Maximizing your Nooks: How to Create the Perfect Window Seat - Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out

Design Ideas

Maximizing your Nooks: How to Create the Perfect Window Seat

There is something intrinsically welcoming about a window seat. One of the best aspects of window seats is that they can serve a purpose and fit your cottage style no matter what room of the house has your favorite window. Create the perfect spot for shoe tying, book reading and tea sipping by using these simple tips.

Fabrics – Before snapping up the cutest fabric or cushion in the store, consider the location and utility of your window seat. For example, darker fabrics may fade faster under particularly sunny windows and lighter solid colors may not be kid-friendly. For sunny spots look for fade resistant or light colored fabric. Here, a simple... READ MORE

Written by Sarah Jane O'Keefe

If you’re one for entertaining, window seats come in handy when your house is full of friends and family. Not only can you overindulge on pillows, but a window seat can be great for storage. Photo by Bret Gum

Don’t let a small space go to waste. DIY a comfy cushion and give yourself a little escape in your home with a window seat worthy of a good book and a cup of tea. Photo by Bret Gum

Fabrics –

Before snapping up the cutest fabric or cushion in the store, consider the location and utility of your window seat. For example, darker fabrics may fade faster under particularly sunny windows and lighter solid colors may not be kid-friendly.

For sunny spots look for fade resistant or light colored fabric. Here, a simple print adds plenty of color and interest.
Kid-friendly spaces need durable fabric with patterns to help hide tough to get out stains.
In dining rooms and kitchens, choose simple patterns that coordinate with your color scheme and will be easy to wipe off when crumbs miss the plate.

Skip the curtains and spruce up your windows with some cushions and pillows. Photo by Bret Gum

Comfort –

Create the most comfortable window seat possible by using the appropriate cushions and adding pillows. Since your window seat will have your back against a wall, cabinet or the window itself, do yourself a cozy favor and add pillows that coordinate with the cushion.

Not all cushions are built alike. If you are buying a pre-made cushion, don’t be afraid to give it a try before denying your window the best seat possible.
If you plan on making your own cushion, ask a sales associate for guidance on choosing the appropriate product based on where your window is and how often it will be used.
Pillows offer comfort and color. Use this as an opportunity to add pattern to a solid colored cushion or incorporate a coordinating print like in the window seat pictured.

Let the light shine through and keep your window nook nice and bright. Add some pattern to your cushions and color on your pillows. Don’t forget to throw some blankets in the drawers underneath. Photo by Bret Gum

Storage –

By utilizing the base of your window seat you can create an ideal spot for stashing household items. Drawers and cabinets with doors add concealed storage and are a good opportunity to use fun knobs or pulls, while open shelves put books within easy reach and treasures on display.

Living room window seats offer ideal for seasonal decor and extra blankets.
Store toys and games under window seats in kid’s rooms.
Linens and large serving pieces can find homes in dining room and kitchen window seats.

Window seats are easy to personalize and can be thoroughly enjoyed in any room of the house. Add cottage ambiance to your home by personalizing a window seat.