How to Build Window Seats Next to a Fireplace

Window seats offer a cozy seating area in a room.

A simple window seat can add more seating space around your fireplace for relaxed time at home or when entertaining guests. Luckily, you can build window seats next to a fireplace for much less than it would cost to purchase pre-made ones. Whether you have extensive woodworking knowledge or are a novice, your window seat should be finished within one to two hours.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2-by-12 inch boards (2)
• 16-inch-long, 2-by-12 inch boards (4)
• 4-inch-long, 2-by-4 inch boards (4)
• Saw
• 3-inch-long wood screws
• Drill
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of space below your window next to the fireplace to determine how long your window seat can be. Keep the measurement at least 18 inches away from the side of the fireplace. Measure and cut two 2-by-12 inch boards to this length.

2. Lay one of the length boards on its 2-inch width on a long side. Stand two 16-inch long boards on their 2-inch widths to form a U shape. Make the corners flush with the ends of the 16-inch boards set against the edge of the long board. Drive three evenly spaced screws upward through the long board and into each end of the 16-inch boards to secure them in place.

3. Set a 2-by-4 inch board at each corner on the other side of the long board to form feet for the window seat. Insert two screws through each corner of the long board and into the 2-inch-tall feet to secure them in place.

4. Position the remaining two 16-inch boards between the first two 16-inch boards. Space the boards evenly apart so the 16-inch boards look like rungs on a ladder. Insert three evenly spaced screws through the long board and into the ends of the two new 16-inch boards.

5. Place the remaining long board parallel to the first long board and set it against the exposed ends of the four 16-inch boards. Insert three evenly spaced screws through the new long board and into the ends of the 16-inch boards to complete the window seat.

6. Sand all surfaces of the window seat to make them smooth. Stand the unit upright so it rests on the 2-by-4-inch boards with the last added board face-up.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint or stain the window seat to match the walls in your room or to match the coloring of your fireplace or mantel.

• A decorative foam cushion can add padded support over the top of the seat, but throw pillows or blankets should be avoided.