Relax Comfortably in the Best Window Seats

A window seat looks good in a bay window or any other type of large window. There are three ways you could get a perfect window seat; you can make one yourself, hire a pro or buy one pre-made. Making a window seat yourself could be tricky, especially if you are not a fan of crafting or an interior designer; you could hire an expert, but that would probably end up being very expensive, or you could buy one, but that would also have its pros and cons. Don't worry! We will go through some tips on making your window seat and a buying guide for the premade ones.

Guidelines on Making Your Window Seat

Choosing a reliable and comfortable window seat is highly important because you will be spending a lot of time relaxing in it. People who are fond of observing nature and resting in natural light can understand the importance of the right window seat, so let’s dig into some of the essential features that you need to check before buying.

Selecting the material

Window seats are usually made from plywood, hardwood or any other furnished wood used in kitchen cabinetry. For the cushions to be placed above, you can easily buy customized ones made of any material (like the ones below.)

Size of the window seat

The width of the seat should be at least 32 inches; the bigger, the better because window seats are mostly used to lean or rest on as a day bed. However, the size is relative to your window area; it's best to make one that matches the width of your window. Similarly, the height of the window seat should also be according to your window that is a minimum of six inches below your window because the exceeding height would be both unsafe and visible from outside. At last, the depth should be at least 16 inches to comfortably rest on it.

Type of the window seat

Depending on the window area, you can make a shelf, box, or cabinetry window seat. You can easily create a shelf if you have walls on both sides of your window. However, if you don't have that, you can create a crate type window seat and add doors on the front side, making the cabinetry.

Other features to consider

There are many other things to consider, like if you want storage inside the window seat or not. If you want your window seat to be durable and sturdy, it either uses a very strong wood or supports the normal wood from the inside of the seat. However, you could also keep the inside of the seat hollow and use that space to keep your things.

Another big advantage you could take from the DIY window seat is that it leaves space for electrical outlets since you will be sitting there for long durations, so it would be best to keep your chargers with you.

Buying a Pre-made Window Seat

Making a window seat might seem simple, but things could get complicated. Hence, in that case, you can always buy a pre-made window seat. It will just require some simple assembly, and you will be good to go. Just consider a few things as discussed below;

Size

The most important thing to consider while buying a window seat is the size as the size is not custom as per your window, so it's best to consider options carefully. However, it is important to note that most pre-made seats or benches like the five we discussed above do come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose whatever fits your place the best. Also, most of the standard benches fit the standard sizes of windows and beds.

Material

There are many choices when it comes to the seat cushion; let's go through them one by one:

• Fabric - It is a decent looking material that comes in a variety of colours. It can easily fit with any background furniture. Moreover, cushioned seats made from fabric are soft to sit on. However, cleaning stains from this material could be an issue.
• Leather - It is a material with many advantages. First, leather is easiest to clean; just one swipe with a wet cloth, and you are good to go. But, the downside of leather is that it is expensive and does not always suit the background. Furthermore, leather only comes in dark colours like black and beige. It would be best to choose this type of seat cushion if you have furniture of darker shades around.
• Rattan - A traditional material used in many seats. It is also super easy to clean. It’s best to choose seats with this material if you have a traditional look at your house.
• Memory foam - A modern and soft plush material, this form is useful if you are looking for an exceptionally comfortable seat to sit on. This is the ideal material for those with medical issues like pain in their joints.

Types of window seats

• Button-tufted - These types of seats are very popular and also surprisingly affordable. The cushion is filled with cotton and the material, which is usually leather, is tightly tufted with buttons in a specific pattern. These seats also prove to be more durable. However, these are comfortable to sit on but are not ideal for keeping your things like trays and laptops.
• With or without storage - Window seats usually come with storage boxes inside them. You can access them by lifting the seat with a hinge or through a drawer or door on the bottom. The type of storage accessibility you are looking for is also important, like what purpose you will be using the storage. If you want to store blankets and cushions, then the top storage ones are the best. However, if you are looking for storage to keep items that you will constantly require to take out or even space for your pets, it would be best to go with the door ones. Moreover, it is also important for pets to look for the ones with air crossing because you may lock your pet inside.

You may also choose a window seat without the storage option. The advantage is that benches come in more durable quality without storage at the same price.

Other essentials to consider

There are some other extra features to look for while buying a window seat. For instance, some seats can also add an extra bed if the depth of the seat is sufficient. Other than this, there is also an option for trays and footrests on these benches. Furthermore, if you have a wall on either side, an armless bench will do, but consider the arm support if there is nothing to lean on.

DIY Window Seat

If you'd prefer to DIY a window seat for your bay window or another large window, it's a somewhat simple project to complete. For a video tutorial, check out this content from Jenna Sue: