Window Seat Ideas

One of my all time favorite features in classically designed homes is the window seat. A cozy little seat by a large bay window is something I’ve always dreamed of having in my own home. And it’s definitely something I’ll include if I ever get to build one for myself. Although it’s not the most functional seat, they have so much charm and warmth that I simply have to have one. I’ve spent countless hours designing, drawing and compiling tons of fabulous window seat ideas and have finally decided to share them.

Designing a window seat can be a challenge. How do you make the most out of what’s essentially just a bench seat under a window. It should fit within the overall design of the room, but it’s also a focal point and needs more attention than a chair or sofa. What a wonderful place to have fun while designing. Try lots of colorful pillows, a custom made cushion or a comfy blanket. And don’t forget the base of your seat or the window itself. It’s hard to design a great window seat if you don’t start with a fantastic window. The base can be a great place to store all those toys that always seem to be scattered around the house.

Window seats are often built out of seemingly unimportant spaces which is a great opportunity to create something unique and truly special. Ahead we’ll look at lots of example pictures and window seat designs. Hopefully a few will inspire you to create something special.

How Do You Make A Window Seat

Assuming you have a suitable window to build a seat in front of, window seat designs have a few common elements.

Base. The base of the window seat design is the frame that’s it’s built out of and that part you sit on. Many bases include shelves, cabinetry or a bench storage space under the top. It’s a great place for storing all sorts of items.
Top. At the top of the base is a flat surface like a countertop. This acts as the seat.Typically this is made from wood but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve seen them made out of stone, metal and even concrete.
Cushion. Generally a thick comfy cushion is placed on top of the shelf. This makes for a much more comfortable seat.
Pillows. A staple of great window seat design tends to be lots of pillows. I love the look and they provide a great way to spruce up the room.
Blankets. Another great addition to many window seat designs is a comfy blanket.

I think of designing a great window seat in the same way as a sofa only with a lot more charm because of the window. There’s no other place in the house quite like a window seat.

Making a window seat can be as easy as placing a bench seat right under a window. Most window seats sit within a few inches of the bottom of the window and they never have a back. Pushing a sofa up against a window won’t make a window seat. It has to be a bench without a back. The idea is to use the window as your backdrop.

How To Make A Window Seat More Comfortable

Just because a window seat doesn’t have a back like a sofa doesn’t mean it can’t be comfortable.

Use an extra thick padding of at least 4-6 inches of foam for a bench seat. That’s enough to be a comfortable seat and much thicker than what you’d find on most wooden chairs. I also like lots of plush pillows and a blanket. The combination of these 3 things makes a pretty relaxing spot, especially for kids.

You can also make sure the height of the seat is correct. If it’s too tall then the seat can be uncomfortable for your legs. Try to match the height of a standard sofa or chair. It’s OK to have a little space between the bench seat and bottom of the window. Don’t push the seat all the way to the bottom of the window trim if it’ll make the seat too high.

If you end up with a lot of space, like 8 inches or more that’s OK too. I recommend trimming this area to make it feel a part of the window and bench seat.

Also don’t make the seat too low. A foot locker bench by a window with a pillow on it won’t make a great window seat.

Window Seat Safety

A window seat is generally very safe but there are a few safety measures I’d consider if your designing a window seat for a new or older home.

Tempered Glass. If your window seat is for a new home then I’d use tempered glass. In case the glass breaks the tempering will prevent cuts.
Impact Glass. Triple pane glass is very impact resistant and energy efficient. While I don’t use it in most homes it’s a nice option in front of a window seat. If you plan on actually leaning up against the glass then this is a good option.
Height. If you have children in the house then try to keep the height to a minimum. Standard sofa height is generally fine. The higher the seat the bigger the fall.
Locks. Use child safety locks. Here in New Jersey they’re only required on the second floor but I use them everywhere. Kids will be right up against the window and locks which makes them very easy to open.

Most of the safety considerations have to do with children. For some reason a window seat tends to attract a lot of attention from the kids. It’s a great place for them to hop up and do some coloring or play with toys. These simple things can make it a much safer place for them.

Beautiful white living room with a bay window featuring a plush cushion seat and pale blue throw pillows.

