I'm not sure I would do a bench, as I don't love the idea of cutting the bottom window in half either. What about an airy, simple console table, if anything? You could find one about the height of the trim between bottom and second windows. That would be the only spce I could see for any furniture, and if you don't NEED that for function (bowl for keys, etc) and if you don't want that to become a drop zone, I would leave this spot furniture free. The windows are a beautiful feature.

Another possibility, what about a plant or tree in that spot?

A bench in front of the window wouldn't bother me at all. Make it an interesting/unique bench and not some plain beige one! Just don't leave a bunch of shoes under it!

Seating in front of windows is done all the time.

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I appreciate both of your inputs! I have done a fig leaf tree in the past and do think that still could be an option.

If I did put a bench in front of the window, would you advise a runner rug throughout that area?

Since you brought up the rug - I was thinking that a rug with some pattern & in the same color tones you have in the rug in seating area would look pretty nice at entry & create some interest. I would have the rug be same size as you have - a runner would be too narrow running along parallel to entry IMO. Then put the fig tree back in front of windows & use a really interesting pot - not just a plain blah one.

Okay. Thanks. I was considering a custom rug that would be 4x14 so it would not be too narrow? If not, finding a different 4x6 would be much easier.

You could mock up the size to get an idea of how 14’ long rug would look. If it’s 4’ wide it would not be too narrow. Looks like a heat vent in floor at the windows so rug would have to leave that vent clear. Back to your bench question - do you need it or just like the look of a bench near entry? If there’s not a need, I’d prefer a large plant on floor in front of the windows just to soften the front entry view out of & into the house. Or, depending on where you live, I would add pots to one you have the outside of front entry. How great to be able to enjoy the color & view of beautifully designed pots there from inside the house. I’d include a 3’ or so tall evergreen in one of the pots to accomplish the same thing as one tall plant inside. Then, you have the space clear to add the bench you want. That’s a win - win, yes?