• A bed in the living room? If it means feeling as cozy as this picture, bring it on! Super-size the window seat idea sans built-ins with a platform bed with storage like the Stratton bed from Pottery Barn. Instant guest room, no back-breaking sleeper sofa flip required.
• We are toying with a similar idea for one room in our house where the windows are about two feet from the floor. Most seating options would block more of the window than we'd like, but we still want to put the space to use. Low bookshelves are a tempting option.
• We love Leah of More Ways to Waste Time's (oh how I miss you!) clever use of the beloved ikea expedit. She turned the bookshelf on its side and added ikea's capita legs for the perfect under window storage unit. See more of this lovely room here.
• A low back or backless day bed is the next best thing to a built in window seat, and perhaps even a bit more comfortable when properly loaded with pillows. The perfect reading and napping spot.
(Images: 1: Coastal Living, 2: via simple effects, 3: more ways to waste time, 4: porch light interiors)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
My only problem with putting things under the window is that all my windows have electric baseboard heaters at the floor. Is there really any way I can work around that?
view AmandaCI's profile
Amanda, there is nothing more enjoyable than a window seat heated from below. In one of my previous homes, I had a handy friend build me a rough bench from 2x4s, topped it with old sofa cushions, threw a sheet over it and enjoyed the heck out of it.
view ladymantle's profile
Amanda, I'm no expert but I don't think you can. At least, I wouldn't, unless the furniture was metal and the upholstered parts were nowhere near the heaters.
This is a really useful post, though--I like the bed idea a lot.
view sally305's profile
Yes, pic 1 looks great! But how do get into this corner for cleaning?
view MollyHeyer's profile
On another note, I LOVE the river rocks on the hearth. What a great idea for adding interest to an otherwise inert space.
view Menecrates's profile
I think I'd like the corner bed better if it didn't end halfway thru the second window and if it weren't crowding the fireplace so much.
view FengShuiByFishgirl's profile
I absolutely love the side table in the first photo. Also like the river rocks and the contrast between the smooth rocks, natural lines of the table and the roughness of the frame around the mirror.
view BCJen's profile
I just put a row of low bookshelves under my living room window, it looks much better than I would have expected and gives me some valuable space.
view NYKate's profile
The river rocks are totally dumb. Another beautiful room ruined by someone who thinks everybody is an artist.
view omartiger's profile
We've got Expedit shelves under windows, too. I was going to put them on casters, but now I think they're going to be on those legs. Thanks.
view skyesage's profile