Locate a Good Spot for Your DIY Window Seat

• Find a window that looks like a good place to build seating and shelving. It can either be in an alcove or along a flat wall. Watch for heat ducts or electrical outlets that may be under the window where you'd like to build your window seat. You can either move them or, in the case of the heat duct, redirect it out the base of the seating and shelving unit. Either way may add costs to the project. It may be easier just to find a different location for the window seat.
  
  

Design Your Seating and Shelving Unit

• Take the measurement of the depth of your favorite chair. That's how deep you need to make your DIY window seat area. The length should be at least the width of the window. The height should be a comfortable height that allows for cushions and still fits below the height of the window sill.
  
  Figure out where you want to place your open shelves. If you are building shelving on either side of the window seat, allow for the number of shelves you want built to the height you desire. If you are just building a window seat with an open shelf under it, plan where you need to put in support, especially for an extra-long window seat.
  
  Allow for decorative touches. Molding on the top and bottom of the DIY window seat and shelving unit can give it a professionally made look. It can also tie in the window seat with the rest of the room's features.
  
  Consider the cushions. Not only do you want them to be stylish and fit into your décor, but the window seat needs to be comfortable to sit on.
  
  Create a scale drawing of your window seat. This can help you visualize your DIY window seat area so you can make any changes necessary before you proceed.
  
  

Purchase the Materials for Your Window Seat

• Select a high-grade wood for this project. Find pieces that are straight and that have no knot holes. Thicker pieces of wood are necessary for support pieces and also for the bench portion of the project.
  
  Consider using open stock cabinetry for all or part of your project. You can often find used pieces that you can adapt to your size requirements.
  
  Choose the trim and any hardware you wish to put on your window seat. Select the cushion material. You may have to have it custom-made.
  
  

Construct the Window Seat

• Cut out the pieces of wood according to your plans. Lay them out in the order you need them for ease in assembly.
  
  Attach the sides of the window seat to the top board. Make sure the corners are square. Add the bottom board. Slide the supporting upright board in place and secure it. Put the back on the window seat. Add trim to the base and top according to your plans.
  
  Finish the window seat with stain or paint. Let it dry.
  
  Secure the window seat in place. Add the cushions.
  
  Add shelving to either side of the window seat by constructing it in a similar manner to the window seat. Secure the shelving in place as well when the paint or stain is dry.