Last week I told you all about our window seats in the corner of our dining room. Well, they were long overdue for an update. Even though we are only about 80% done, I took a few photos to show you what we have accomplished so far.
A while back I realized that people were always bringing chairs over to this corner to sit when we entertained, and we really could use some seating there. Then came the light bulb moment, that maybe we could build seating and accomplish our never-ending goal of creating more storage, too. We threw these together pretty quickly, using what we had on hand and could afford to do at the time. They have provided so much extra space to store trays and dishes, and the kids have piled up here every time they are over. Here's the before, when the window seats were just primed, and sort of worn from the kids and pets always sitting here. (They were previously red, to match our former dining room walls, but I forgot to take a photo.)
I know. Bad, right?
Here's how we made these simple seats. To start, we had the hardware store cut 3/4 inch MDF to size, to make two large bottomless boxes. Why bottomless? Less MDF to buy, and fewer pieces to fit together. For the tops, we cut a 2 inch strip to fit across the back of the "boxes", and secured that to the back of the box. The second top piece was cut to fit and fitted with inexpensive but sturdy hinges. These will never show, as they are topped with the cushion.
But I had never made the cushions! These window seats always seemed to be piled with pillows and quilts, with kids eating and drinking, so it didn't really make sense at the time. Now that we have the empty nest, I don't have to worry about that :)
In these photos we haven't caulked yet, and the whole thing needs another coat of paint. We need to buy some more trim pieces too, to fill in the gaps between the boxes and along the edges. As you can see from the before photo, caulking our 80-plus year old windows made a big difference too.
I feel a little more ready for holiday entertaining!
I'll be working on another poject in this corner too, and hope to show you in a few days :)
Joining:
Susan for Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Nita for Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Sarah's November Before and After Party at Thrift Decor Chick
Brenda's Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Kathryn's Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Beth's Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A to Z
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Yvonne's Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable
Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
How fantastic! I love window seats! You did an amazing job on this. Thank you for sharing. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/11/make-it-pretty-monday-week-22.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn TheDedicatedHouse
Posted by: Kathryn Griffin | November 05, 2012 at 09:40 AM
i love this! this is a great extra!
Posted by: the cape on the corner | November 05, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Looks great Andrea!!
Posted by: Martina | November 05, 2012 at 11:41 AM
I love window seats!! Your's look great! You did a fantastic job. So much extra storage and seating.
Judy
Posted by: Judy Clark | November 05, 2012 at 02:34 PM
I love window seats and they are a fabulous place for storage. Love all the cheerful pillows too!
Posted by: Manuela@A Cultivated Nest | November 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM
Storage and seats are a win win. Plus it looks wonderful.
Posted by: Olive Cooper | November 05, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Very nice improvement. Love the colors of the pillows!
Posted by: patty | November 05, 2012 at 06:34 PM
Perfect!
Posted by: Stacey | November 05, 2012 at 06:35 PM
I have always loved window boxes, must get hubby to move on this in my living room.
Came over from Cozy Little House
Lynnie
Posted by: Lynnie | November 05, 2012 at 09:09 PM
opps, I meant to type Window Seats!
Posted by: Lynnie | November 05, 2012 at 09:10 PM
Great idea! Window seats are so charming!
Posted by: Jennifer @ Town and Country Living | November 05, 2012 at 09:25 PM
Wonderful for storage and so attractive and cozy!
Posted by: debra | November 06, 2012 at 04:56 AM
What a brilliant idea. I love window seats and the added storage is always a plus :)
Posted by: Laura | November 06, 2012 at 05:29 AM
Love it! Such a charming a cozy corner. Great idea and great job!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Posted by: Susan Freeman | November 06, 2012 at 03:05 PM
It's just perfect!
Posted by: Dayle | November 06, 2012 at 03:20 PM
I love it! What a great spot to drink your coffee and just relax.
Posted by: vanessa | November 07, 2012 at 08:20 AM
Your window seats are not only functional storage but really great decor! I love all the pillows and pizzaz it adds to the corner! Just makes me want to curl up with a good book!
Beautiful job!
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | November 07, 2012 at 07:29 PM
Love this! Wish I had one in my kitchen. Window seats are so charming and cozy. Love your homemade pillows around it too. You are so talented.
Posted by: Kelly | November 11, 2012 at 05:33 PM
I am looking to create seats similar to these for my window nook. Could you share what your seats' measurements are, in particular the height? Thanks!
Posted by: Katie | December 01, 2012 at 08:40 PM