How to Install an Oriel Window Seat

Oriel windows have been a part of architecture since medieval times and are more commonly known today as bay or bow windows. An oriel window seat makes a comfortable place to relax and drink your morning coffee, or to some time just for you. This article will show you step by step how to build a seat with storage underneath. After you add a cushion and a few throw pillows, you'll have made a perfect setting for relaxation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail gun
• Saw
• Adjustable clamps
• Plate joiner and biscuits
• Wood glue
• Primer
• Paint
• Piano hinge
• Plywood
• Wood strips for trim
• 1x4s for framing

How to Install an Oriel Window Seat

1. 
    
   Oriel window with a view

   Measure the width of the area the window seat is to fit. This will be the seating area for the top of the oriel window seat. Determine how high the seat is to be from the floor. Standard height for seating is 18 to 20 inches from the floor. Decide how wide the seating area is to be, allowing additional space if placing back cushions on the window seat.

2. Cut the larger sections of plywood for the sides, top (lid) and bottom of the window seat. Measure and cut the two pieces for the end sections.

3. 
    
   Nail guns

   Attach the end sections of the plywood to the bottom piece using glue and securing with nails. Use clamps to hold in place. Using glue and nails, attach the side pieces, forming a box. Set aside to allow the glue to dry.

4. 
    
   Biscuit joiner

   Mark the position for the biscuits on the exposed top edges of the box and the 1x4 lumber. All the top exposed edges of the plywood box will be covered with the 1x4 lumber. Cut the slots for the biscuits using the plate joiner.

5. Apply glue in the slots and insert the biscuits. Clamp in place and allow to dry. When completed, the top edges of the plywood box will be completely covered with the 1x4s. Be sure not to leave any gaps.

6. Use the 1x4 lumber to build a base for the window seat to rest on. This base should be 2 inches narrower than the plywood box. Attach to the bottom of the box using nails and glue.

7. Test fit the lid for proper fit and make any adjustments. Cut slots in the outer edges of the seat plywood and attach sections of 1x4 lumber, covering all the raw edges, using the biscuit joiner. Apply glue to the slots and insert biscuits. Clamp securely and allow to dry.

8. Nail the pieces of corner trim to the outer exposed corners of window seat box.

9. Prime all exposed areas of the window seat box, including the interior. Allow to dry. Apply two coats of paint to the primed area, drying between coats.

10. Attach the lid (seat) with screws to the window seat box using a piano hinge that is the full length of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Window seats are great for additional storage

References

• Window seat instructions
• Drawing of oriel window