Bay Window Seat Ideas

A large bay window is the perfect place for a window seat. The outward curvature of the window’s construction allows for just enough room to recess the seat. If you want a window seat but don’t want to lose space inside the room then this design is for you. And it’s really nice from the outside too.

Finish this window seat design with a custom made plush cushion and some throw pillows. The cushion and pillows used here fit the room’s style and brighten things up a bit. If you have a predominately white room like this one then throw pillows are a great place to add color.

Notice how the window treatments and window seat cushion are made from the same material. It’s great way of making the seat and window feel like a single unit even though they’re built separately.

Classically styled window seat with diamond grills, tan sectional cushions and patterned throw pillows.

Window Bench Seat Ideas

Some window seat designs use a single custom made cushion but they’re are other options. This design features separate pillow cushions laid next to one another similar to a sectional sofa. This window bench seat design gives you more flexibility because you don’t always have to use the entire window seat as a seat. Many people like to sit at the edges or in the middle while using the rest for pictures or a plant.

I love the window grills here. When you’ve got grills and a window seat it’s a good idea to style the seat to match. That’s what’s been done here. Ideally the window bench seat and the window will all feel like one singular unit. If the styles are mismatched then your window seat design can feel disjointed.

Modern window seat in front of 3 rectangular windows in a game room featuring a purple pool table.

Modern Window Seat Designs

You don’t need a bay window to create a beautiful window seat. This modern design found in a home’s game room sits in a nook by 3 rectangular slim windows.

Notice how much space there is between the bottom of the window and the bench seat. Having this much room allows for some additional seat back cushions and even more pillows.

What makes this a window seat is that it’s built into the wall. A sofa pushed into the nook wouldn’t be a window seat. Just sitting under some windows isn’t enough. A good sign that you’ve got a window seat is the bench seating. That’s pretty much a staple of the design.

I just love the color of these throw pillows and how well they work with the rooms overall color scheme and style. Window seats are a focal point but also a part of the room so try and do two things. make them stand out as they’re own unique element while working them into the room’s overall vibe. You don’t want a Colonial style window seat in a Modern room. This window seat design uses purple to tie it into the pool table and pendant lighting. Gray is a neutral which goes with everything. And yellow really makes the seat pop.

Rustic country style window seat in a mudroom featuring a bench seat with cushion, storage and real wood.

Rustic Window Seat Ideas

Window seat designs can fit any style. Just look at this beautiful rustic example.

This is basically just a simple bench seat with storage in a mudroom. But because of the way it’s positioned right under the window and integrated seamlessly into the nook it really elevates the room. I love how the aged timber has been used to build not only the seat and cabinetry but also with rooms wainscoting. If you have a room with an oddly shaped nook sitting between two closets then consider a window seat. When these nooks pop up inside the home they’re hard to style, especially when they’re narrow like this one. You could put a plant or chair in here but both of those options look tacked on. A window seat feels more intentional.

Modern bay window seat featuring a dark grey cushion, light grey pillows and black frame windows.

Modern Bay Window Seat Ideas

I love a window seat in a more Modern home. Some people consider window seats to be old fashioned but that’s not the case. Many of the most beautiful window seat designs I’ve seen were in very Modern homes.

This one is built just under a large bay style window. There are no drawers or cabinetry built into the base which gives it a very clean look. The entire base is built right into the wall with a smooth finish. The windows are black frame which is very in style at the moment. Lot’s of home styles other than Modern are using black frame windows like Transitional and Contemporary.

The cushion is a single unit which has been custom made with 4 inches of foam and a dark grey cover. The fabric is soft with a plush feel and a slight sheen. The six throw pillows are all varying shades of grey with a matching sheen. I really like the entire design of the window seat and it’s color scheme. The look is fresh, clean and Modern.

Pro Tip: This style window seat would be perfect for a hidden storage area under the seating. If you like the idea then all you’d need are a couple hinges at the back of the wood top shelf. When the pillows and cushion are removed all you’d have to do is lift up the wood shelf. It works just like a storage chest and is completely hidden once the seat is down.

Rustic country style finished attic with wide plank knotty pine floors and a high window seat.

Window Seat Cushion Ideas

One of the window seat cushion ideas I use a lot in my designs is matching the curtains and the cushion. It’s a fantastic way of bringing the design together.

