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9 Window Seats That Command Attention
Gather, Lounge, Eat and Sleep in a Dreamy Nook With a View
I spent my childhood dreaming about having a window seat. (Well, that and having a wrap-around porch with a swing. I'm pretty sure I'm a hopeless romantic who belongs in the Victorian era). I never got one — still don't have one — but I'm willing to live vicariously through Houzz by gazing at the ones posted by designers and readers. And after all this window seat-gazing, I've grown a little picky.
Window seats are often carved out of seemingly leftover spaces, or they look like an afterthought, added to a scheme after everything else was decided, and the details don't quite work. Many times, they are tucked away and only exist to provide additional storage or fill a space no one knows what to do with.
The ones I lust after are not only well-integrated into the overall design, but draw attention to themselves as the highlight of a room. See what I mean:
Window seats are often carved out of seemingly leftover spaces, or they look like an afterthought, added to a scheme after everything else was decided, and the details don't quite work. Many times, they are tucked away and only exist to provide additional storage or fill a space no one knows what to do with.
The ones I lust after are not only well-integrated into the overall design, but draw attention to themselves as the highlight of a room. See what I mean:
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We've covered window seats as banquettes before, but look at these legs! Most certainly not an afterthought, this window seat/banquette is full of pizzazz, from the turned legs — which make it light, airy and feel more like a piece of furniture — to the curve of the seat that makes it fit perfectly into the bay window.
| This is a great example of integration. So often, window seats are set off on their own, which is great for deep contemplation, but sometimes you want to sit near a window AND be part of the action.
This one makes the window seat an armless sofa of sorts, offering additional seating for parties and family gatherings. |
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Now here's an idea: Make the transition from outdoors to indoors (and vis-versa) a little smoother with a bright window seat for taking shoes on and off.
This is where my husband would sit and wait as I flit around the house insisting that I'm "ready," when we both know I'm actually "late." The neutral striped cushion introduces a layer of subtle excitement against the mostly neutral backdrop of the classic space.
This is where my husband would sit and wait as I flit around the house insisting that I'm "ready," when we both know I'm actually "late." The neutral striped cushion introduces a layer of subtle excitement against the mostly neutral backdrop of the classic space.
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I'd never really considered a window seat in the bathroom, but I'm sold! I'm a talker (can you tell?) and I would love nothing more than to cop a squat and chit chat (read: harass) my husband when he's shaving or brushing his teeth. Of course, having a spot to toss a towel or simply slow down for a second in the morning and sip a little coffee by the window wouldn't be half bad.
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Window seats aren't all "American bungalow" and shaker-style. Check out this warm modern nook perfect for taking a moment to collect thoughts (or, in my case, take a minute to remember why you were headed to a given room). The full-overlay drawers keep the space neat and uncluttered while providing storage opportunities — always a plus.
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| I can imagine spending a sleepless night gazing out the window from my perch on this built-in bench. The placement in the room (and its generous length) make it a go-to conversation destination.
I especially appreciate the fact that the lines from the drawers under the adjacent bookcase match up with those of the drawers in the bedroom, implying that this bench was no mistake. |
| It doesn't hurt that this view is phenomenal (thanks, San Francisco Bay Area, for being so gorgeous), but the built-in chaise-style window seat is a wonderful idea for maximizing water- and bridge-gazing time with a book and a blanket. Of course, I also love the subtle drawers at the base for stashing extra pillows and blankets for those cooler days and nights. |
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The stunning view draws you in, no doubt about that, but without that little window seat, you might just brush past the window on this stair landing without stopping for a moment to take it all in. And how wasteful would that be? Simple, clean and modern, this unobtrusive detail is soft enough to make you want to stay a while.
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| There's no reason not to make a window seat an actual sofa for maximum comfort. I'm seeing this idea working well in a small space — a studio apartment, for instance — where every piece of furniture has to function in several different ways. Having friends over and need lots of seating? Use it as a sofa. Having an intimate dinner? Pull up a table. Have an overnight guest? A soft built-in sofa is so much better than a blow-up mattress.
More: 20 Inspiring Banquettes Window Seats for Winter or Whenever Dreamy Window Seats |
Ideabook published on July 24, 2011.
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having said this, i must admit, they add dimension & enhance the perspective of any room.
Glad to hear it, mrswonderful!
Beadmomsw, let's keep dreaming!
My husband built me a fabulous window seat in our 1912 house. I wanted it framed so no one could see me when I was in there reading, napping, listening to music. I asked for shelves for my books & a music shelf for my cd's. And he added drawers for blankets, pillows, etc. I looked out over our back garden & Groucho loved to share it
with me, as you can see in this photo. I hated leaving this adorable room behind when we sold.