March 17, 2015

Finishing The Window Seat

When we first planned the seat for the bay window,

Bay window interior last month.

I envisioned adding just a seat and leaving the wall as is. The problem was that the tearing down and rebuilding of the front porch, plus adding the bay window, had caused other problems: The cement board wall under the window had cracked.

Our living room and dining room walls are cement board.

If it had been drywall it would have been easy to fix. Cement board was another matter. After discussing options, we decided to add a front to the window seat, like this -



We actually considered two options, either to stop at the top of the baseboard as pictured above, or tearing out and cutting the baseboard and taking the front all the way to the floor. That also would have involved re-doing the electrical socket. We had too many other irons in the fire, so we stayed with the simpler first option.

The problem was that it looked unfinished. I wanted it to look more like furniture, but how? Not too long ago we spent some time wandering around Lowes looking for ideas. In the table leg section we found this -

Bun replacement furniture foot 

We bought one plus a 2 x 4. With those, Dan did this -

A small decorative moulding finishes the seat edge and "bench" bottom.

He ripped the 2-by and the foot, and made pseudo legs.


I couldn't be happier. On our next indoor work day he'll finish the rest of the window trims, and that will take care of that.

Continued here.

35 comments:

DFW said...

What a great idea! It looks wonderful.

Mama Mess said...

That looks so good! And brings to my mind a Baby Grand piano....not sure why, but that's what I see and it's lovely!

jewlz said...

I think it looks like the window & seat have always been there; love when a project is so "right" that it hits that note!

Erika keller said...

The window seat looks great. I love the idea of using the bun foot!

Quinn said...

The details are a pleasure after all the tearing down and rebuilding decisions, aren't they? Sweet!

Mama Pea said...

Isn't it just amazing what those little trim and finishes, the details, add to a job? Could not have turned out better. Ingenious!

Jen said...

Love that! Our house has a bay window as well. It is our cat and dog's favorite seat in the house!

PioneerPreppy said...

Looks pretty good if ya ask me. Which ya only did generically but who am I to pass up a chance to give an opinion :)

De said...

Looks great!

Chris said...

This part of the house is really coming together. I think the bay window is all worth it though!

Frugal in Derbyshire said...

What original thinking. I would love a window seat!
Gill

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi! That makes it look much nicer! Great idea to finish it off. Nancy

Michelle said...

What a perfect solution! You and Dan often amaze me....

1st Man said...

That is absolutely brilliant!! I LOVE the look of the
the seat looking like an actual french. that is just awesome. Great job!!

Farmer Barb said...

Ok, only Dan could rock the taper on that 2 x 4 to fade into that foot!

Way to go Dan!

Unknown said...

Good solution!

Sarah said...

It looks wonderful! The wood gives it such a warm inviting feel!

Jake said...

Clever! That looks great. I'm curious--why a 2 x 4 ripped in half instead of a regular 1 x 4?

Also, happy to see the cherry blossoms in the background. Your springy photos are making me drool in anticipation! :-)

Leigh said...

Thanks ya'll! I'm always so relieved to get part of a project done and have it turn out happily.

Jake, he used a 2x4 because he fitted the "leg" over the baseboard, which is a one-by. We have a more 3-dimensional look this way. :)

Fiona from Arbordale Farm said...

Looks great Leigh I bet it will be a favourite place for everyone to sit.

Mark said...

Another fine job that looks great. I do admire folks who have that kind of woodworking talent.

Unknown said...

Add a soft pillow and a pussy cat would love to gaze out the window and sleep away the day.

Sandy Livesay said...

Leigh,

I love the final product, it's gorgeous. It looks like a piece of furniture that's been there since your house was built.

This makes for a great place to read with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Kris said...

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. And perfectly suited to the space. You guys are so clever!

Renee Nefe said...

I see that at least one snoopervisor approves! I do too. It looks great.

Susan said...

How clever! I see the 'supervisor' approves... :)

Cat Eye Cottage said...

You guys are so clever! This looks great.

Harry Flashman said...

Looks great. It takes a lot of imagination to restore an older place, but clearly you and your husband are not lacking in that.

RanchGirl said...

I love the idea you came up with for your window seat, it looks every bit a part of the house.

Kathy

Leigh said...

Cat approved is the way to go! LOL. It's fun to do this kind of problem solving on a limited budget. It forces us to be creative with either what we have available, or what we can afford. When it works out well, we feel especially good about it.

Ed said...

I like the look!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Just found your blog and enjoyed reading about your window seat!
The trims makes all the difference doesn't it?
The kitty says YES! PuRRRRfect spot to day dream. ;)

Leigh said...

Ed, thanks!

Patricia, hello and welcome! You are so right about the trims and the cat! :)

Fiona said...

What a wonderful idea!

barbara woods said...

love your window seat