Window Seat Designs

Check out the many different window seat designs to add much needed seating and storage space to your home. Besides adding functionality, window seats can dress up or down a room depending on how they are styled. Luckily, there are plenty of design patterns available online and at home improvement stores so you can create the best look for your home.

Window seats are attractive and useful. They can be a comfortable place to read a book or snuggle with a child. They can provide much needed storage for books magazines or toys, if designed properly. They can offer extra seating when entertaining. They can also be a way to dress up an ugly or dull part of a room.

Window seats can be designed for any room that has ample window space. Before you choose your design, answer these questions:

• Will your window seat be a functional piece of furniture or just a decoration?
• What is your budget?
• How much space do you have for your window seat?
• Do you want your window seat to provide storage?
• If you will use the window seat for storage, how do you want it to open: from the top or like a cabinet?

Seats that open from the top, like a piano bench, have to be well thought out. If the materials stored inside are accessed infrequently, then you can design the window seat any way you like. However, if you want frequent access to the storage space, consider how easy it will be to get at the inside. You won't want to put lots of throw pillows and cushions on top of the seat. Otherwise, you will need to rearrange them every time you open the storage unit. Plus, top down storage areas can get pretty messy as there is no good way to install shelves for organization.

Window seats designed with front entry access can accommodate shelving and are easily accessible without disturbing the décor on top of the seat. For optimal space design, install sliding doors rather than hinged doors that open into the room.

Another great way to add storage is to make a window seat bookcase. Install bookshelves under the seat and create your own mini library or reading nook.

Great window seat designs will address all of the needs you identified by answering the above questions. You don't have to have a sill or ledge already in place by your windows to install a window seat. You can build a ledge and build the seat on top of it.

You can find readymade designs at your local home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. You can also find designs online. Visit Woodworkers Workshop for designs built around cabinets or bookshelves. My Window Seat sells downloadable custom window seat plans for less than $20. The site also offers [Easy Home Imprvement Projects|window seat kits]].

Before you start building your own window seat, plan carefully. Make sure you measure at least twice to get accurate dimensions. Determine the height of the seat based on other chairs in the room or by the height of the window sill.

Make sure you have all of the necessary tools too. You will need, at a minimum, a ruler, pencil, saw, hammer, level, tape measure and staple gun for attaching a foam cushion.

There are plenty of great designs already available to make window seats. With some careful planning and creativity, you can create your own design that perfectly suits your style and needs.

• Outdoor Fireplace Gallery
• Samples of Textured Walls
• Apron Sinks

• Glass Tile Backsplash Ideas
• How to Install a Bathtub
• Build a Kitchen Banquette
• Sliding Wood Closet Doors
• Wood Plank Look Ceramic Tile

• Built In Bookshelves
• Custom Home Closet Designs
• Above Ground Pool Decks
• Window Seat Plans
• How to Build Steps