• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 26, 2013

How to build a window seat with storage

How to build a window seat with storage from At The Picket Fence

One of my favorite features of my recent kitchen remodel,  is my window seat.  I was sad that it wasn’t part of the Better Homes and Gardens feature, and I’ve had several people ask to see the “rest of the kitchen”, which is where the window seat sits.

There’s something special and romantic about a window seat.  And, even better a window seat with lots of storage!

How to build a window seat with storage atthepicketfence.com

For several years now I had envisioned a window seat in the bay window area of my kitchen.  We have a beautiful 2 acre backyard, and I imagined sitting up in a window seat drinking coffee and looking out over the farm land and woods behind my house.

I could see, in my mind,  The Girl sitting on the seat in the warm afternoon sun reading a book curled up with her dog. While underneath the seat resided all of my tall vases, awkward hard to store kitchen gadgets, and my three tiered cupcake carrier.

Once I had convinced Bama Boy to allow me to remodel the kitchen, my second demand request, after tearing out the non functioning planning desk, was building my window seat.

He in turn begged convinced our neighbor, Will “The Tool Man” Taylor, who I introduced to you in my board and batten bath remodel, to help him build it.

Which, translated means: Will built it and Bama Boy “assisted.”  But, regardless of who actually built the window seat, I now have one…and I am one happy gal!

Several of you asked if I would be sharing details on how we built it.  Since, I was not actually involved in the step by step building, I will show you lots of pictures.  Hopefully they will give you a good idea on how this was built.

First step in the process is framing out the window seat.

 window-seat-9

The bay is about 8ish feet long.  We used 2X4’s to make the frame.  I think it took about six.

window-seat-8

 Now we were dealing with two issues with the location of the window seat. Can you guess what they are?  I’m sure you see them.  Yep, a vent and an outlet.

window-seat-10

Here’s what we did.  First, we left the outlet intact, but put the back support above it.  That way I can still access it if I need it.  The vent required some thought.

So, here’s how we solved the dilemma.  We constructed a box out of plywood that directed the airflow to the front of the window seat.  The sides and top were glued and nailed, for a tight fit and then caulked.  This would prevent any loss of heat or air from the vent into the window seat, and would keep a nice flow out the front into the room.  A perfect solution!  So, if you have nixed the idea of a window seat because of a vent in the location, this solution should remove any hesitancy!

Now a window seat is a wonderful luxury, but storage is a necessity.  I did not want a window seat if I could not take advantage of the space underneath for storage.  Enter the window seat door.

attaching piano hinge

We used a nice piece of birch to construct the window seat.  We measured the space between the 2X4 braces and the boys cut a door out of the plywood.  Then we attached the longest piano hinge we could find.  You can purchase these at Lowe’s or Home Depot.  This hinge was the perfect length, but if you find it’s a little long for your window seat door it can be cut to fit.

Attaching the hinge properly takes a little bit of effort and will take more than one person.  It will also be a little “tight” for awhile, which is why there is a gap between the door and the sides, but will loosen up over time (and with bottoms sitting on it. grin)

Next you will need to decide what you want to “face” the front with. You can choose a nice piece of plywood and built boxes along the front. I’ve seen these online.  But since we are trying to achieve a french farmhouse look, we used beadboard.  You will need to cut the sheets to fit and then apply construction adhesive to the support braces.

You will want to make sure that you cut a hole in your beadboard paneling to allow the vent cover to fit in snugly but still be removable to vacuum out the vent box as needed.  The left panel fit right to the edge of where the cover would be, but we did jigsaw out the right side panel to accommodate the other side of the vent cover.

 

Don’t worry about seams.  Caulk is your friend!

After your window seat is constructed.  You will need to add baseboard to run along the front of your window seat as well as nice trim to finish off all of the edges.

 

We chose a beaded trim that is used for screen doors.  It was nice and flat and the perfect size to run along the front of the actual seat as well as along the back of the seat by the wall which covered up any gaps and imperfections due to the walls not being perfectly straight..imagine that! 😉

Here is the trim painted, but still not caulked along the back.  Make sure that you caulk all visible gaps as a final step to building your window seat. This will give it a nice finished professional look. Give your window seat, trim and beadboard several coats of paint.

Here is my completed window seat in my kitchen makeover! It’s a favorite place for people to sit and the 8 feet of storage has not disappointed!

Kitchen Remodel from At The Picket Fence

Here are all of the links to the full kitchen makeover if you’d like to see all of the other projects we tackled! 

See you back here soon…at the picket fence.

signature 1

37 Comments Filed Under: Beadboard, DIY, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel, Tutorials Tagged With: DIY, window seat

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Chocolate and Mint Shamrock Brownies
Next Post: Make your own Anthropologie Inspired Spice Jars »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. amy says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    That’s fabulous! I dream of doing something just like that. I love how you have it with a round table…your kitchen just keeps getting better!
    Amy

    Reply
  2. Michele says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    Oh that is just marvelous! It looks GREAT in your space- yay!

    Looks AWESOME! Well done, boys! Well envisioned, Heather!

    Reply
  3. kristin says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Oh this is gorgeous! Love the step by step tutorial, thank you! I pinned it to my “niche upstairs” board….I dream of a built in bench lots of storage and shelves on the side…Can Bama Boy and neighbor help a girl out 🙂 I’m a pretty good cook 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  4. Atta Girl Amy says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    What a great project, and great to have a friend like Will to assist/lead the construction.

    Of course, my favorite part of this post is reading about your fantasies of how this window seat would make your life even more fabulous. And I’m sure it has!

