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Functional Under Window Storage Ideas with a Bench

Jun 20, 2024 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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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.

under window storage idea

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

View my favorite tools here.

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.

Create your own window seat

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. 

window seat storage demolition

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.

Build your own window seat storage

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.

Under window storage ideas

Use a nail gun to secure the wood pieces on the front of the frame, sides and back of the frame.

Create your own storage space in your window seat
Create your own storage space in your window seat

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. 

Window seat build

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.

Create your own storage space in your window seat

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.

Window seat storage project

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.

Painting under window storage area

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! 

Toy storage for under window

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. 

Under window storage solution
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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

« Lighting Showdown: Recessed Lighting vs. Light Fixtures
Simple Decorating Ideas to Transform Built-In Shelves »
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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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