metal sill that reflects the clean lines of contemporary architecture. When selecting wood or metal sills, consider how well they match your exterior doors, windows, and trim.
Also, consider whether you want to paint or stain your new sill. If so, choose one compatible with your existing exterior doors, windows, trim, and any other materials in your home, such as flooring and ceiling tiles. Consider using colors that coordinate with other elements in your home, such as artwork on walls.
Size and Shape Matters
The size and shape of the window frame are essential considerations when choosing a sill. It should be large enough to accommodate the material’s thickness and extend out past the outer edge of the frame.
The type of material can also affect how much room you have to work with. For instance, if you are using stone or brick as your siding, you will need more space around your window than if you were using wood or vinyl siding.
If you are using a lightweight material like aluminum or vinyl, it’s essential to consider how much weight it can hold. If your window is going to be on an exterior wall, make sure that it does not compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation or walls by putting too much strain on them.
In conclusion, the sill for the interior window should be chosen in harmony with the facade style of the building. For instance, selecting a flat sill for a classic house using stone, wood, or copper siding is better. A metal or glass window sill can be effectively used for modern-style homes, while wooden and stone sills are used for romantic buildings.
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