A window seat like this wasn’t a part of the homes design or construction. It was added on later as a nice way of finishing off the room. In a country home like this a window seat is very appropriate for the look and a great touch. And it doesn’t cost much to build so why not include one. But you don’t want it to feel like an afterthought. One way of making the window seat design feel more intentional is by matching the drapes and cushion. It’s not that easy to do because you either have to find the exact same material as your curtains or get them both custom made. That’s what I recommend.

Pro Tip: I recommend having the drapes and cushion made out of matching fabric rather than trying to match something. If you want a perfect match then that’s the best way to do it and it’s not that hard to do. You’ll need a custom cushion made anyway which is harder to make an more expensive than the drapes so just have them both done. The same manufacturer will also be able to match all the small details like the stitching and thread color.

Traditional style master bedroom with a beautiful window seat featuring a single plush patterned cushion.

Bedroom Window Seat Ideas

The best window seat ideas aren’t just for living rooms. Some of the best designs are in the bedroom.

This traditional master bedroom features two window seats. One has been finished with a custom made cushion with floral print while the other was left bare wood. The style of the room is very traditional with lots of white paint and trim work. Even the diamond window grills fit the overall style of the room. When you have a bedroom like this then you really have no choice but to incorporate the window seat into the design.

Check out the base of these seats and the surrounding built in cabinetry and shelving. Every element has matching trim and a near seamless transition. When you have window seats and built ins near each other it’s a good idea to integrate them into a single design. It’s another way of making the room feel more unified.

Master bedroom with a custom built window seat featuring sloped edges and a blue cushion with throw pillows.

Bedroom Window Seat Idea

Here’s an example of a custom built window seat that I really like. It has sloped sides which give it the shape of a sofa and it’s been built inf front of two standard side by side double hung windows. You don’t always need a bay window to build a beautiful window seat.

When you build a custom shaped window seat like this it makes a more relaxing place to lie down. Your essentially building a sofa out of wood. Check out the back area under the window. there’s about 1 foot of space which has been filled with a long plush back pillow. These are really comfortable additions to a window seat. If you’d never tried one then I recommend you do.

The trim again flows perfectly into the base molding and window casing. Working your trim seamlessly into the room is a much better way to build a window seat. If you don’t it looks more like furniture pushed up against a window.

Pro Tip: If you like this bedroom window seat idea and want to do something similar then look up plans for a wooden sofa because that’s essentially what your building. The only difference between this and a regular sofa is that this one is permanently built into the wall. The angles are all the same.

Beautiful bedroom with water views from the built in window seat.

Window Seat Ideas For A Bedroom

If your using built ins in your bedroom then consider incorporating a window seat into the design.

Using a his and hers matching dresser set is very common. But if they’re on the same wall what your left with is a nook. In this bedroom’s case that nook was just the right size to surround this double hung window and the perfect spot for a window seat. And since the dressers were built ins it was easy to also build in the window seat.

When you build a window seat like this it’s very important to mirror the construction and style of the built ins. The wall is meant to look like a one piece unit so the style and color has to match.

Notice how the window eat has been brought out a little bit from the dressers. You need a certain amount of depth to make a good window seat so feel free to do this if your built ins are shallow. It’s also a nice was of accentuating the seat.

Window seat in a home office built between two built in shelves and cabinetry.

Home Office Window Seat Ideas

Here’s another example of a window seat that’s been built into a set of built ins. Only this time it’s in an office.

Window seats look great in a home office. Offices tend to feel a little stuffy and a window seat helps tone that down. They have a lot of charm and warmth which is a nice addition to a workspace. The window seat you see here has been built into the cabinetry as a single unit and then painted a warm medium grey. It’s a nice compliment to the rooms wood walls, floor, ceiling and trim.

The window seat has a 4″ soft cushion wrapped with a light grey plaid cover, a matching back pillow and a few throw pillows.

In this case the base cabinets are deep so the window seat has been set back a few inches. Whether you bring it forward or back, a little variation in terms of depth can add some interest and dimension to the seat.

Mudroom window seat with storage bin base. Blue cushion with throw pillows.

