How to Design a Window Seat for a Small Space

Window seats offer additional seating in the room and capitalize on the natural light and views of the windows. When you're working with a small space near the window, the design needs to be precise and functional. A solid design gives you enough room to sit in the space comfortably without making the room feel crowded. The window seat offers an opportunity to build in additional storage in the small space, making a once empty space comfortable and functional.

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the area under the window where you plan to install the window seat. Measure the available width, height and depth of the seat so you are able to accurately design it.
- 2
  Draw a sketch of the wall. Sketch in the window seat, including the dimensions based on your measurements. Choose a height that allows the window seat to hit under the window, allowing for a cushion placed on top.
- 3
  Establish the structural design of the window seat, starting with the toekick made up by 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 boards that create the base of the seat. Design the structure of the seat itself, which is typically a box or cabinet-like design with a flat board for the seat on top.
- 4
  Decide if you want to incorporate storage in the window seat. Options include making doors on the front of the bench for cabinet-style storage or designing a flip-up bench seat for one large storage space with access from the top.
- 5
  Design the decorative elements for the window seat. Because of the small size, you don't want to get too ornate or the piece becomes too busy. Choose simple decorative elements such as a raised panel or decorative trim around the edges of the window seat.
- 6
  Choose a fabric to cover the cushion on the window seat. Look around the rest of the room to help decide on the colors and patterns of the fabric.

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