20 Window Seats So Cozy, We'd Never Want To Leave

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RACHEL MCGINN

There’s only one place in your house where you can sit and read, have a deep conversation, or stare wistfully out the window in maximum comfort and style—that’s right, we’re talking about window seats. One of the most coveted and romanticized home design elements, a cozy little place to sit that's built into the window is the stuff renovation fantasies are made of. An equally covetable benefit? The extra storage and seating clever window seats can offer.Whether you're lucky enough to have preexisting window seats, need to make an empty nook work harder, or want to hack the look of custom carpentry in your new build, a little creativity can make it your favorite spot in the house. We’ve rounded up 30 stylish ideas and designer examples to bring your dream window seats to life.

Pair Up

Frank Frances Studio

Designer Courtney McLeod paired this window seat with an equally low bench to create a comfortable, open corner for conversation.

Go Long

Courtesy of Regan Baker

Rather than limit your seat to the dimensions of the window frame, extend it from wall to wall. You get a longer ledge and more storage.

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Devise Some Drawers

Laurey Glenn

The sleek pull-outs underneath this playroom window seat offer easy-access toy storage, perfect for independent little ones.

Make it the Focal Point

Robert Peterson

A queenly window seat that's extra wide and deep is clearly the most coveted place to lounge in this living room. No need to get up to grab a book: The clever built-ins keep reading material close.

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Think Outside the Living Room

be tkBe

Who doesn't want a bathroom with a comfortable place to sit and get ready or just lounge? The smooth top of this window seat allows for occasional splashes and easy cleaning.

Look Up

David A. Land

When the windows are high up, like the ones in this kids' room, raise the window seat to meet them—and create magical hideaways underneath.

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Accentuate Symmetry

Werner Studios

To maximize the space on either side of a grand fireplace, designer Corey Damen Jenkins opted for low-profile window seats that look out onto a garden.

Take Advantage of Every Inch

Avery Cox

With a lamp on one side, a cushioned window seat on the other, and bookcases all around, this deep, plush chaise invites you to sink in and stay awhile.

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Make Your Own

Amy Neunsinger

Rather than embark on a costly carpentry project, consider stacking floor pillows to achieve the same effect as a built-in window seat. Plus, it can be easily moved if you change your mind.

Slim Down

Atelier ND

An ultra-slim seat cushion in this room by Atelier ND ensures no sunlight is blocked.

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Keep It Classic

Furniture, Living room, Room, Couch, Interior design, Property, Floor, Bedroom, Sofa bed, studio couch,

Heather Hilliard

That little window bench is going to be the most popular seat in this peaceful sitting room designed by Heather Hilliard. The softly curved ceilings and pale blue and neutral color palette set a relaxed mood.

Fake It

Pink, Furniture, Room, Living room, Interior design, Curtain, Red, Window covering, Window treatment, Property,

Janie Molster

You don't need to invest in built-ins or a bespoke sofa to have a showstopping window seat. Interior designer Janie Molster slid a settee in front of angled bay windows, then hung sheer curtains in front of the opening. The contrasting colors and textures of the woodwork, upholstery, and drapes give this nook extra depth and an intimate feeling.

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Camouflage It

Tamsin Johnson

Though understated and neutral in color, this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson bursts with mod personality, from the arc lamp to the rattan furniture. The extra-large widow seat blends into the background when not in use (thanks to the light-colored bench and sculptural pillows) but offers tons of seating when needed.

Sneak in Shelves

Living room, Furniture, Room, White, Blue, Interior design, Coffee table, Property, Home, Table,

Elizabeth Cooper

You don't need a ton of space for a window reading nook. Smaller can actually be better for a reading spot, like this serene one designed by Elizabeth Cooper. Look closely and you'll notice an extra-efficient detail: interior shelves built in for more books.

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Make It Modern

Room, Furniture, Window, Interior design, Couch, Textile, Home, Architecture, Real estate, Linens,

Studio DB

Perfectly proportioned with the tall, slim window, this built-in bench by Studio DB is a small but transformative accent that injects instant style, texture, and bold color into a transitional space.

Pick a Pattern

Angie Seckinger

Cameron Ruppert created cohesion with a corresponding duvet cover, throw pillow, and wallpaper, all in classic Colefax and Fowler Bowood. Continuing the print on the ceiling and in the dormer window makes the seat feel extra cozy and enveloping.

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Prop It With Pillows

Wood, Room, Interior design, Brown, Wall, Textile, Floor, Home, Ceiling, Light fixture,

NICOLEHOLLIS

With layers of soft neutrals and embellished details, this window seat designed by Nicole Hollis is a prime spot for a cat nap. A small stool serves as a side table for books or tea, and the oversize lumbar pillows let you lean against something soft instead of a cold, hard window.

Go Over the Top

Room, Interior design, Bathroom, Property, Furniture, Ceiling, House, Floor, Wall, Building,

Trevor Tondro

The ceiling above the window seat gets the fun house treatment in this charming bathroom. Like a circus tent with a nautical flair, the bold turquoise and white stripes bring the space to life. The lesson: When you have a unique ceiling, play it up even more with paint.

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Pack It With Storage

Furniture, Room, White, Property, Blue, Interior design, Floor, Chest of drawers, Home, Bedroom,

Angie Seckinger

If you want your window seat to do more than just sit and look pretty, put it to work with built-in storage. Cameron Ruppert outfitted this one with nine drawers and two cabinets.

Add a Headboard

Beatriz da Costa

This elegant reading nook is the perfect place to curl up with a book or just daydream. While the wallpaper certainly animates the walls, the graceful tufted headboard brings out its pinks and adds polish.

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