Sit and Stow

This window seat fulfills two needs—more efficient storage and a comfy place to relax.

Earthy tweed-look drapery panels add warm color and texture to the space. Two extra panels with a tapestry design were used to upholster a seat cushion for the project. Any leftover material can be used to make pillows or curtain tiebacks.

A window seat can be the perfect spot to curl up with a good book; it also can add functional storage space. Sometimes, a room’s existing architecture begs for such a project. In this bedroom, the open area between two closets was a catchall for items such as clothes, blankets, extra chairs, and gear. The new built-in window seat provides concealed and organized storage. It also gives the space a substantial focal point and makes the bedroom not just a place for sleeping, but for relaxing too.



LUMBER AND MILLWORK
3 (8-foot-long) 1 x 3s**
1 (8-foot-long) 1 x 8**
3 (48- x 96-inch) sheets of 3/4-inch birch plywood**
1 (8-foot-long) piece of 3/4-inch shelf edging**
2 (7-foot-long) pieces of 3/8- x 11/4- inch primed pine stop moulding†

HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES
1 box (21/2-inch) wood screws
1 box 6d finishing nails
1 (1/2- x 72-inch) continuous
hinge (brass, #196296)
wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)
paintable wood filler
paintable latex caulk
primer (Kilz, #45546)
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium,
Statuesque 7002-5, semi-gloss)

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES
curtain rod (#169456)
drapery panels (Designables,
Caspari, Curry, #245171)
drapery panels used for seat
cushion (Designables, Raja,
Paprika, #245153)

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.
† Available by special order in some stores.