How to Make a Built-In Window Seat

Choose a window whose sill is no more than 30 inches from the floor. If you don't have a window in a recessed niche, you can build closets or bookshelves on either side of the window and build the window seat in between. The enclosed feeling will add greatly to your enjoyment when using the window seat.

Cut four pieces of 3/4-inch plywood: the top of the seat, the front, and two sides. Make the top as wide as or wider than the window by 22 inches deep, preferably deeper. This dimension accommodates one person sitting sideways on the seat. The front and sides should be 15 inches off the floor. Sand and finish in whatever way you please. Attach the sides and front with 2-inch screws or 8d finishing nails, matching the edges with the front piece overlapping the side pieces. To attach the structure to the floor, attach wooden blocks to the corners of the structure inside the box and then nail or screw the blocks from top down into the floor.

Attach the top of the seat by nailing or screwing it in place. If you want to use the window seat for storage, you'll need to hinge the top so it can open and close. Attach a length of 1-by-3-inch wood across the back of the box next to the windowsill. Attach the top to this piece with small hinges. Just be aware that you will have cushions on the lid, so it won't be all that convenient to open. It is only practical to use the window seat for rarely used items.

Add a 3-inch-thick upholstered cushion to the top of the seat. This ensures your comfort and makes the seat a good height.

Add cushions to lean against when you're sitting sideways in the seat. Remember that sitting sideways is what makes the window seat so special: it's a place from which you can see easily out the window and into the room. Sitting with your back to the window is less comfortable and less fun.

Drape fabric across the ceiling over the window seat to give the effect of a lowered ceiling above the seat.This is the final touch that makes the window seat feel distinctly like a separate place in the room, rather than just another place to sit. Attach short rods to the wall above the window sill or the sides of the window seat enclosure. They should be just above the top window sill, perpendicular to the wall, jutting out into the room. Then drape a length of fabric over the rods. This gives the window seat the feeling of a protected nest.