Book lovers often dream about spending a relaxing afternoon hiding out in a window seat while devouring their latest book. While this may sound like a dream that will never come true, building a window seat for your home is easier than you may realize. With a few steps and some simple materials, even people living in an apartment can create a cozy space for reading. Instead of dealing with wasted space under your window, discover how to build a window seat that will become a haven for all the readers in your home.
Benefits of Windows Seats
Of course, the first reason to build a window seat is for your current enjoyment, but it's good to know that this addition will help boost the value of your home in the future, too. While not a major upgrade, creating a space specifically set aside for reading provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for anyone who enters your home. Window seats are a great way to add some extra seating and can even provide a hidden storage area for quilts, blankets, or off-season clothing.
Select Your Style and Location
There are a few things you should consider before you plunge into learning how to build a window seat, such as the style of seat that you would like and the ideal location for your new seating area. The ultimate location would be under a bay window that looks out on to a picturesque scene, but if you don't have one available, any window would be fine. Keep a lookout for HVAC vents in the area, as you don't want to be uncomfortable in your new space if there's a breeze blowing on you. Smaller and more modest window seats are also highly desirable, especially if you're in a relatively small space with few current seating options.
Materials Needed
While not a large project, building a window seat will likely cost a few hundred dollars and take approximately a day or so to complete. The project will require some rudimentary materials, including:
- 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s, used to create the frame/toekick
- Plywood, for the sides and top of your seat
- Heavy-duty hinges for added storage
- Paint or stain, if you purchase unfinished cabinets
- Hammer or wood screws
- Nails
- Drywall screws (optional, for semi-permanent attachment to the wall)
- Electric or cordless screwdriver, if using screws
- Clamps
Alternatively, you can look for a variety of items that will help give your project a kick-start, such as standard shelving units or kitchen cabinets. There are some pros and cons to each option. Using pre-built options can be more expensive and are likely the best option if budget isn't your primary consideration. If you are renting your home or living in an apartment, this less-intrusive method of creating a window seat may be ideal.
Using pre-built components, you will need:
- 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s, to build the frame/toekick
- Cabinets in your selected size
- Bookcase units, if desired
- Paint or stain, if you purchase unfinished cabinets
- Hammer or wood screws
- Nails
- Drywall screws (optional, for semi-permanent attachment to the wall)
- Electric or cordless screwdriver, if using screws
- Clamps
Step-by-Step Instructions
Building your window seat does require some preparation, but the time required is not extensive. Here are the instructions, but keep in mind that any of the stages can be modified to meet your unique needs:
- First, you'll build the perimeter base or frame for the project. This is often referred to as the "toekick", or the small front-facing edge of the window seat. Nail or screw the boards together to create a stable base. If you wish to make the project permanent, add drywall screws to secure it to the walls.
- Over-the-refrigerator cabinets are the ideal size for a comfortable window seat. For a 6-foot seat, you'll need two of these standard-sized units, with two bookshelves on either side.
- Once the cabinets are placed, clamp them together while being sure that the faceplates are perfectly flush and the structure is level. Use 2-1/2" drywall screws for security.
- If you want your bookshelves to reach all the way to the ceiling, install a base cabinet on either side of the shorter cabinets. Face frames must be flush for all pieces to fit together properly.
- Tightly fit together all components, using clamps and screws to ensure security. Add bookshelves on top of the base cabinets, securing them to the wall and remaining pieces.
- You're ready to put the finishing touches on your project. Add paint or a stained finish to any unfinished pieces, or utilize the pre-finished moldings and accessories that are available from your cabinet manufacturer.
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