Hello, We recently moved into our rental and I'd like suggestions on what to place on our shelves above the windows. Here's some pictures of the place. I was thinking succulents like the attached example but I'm not sure. Thanks for the suggestions!
Are you a plant person? Watering and watching the plants above a window that looks like they are at least 6- feet tall would be a real pain to water plus succulents are not tall and no one is going to really see them. If you want greenery I would pick trailing plants (such as philodendrons) to spill over on the shelf and if this is a bright direct sun light window you will need to find a plant that will thrive there. I love plants and have over 30 in my home so I am not trying to discourage you- you just need to pick plants that will thrive in the conditions that far up and make sure you are willing to water them 1-2x a week depending upon how much sun comes through those windows.
You probably won't like my answer, Alicia, but I don't see a need to do anything at all! I'd just leave them bare (I hate a cluttered look) BUT if I were to do anything, I'd place two (different sized) vases at the left/or right end then just one (coordinating) vase way over the opposite end and leave the center bare. It's very difficult to see how deep your shelf or ledge is. No one can enjoy looking at succulents that far up. They'd be nice collected together on a tray or something. Just my two cents, that's all. Good luck!
I wouldn't want to draw the eye upward by using it as a shelf. I think I would downplay the shelf idea by attaching a very simple fabric lined cornice (maybe 8" high in a gray and white contemporary pattern) to the edges. I know, a lot of trouble for a rental! But if you're feeling industrious, it's something like this:
http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/08/quick-and-easy-home-decorating-window-valance.html
I also go for the valance idea! Only I would use stick on Velcro on the edges of the "shelves" and stick on Velcro on the back of the fabric of your choice. Hang the fabric onto the selves and instant valance. About 8" to 10" high fabric would look good. As for the windows above the shelves, I would use stained glass Contact paper. Cut it a little larger than the window, peel away about 3" of the backing paper lengthwise, line it up on the glass with a little overhang, stick it on top, use a credit card to smooth it out and eliminate air bubbles. Pull the backing paper off as you stick it on and smooth it out. Use a sharp razor blade to cut the overhang around the window.
This is exactly why I love Hometalk! Great suggestions from everyone! I think I'm going to attempt the valance idea this weekend. Stain glass is a good idea for the top windows, just need to make sure my boyfriend is on board.
My favorite for spaces like your shelves are books. Not a bazillion books but a few stacked up, maybe a few more on another shelf standing with bookends. Add in a vase or some colored glass bottles or a plant (I'm terrible with plants--mine would be a nice faux plant).
In one of my rent houses, we had Windows like this. They let in too much light to watch tv so I covered in wall paper print. It worked to block sun and were easy to remove when we left -- except for being on the ladder.
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Your comment...
I would go with your idea of using the succulent plants.
Are you a plant person? Watering and watching the plants above a window that looks like they are at least 6- feet tall would be a real pain to water plus succulents are not tall and no one is going to really see them. If you want greenery I would pick trailing plants (such as philodendrons) to spill over on the shelf and if this is a bright direct sun light window you will need to find a plant that will thrive there. I love plants and have over 30 in my home so I am not trying to discourage you- you just need to pick plants that will thrive in the conditions that far up and make sure you are willing to water them 1-2x a week depending upon how much sun comes through those windows.
Yes, I agree. You need to ask yourself if you are willing to keep climbing up there and checking on the soil to see if a plant needs watering!
Succulents and colored glass!
You probably won't like my answer, Alicia, but I don't see a need to do anything at all! I'd just leave them bare (I hate a cluttered look) BUT if I were to do anything, I'd place two (different sized) vases at the left/or right end then just one (coordinating) vase way over the opposite end and leave the center bare. It's very difficult to see how deep your shelf or ledge is. No one can enjoy looking at succulents that far up. They'd be nice collected together on a tray or something. Just my two cents, that's all. Good luck!
I wouldn't want to draw the eye upward by using it as a shelf. I think I would downplay the shelf idea by attaching a very simple fabric lined cornice (maybe 8" high in a gray and white contemporary pattern) to the edges. I know, a lot of trouble for a rental! But if you're feeling industrious, it's something like this: http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/08/quick-and-easy-home-decorating-window-valance.html
I also go for the valance idea! Only I would use stick on Velcro on the edges of the "shelves" and stick on Velcro on the back of the fabric of your choice. Hang the fabric onto the selves and instant valance. About 8" to 10" high fabric would look good. As for the windows above the shelves, I would use stained glass Contact paper. Cut it a little larger than the window, peel away about 3" of the backing paper lengthwise, line it up on the glass with a little overhang, stick it on top, use a credit card to smooth it out and eliminate air bubbles. Pull the backing paper off as you stick it on and smooth it out. Use a sharp razor blade to cut the overhang around the window.
This is exactly why I love Hometalk! Great suggestions from everyone! I think I'm going to attempt the valance idea this weekend. Stain glass is a good idea for the top windows, just need to make sure my boyfriend is on board.
@Alicia Talavera you can always use faux stickers that look like stained glass and I believe Home Depot have them
My favorite for spaces like your shelves are books. Not a bazillion books but a few stacked up, maybe a few more on another shelf standing with bookends. Add in a vase or some colored glass bottles or a plant (I'm terrible with plants--mine would be a nice faux plant).
I would get rid of the shelves and hang the curtain rods a few inches higher.
In one of my rent houses, we had Windows like this. They let in too much light to watch tv so I covered in wall paper print. It worked to block sun and were easy to remove when we left -- except for being on the ladder.