10 Reasons to Install a Window Seat
Window seats solve a variety of problems in a home, and suit just about every decorating style
Charlotte Minty
25 April 2016
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Director and Interior Designer at Charlotte Minty Interior Design.
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Director and Interior Designer at Charlotte Minty... More
Reasons for installing a window seat range from basic functionality to adding a stylish advantage. The benefits of a window seat are not mutually exclusive, however. In most cases, the window seat’s biggest value is a combination of features that are not always evident at first glance. Time now to review the benefits of a window seat in your home.
1. To provide extra seating
In many homes, space is at a premium and finding extra seating can be a challenge. A window seat is an easy, effective way to alleviate seating constraints without adding to the chair population on limited floor space.
In many homes, space is at a premium and finding extra seating can be a challenge. A window seat is an easy, effective way to alleviate seating constraints without adding to the chair population on limited floor space.
2. To create more storage
Linked to the issue of space, a window seat with drawers or an empty cavity below offers extra storage largely hidden from view. An added bonus is that window seat storage can be sizable.
TIP: A builder or joiner can create and install a window seat. The squabs can be made by an upholsterer.
10 window seats for one
Linked to the issue of space, a window seat with drawers or an empty cavity below offers extra storage largely hidden from view. An added bonus is that window seat storage can be sizable.
TIP: A builder or joiner can create and install a window seat. The squabs can be made by an upholsterer.
10 window seats for one
3. To transform a space
Window seating is a smart way to transform underused or even ‘dead’ spaces in a house into functional and stylish additions.
Window seating is a smart way to transform underused or even ‘dead’ spaces in a house into functional and stylish additions.
4. To give life to dead space
Taken further, an effective use of the window seat is putting one in a passageway. At the top of a set of stairs is a particularly good spot. Doing so can bring more life and colour to an overlooked part of the house.
Wondrous ways with window seats
Taken further, an effective use of the window seat is putting one in a passageway. At the top of a set of stairs is a particularly good spot. Doing so can bring more life and colour to an overlooked part of the house.
Wondrous ways with window seats
5. They can be installed anywhere
The versatility of window seats cannot be denied. They suit all styles – contemporary or traditional – and all spaces – bathrooms, living rooms, home offices, dining rooms. Where some features look decidedly out of place in some spaces, the advantage of window seats is they work well in most rooms. And they tend to be unobtrusive. It is possible to have various versions of window seats throughout a home. They don’t tend to overwhelm the same way other multiple features do.
The versatility of window seats cannot be denied. They suit all styles – contemporary or traditional – and all spaces – bathrooms, living rooms, home offices, dining rooms. Where some features look decidedly out of place in some spaces, the advantage of window seats is they work well in most rooms. And they tend to be unobtrusive. It is possible to have various versions of window seats throughout a home. They don’t tend to overwhelm the same way other multiple features do.
6. To provide a place for guests to sleep
Developing the window seat’s versatility, they can easily serve the dual purpose of being a comfortable sleeping spot for the overnight guest. This can save thinking – and money – about whether to build an extra bedroom or to buy an extra bed. With a decent-sized window seat, the answer to where to put your sleepy guest is right there.
Squeeze guest space into any room
Developing the window seat’s versatility, they can easily serve the dual purpose of being a comfortable sleeping spot for the overnight guest. This can save thinking – and money – about whether to build an extra bedroom or to buy an extra bed. With a decent-sized window seat, the answer to where to put your sleepy guest is right there.
Squeeze guest space into any room
7. To offer respite
Few places are better for reclining, relaxing and reflecting than a well-appointed window seat. Having a space to do so in your home is often overlooked in interior design. Problem solved with a comfortable window seat.
TIP: To make a window seat extra comfortable, consider using a tactile fabric on the squab. Add a soft throw and scatter cushions with feather inners.
Few places are better for reclining, relaxing and reflecting than a well-appointed window seat. Having a space to do so in your home is often overlooked in interior design. Problem solved with a comfortable window seat.
TIP: To make a window seat extra comfortable, consider using a tactile fabric on the squab. Add a soft throw and scatter cushions with feather inners.
8. To frame a view
A well-placed window seat can be the ideal way to frame the world beyond. It almost compels you to pause, sit and absorb your garden, beachfront or grand vista. A window seat has the power to carry you into the view outside.
TIP: If you’d love to add a window seat but your view is not beautiful, consider creating a vertical green wall or adding potted plants to enhance the view. This will make your window seat a place where you love to linger.
A well-placed window seat can be the ideal way to frame the world beyond. It almost compels you to pause, sit and absorb your garden, beachfront or grand vista. A window seat has the power to carry you into the view outside.
TIP: If you’d love to add a window seat but your view is not beautiful, consider creating a vertical green wall or adding potted plants to enhance the view. This will make your window seat a place where you love to linger.
9. To bring the outdoors in
Conversely, window seating can work to invite the view into your home. Indeed, many window seats project from the house much like a sun room in a way that helps transports the outside world indoors.
Problem-solving windows
Conversely, window seating can work to invite the view into your home. Indeed, many window seats project from the house much like a sun room in a way that helps transports the outside world indoors.
Problem-solving windows
10. To highlight a window
Many homes have beautiful windows that are sadly hidden from view by a sofa placed before it. A window seat opens the window to the interior and serves the seating function that the offending sofa offers.
YOUR SAY
Do you have a window seat you love? Share yours through pictures or words in the Comments below.
MORE
12 Ways to Combine Storage With Seating
Tips and Tricks for Getting Windows Spotlessly Clean
Windows That Expose Your Bathroom to Light Without Exposing You
Many homes have beautiful windows that are sadly hidden from view by a sofa placed before it. A window seat opens the window to the interior and serves the seating function that the offending sofa offers.
YOUR SAY
Do you have a window seat you love? Share yours through pictures or words in the Comments below.
MORE
12 Ways to Combine Storage With Seating
Tips and Tricks for Getting Windows Spotlessly Clean
Windows That Expose Your Bathroom to Light Without Exposing You
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Hi Paddyo, yes, window seats can be really comfortable and I often sit and lie on them. If you have great loose cushions that people can use to lean back on, then they won't touch the glass. Or if you are starting from scratch, then have a little wall above the seat before the window starts to help with this. Hope that helps.
Many thanks.
love them