While window seats are not something new, they are right on trend with today's design obsession with bringing the natural world into our own living rooms. In addition to being visually beautiful, window seats are a wonderful way to provide extra seating with the added benefit of extra concealed storage.
To get started, walk through your home and decide which underused window would benefit the most from a window seat. Next ask yourself what your vision is for the seat. Do you need a place to relax, more seating, a spot for reading or just a window that allows you to enjoy the sunshine? Do you have a bay window in the living room but no furniture that fits in the space? A window seat could be the answer for your home.
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when selecting the spot. The window seat will need to be placed at least 6 inches below the window to allow for some cozy pillows. A comfortable seat height is between 16 to 18 inches to allow your feet to sit on the floor. If you want to extend your legs on the seat, you will need a length of about 48 inches. Think about storage opportunities, such as shelves or cubbies on either side of the window seat, as well.
Once you have found the perfect window site, decide if you want to tackle it yourself as a DIY project or call in a pro to customize the window seat to your specifications. A DIY project with storage below could come in at around $100, while a custom built-in seat can cost $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the size and materials used.
Whether your home already has a window seat, you want to repurpose an existing nook, or you want to design a custom seat in a new build, here are some ideas to inspire your own creativity:
- Living room – If your living room has a bay window, a built-in offers guests extra seating. Unlike a freestanding sofa placed against the window, a window seat does not obstruct the view of the outside. When large groups gather, a window seat is a solution for those seeking a quiet place for conversation.
- Bedroom – A window seat with practical storage below conceals shoes, accessories, bed linens or seasonal clothing. The window itself gives you a front-row seat to the weather before you decide what to wear that day.
- Playroom – Install a window seat flanked by floor-to-ceiling open shelves for kids to store all their toys and books. The seat is a perfect perch for a caregiver to comfortably supervise the young ones as they play.
- Kitchen – A large, windowed alcove makes a great place to add a banquette-style table for casual in-kitchen family dining. The boxes under the seats can be used for extra hidden storage for infrequently used kitchen equipment.
- Mudroom – With shelf-style seating, open cubbies below the seat offer space for boots, baskets or sports equipment.
Cushions should be as thick as a sofa's: about 2 to 4 inches high. Larger 20-inch square firm pillows lining the seat back offer support. Soft throw pillows can be tucked behind your head for comfortable reading when lying down.
Window treatments can be installed to prevent glare or heat coming through the window. Choose shades or blinds in woods or colors that complement the rest of the room.
Add hanging plants to your window seat to take advantage of the sunlight and natural vibe.
Window seats offer a unique way to view the world around us. Contact us for more ideas on finding the perfect place to install an inviting window seat in your own home.
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