A window seat is a great addition to any room in your home.You can build your own window seat with ready-made floating cabinet units.Pick a window with a nice view, build a frame for your base, assemble the cabinets, and add accessories.The window seat will double as a storage solution.
Step 1: You can use a window seat in an unobstructed area.
If you choose a window that is not recessed, you will have a perfect spot for the seat.If there's enough space in front of the window, it can work.The bench will project from the window a couple of feet.Decide on a location with this in mind.
Step 2: Purchase two floating cabinet units and use them as the seat base.
The over-the-refrigerator cabinets are shorter and easier to maneuver than full-sized cabinets.You'll need a pair of cabinets for an average-sized window nooks around 6 feet in length.If you want to add more storage, consider buying more units.If you can, shop around for cabinets that fit this space exactly by measuring your window to the nearest 2 in.Alternatively, you could find an open-faced bookshelf or vertical cabinet and turn it into a bench.
Step 3: The baseboards need to be removed.
You can wedge the tip of a crowbar into the space between the wall and the baseboards.To loosen the baseboard, pull up the handle of the tool.Pull the baseboard by hand to avoid damaging the wall.If you think the molded stools might clash with the look of your new seat, you may want to remove them from the window.
Step 4: The boards should be placed around the front of the window.
The length and depth of the window space you've chosen should be taken into account as you fit the boards together.This type of frame is known as a "toe kick." When it comes time to assemble your window seat, you'll simply side your cabinets right inside your frame.To trim your boards, use a circular saw.If you want to make room for additional cabinets or bookshelves, you can extend your frame on either side.Measure your cabinets or shelves in advance to make sure they fit.
Step 5: 3 in wood screws are used to kick the toe.
To make sure your frame is secure, use 2 screws for each joint.Attach the toe to the floor by driving a screw into the wall stud at each corner of the frame.You can use a power drill to drive screws.If you want to anchor a toe to a concrete floor, you'll need to use plastic screws or powder-actuated nailers.
Step 6: Place your cabinets next to each other inside the toekick.
They should slip right inside if you measured correctly.Take a moment to make sure the units are in a straight line with both the walls and one another.To check the orientation of your cabinets, use a level.There are gaps between the cabinets and the toe kick that need to be filled.
Step 7: Attach the cabinets with two drywall screws.
The first screw should be put through the edge of the face frame into the neighboring unit.The face frame at the bottom of the other unit is where you want to drive your next screw.Since you'll be putting weight on the cabinets, sinking your screws in opposite directions is a good idea.To hold the cabinets flush until you're ready to begin drilling, it's a good idea to put the face frames together.
Step 8: Attach the side cabinets or shelves to the seat cabinets.
You can put in 1-2 more floating cabinet units in the same dimensions on one or both sides of the bench as an optional step.Attach these cabinets to your frame with 2.5 in ( 6.4 cm) drywall screws.Measure and build your toe to accommodate any other cabinets you want to add on.
Step 9: To hide the toekick, install molded along the bottom of the seat base.
Attach your mold with 1.5 in ( 3.8 cm) finishing nails after cutting it to match the dimensions of the frame.If you want to fill the holes with wood putty, space your nails 1–2 feet apart.Adding a thinner trim along the contour where your bench meets the wall will make it easier for the eye to transition.The lower edge of your window seat will be covered by the trim once it is in place.
Step 10: The joints in stacked cabinets can be concealed with matching plywood skins.
If you incorporated both cabinets and vertical shelves, you may want to cover their outer faces to give them a more seamless appearance.To do this, use a utility knife and straight edge to trim the plywood skins so that they fit over the entire surface.The skins should be Glued to the cabinet.Plywood skins can be found at any hardware store or home improvement center.To make sure they're a match, you can get them from the same company who manufactured your cabinet or shelving units.You will need to work quickly and make sure your skin is lined up the first time, because contact cement dries and holds fast.
Step 11: You can paint the seat base.
After brushing the bench top, cabinet doors, and surrounding mold with a coat of interior latex primer, you need to paint the rest.Before applying subsequent coats, allow each coat to dry completely.When you're done, your window seat will be the same color.Within an hour, most water-based interior latex paints dry to the touch, and can be painted over.Use painter's tape to protect the areas you don't paint.If you pick out cabinets with a natural wood finish, you may not apply paint.
Step 12: The finishing touches should be brought in cushions and pillows.
The bench should be covered with 1 or 2 long cushions.Place a few decorative throw pillows on top.Now is the time to sit down, kick your feet up, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.It's a good idea to have a blanket or quilt around for both comfort and presentation.If you don't want your bench cushion to slide around, you can staple the edges to the top of the cabinets.