The areas in front of windows are often wasted spaces. Furniture is too tall and will block the view, and air vents can frequently be found smack dab in the middle of the windows. Instead of leaving the area in front of your windows bare and unfurnished, install a DIY window storage bench.
Reasons to Install a DIY Window Storage Bench
A window storage bench would be a fantastic addition to your home. They are ideal for making the otherwise wasted space useful. It may even become your favourite space in the house.
Benefits of a Window Storage Bench:
- Utilises wasted space
- Adds more seating
- Provides extra storage
- You can enjoy nature
- Adds to the decor
- Kids love them
- Perfect for reading
- They are relaxing
- Perfect for enjoying your morning coffee
- You can put them anywhere
- Can be used as a spare bed
12 DIY Modern Window Seat Ideas
1. DIY Window Storage Bench from a Bookcase Tutorial from Mommy Vignettes
Do you have an Ikea bookshelf or a similar sturdy bookshelf? If so, check out this tutorial. You can easily create a DIY window storage bench in no time. All you need are 2 sets of Ikea Capita Legs, MDF board, foam, Sharpie, carving knife, quilt batting, staple gun, screwdriver, screws, and fabric
This is a fairly simple and straight forward DIY window storage bench tutorial. The finished bench becomes a beautiful piece of furniture that can be used almost anywhere in your home.
Find the Tutorial from Mommy Vignettes HERE
2. Built-in Storage Bench by HousefulofHandmade
Are you a woodworker looking for modern window seat ideas? Here is a 7 page printable PDF woodworking plan for a clean and simple DIY window storage bench. This bench will add seating and lots of storage.
The simple build uses standard dimensional lumber (2×4 and 2×2 boards) to create a sturdy bench. The plans include the overall dimensions, tools list, materials list, cut list, cut diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with drawings.
Find the Woodworking Plans by HousefulofHandmade HERE
3. How to Build a Dormer Window Storage Bench Tutorial from The Crazy Craft Lady
You can follow this easy, budget-friendly tutorial to make a DIY window storage bench. It is the ideal plan for a small nook. You will need to measure the area and create your own plans.
The frame is made with basic 2×4 boards. The cover is made with ¾” plywood, and the front panel is made from a beadboard panel. Once the box is made, you can decorate it up with moulding and a baseboard.
Find the Tutorial from The Crazy Craft Lady HERE
4. DIY Window Seat with Storage by PMKWoodworkingShop
Here is a smart and functional DIY Window Seat with Storage build plan. It incorporates a bench and bookshelf. The bench and shelf combo is a relatively simple plan for novice woodworkers who can understand “Exploded” images and follow a few simple video tips.
The instructions do not include actual steps. Instead, there are links to the instructional build videos. These videos were made, so you can visually understand the exploded views.
Find the Woodworking Plans by PMKWoodworkingShop HERE
5. Window Seat with Storage by WoodplansPDF
Here are some downloadable PDF plans that are perfect for creating a classic style window bench. It would be perfect for a home decorated in country decor.
The plans come in a detailed PDF document with written instruction, pictorial instructions, and a cutting list. The finished size of the DIY window storage bench is 48 inches (121.92 cm) wide x 19 inches (48.26 cm) high, x 16 inches (40.64 cm) deep.
Find the Woodworking Plans by WoodplansPDF HERE
6. DIY Window Seat with Storage Tutorial from Pretty Handy Girl
Do you have a bay window that is begging for a window seat? Check out this blog post to learn the basics for making a built-in DIY window seat with storage. This bench uses up all the space and gives you a ton of storage space.
Find the Tutorial from Pretty Handy Girl HERE
7. Built-in Window Seat with Storage by Sawdust Girl
You can use this tutorial to create a standalone bench or build it in between two bookcases. There are also links for making the bookshelf base and the bookshelf.
There are step-by-step written instructions along with some illustrated photos. The author of the blog also has a post that includes a lot of tips, tricks, and techniques for building professional looking built-ins.
Find the Woodworking Plans by Sawdust Girl HERE
8. DIY Cubby Bench by HomeWoodworkerPlans
DIY windows storage benches do not have to be big, bulky, and difficult. This bench is plain, classic, and simple. Yet, it is beautiful. The printable PDF woodworking plans include a cut list and step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The cubby holes are 1’ 3” (38.1 cm) wide.
Find the Woodworking Plans by HomeWoodworkerPlans HERE
9. How To Build A Window Storage Bench Tutorial from Making Home Base
Learn how to make this DIY window storage bench on the Making Home Base blog. The project is made with both plywood and pine board. You will need to measure your area to determine the dimensions of the pieces you will need to cut. There are several helpful photos and written instructions.
Find the Tutorial from Making Home Base HERE
10. Build a Window Seat With Storage Tutorial from Instructables Workshop
Do you enjoy tricky woodworking projects? Bay windows are always a fun project that when complete are satisfying. This DIY window storage bench tutorial was created for experienced woodworkers.
Find the Tutorial from Instructables Workshop HERE
11. Entryway Bench with Storage Plans by CraftedbytheHunts
This entryway bench is the ideal height for most windows. The bench measures 48 inches (121.92 cm) wide x 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) deep x 26 inches (66.04 cm) high. These premium printable plans include 3D renderings, step-by-step instructions, a shopping list, a cut list provided 2 ways (easy-to-read chart and visually displayed).
