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A Seat with a View
Window seats are a secret hideaway, a magical place
nestled between indoors and out, where enjoyment, comfort and storage
are the only goals. Whether you’re looking for a spot to sit and
dream, steal a nap or snuggle up with a good book, a window seat is the
perfect place for a tranquil time out. Here are three ways to build the
best seat in the house.
- Sleeping Alcove. A window in an alcove or between
two side walls is just begging for a window seat that offers catnaps
above and storage below. Start
with ready-made wall cabinets from a kitchen store or home improvement
center. Select quality cabinets that are 24” deep and sturdy
enough to bear a person’s weight. Clamp the cabinets together,
making sure they’re flush on top and in front, then center between
the two side walls and anchor bolt to the walls and floor. Reinforce
the top seating area with 1” plywood cut to fit. Close gaps with
filler wood and finish with trim molding to cover joints. Top with
a thick fabric cushion, pile pillows all around and fold a soft throw
at the end to create a dream spot that invites you to cuddle up and
get comfy.
Library Nook. A long flat wall is an ideal place to fashion a cozy
reading nook. Buy two matching unfinished wood bookcases and an unfinished
hinged-top wooden trunk or Deacon’s bench the length of your window. (Any
unfinished wood furniture store can order these for you, if they don’t
have them in stock.) Stain or paint the pieces to match your décor,
then center the trunk under the window, with a bookcase on each side.
Attach a comfortable cushion to the top of the trunk with hook and
loop tape and arrange cushy pillows around the sides and back. Fill
the bookcases with a homey assortment of books and collectibles, screw
an electric sconce to the side of each bookcase and pull a small table
close to create a pretty place to curl up and read.
- Window Bench. The original window seats were simply elegant benches placed in front of a window to frame the view. If your window is small or you’re looking for a quick way to commune with nature, go this route. Be true to tradition with a carved French window bench with an upholstered seat and cabriole legs, go country with a brightly painted Shaker bench with wicker storage baskets underneath or bring the outdoors in with a wrought iron garden bench outfitted with floral cushions.