Mudroom Window Seat Design Idea

Here’s one last example of a window seat built into a set of built ins. Only this time it’s in a mudroom.

The window seat has a base with pull out storage bins. In a mudroom the more storage the better and a window seat can help. They’re a great way to hide a fairly large storage area. Notice how the window seat is a part of the built ins but it’s pushed out a bit. As we’ve also shown in the previous two examples, pulling the window seat forward or pushing it back are both great ways of accentuating the seat.

The blue cushions and throw pillows are a nice choice because the color scheme here is clearly blue and white. It’s easy to work a window seat into your rooms color scheme even if your not having things custom made.

Simple window seat in a mudroom with red and white spotted cushion.

Mudroom Window Seat Idea

Here’s another window seat in a mudroom.

Mud rooms aren’t known for their style but a simple window seat is enough to add that little bit of extra punch your looking for. It’s also a great way to bring in some color. Most mud rooms won’t be using a sofa or chairs so there aren’t places to bring in pillows or a cushion. There’s also not really a single focal point to design around. A window seat can change all that.

This spotted red cushion is a nice choice. Red is a bold color that draws a lot of attention but the spots soften it a bit.

Large master bedroom with a cream colored window seat above built in drawers.

Master Bedroom Window Seat Design

If you’ve got a master bedroom with a long wall of windows a window seat is a great addition to the room. There’s not a lot you can do to decorate a wall like this and many bedrooms have them. This bedroom has that small space between window sets which is enough for a dresser but you can’t do much with the rest of the wall. A window seat is such a great addition here. For me it really makes the whole room. And it’s functional because the base includes four pull out drawers.

If I was the architect or designer for this room I would have included a matching window seat below the other window front windows. This seat is the highlight of the room and provides some more storage which is always a plus in any bedroom.

Pro Tip: Painting the window seat cream is a nice choice and works within the rooms overall color scheme. Notice how it flows right into the base trim and stand out against the window casements bright white. That’s possible here because the window seat design doesn’t run into the casement. If you want a two tone paint scheme like this one then make sure your window seat doesn’t touch the casement. If it does you’ll be forced to paint everything the same color.

Living room with a window seat built above a radiator.

Living Room Window Seat Idea

Many older homes have radiators that can be tough to cover up or know what to do with. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me over the years for ideas on what to do with their old fashioned radiators. Well if you have one under a bay window then I’d recommend a window seat.

This window seat design has been built above and around a radiator with a vent cover to let the heat out. It’s a great idea and you can style the covers however you like so they’ll work with your other choices. The window seat sits above the radiator with enough space to allow for adequate airflow.

I really like how the cushion and pillows match the sofa here. It has the feel of a sectional sofa set and looks very intentional.

Pro Tip: Consult a plumber or radiator specialist when you build something like this. Maintaining proper air flow around the radiator is important for heat and safety.

Living room with a wood burning fireplace surrounded by window seating.

Living Room Window Seat Design Idea

The living room is a great place for a window seat.

If you’ve got a wood burning fireplace like the one shown above then your lucky. But you have to figure out how to finish the sides. many people go with built ins, shelving or both. But what about window seats. If the windows line up for them then it’s a wonderful option. These sets not only look beautiful but also provide plenty of storage in the pull out drawers and cabinetry below.

Of course to pull off a look like this one the fireplace and windows have to align just right. It’s much easier to do with a new house or something your renovating. But if your designing a new home and want to do something a little different than the usual built ins then consider this as an option.

Closeup view of a bench window seat in front of barn doors.

Living Room Window Seat Design

Here’s a closeup of the window seat from the previous example. Notice how the seat falls just short of the wall which allows just enough space for the barn doors. This is a good example of how a window seat can interact with different elements of the home. Barn doors are a hot trend at the moment but they take up a lot of wall space. Building the window seat around them is an option but you need to think about this from the start. If the room had a standard door or even a pocket you would probably design the window seat to make contact with the wall.

When you design your window seat consider the other things in the room and how they all flow together. There could be some interactions like this one that you can design the seat around.

Vintage inspired living room design with a large window seat.

Vintage Living Room Window Seat

This vintage inspired living room design is perfect for a window seat.

