Maximize your under window storage by turning a window bench seat into a useful storage compartment.
Anyone with a small room knows that optimizing storage space is high priority. After all, no one wants to spend their days tripping over toys and everything else that ends up on the floor. Organization is ideal when everything has a place. But where can you find extra storage in a space that is already limited? Maximize your organization by creating under window storage with a DIY window bench, both stylish and functional.
How to Create Under Window Storage Ideas with a Window Seat
Optimizing storage in a built-in window seat is the perfect way to gain space without losing square footage in a small bedroom. Not all homes have their own window seat, but if you do, it's a great option for a storage bench. You can easily achieve this under a bay window in your living room, in a bedroom, or in a breakfast nook in the dining room.
Optional Supplies and Power Tools
Most supplies can be bought at your local home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Insulation
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Wood screws
- Particle board for bottom
- Particle board or ¾ inch sheets of plywood for sides and back
- Caulk
- Wood filler
- Miter saw for angled cuts
- Table saw to rip wood pieces
- Nail gun and air compressor
- MDF or wood for lid
- Piano hinges
- Wood trim along top edges
- Paint
- Paint brush or sprayer
Demolition
Before demolishing the current window seat bench, remove the seat cushion if there is one and find out if it is hollow and usable for storage. An easy way to do this is to take a drill and drill bit, and make a few holes in the top of the plywood piece or front of the bench to see if it is hollow. If the empty space is hollow, this can be demolished and built into useful storage.
We demolished this space under the window in my son's room to create more practical storage.
Remove the top piece of plywood and any trim pieces that you don't need or are damaged. Clean out debris to make sure you have a nice empty space.
Add Insulation, Bottom Board and Seal
Once the compartment is all cleaned out of your little window bench, you will want to add insulation before putting in the bottom piece. This is not a huge additional cost and is highly recommended.
Next, you will most likely need to remove the cross beam to get the wood inside and flush in the small space. Measure a piece of particle board and install as the base, screwing or nailing into the wall studs.
Make sure that single piece of particle board is secured tightly with a good fit. Then caulk all of the edges to ensure a good seal so no bugs or critters can find their way in.
Install Back Wall and Side Pieces
After your base is installed, the side walls and back can be nailed in. Depending on what you plan to store in your DIY project, this may alter the type of wood you use. You can use particle board or plywood sheets for additional cost.
We used particle board on the bottom for easy kids' room toy storage, but opted for a heavier wood on the sides. If you are planning on heavy use and need strong durability, you might want to switch to a plywood.
Use a nail gun to secure the wood pieces on the front of the frame, sides and back of the frame.
Replace Cross Bar
Add the cross bar back inside once all of the interior wood is in place. One of the main reasons for the cross bar is to support the lid of the bench top. You want all the vertical supports in there to be good and snug.
Add Trim Pieces to DIY Window Seat
Using additional wood along the top edge is a great way to hide the existing 2x4s for your window seat build. It is also helpful to cover any rough edges of drywall.
Caulk and Seal Window Seat
When all of your wood is in place, use caulk around all of the edging to seal everything in and give it a polished look. You will also want to use wood putty or another wood filler to fill in all of the nail holes. Use a high grit sandpaper to lightly sand the nail holes for a really smooth finish.
Create the Top of the New Bench
For the top of the window seat, we were able to salvage an existing piece of MDF from the bench and reuse it for our top. If this is possible to do with your small seating area, then that is a good option. If not, you can also get additional product to make a simple top to cover your bench.
We ended up cutting off two inches on each side so that the top doesn't rub against the wall when opening the lid. You will also want to add a hinge for easy opening - we used a 4 ft hinge. A piano hinge is a good option, but there are other types that will work.
Paint Entire Space
The final step is to paint! Paint the inside and outside of your storage area the same color as your moldings. You can use a sprayer or paint by hand, but I love the efficiency and time saver of a sprayer. I love how this stunning white built-in storage bench turned out.
Window Seat Ideas
And there you have a beautiful bench for under window storage. This little window nook is a great spot to store toys. As an added bonus, no need to look at the mess!
You can also turn this window seat storage area into a cozy window seat by adding a cushion or throw pillows and use it as a reading nook in a bedroom or living room. If you need extra seating, try it in the kitchen or dining room as a breakfast nook with kitchen storage.
DIY Under Window Storage
If you want to transform your old window seat into a successful storage area, make sure to consider proper planning and getting creative with storage options. With endless choices for customization, it's a project that can continue to evolve and adapt to your changing needs and design tastes. So go ahead and create your own functional DIY window seat– a space for comfort, storage, and endless possibilities.
Looking for more storage ideas? Take a look at these easy bathroom hacks, additional storage for the kitchen or mudroom organization.
Happy Organizing!
Brooke
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