How to Build a Window Seat
Carpenter and DIY expert Timisha Porcher of ToolBox Divas has long wanted to update the bay window in her kitchen, but the project kept getting pushed onto her never-ending to-do list. When she saw Canyon Ridge, Better Homes & Gardens Color of the Year 2023, she had the idea to create a focal point for the window seat.
“I was tired of procrastinating and didn’t want to stick with what I kept seeing on Pinterest,” says Porcher. “I felt the space could use a pop of color and I love colors in the coral family. Canyon Ridge just spoke to my soul. This color brings new life to my dining area. I love the energy she brings.”
You can find tons of DIY-friendly woodworking plans on her website, but here’s a quick look at her guide to building this window seat.
How to build a window seat
Supplies are needed
- 5 8-foot 1×3 boards
- 3 4×8 foot sheets of plywood
- 2½” pocket hole screws
- pocket hole gauge
- Rechargeable drill
- clamps
- wood glue
- 1¼” finish nails or screws
- Paint (Better Homes & Gardens Interior Paint in shade Canyon Ridge, available at Walmart)
- paint roller
- color tray
- Paint brush
- Painter’s tape
- Even
- paper towels
Step-by-step instructions
You will need basic woodworking tools and materials to create this window seat. Be sure to wear the necessary safety gear when cutting the boards.
Step 1: Make Cuts
Every room is unique, so you should carefully measure the area where you want to build a window seat. Timisha recommends making the large center box first, then filling in the corner pieces.
| description | Crowd | length | Broad | thickness | material |
| Front rail (L) | 2 | 41 inches | 2 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| stripes | 6 | 18 5/6 inches | 3/4 inch | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| Front rail (R) | 4 | 18 1/4 inches | 2 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| Front style | 4 | 17 5/6 inches | 2 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| front leg | 2 | 17 5/6 inches | 2 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| back leg | 4 | 17 5/6 inches | 2 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| side rail | 4 | 18 1/4 inches | 3 1/2 inches | 3/4 inch | 1×3 wood |
| Middle Lid | 1 | 46 inches | 19 15/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| Back up | 1 | 46 inches | 3 15/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| Front center panel | 2 | 44 1/2 inches | 14 15/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| center below | 1 | 43 1/8 inches | 21 7/8 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| Lateral back panel | 2 | 32 7/8 inches | 17 5/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| side cover | 2 | 24 inches | 23 1/4 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| front panel | 2 | 22 1/4 inches | 17 5/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| Middle side panel | 2 | 21 7/8 inches | 14 15/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| divider | 1 | 21 7/8 inches | 13 5/8 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| side panel | 2 | 21 9/16 inches | 17 5/16 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
| page below | 2 | 21 3/16 inches | 20 7/8 inches | 11/16 inch | plywood |
The dimensions will be different to fit your space. Adjust accordingly.
Step 2: Build center box
Drill blind holes for screws on the side walls. Fasten the side walls to the middle walls with blind hole screws. Fasten the base plate on all sides with blind hole screws. Add a divider in the middle of the box for stability. Secure with blind hole screws.
Buy it: Better Interior Paint for Homes and Gardens, at Canyon Ridge ($32, Walmart)
Step 3: Build the frame for the center box
Use 1×3 boards to build a frame for the center box. Drill pocket holes in horizontal parts and attach them to the vertical parts of the frame as shown. Attach the frame to the center box with wood glue and nails.
Step 4: Add a lid to the center box
Add a trim piece to the top of the box that runs along the back of the box. Add a piano hinge to the trim piece and attach the other part of the hinge to the lid for the box.
Step 5: Build Corner Boxes
Create a triangle using plywood to fit the center box and wall. Add a base and attach to all three walls with pocket-hole screws. Keep in mind that the dimensions in your home will likely vary from the example shown.
Step 6: Build a Frame and Lid for Corners
Use 1×3 boards to build a frame for the front of the corner boxes. Attach the front rails to the uprights with blind hole screws. Cut a lid to fit the top of the triangle boxes. Use finish nails to attach thin strips of wood to the underside of the lid. These strips prevent the lid from slipping off.
Step 7: Sand Flower Boxes
Before you fasten the boxes in place, take the time to sand them thoroughly. It will be easier to sand on a work surface than having them in your house.
Step 8: Install window seat boxes
Dry fit the center box and side boxes so they are snug against each other. If you want to make this a permanent fixture in your home, mount the boxes to your wall. If this is going to be a free standing unit, use clamps to hold the boxes together and secure with wood glue and screws. Or leave them as three separate pieces.
Step 9: Prime and paint the window box seat
Apply a primer to all exterior areas of the window sill. Let dry. Paint window seat. Let dry and apply a second coat. Let dry. Top with pillows or throw pillows to soften the seating area.
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