Builtin Window Bench and Bookcases

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builtin window bench diy

My latest DIY project is complete and I’m so happy with how this builtin window bench and bookcases turned out. If you remember, last year I built and installed my first ever cabinets and bookcases in the living room (read post here). Scroll through for pics of the space before and the progression from concept to completion.

BEFORE

This room is a loft area at the top of our stairs. It is where you’d have open space if you had a two-story foyer or possibly another bedroom. For us, it was a place to put our extra furniture and a TV for the kids to watch or play video games. I always wanted to do something fun and exciting with the space. The window there was just begging to be dressed up. I have also always wanted to have a built-in bench somewhere in the house. Once I cut my teeth on the living room built-ins last year, I knew I could handle this project.

Here’s the concept I came up with. First with painter’s tape and then using the SketchUp software for a more precise plan.

Simple Materials Guide

Get this FREE GUIDE to different types of trim and molding materials for your every DIY need – from wall molding to cabinetry!

builtin window bench diy
builtin window bench diy

The bench and the half walls on the side were first framed out with 2x4s and then covered with 3/4″ plywood sheets. Then I covered the face with boards that replicated the molding treatment I did on my walls. For more on that wall molding, read my hallway molding post.

I considered adding base cabinets as I did in the living room but constructing those is more expensive and labor intensive. We don’t need any extra storage so I decided to construct the bases as faux cabinets or half walls.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

builtin window bench diy
builtin window bench diy
builtin window bench diy

The shelving units are also constructed with 3/4″ plywood and the face frames are 3/4″ finger-jointed primed pine boards. I used 1×8 for the header boards and 1×2 for the shelves and walls. This time, I made the shelves adjustable.

builtin window bench diy

Tools

These are the essential tools that I used for this project. All are available through Home Depot.

Check out my comprehensive list of essential DIY tools I use for all my projects!

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4 Comments

  1. Hey! What did you use to trim out the window? I have a small entryway with a window and would like to do this, but not sure what treatment you did to get it to match. Beautiful work!

    1. I used finger jointed primed pine boards from Home Depot. Same as what I use for my wall molding. They come in different widths. I use 1×4 for the molding.

  2. Did you use any additional trim for the actual window surround? Or did you just use the finger joined boards and incorporate the window trim directly into your moulding design?

    And does the window then have a ledge at all? Thank you so much!!

    1. Yes it has a ledge and I used the same type of molding as the ledge to trim out the inside of the window molding. This isn’t necessary but I did it so I could eventually install an inside mount Roman shade since my windows are not deep. If you reach out to me on IG (@stefanasilber) I can send you more detailed pics. I’m not able to attach them in the comments here.

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