Find the Woodworking Plans by CraftedbytheHunts HERE
12. DIY Window Seat with Storage Tutorial from House on Longwood Lane
Are you looking for DIY window storage bench plans for a large window? This tutorial is for a huge window. This bench would be perfect for a sun room. There are tons of pictures and step-by-step written instructions.
Find the Tutorial from House on Longwood Lane HERE
How to Make a Bench Cushion
Now that you have built your DIY window storage bench, you need to make a comfortable cushion. Below are 5 free how to make a bench cushion tutorials.
1. DIY No Sew Bench Cushion from Designed Simple
There are times when you do not want to drag out your sewing machine. Or maybe you just hate to sew. If you want to learn a quick and easy way how to make a bench cushion, check out this tutorial. Instead of sewing the cushion cover, you use safety pins to keep it in place. It doesn’t get any easier.
Find the Tutorial from Designed Simple HERE
2. How to Make a Bench Cushion With a Removable Cover Tutorial from HGTV
Let’s face it. The cushion will get dirty and need to be washed. Or maybe, you will want to be able to change it during the holidays. This free how to make a bench cushion tutorial will walk you through making a removable cover.
Find the Tutorial from HGTV HERE
3. How to make a bench seat cushion with box corners
Using box corners can be easier for some people when making a bench cushion cover. This free tutorial is fairly easy to follow. However, we would not recommend it for someone new to sewing.
Find the Tutorial from Hey There Home HERE
4. How To Make a Quick and Easy Box Cushion
Do you prefer video tutorials? This one is professionally done and extremely simple to follow. Along with your normal sewing notions, you will need polyurethane foam, cushion underling, a zipper, basting tape, nylon thread, and upholstery fabric.
Find the Tutorial from Sailrite HERE
5. How to Sew a Bench Cushion
Here is another video DIY window storage bench cushion tutorial. It shows you how to measure your bench, calculate your measurements and sew the cushion.
There are a lot of steps, but the finished results are worth it. To make the cushion you will need batting, coordinating polyester cord, Velcro, fabric scissors, a fabric marking pen, Fabric glue, pins, a measuring tape, and a sewing machine.
Find the Tutorial from Melanie Ham HERE
5 Premade Window Storage Benches
Would you rather purchase a window storage bench that is preassembled or ready to assemble? Many of us today do not have the time to make our own furniture. And woodworking can be very hard. Not to mention, you need specialised tools.
If you are not interested in making a DIY window storage box, there are other options out there. Below are 7 storage benches that are perfect for using a window seat.
1. RiverRidge Book Nook Collection Kids Cubbies Storage Bench
This is a really cute window storage bench that was designed for a child’s room. The bench measures 12.38 inches (31.45 cm) long x 35 inches (88.9 cm) wide x 26.5 inches (67.31 cm) high. It has 4 storage cubbies and a grey bench cushion. You can order the bench with or without storage bins.
Find the Storage Bench on Amazon HERE
2. Arts & Crafts White Upholstered Bench by Home Styles
Here is a beautiful, upholstered bench by Arts and Crafts. The hardware has a black finish that gives a chic, elegant appearance.
The dual drop down doors open completely, allowing for easy access to the storage area. The window storage bench measures 22” (55.88 cm) tall x 18.25 inches (46.36 cm) deep x 47.5 inches (120.65 cm) wide.
Find the Storage Bench on Amazon HERE
3. Storage Shoe Bench with Drawer and Open Compartments
Do you need a solution for your shoe storage? This is a common problem for large families. This DIY window storage bench is ideal for entryways, bedrooms, and even walk-in closets. The bench even has a drawer for you to put your keys, wallet, or purse.
The premium wooden frame holds up to 440 pounds for strong support. The storage bench weighs 40.8 pounds and measures 40.9 inches (103.89 cm) long, x 11.8 inches (29.97 cm) wide, x 18.9 inches (48.01 cm) high.
Find the Storage Bench from PeaceandArtStore HERE
4. Banquette Bench Nook Window Seat with Storage Drawers from PrairieWoodWorking
This window storage bench is a combo set. Along with the bench are two towers that provide even more storage. The doors and drawers have a classic beadboard design. The overall dimension of the handmade piece is 104 inches (264.16 cm) long. The seating is 16 inches (40.64 cm) high x 18 inches (45.72 cm) deep.
Find the Storage Bench from PrairieWoodWorking HERE
5. Country Style Flip Top Tufted Accent Trunk from Uniquelifes
Is your home decorated in country styles? This farmhouse storage bench would be the perfect addition. The upholstered trunk has a weight capacity of 450 pounds.
It comes fully assembled and ready to use. It has a solid wood frame. You can choose from two different styles. There is a faux leather option and a linen option. The bench measures 20.25 inches (51.44 cm) high x 47.38 inches (120.35 cm) wide x 15.81 inches (40.16 cm) deep.
Find the Storage Bench from Uniquelifes HERE
DO NOT WASTE THE AREA IN FRONT OF YOUR WINDOW. INSTEAD, MAKE A DIY WINDOW STORAGE BENCH.
We love DIY projects. And we are always inspired by the ingenuity of other DIYers. Window seats can be simple projects that can be fairly cheap to make. And they are perfect for adding extra storage space.
If you want more home decor crafts, you’d love these DIY Kids Wall Bookshelf Ideas, Decorative Light Switch Covers, Macrame Lamp Shades, Painted Accent Wall Ideas, Craft Storage Rooms Ideas and a lot more here.
We hope our list of DIY window storage bench ideas has inspired you to add some functional seating to your home.