Inviting Window Seat Ideas For A Comfy Retreat

These window seat ideas can help transform the space under your window into a wonderful spot for relaxing, reading, stargazing, or napping. Until recently window seats were only found in the occasional older home with extending dormers. However, as the trend has taken off many homeowners are finding creative ways to add a custom window seat design to get just the look they want. In the picture above a spacious and cozy window bench placed on a bay window with French casement windows offers a casual and relaxing space, great for small gatherings and lounging.

The large windows provide not only natural light but also a gorgeous view to match the warm neutral theme of the space. The built-in benches have loose seat cushions, variously sized pillows, and a couple of throws and knits for a more laid-back feel.

Window Seat Bench

There’s no denying a window seat can add a lot of personality to your interior design. Here are a few of the best reasons to add a window seat bench to your room:

Adds character to your room – A window seat can really add a lot of visual interest to a room. You can even accent it with your own personal touch with your favorite soft cushions or throw pillows.

Architectural design – Your window seat design can be matched with your home’s interior aesthetic. They can be constructed with the same materials as existing molding or cabinets to match existing architecture to create a cohesive design.

Extra seating – A window seat makes a great welcoming spot for visitors. It can be back-up seating if you’re entertaining for a lot of guests.

Reading nook – The window seat can become a cozy spot to curl up with a book and enjoy the natural light from the comfort of your home. You can enjoy the feeling of being outdoors and reading in total comfort. Many window seats are placed between built-in bookshelves to give easy access to your favorite reading materials.

Storage space – The cabinets under a window seat make a great spot for extra storage. Many benches have a hinged top that can stow blankets, linens, toys, or accessories. A bench with drawers is another option that provides you with extra space for anything you want out of sight.

Enjoy the views – Many places are cold for a large portion of the year. With a window seat, you can enjoy the outdoors a little more often which can raise the mood and overall well-being.

Easy to build – Using kitchen cabinets or even a portable bench one can create an attractive bay nook. Top it with comfortable cushions and pillows and you’ve got a place the whole family can enjoy.

A few steps from the kitchen, the breakfast nook doubled as our dining area and family room. It functioned as the heart of our home, despite its drab appearance and small size. – Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery, Linda Murphy Marshall

Kitchen breakfast nook – A bay nook in the kitchen is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Just pull up a small table to create a breakfast nook and you’ve got a spot to set your drink or morning pastry.

Spot for sleeping or napping – Large bay nook benches can be arranged to become a bed to accommodate an overnight guest. It also can become your favorite spot in the house for an afternoon nap in the warm sunlight.

Where To Add a Window Seat

Living Room with a Built-In Bench Seat with Storage –Window seat ideas that utilize the area under the bench for storage can be very useful for keeping extra blankets and pillows out of sight.

Entryway –  A home’s entryway can be a great spot for a bay nook bench. This is an ideal place for guests to wait or for kids to remove and store shoes before entering the main part of the home. You can bring in your own personality and design touches by coordinating the cushions to get the style you want. In the picture above the seat cushions were matched to the wall paint and curtains with great results.

Inside a Built-in Bookshelf – A built-in window bench placed beside built-in bookshelves becomes an ideal place for reading with its natural illumination. 

Inside the Kitchen – With bench seating in the kitchen one or more can appreciate the beautiful outdoor landscape while still being able to eat and socialize with the cook. Building a nook in your kitchen is a creative way to utilize your room’s floor plan to accommodate guests. A dining table with a bench can often be positioned under a window with great results. To find room for even more visitors you can try adding a kitchen island with bench seating or a breakfast bar with bar stools.

Inside the Bedroom – A window seat in the bedroom provides a nice place to enjoy the views from the comfort of your room. With the addition of some cozy pillows this could become a relaxing spot or even be used for getting dressed or putting on shoes.

Home Office – A home office can be complimented with a built-in bay nook bed and even become a guest bedroom if needed. This can provide extra room to relax in an office space, when not in use as a guest bedroom. Large functional drawers underneath provide extra storage capacity and who doesn’t need more of that? There are many ways to come up with beneficial bay nook ideas that can enhance your home office. Not only do they provide another vantage point away from the desk, but they also provide a place for a family member or friend to sit in the space.

Dining Room Relaxation – A dining room window seat could be jam packed with tons of comfortable pillows and fit with a neutral color theme to match the rest of the room’s decor.

Room for the Cat – We all know indoor house cats love to look outside, and what could be better for them than a cat overlook bench? This cat-sized rattan cat bench has a top with comfortable pillows and a cozy inside cat bed. The cozy house has a pillow inside where cats can curl up and rest. The top also has a comfy washable pillow to give them a nice vantage point in the room or to the outside.

Seat for the Dog – An elevated dog couch is the perfect spot for your best friend to relax in comfort. The dog seat has legs to give it a little elevation off of the floor and there is even a storage pocket in the back for keeping toys or treats. These window seat ideas for pets can range from simple crates to wash tubs or practically anything you can imagine.

Seat Dimensions

When creating bay nooks it’s important to provide the proper dimensions for comfort. Typically, a window seat size should by between 16 to 20 inches high with around 18 to 22 inches in depth. The height off of the floor should be at least 17 inches with no more than 19 inches high, as a general rule of thumb.

We hope you enjoyed our gallery of bay nook ideas. Please let us know which one is your favorite in the comment section below.