When I think of old fashioned Colonial or Victorian style homes I always picture a window seat. They were so common back when these homes were being built that it just seams appropriate. I don’t know why they were considered out of style for a while and am very glad to see them make a comeback. But if you’ve got an old fashioned style then they’ll fit right in.

This window seat design is very basic and works right into the wall. There’s no fancy cabinetry or drawers built into the base. Although this would be a great candidate for a storage chest design.

When you’ve got a window seat built into the wall like this then painting it is easy. The finish is s=drywall and base trim just like the surrounding walls so keep the color continuous. By matching the colors it makes the area feel more a part of the room.

Master bedroom with a large window seat overlooking the river.

Bedroom Window Seat Design

Bedrooms of any size are a great place for a window seat.

This bedroom window seat design has been built into the wall as a focal point. Unlike the previous example it isn’t design to look like part of the wall, rather, it’s meant to stand out. If you like this design better than it opens up a lot more options. The trim work can be different from the rest of the room and so can the coloring.

Pro Tip: If you plan on building a window seat like this in your bedroom, or anywhere in your home for that matter, I recommend staying within the overall style of the home. You want to create a focal point which stands out for the right reason. Building an ultra modern window seat in a Victorian home would surely stand out but it would look weird and out of place. You can still do something different from the surrounding trim but they should always be related.

Cute little window seat in a child’s bedroom.

Cute Little Window Seat Ideas

This is one of my favorite window seat designs. A cut little window seat in a child’s bedroom. It’s very playful with lots of pillows and an extra plush 6″ cushion. The design is very bright and colorful.

There are also pull out drawers below the seat which is great for storing toys and books. If your like me then you know how challenging it can be to keep a kids room clean. These extra storage drawers are great and at just the right height. I’ve always found that kids will put their toys away when they’re done playing if they have a place to put them. I’m a big fan of bins, cubbies and low drawers like these.

Window bench seat in a child’s bedroom with pull out drawers.

Child’s Bedroom Window Seat Ideas

Here’s another child’s bedroom in the same house as the previous example. I love how they’ve designed and built these window seats to be like little sofas complete with an extra plush cushion, back pillows and armrests. And those storage drawers will definitely fill up fast with all sorts of toys and goodies. It’s hard to keep a kids room neat but large pull out drawers will be a huge help.

Kitchen window bench seat around a wooden table.

Kitchen Window Seat Ideas

It’s about time we looked at a window seat in the kitchen.

Many kitchen have a dedicated space in the kitchen that’s meant for a table. Generally it’s got lots of windows and is in the corner of the room. Sure there’s enough room for a table and chairs but have you ever considered building a bench window seat. It’s great if things are tight and you need the seats right up against the wall. It’s also a fantastic look that provides storage under the seating.

With a design like this it’s nice to have a comfortable back pillow which means you’ll need space between the seat and window bottom. I recommend about 12 – 18 inches. That’s enough room for a good size pillow.

The only real drawback is that you can’t really move the table position once you commit to building the window seats.

Kitchen nook window seat built around a bay window with storage drawers.

Kitchen Nook Bay Window Seat Ideas

Here’s another beautiful kitchen featuring a window seat. This eat in nook has been built around a large bay window. So many kitchens in new homes have this design. It’s just a little bump out designed to fit a standard size oval or round kitchen table for 4-6 chairs. But the window seat changes all that.

A window seat not only adds more space throughout the room because it pushes the benches right up against the window. But it also adds lots of storage below with putt out drawers. It’s a beautiful look and you can cram more people into that window seat bench than you can with lots of chairs.

If it’s a kitchen window seat then you need a back of at least 12-18 inches which is what you see here. Cap it off with some back pillows and a comfy bench cushion.

Pro Tip: Since these drawers are visible at the same time as the kitchen cabinetry you should coordinate the look. It’s nicer when the window seat is seen as an extension of the kitchen. To do this you should coordinate your hardware, colors and drawer design.

Modern kitchen with a window seat nook featuring built in drawers.

Modern Kitchen Window Seat Designs

Here’s one of my favorite kitchen window seat designs. I’m so used to seeing window seats in more classically styled homes it’s refreshing to see one built in a more modern style.

