Thursday, March 1, 2012

DIY Bay Window Seat


We have a bay window in our bedroom. We have debated what to do with this space since we moved in. At first we thought that we would buy some nice chairs, but I have always loved built in window seats. They are a great use of space and a nice place to sprawl out and read a good book.

So, on one of my many google images searches, I found this image: Not only does it look awesome, but it fixes one of our problems… what to do about the heating vents. We can’t cover them, so why not put the window seat on legs?

This what the space looked like before we built the window seat. Boring….

Bay Window Seat On Legs Tutorial:

List of Supplies:

2x4’s
(1) 4x8’ sheet of MDF- cut in half.
(2) MDF trim boards
(4) legs
(4) leg mounting plates
screws
hole filler + sander
primer
paint
Matt decided to build the frame first, then install it. My suggestion would to assemble as you go in the intended space… it will save you time and headache…Attach the legs to the seat, then screw the bench to the wall. Make sure you are screwing the screws into studs. IF you don’t, the seat will not be secure and will not hold the weight and abuse over time. Nail the MDF board to the top of the frame. We had to do this in three sections. Let’s just say the person who built this bay window did not use a level and measuring tape...Next, nail the MDF trim to the front of the bench. Matt made the bench so the MDF top would hang over the trim by ½”. So in other words, the front is not flush...This is what the bench looked like once Matt was done with his handy work. Now came my part…. 1. Patch all the holes. 2. Sand all the patched holes. 3. Paint the bench with primer (FYI MDF SOAKS up paint. Primer is cheaper than paint. SO I would recommend this step.) After the primer is dry, paint the window seat your desired color. We went with cream since it matches our other trim work. Once the paint is dry, throw some pillows on the bench. Pillows make all the difference!
This whole project was about $100.00. Mind you, I still need to make a cushion for this thing, but that will be for another day…

8 comments:

Andrea said...

LOVE this!! The pillows look amazing too. I can't wait to see what kind of cover you come up with.

Andrea said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Our Pinteresting Family said...

Found your blog through the Finding Fabulous link park. I love that window seat...it's beautiful. I'm sharing this with my sister in law who has been debating doing this ...I like your open space at the bottom! Your newest follower. Megan

Unknown said...

Nice window seat. Always feels good to get a project done around the house.
~Amy @ Permanent Kisses

the cape on the corner said...

that looks great! i love that!

Alli and Rick said...

I love it!!! I am now expecting you to sit and read book club books at said bench :) What a good handy team you and Matt are. I agree- the pillows make it

NackosAmon said...

I like the seat, and I love the pillows! You need to come over to my house and brainstorm with me :-)

jimi said...

I Love this project. We have been working on something similar in our new addition to the house. I'd be interested to see how you make your cushions. That's just what I need to do. You do such a great job! I really enjoy your blog.