How to Create a Wonderfully Inviting Window Seat
Learn about cushion, storage and window covering options to make your sunny nook the best it can be
tidgboutique
October 19, 2016
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Do you daydream of having a beautiful window seat where you can, well, daydream some more? Whether you already have a built-in bench or are looking to add one (on any budget), these tips will help you choose the right cushion, pillows, colors, window coverings and more to achieve your fantasy look.
One Cushion or Two?
A window bench can be piled high with pillows, but what about the actual seat cushion? Using a single unbroken cushion gives a pleasingly simple, contemporary look, but it must be done well to work. A quality filler will stand the test of time, while an inexpensive alternative may warp and look unkempt after a bit of use. A quality foam is generally best here to keep the shape, although a tufted feather-fill cushion will also hold its shape well. Talk to a reputable seamster about which option is right for your project — and don’t scrimp here.
A window bench can be piled high with pillows, but what about the actual seat cushion? Using a single unbroken cushion gives a pleasingly simple, contemporary look, but it must be done well to work. A quality filler will stand the test of time, while an inexpensive alternative may warp and look unkempt after a bit of use. A quality foam is generally best here to keep the shape, although a tufted feather-fill cushion will also hold its shape well. Talk to a reputable seamster about which option is right for your project — and don’t scrimp here.
The other option is to divide the seat cushion into multiple sections, made a bit smaller to allow less room for the fill materials to drift. In the long term, this will generally avoid lumpiness better, although a quality filler is still recommended.
Of course, there’s also the option of skipping the seat cushion entirely. A solid top won’t be as comfortable for lounging, but with a few throw pillows it can still be great for a quick sit-and-think, if not a nap.
The advantage here, besides saving on cost, is that the hard surface can be easily swept or wiped clean, and the pillows can always be replaced in the event of a spill.
The advantage here, besides saving on cost, is that the hard surface can be easily swept or wiped clean, and the pillows can always be replaced in the event of a spill.
To Match or to Mix?
When having a custom cushion made, you may want to consider adding matching pillows in the same fabric, as I did here. Piling a window bench with matching pillows creates a luxurious, sophisticated sofa look.
In this vintage home, we were specifically looking to respect and celebrate the existing architectural details (like the window trim), and the subdued fabric design helps the new upholstery fit in rather than demand attention.
When having a custom cushion made, you may want to consider adding matching pillows in the same fabric, as I did here. Piling a window bench with matching pillows creates a luxurious, sophisticated sofa look.
In this vintage home, we were specifically looking to respect and celebrate the existing architectural details (like the window trim), and the subdued fabric design helps the new upholstery fit in rather than demand attention.
Of course, I’m also an avowed fan of using mix-and-match pillows to add personality. A window bench uses much less fabric than a sofa, so it’s a great place to try a wild pattern and pile your bench up with color and texture, indulging all your design whims to create a unique little nook. You can also switch out fabrics to change the look seasonally.
Try using a single fabric as a reference for choosing coordinating hues, or take your cues from the colors in a photo you like and apply it to pillows in different sizes, shapes and textures.
Try using a single fabric as a reference for choosing coordinating hues, or take your cues from the colors in a photo you like and apply it to pillows in different sizes, shapes and textures.
No Bench? No Problem
Don’t already have a perfect window seat waiting to be dressed with plush pillows? Luckily, a bench seat is fairly easy to create these days with a little creativity and some furniture from big-box stores. Anchoring a few low cabinets together can create a bench shape in a snap. Just make sure the units are rated to easily hold a person’s weight, and anchor them properly.
You can then top the cabinets with a custom-cut wood panel as a relatively inexpensive way to add some polish.
Don’t already have a perfect window seat waiting to be dressed with plush pillows? Luckily, a bench seat is fairly easy to create these days with a little creativity and some furniture from big-box stores. Anchoring a few low cabinets together can create a bench shape in a snap. Just make sure the units are rated to easily hold a person’s weight, and anchor them properly.
You can then top the cabinets with a custom-cut wood panel as a relatively inexpensive way to add some polish.
