How to Decorate a Recessed Window

Hang Roman shades in the window. Roman shades work best in a recessed window since they will not hide the sill. Mount the hardware for the shade brackets inside of the frame of the window using a drill or a screwdriver. The shades should lay flat against the actual window and not the window sill.

Paint the interior of the recessed sill. Use a different color than your walls for a dramatic effect. For example, if your walls are plain white, use a vibrant blue for the window sill. For a neutral colored room, choose a darker shade of the primary color that is used in the room. This helps create a feeling of depth in the window sill and makes it stand out from the rest of the room.

Wallpaper the recessed sill. If you prefer, use wallpaper on the inside of the window sill instead of paint. Choose a vibrant and bold pattern to call attention to the window. It is best to use regular wallpaper and adhesive and not peel-and-stick wallpaper for this project. A window is subject to greater changes in temperature and some peel-and-stick papers will simply curl and fall off. Measure the width and length of the sill, as well as the sides and top of the recessed area. Cut your wallpaper to fit. It is best to use one long strip, so cut the wallpaper vertically, not horizontally. Apply the wallpaper adhesive to the sill and firmly press the wallpaper into place. Work from one corner to the next to ensure a straight fit.

Place a focal object in the center of the window sill. This can be a vase, a favorite figurine or even a bowl filled with marbles or river rocks. Make sure that the decor object you use is narrow enough to safely sit within the sill without tipping over. If you use a vase, fill it frequently with fresh cut flowers.