Remove that shelf it makes no sense there . Get some more colorful pillows to take your eye down to look out the window . Do you actually use the bench? I ask becasuse the cushion on it seems very thin

We do use it and it’s 3.5 inches of pretty dense foam…. It’s actually pretty comfortable

I will be ordering a new one though that’s custom made. I’m limited in the depth due to the window sills that overlap it. So the vision skid

Sorry… the last sentence cut off… the cusion solids between the bench and the sill if that makes sense

Remove the shelf. New patterned cushion and a thicker one. Nice patterned roman blinds higher on the wall will replace the shelf visually. OR remove it all and put a nice seating area there with a comfortable chair and table.

You have one of my pet peeves and unfortunately you can't fix it without spending a lot of money. Why do builders do high ceilings and then install windows and doors that are way too short for the space? I know the answer is cost, but the fact they can do it still annoys me!

I would remove the shelf. It just highlights that the windows should have been taller.

Agree with suggestions to remove upper shelf. Having larger windows wouldn’t make sense with the covered patio - the view would be top of patio cover. But, I agree with you that it would look bland / blah at top with nothing. Doesn’t look like shades are needed for windows. How about a very wide valance mounted above the windows to fill in space? Could be tailored style or soft - you’d have to explore & experiment with them. But, the valance fabric should coordinate with seat cushion cover. The seat cushion - wondering about a custom cushion that is structured to cover the window sills which would also increase the depth of seat since the back would be on top of sills & against the windows. The result of doing that would also make it a thicker seat cushion. The overall result would be a more ’important’ and dramatic window seat with the added valance & thicker & larger seat cushion. Looks like a dog uses the seat - hopefully not a too small dog that couldn’t manage the higher jump onto / off of the higher seat! 😊

I would also remove that shelf. Get a carpenter and do some great molding with a detail on top to add some height to the windows.

Good luck!

Remove the shelves above. I would not even keep the window seat.

Absolutely beautiful and thank you for sharing. Unfortunately, my wife sits on that all the time. It’s actually in the kitchen looking out over the pool. Believe it or not the dog bowl usually doesn’t sit there… Lol. That’s actually a brand new dog bolt. We just had to put it down yet. With that being said, what would you do with the current window seat if you were to keep it? Valance, wise or curtain, wise or blind wise

You could keep the current cushion, visually it looks somewhat meager, but it brings up the level for another thicker one atop the sill . Wrap them in a coordinating or the same fabric.

I like the idea mentioned of the three valances...starting a few inches below the opening and extending 12-18 inches above it.

I'm thinking a solid type to disguise the fact that they are not actually covering any glass. They could be a matching fabric.

You could remove the shelf and add roman shades.

Due to your high ceiling, an outside mount roman could be placed a llittle higher than the actual window.

Look closely at where this ^^ treatment is placed on the wall compared to the window.

Will agree with other posters to remove the shelf. At first was thinking it would be a good place for plants but it's really too high to easily tend to them.

Perfect… thank you everyone!

100% get rid of the shelf. It hems in this otherwise open and lovely sitting area. Why the need for any kinds of blinds or curtains here? There is no need for privacy or blocking of sunlight. If you feel you need some kind of decorative accent, just make upholstered cornice boards to soften the tops of the windows.