DIY Bay Window Bench Seat: A Detailed Guide to Building and Customizing Your Own

by Keira August 15, 2019

written by Keira August 15, 2019

DIY Bay Window Bench Seat: A Step-by-Step Guide with Built-In Storage

Materials

Upper kitchen (refrigerator) cabinets
Two-by-fours
Primed trim board (1-inch-thick by 4-inch wide)
Cushions for the top
8 2-1/4-inch trim-head screws (approx. 16 per cabinet)
16d nails (3-1/2-inch) (approx. 8 per 2×4)
1-1/2-inch finish nails (approx. 12 per trim board)
18 gauge brad nails (approx. 24 per trim board)
Paint
Wood filler

Tools

Electric miter or circular saw
Electric cordless drill
Electric nailer
Hammer
Thin pry bar
C-clamps
Nail set
Putty knife
Painting tools

Measuring and Planning

Measure the width of the window bay from side to side, excluding baseboards and trim.
Determine the cabinet combination needed to fill the window bay width. For symmetry, use cabinets of the same widths.
If necessary, remove baseboards and other wall trim from the bay’s side walls.

Building the Base

Cut the two-by-fours for the base:
- Base front and back: Two pieces of two-by-four, each cut to the length measured in Step 1.
- Base sides: Two pieces of two-by-four, each cut to the width measured in Step 1 and each minus 3 inches.
- Base center braces: One brace for each cabinet break. Each piece should be as long as the base sides.
Nail the bench base together with the 16d nails or a nail gun. Include a brace at every division point between cabinets.

Installing the Cabinet Combination

Rest the cabinets on a flat, level surface with the doors open or unattached.
Secure the cabinets temporarily with C-clamps.
From the inside of the cabinets, drive four #8 2-1/4-inch trim-head screws from cabinet to cabinet.
Cut the screws if any points have emerged on the other side of the cabinet.

Attaching the Base to the Cabinets

Cut one piece of one-by-four primed trim board to the length of the base front board.
If desired, cut two more pieces to wrap around the sides. Miter cut the boards at 45-degree angles for finished corners.
Nail the trim boards to the bench base’s front or the front and sides, as needed. Use an electric nailer with thin 18 gauge brad nails or 1-1/2-inch finish nails driven with a smooth-faced hammer. Set the nail heads slightly below the surface of the board.

Painting and Assembly

Fill nail holes with wood filler.
Paint the bench and any visible parts of the base with acrylic-latex paint.
Once the paint has dried, rest the bench combination on the base.
Secure the bench by driving four screws per cabinet down into the base.
Install the cabinet hardware on the bench’s doors.

Cushion Options

Purchase or make cushions to fit the top of the bay window bench:
- Long, narrow outdoor cushion for chaise loungers
- Deep seating chair cushions in pairs or triples
- Large, single outdoor loveseat cushion
- Outdoor cushions reupholstered with softer fabric
- No-sew DIY cushion made by adding 2- to 4-inch foam to plywood, then draping with muslin and stapling to the back
Add throw pillows on the sides for extra comfort and a decorative touch.

Tips and Ideas

Combine cabinets of different widths for an asymmetrical appearance.
Combine dissimilar cabinets for a wider range of bench width choices.
Prevent cushions from sliding with a non-slip pad or hook and loop anchor strips.
Purchase 24-inch deep cabinets for a more generous seating depth.
Paint the base trim dark gray or black to minimize its appearance.
Create a floating bench illusion by cutting the base two inches narrower than the width of the cabinets (only if the cabinets have solid bottoms).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bay window bench also called? Window seat
Can you put a bench in front of a bay window? Yes, but it’s important to avoid leaning against the glass for safety and comfort reasons.
What furniture goes in a bay window? Oversized chair with a low back, armchairs with a small bistro table between them, or other furniture that emphasizes the view and natural light.

Keira

Keira is a seasoned gardener with a rich background in education and a passion for transforming even the smallest, most challenging spaces into lush, productive gardens. With over two decades of experience in both teaching and gardening, she brings a unique blend of skills and insights to Life Science Art, where she shares her expertise through engaging and informative articles. Keira's journey into gardening began in her early years, inspired by her grandmother's ability to coax vibrant blooms and hearty vegetables from the rocky soil of their family farm. This early exposure to the wonders of gardening planted a seed of curiosity and love for plants that has only grown over the years. Before fully immersing herself in the world of gardening, Keira spent many years as a special education teacher. This role honed her patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that have proven invaluable in her gardening endeavors. Her teaching experience also gave her a deep understanding of the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals, which she now applies to helping others learn to garden effectively, regardless of their starting point. Keira specializes in small-space gardening, low-income gardening, and cultivating plants in poor soil conditions. She understands that not everyone has access to vast, fertile lands or unlimited resources, and she is dedicated to making gardening accessible and rewarding for everyone. Living in urban areas or having limited outdoor space shouldn't be a barrier to enjoying the benefits of gardening. Keira has mastered the art of maximizing every inch of available space, whether it's a tiny balcony, a cramped backyard, or a window sill. Her innovative techniques and creative solutions help her readers grow a variety of plants in the most confined spaces. Keira is also a strong advocate for low-income gardening. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to grow their own food and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, regardless of their financial situation. Through her articles, she shares practical tips on budget-friendly gardening methods, repurposing household items, and making the most of available resources. Her advice empowers individuals and families to start and maintain gardens without breaking the bank. Not everyone is blessed with rich, loamy soil. Keira's expertise extends to growing plants in less-than-ideal soil conditions. She provides guidance on improving soil quality, selecting hardy plant varieties, and employing sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest, even in challenging environments. Her hands-on experience and proven techniques help gardeners turn even the poorest soil into a thriving garden. Keira's contributions to Life Science Art are invaluable. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, from step-by-step guides on planting and maintaining specific types of gardens to tips on dealing with common gardening challenges. She also delves into the science behind plant growth, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Beyond her technical expertise, Keira's writing is infused with warmth and encouragement. She understands that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about fostering a connection with nature, finding peace and fulfillment, and building a community. Her personal anecdotes and down-to-earth advice resonate with readers, inspiring them to embark on their own gardening journeys with confidence and joy. Keira invites you to join her on Life Science Art, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, her articles offer valuable insights, practical tips, and the inspiration you need to create your own green oasis. Discover the joys of gardening with Keira as your guide and unlock the potential of your outdoor space, no matter how small or challenging it may be.