Optimize Your Under-Window Storage by Transforming a Window Bench Seat into a Functional Storage Area
Anyone with a small space knows that maximizing storage is a top priority. After all, nobody 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 additional storage in an already limited space? Optimize your organization by creating under-window storage with a DIY window bench, both stylish and functional.
Optimizing storage in a built-in window seat is the perfect way to gain space without sacrificing 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.
Most materials can be purchased at your local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Materials Needed:
- Insulation
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Wood screws
- Particle board for the bottom
- Particle board or ¾ inch sheets of plywood for the sides and back
- Caulk
- Wood filler
- Miter saw for angled cuts
- Table saw to cut wood pieces
- Nail gun and air compressor
- MDF or wood for the lid
- Piano hinges
- Wood trim for top edges
- Paint
- Paintbrush or sprayer
Step-by-Step Guide:
Before demolishing the existing window seat bench, remove the seat cushion (if there is one) and determine if the space underneath is hollow and usable for storage. An easy way to do this is by taking a drill with a drill bit and making a few holes in the top of the plywood piece or front of the bench to check if it is hollow. If the void is hollow, you can remove the existing structure and transform it into valuable storage space.
We demolished the space under the window in my child’s room to create more functional storage.
Remove the top piece of plywood and any trim pieces you don’t need or are damaged. Clear out any debris to ensure you have a clean space to work with.
Once the area is cleared, you’ll want to add insulation before installing the bottom piece. This small extra cost is highly recommended for temperature control.
Next, you’ll likely need to remove the cross beam to allow the wood to fit inside and flush in the small space. Measure a piece of particle board to fit as the base and secure it by screwing or nailing it into the wall studs.
Ensure that this single piece of particle board is secured firmly with a good fit. Then, caulk all sides to ensure a proper seal, preventing any pests or insects from getting in.
After the base is installed, you can proceed with nailing the side walls and back. Depending on what you plan to store, the type of wood you use may vary. You can use particle board or plywood sheets for added cost-effectiveness.
We used particle board for the bottom to store kids’ toys, but opted for a heavier wood on the sides. If you’re planning on heavy usage and need durability, consider switching to plywood.
Use a nail gun to secure the wood pieces to the front, sides, and back of the frame.
Install the crossbar inside once all the internal wood pieces are in place. One of the primary reasons for the crossbar is to support the lid of the bench top. Ensure that all the vertical supports are snug and secure.
Using extra wood along the top edge is a great way to hide the existing 2x4s for your window seat structure. It’s also helpful for covering any rough drywall edges.
When all the wood is in place, apply caulk around all the edges to secure everything and give it a polished look. You’ll also want to use wood putty or another wood filler to fill in any nail holes. Sand the filled nail holes with high-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface.
For the top of the window seat, we were able to repurpose an existing piece of MDF from the old bench and reuse it for the lid. If this is possible with your space, it’s an excellent option. Otherwise, you can purchase additional materials to create a new top for your bench.
We ended up trimming 2 inches off each side of the top so that it doesn’t rub against the wall when opening the lid. You’ll also want to add a hinge for easy opening. We used a 4-ft hinge, but a piano hinge is also a great choice, or you can select another type that works.
The final step is painting! Paint both the interior and exterior of your storage area to match the color of your trim. You can use a sprayer or paint by hand, but I prefer the efficiency and time-saving aspect of a sprayer. I love how this beautiful white built-in storage bench turned out.
And there you have it—a lovely bench for under-window storage. This little window nook is a great spot to store toys, and as an added bonus, there’s no need to look at the mess anymore!
You can also transform this window seat storage area into a relaxing reading nook by adding a cushion or throw pillows, turning it into a cozy spot in a bedroom or living room. If you need extra seating, consider using it in the kitchen or dining room as additional seating with storage underneath.
If you want to convert your old window seat into a successful storage area, make sure to consider proper planning and get creative with your storage solutions. With endless options for customization, this project can evolve to fit your changing needs and style preferences. So go ahead and create your own functional DIY window seat—an area for comfort, storage, and endless possibilities.
Happy Organizing!