High-Low Custom Window Seat Ideas

For integrated seating and storage, a 9-foot span of this Atlanta guest bedroom was outfitted with a custom built-in window seat. To keep costs low, basic paint-grade plywood was used for the construction, freeing up enough budget to splurge on a custom cushion, window covering and pillows.

One of the best ways to save on your custom window seat is with lumber selection. If the intended look is naturally stained wood, you'll need higher quality, stain-grade lumber, which can average approximately $50 for an 8 x 4-foot sheet. Painting your window seat will help lower materials costs, as paint-grade plywood sheets average less than $35 per sheet.

While ready-made seat cushions are budget-friendly, they're limited in regard to size and color selection. For a perfect fit, it’s wise to invest in a custom cushion made with 2-inch to 3-inch foam for extra comfort. To ensure longevity, consider sticking with textured wovens or solids in classic neutrals, such as white, taupe, navy, charcoal or blue-gray. A seat depth between 18 and 22 inches is ideal for lounging comfortably.

Turn your window seat into a designer-grade focal point with coordinating fabrics. Here, the same palette flows from the white seat cushion to the blue-gray, charcoal and silver throw pillows, and upward onto the embossed lattice Roman shades. With each shade being slightly different yet still in the same color family, the effect is relaxed, collected and balanced.