1Layer in Plush Textures
Rikki Snyder 2Warm Up a Room With Wood
Sarah SzwajkosComplete with intricate wood carving, this paneled alcove (designed by Hay Runner) draws a connection to nature. An elephant-patterned cushion and geometric pillow elevate the space.
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3Build in Hidden Storage
Christy KosnicNot only does this custom built-in contain concealed storage, Kraydi Builders hid a laundry shoot beneath the bench. For drama, Third Street Architecture pairs the walnut wood with navy blue walls and trim.
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4Turn It Into a Daybed
AMY BARTLAMThis built-in makes room for a window seat the size of a twin bed. Designer Jenn Feldman customized this bonus space with a chic spot for children to nap, adults to read and family pets to keep watch — plus storage!
5Devise a Dining Area
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6Create a Reading Nook
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7Don't Fear a Geometric Design
Keyanna Bowen of East and Lane PhotographyWhether your sunny space forms a square, rectangle, hexagon or octagon, a window seat is a create way to maximize natural light. Here, MV Architects builds a U-shaped banquette that spans the width of three large windows.
8Turn a Closet Into a Cozy Nook
MOLLY ROSE PHOTOValerie Saunders of Sérendipité Designs converted this closet into a little library with a cushioned bench, built-in shelving and blue-and-white bolsters. The mix of color and prints makes it a fun place
to lounge and read.
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9Stick to a Soothing Shade
Muriel SilvaFollow Heritage Homes' lead and choose a pastel blue for walls, curtains and bedding. This calming bedroom provides plenty of seating, from the cheerful window seat to the hanging egg chair.
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10Design a Breakfast Nook
David A. Land 11Fill an Empty Corner
Sarah SzwajkosSarah & Sons Interiors turns what might otherwise be wasted space by the front door into a practical corner bench — AKA, the perfect spot for putting on and taking off shoes. Plus, the patterned throws add a pop of color to the white entry.
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12Make the Most of a View
Steve HershbergerSkip the drapes and instead, let the view outside become a focal point of the room. A minimalist window seat, by Four Brothers Design + Build, is a great place for soaking up the sun — even in the winter.
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13Craft a Cozy Spot for Kids
Emily GilbertGive kids a designated place to sit, read or cuddle with stuffed animals by adding a plush cushion and soft throw pillows to a window seat. For a playful touch, designer Colleen Simonds paints this built-in blue and installs woodsy wallpaper.
14Take a Vintage Approach
Brian BiederFull of floral, plaid and scenic fabrics and antique plates displayed on the walls, this bedroom by Maggie Griffin Design makes use of vintage elements.
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15Match Curtains to Cushions
ALLISON CORONAOnce you settle on a pretty pattern for your Roman shades, use the same fabric to upholster a seat cushion. Take note from designer Kasey Fitzgerald and paint the walls a complementary shade.
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16Create a Cohesive Look
Sara Ligorria-TrampLet your window seat blend seamlessly with your space by painting it the same shade as the walls and maintaining the molding. Use the sunny space for decor like houseplants and books, plus incorporate a few throws for comfort.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
17Flank Seating With Cabinets
Sarah SzwajkosBy building sky-high cabinetry on each side of this wooden bench, Hay Runner ensures plenty of storage space. For a pop of color, the fronts of the cabinets are painted a cheery blue-green.
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18Take Advantage of Natural Light
Laura Metzler PhotographyUse a sheer white Roman shade to allow a surge of sunlight to enter your dining space while also ensuring privacy. Create a bit of contrast with black dining chairs, as MV Architects does here.
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19Add Bookshelves on Both Sides
Anice HoachlanderIn a room dedicated to wellness and relaxation, BarnesVanze Architects builds bookshelves on each side of a cushioned bench.
20Go for Bright White
Laura Metzler PhotographyPainted a crisp, clean white, this sun-filled alcove feels light, airy and larger than it actually is. For a pop of color, MV Architects adds two teal throw pillows atop the bench.

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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