How to Build a Whimsical Window Seat

When touring potential homes, the number one turnoff is a lack of storage. Homeowners want closets and built-ins to store everything they have — and any belongings they might acquire in the years to come.

Many newer homes take the modern need for storage solutions into consideration in the floor plans. But someone who is looking at an older home or remodeling their existing space might have limited options.

One out-of-the-box solution to this storage issue is a DIY window seat. With a limited investment of about $2,000, a window seat can be added to a home’s kitchen, bathroom or bedroom for added seating and storage.

A Unique Storage Solution

Custom-built window seats can be a big investment. Contractors need to create a niche space with a window — the kind of space often found in older Cape Cod-style homes with dormers. But a window seat can be built around an existing window with cabinets and bookcases that can be purchased from a home improvement store.

The window seat will be flanked by the tall units, and the seat itself can be created by adding plywood and cushions on top of shorter cabinets. Depending on the width of the window, this can be a large amount of added storage and seating.

Another DIY Option

Using ready-made cabinets isn’t the only options for creating a DIY window seat. If a home has a bay window, studs and drywall can be used to frame out a trapezoid-shaped box. This will create both seating and a deep storage area.

Window seats can be customized with paint, stencils and, of course, colorful cushions and pillows. If a window seat starts to feel dated after a few years, all of these materials can be updated in a quick weekend project. The home’s added storage, however, will never go out of style.