The seat has been kept bare wood with a painted finish to match the cabinetry. It’s not the most comfortable seat but it’s beautiful. The throw pillows provide some extra back comfort and there’s plenty of room between the seat and window sill.

Check out the built in drawers. They match the cabinetry but don’t have hardware. If you want a cleaner look then this is the way to go. All you need are some magnetic latches. Simply push and the latch releases opening up the drawer.

Kitchen with a bench window seat featuring pull out drawers.

Kitchen Bench Window Seat Ideas

Not every kitchen with a window seat builds it around a table or in a nook. This bench window seat provides plenty of seating in addition to the dining table. It’s been finished with white and wood to match the sliding doors and windows.

Pull out drawers provide lots of additional storage for all sorts of kitchen ware and other items.

Notice how the drawer styles, color and hardware all match the kitchen. When you’ve got a kitchen window seat I recommend matching finishes. It makes the window seat feel a part of the kitchen rather than a tacked on addition or a piece of furniture.

Dining room with a very simple window seat built into the wall.

Simple Dining Room Window Seat

Even a very simple window seat can make a big impact in a room. No matter where they are or how they’re designed a window seat draws a lot of attention.

This dining room has a beautiful coffered ceiling with pendant and recessed lighting, dark hardwood floors and a wood dining set. But the window seat is what I can’t take my eyes off of whenever I look at this picture Maybe it’s just me but I just love them. This design is being used more as a shelf than a seat at the moment but the design and construction is still the same. Simple is sometimes better.

Bedroom with a very simple wooden window seat.

Simple Bedroom Window Seat

Here’s another example of a very simple wooden window seat. It’s totally built into the wall as basically a thick window sill but it works as a seat. And with a view like that who wouldn’t want to sit here and gaze out at the treeline.

Very simple window seat made from a single slab of real wood.

Simple Window Seat Design Ideas

You don’t have to spend a fortune or do a bunch of elaborate trim work if you want a window seat. All you need to create a very simple yet beautiful window seat is a single slab of real wood and a clear varnish. With all the fancy window seats shown throughout the page it’s nice to see a few simple examples.

Bedroom window seat with built in storage drawers below.

Bedroom Window Seat Design

If you ask me, you can never get enough storage in a bedroom. A window seat with builtin storage drawers are a great way of adding more storage without additional furniture which can get a but bulky.

Bedroom window seat decorated with throw pillows to match the curtains.

Window Seat Decorating Ideas

One of my favorite window seat decorating ideas is matching some of the throw pillows with the drapes. it’s not easy to do because you have to get them custom made but it’s worth the effort. Matching elements ties the seat and window together and makes the entire design feel more intentional. When I design a window seat I want it to feel like something meant to be in the room and not an afterthought or a piece of furniture.

I also like to tie other decor in the room to the window seat. The window seat is pretty much always my focal point so using common colors and styles is a great way to decorate them. Notice how the cushion is the same color and sheen as some of the other throw pillows used throughout the room. It’s a great way to create a unified design.

Home office with a window seat featuring built in drawers.

Office Window Seat Ideas

Most home offices aren’t that big and don;t include a lot of bulky furniture. A window seat with built in storage drawers can be a great addition. They look great and don’t take up much space in the room.

Living room with a cozy window seat.

Living Room Window Seat Design

A window seat is a great addition to just about any living room.

Large bay window with a window seat featuring a 4 inch cushion and lots of pillows.

Bay Window Seat Decorating Ideas

My favorite way to decorate a bay window seat is a cushion and lots of throw pillows. A blanket is also a nice addition.

Round window seat with tan cushions and lots of pillows.

Round Window Seat Ideas

Here’s another window seat featuring my favorite decorating idea. Lots of pillows and a comfy cushion.

Monochromatic home office with a window seat featuring pull out drawers.

Home Office Window Seat

Another of my favorite window seat decorating ideas is it’s coloring. When you paint the window seat the same color as the surrounding walls, trim and built ins it creates a more unified design.

All wood home office with a window seat.

Home Office Wood Window Seat

Here’s another example of using matching color as a way of unifying the design. This room is all wood so carrying that look through the window seat is the natural choice. I want my window seats to stand out because of how beautiful and charming they are but I also want them to blend in and feel a part of the overall design. Color is a great way of doing that.