Love the idea! My concern though is would Lack support weight of a person if I were to sit on it and read and such... I am about 120 lb.

i'm thinking it would be ok. we have a similar lack shelf set up under our bedroom window (you can kinda see it here - http://picasaweb.google.com/lordscarlet/24LoganCIR#5426971261236419058). i don't sit and read on it, but i've sat on it before (and family members have, too), and it's pretty darn sturdy.

@icymimosa, you should consult the earlier post on this topic, where the subject of weight-bearing potential was discussed... it was a couple of months ago, at least.

Here's a link to the earlier discussion:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/inspiration/window-seating-for-small-spaces-095325

Thanks guys! I'll definitely read up on this subject. Looks like the lack shelf is pretty strong!

doesn't ikea post weight limits on the product pages?

I have one that I found on the street, no pillows for it yet!

Its pretty strong, a 200 pound friend likes to walk on it when hes buzzed. It creaks a lil, but great for just extra seating. (it offsets the boring concrete well!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/ankur/CIMG0241.jpg

And yet another discussion about the weight issue:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/diy-using-ikea-shelf-unit-as-storage-bench-100376

The weight limits that Ikea posts for shelving is when it is wall-hung as originally intended... not for the piece of furniture itself.

Great idea. When will we see this person's house tour? That room is wonderful! I am usually very skeptical of anything Ikea - this is the best use of it I've seen yet.

I love this idea! An window seat always seemed like such a luxury that I never considered it could be this simple!

*And Ikea says that this particular unit can be used as a shelf or a bench, so I'd imagine it's pretty sturdy....

Its fine if you lay it on the ground. I would be worried if you put it on legs however.

Its strong, but its aint real wood.

I'm been thinking of doing this in my entry foyer! Bench seat to put shoes on, and find some baskets to store boots/tools/leashes. Only trick being I have to cut out one section for the heating vent...but was thinking I could turn that bit into a boot drying rack.

Anyone tried painting one of these?

From looking at Ikea's web site that Lack shelving unit no longer exists. There is a smaller one but they are also not available in the blonde color. Probably could find one on craigslist but new ones are clearly shorter in length.

I love this idea and want to implement it in my own home. The problem is that I have baseboards, and with the way I'd like this to be situated in my office, it would be obvious that the seat was 1/2 an inch or so away from the wall. Does anyone have ideas for how to seamlessly fill this gap?

Thanks in advance!

I should mention that my baseboards are sort of "fancy" (i.e. not simple rectangles of wood), which could make the task more difficult.

we use ours exactly as shown in the photos, and have had up to 4 people sitting on it, safely and comfortably.

I am SOLD on this idea, but have one concern about putting cushions on top of a LACK shelf (used as a bench). I would think they'll be slippery. Does anyone have experience in adding a freestanding cushion? (... or, am I just over-thinking this one???)

@sucrek Just take a notch out of the back of the legs, slightly bigger than your baseboards. That is how most bookshelves etc compensate for the issue.

It's a bit late, I know, but thanks AndrewH!