A bench seat doesn’t have to run wall to wall. This one leaves room at one end for a modern look that lets you walk right up to the window for a peek outside. A few sturdy modular storage units with an added plinth can create a bench like this fairly easily.
Keep in mind that a window bench with open sides will have less structure to keep the cushion in place, so you may want to use ties or Velcro to keep it from slipping around.
Storage Options
An open bench seat combined with storage baskets is a low-cost solution that looks great and functions well for stashing toys, pet supplies, mudroom essentials and other items.
An open bench seat combined with storage baskets is a low-cost solution that looks great and functions well for stashing toys, pet supplies, mudroom essentials and other items.
For built-in storage, consider drawers or a flip-up-lid style. Drawers will be easier to access if anything is on top of the bench — assuming there’s room to open said drawers. In a tighter space (such as near a bed or off a staircase), a flip-up lid will be easier to access.
A bench built into a bay window will typically have an angled shape that doesn’t allow for a full width of standard rectangular drawers. In this case, the choice comes down to a flip-up top or a smaller set of drawers. The option that allows easier access is usually the more practical option — otherwise you might not ever bother to take out those items you’ve stored.
Radiators
Another option is to build a window bench that hides a radiator rather than provides storage. Keep in mind that such a bench will need to ventilate the heat and allow access for service. And it should be built by an expert to ensure fire safety.
Another option is to build a window bench that hides a radiator rather than provides storage. Keep in mind that such a bench will need to ventilate the heat and allow access for service. And it should be built by an expert to ensure fire safety.
Window Coverings
Now that you’ve got your window seat well appointed, how do you treat the window itself?
In-window shades. Often the best option is an in-window shade rather than a hanging drapery, as it won’t interfere with the bench or bunch up and get in the way. For a soft, traditional or transitional look, a gently rolling Roman shade is a classic choice.
Now that you’ve got your window seat well appointed, how do you treat the window itself?
In-window shades. Often the best option is an in-window shade rather than a hanging drapery, as it won’t interfere with the bench or bunch up and get in the way. For a soft, traditional or transitional look, a gently rolling Roman shade is a classic choice.
You can either shade each window, which gives greater control as the sun changes angles, or use one larger shade to cover a set of windows, which is simpler to close at night with one pull.
Choosing a neutral fabric for the window covering, as in the last two photos, will let you play with lots of color in the bench cushion without fear of clashing.
But for a bigger splash, try using related fabrics for both the cushion and the window covering, or even the exact same fabric. The look feels stately and creates a focal point.
But for a bigger splash, try using related fabrics for both the cushion and the window covering, or even the exact same fabric. The look feels stately and creates a focal point.
Drapery. In the case of bay windows, you have the option to drape the entire window and bench, which can make it much less fussy to close the drapery at night.
You can then use additional shading to filter light even when the drapery is open, for maximum options.
You can then use additional shading to filter light even when the drapery is open, for maximum options.
To get high-tech (and a little higher-budget), you can also layer drapery between the window and the bench. This lets a drapery close cleanly without hitting the cushion, and it also keeps the room feeling more open. The bench can even be used with the curtains drawn. This sort of system works especially well with a remote-controlled drapery track.
Shutters and slatted shades. For a more architectural look, wooden shades or shutters can fit crisply in the window and filter light without ever needing to be truly drawn open or shut.
In this room, the shades are also layered with a framed art piece to add a quirky point of interest.
In this room, the shades are also layered with a framed art piece to add a quirky point of interest.
Wide open. Of course, another option is to skip the window treatment entirely. If you don’t really need privacy or light control in the room, a window seat can frame a window beautifully on its own, no shade required.
After all, isn’t celebrating a beautiful view part of what a window seat is all about?
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Our house has three large (2.5m wide x 1.2m deep) bay windows upstairs. One in each of the bedrooms. The size allowed us to use them as a space for a bed, a desk, a sofa, a TV and gaming console recess, grand-kids paraphernalia and even a mattress, pillow and bed linen etc, storage area when our daughter and partner moved back in for two years while their house was being built.
Never really used for their original design purpose - a window seat, although the sofa period came close.
The tip about securing cushions/mattresses to open seats is something I'll keep in mind when it comes to covering out window seats!