Liv Tyler's unorthodox window display is eye-catching and bold – it's made me rethink how to accessorize my sills

The actress has a statue in her window, which serves as both a unique art display and an obstruction of the room behind it to maintain privacy

Liv Tyler
(Image credit: Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

For many, windows in the home act as vehicles to display artwork, greenery, or even cherished tchotchkes. Some even prefer to make a bold statement with a sculpture. Liv Tyler is among the latter group, having recently shared a photo of her teal-painted window, with a stone statue of a woman perched sitting in perfect view.

While this art choice is certainly eye-catching, it has us thinking about the many different ways we can choose to accessorize our windowsills and how we can implement other window treatment trends.

According to experts, placing decor in a window is a fantastic way to both store items securely as well as create a focal point in a desired area of the home (i.e. the living room or dining room).

'When thoughtfully chosen, objects displayed on a windowsill can serve as both decorative and functional elements, creating visual intrigue and enhancing the overall ambiance of a room,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Statues, plants, and other carefully curated items bring life to an often-overlooked space, making the most of the natural light while drawing attention to the window as an architectural feature.'

Since windows naturally draw light into a home, placing an object within the sun's reach can further heighten the visual impact and dimensions of a windowsill, Lichtenstein says.

'Displaying statues or small sculptural objects in a windowsill adds depth and texture to a room, offering a layer of artistic expression that changes with the shifting light throughout the day,' she explains. 'These pieces can subtly frame a view or act as a focal point when the curtains are drawn, creating a moment of beauty that’s experienced both from inside and out. Items like plants or small decorative bowls of stones, for example, thrive in the natural light, adding greenery or organic elements that help blur the line between indoors and outdoors.'

Adding items with reflective or shiny surfaces can capitalize on this impact more, even if it's simply a metallic pot for your plant.

According to Lichtenstein, an alternative method for displaying items in a window can be beneficial for those who want to actually obstruct the view of the rest of a space.

'Moreover, placing objects in a window can soften the starkness of glass panes while offering a more personalized and intimate feel to the space,' she states. 'Whether it’s a collection of vintage glass bottles, small vases with fresh or dried flowers, or even candles that catch the daylight, the items you choose can add warmth, texture, and a sense of connection to the natural world. In homes where privacy is a concern, these objects can help obscure views from outside without sacrificing the light or resorting to heavy window treatments.'

Below, find some window-ready accessories that are perfect for accenting any sill.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivalled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.