    Reply
  5. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    Great project! I just added to the BHG pinterest home blogger board 🙂

    Reply
  6. Rani @ La Maison Jolie says

    February 26, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    What a fabulous project! It looks fantastic! xx

    Reply
  7. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Thanks for such a great tutorial, Heather! I would love a window seat anywhere in my home!!! Yours is fabulous incorporated into your eating area!!! LOVE it… as usual!

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:26 AM

    It’s just plain lovely as is your whole kitchen. I have window seats in the dormer windows of one of the girl’s rooms. I love them. I think there is just a homey feel to a window seat.

    And question: I realize that between the job loss absence and the kitchen remodel absence I have been, well, too absent. What is the status of the move? Did I miss something?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 27, 2013 at 6:47 AM

      Hi Debbie. I’m still here in the house. It hasn’t sold yet. 🙁 Hoping spring will bring out the buyers. We’re 8 months into this, never thought I’d still be here! One of the downsides of living in a rural area, just not as many buyers that want land. Thanks for your sweet words about the kitchen.

      Reply
  9. Lauren @ The Endearing Home says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Thanks for sharing this great tutorial, I have always wanted a window seat in my home, I think they make a room feel so cozy. I loved seeing your kitchen in BHG, your entire kitchen is beautiful and huge!

    Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 27, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Oh Heather…not only is the window seat fabulous, but the view is fantastic…I would be sitting in that area all day!…Beautiful job…

    Reply
  11. Cynthia says

    February 27, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    Oh my gosh Heather, this is so gorgeous and the rest of the kitchen is beautiful. Love the fabric for the curtains. Very warm and inviting.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  12. Judy says

    February 27, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I just love that window seat. It’s such a cozy place to hang out. Great idea to add storage.

    Reply
  13. Thistle says

    February 27, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    Ummmm…..LOVE this idea….totally facebooking and sharing today! You are such a ROCK STAR!!!!!

    Have an awesome day!
    karianne

    Reply
  14. jp says

    February 27, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    How wonderful that you now have that gorgeous window seat and more storage to boot!

    Reply
  15. Sharon B. says

    February 27, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    I love a window seat and yours looks so pretty and inviting! Makes me want to crawl up with a good book and a cup of coffee and stay there all morning. 🙂 Very nice job. Sharon

    Reply
  16. Angelina says

    February 27, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    Oh this is FABULOUS!!! I LOVE window seats. Yet, I’ve never had one 🙂 Hopefully one day! I always pictured getting comfy with a good book and sitting there all day enjoying the Sweet Bliss 🙂 I love the tutorial.
    xo
    Angelina

    Reply
  17. Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says

    February 27, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    I would love to have one of these built in our breakfast nook! Just gorgeous!

    Reply
  18. Michael Reddin says

    February 27, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    It is as pretty to see “in person” as it is in pictures! Great job, Heather! Love, Mom

    Reply
  19. Jill Flory says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Your kitchen is so lovely! I love the buffet across from the window seat.

    Reply
  20. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Oh gosh! I love your nice, long window seat with the incredible view outside! I love how you’ve balanced it with the round table. Just gorgeous and who knows, maybe it will be in another magazine!

    Reply
  21. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    February 28, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    Thanks so much for the tutorial! Your window seat looks awesome!

    Reply
  22. Lorraine@MissFlibbertigibbet says

    March 1, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Looks wonderful Heather! The guys did a great job! I agree…BH&G should have included it!

    Reply
  23. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    March 5, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    That looks so nice! I don’t have a window seat, but I have a similar banquette in my breakfast room, and I absolutely love it. The built-in seating saves space, and the extra storage is so handy!

    Reply
  24. szybka pożyczka na dowód says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clarity
    on your post is just excellent and that i can suppose you are knowledgeable in
    this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your feed to keep up to date with imminent post.
    Thank you a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

    Reply
  25. laptop repairs says

    September 24, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I know this web page provides quality based posts and other stuff, is there any
    other web page which presents these information in quality?

    Reply
  26. chwilówki na konto says

    October 13, 2013 at 11:28 PM

    Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

    Reply
  27. hostgator Coupons says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Hi there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the great info you have got here on this
    post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.

    Reply
  28. https://phillipluchini.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/best-acne-treatment-products-quick-ways-on-how-to-get-rid-of-acne-367 says

    November 2, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    I enjoy your way of writing, good information, thank you for posting.

    Reply
  29. Drakensang Cheat says

    November 21, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my
    end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  30. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rubicontwentyone.interestingfactsapp says

    March 18, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and come
    with approximately all vital infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this .

    Reply
  31. criminal lawyers in orlando says

    August 19, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    It’s an amazing piece of writing designed for all the internet viewers; they will get advantage
    from it I am sure.

    Reply
  32. goji pro ivete sangalo says

    August 27, 2014 at 2:57 AM

    Amazing issues here. I’m very glad to peer your article.
    Thank you so much and I’m having a look forward to touch you.

    Will you please drop me a mail?

    Reply
  33. helpdesk.onsitetechnicalsupport.com says

    August 27, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the
    -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each
    time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
    Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from
    that service? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  34. Jessi says

    January 7, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    I love your bench!! I’m gonna make one in my bedroom!! The pics are super helpful!! Thx

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Almost the Best of 2013 - At The Picket Fence says:
    December 30, 2013 at 3:00 AM

    […] How to Build a Window Seat with Storage […]

    Reply
  2. Build a Window Seat - First Home Love Life says:
    March 2, 2014 at 1:16 PM

    […] YouTube videos and read a few different online tutorials from other bloggers, like this one from Heather At The Picket Fence. Hers was a bay window built in, and she wasn’t attaching it to cabinets so it was a little […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Thistle Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence