The Dimensions in a Window Bench

Height for Viewing

• If your window bench is meant primarily for sitting on and looking out the window, then its height is one of the most important dimensions. Not all windows are placed at the same height. Depending on the placement of the window and your own height, some benches may be too tall or too short. Experiment with chairs of varying heights to see which one works best. The height of your bench should equal the height of that chair.

Height for Being Viewed

• If the window is primarily intended as a backdrop, then you do not need to be so critical of its exact height. Perhaps looking out the window at the view is not as important as having the bench provide seating for conversation that is framed by the window. In this case you may want a back to the bench, for more comfortable lounging. If so, measure from the floor to about midway up the window. Imagine that the view below this point was blocked off by the bench back. If the view still looks good to you then you can get any bench with a back that is this height or lower.

Width

• The bench should be as wide as the window or wider. If the bench is narrower than the window than it may look too much like a stand or coffee table. This could spoil the effect.

Depth

• The depth — the measure from front to back — should be at least 17 inches. If you plan to lie on the bench, it should have a depth of at least 24 inches.

Volume

• If storage is the most important consideration, you need a window storage bench. With this sort of bench you need to be most concerned about the volume of the bench’s storage compartment. It needs to be large enough to fit everything you want to store in it. Considerations such as placing the height of the top for optimal viewing are not so important.