DIY Window Beds

Check the wall for wiring, gas lines, plumbing or any other potentially hazardous elements.

Remove the drywall, trim, and any wooden jambs that surround the bottom of the window using a saw and utility knife. For a bay window, remove the entire area under each of the window sections.

Saw a 96-inch length of 2-by-4 lumber into 12 pieces. These include two cleats measuring the length of the window and two front pieces measuring the length of the longest part of the seat, which will be more than or equal to the length of the two cleats. Also, cut four leg pieces measuring the height of the window, less 3 inches, and four side pieces measuring the desired depth of the seat, less 3 1/2 inches. For a bay window, the front of the frame will be longer than the back, and the total depth should be that of the window itself.

Nail the bottom cleat to the base of the wall studs and the top cleat just below the window, at the level where the bed surface will be, using 3-inch nails.

Attach the sidepieces to the cleats using a corner bracket and 1-inch nails. Repeat with the leg pieces. Finally, attach the front pieces.

Cut 1-by-2-inch lumber into slat supports that measure the inside length of the front and back of the seat. Glue and nail them into the top pieces of the frame using 2-inch nails, leaving 1 3/4 inch of space at the top for a lip.

Divide 1-by-4 lumber into slats for the bed and a sheet of 1/2-inch-thick plywood window into a flat surface for the bed, as well as the front cover and the side covers if needed. Lay the slats across the slat supports and nail them into place using 2-inch nails. Push the plywood into place and secure it with wood glue.

Secure the front and side covers to the frame using 1-inch nails. If you’re dealing with a bay window, you’ll only have to worry about the front, and it should then be pretty much flush with the wall.

Sand the plywood surfaces to make them smooth, then paint or stain them as required. Use a custom cushion or simple seat cushions laid across the top.