Before
In my house – I have this space above the foyer, it is a hallway that connects two bedrooms, we call it “the bridge”. It adds architectural character to the foyer, but has no real use. It is basically an unused space, except when I have to vacuum the carpet. It is the only action the area sees besides the cat napping. I haven’t done much with the space as I didn’t want to clutter it up in my effort to add some interest, but it needed something.
If you have been following my blog and remember the kitchen banquette, I decided to make a bench like I made for the kitchen. It is a smaller version and not attached to the wall so that the bench could be moved on a decorating whim- somewhere else. It is not just pretty, it can be useful, too. It performs double-duty!
I made the cushion by simply covering a piece of foam gift-wrap style with a piece of fabric. Use pins to secure on the underside.
After
This is it’s home most of the time, but it has another life-
Prest-O Change-O
The window seat becomes a bedroom bench in my guest room, a nice place for guests to place their luggage or their bottom.
I just slide it to it’s two locations. Super simple, so versatile.
Useful in the Bedroom
Pretty in the Hallway, the cat doesn’t seem to mind as long as he has a sunny spot to take a nap.
To make it. I measured the window width and then created a box with plywood. It has no back, just two braces made from scrap wood. I added a half-round piece of trim around the top, right under that is crown molding. Baseboard molding and a decorative embellishment I found in the VanDyke’s catalog give the basic box some style. A few coats of paint and I was done.
I am linking this project to:
Make it For Monday – Cottage Instincts
Metamorphosis Monday – Between Naps on the Porch
I Made it Without My Hubby – Shanty 2 Chic
Trash to Treasure – Reinvented
Jacqueline says
03/26/2012 at 10:42 pmWow that is beautiful! I love the “bridge” too. lol! Would it be ok to link to this post from my site?? I love showing off other DIYers work!
Liz says
05/10/2010 at 3:03 pmOhhhhhh. I love that! Actually I am just a bench lover in general, but that one is super cute and looks to be easy enough that I might be able to make one.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Liz
Loving This Mom Stuff
Shaunna says
03/15/2010 at 9:56 amWonderful Job!! We are in the middle of an attic reno. and there’s this one useless spot…and we were getting ready to make a bench like this…thanks for the inspiration and how to! I’m a new follower-found you through reinvented-just now getting around to looking at everyone’s things. :) come visit sometime. –shaunna
kirstin says
03/13/2010 at 5:04 pmWhat a terrific idea. And I LOVE things with more than one use/space/purpose! Fabulous!
We have a friday fun find party (that’s still going)- if you’re interested, we’d love it if you’d link up!
Lou Ann says
03/10/2010 at 7:49 pmGreat job on the bench! I am afraid of power tool….maybe my hubby would make me one.
It was so great to meet you at Boot Camp!
Diane @ InMyOwnStyle says
03/10/2010 at 6:46 pmHi Danielle-
Yes, I made the bench, it was not hard. I have a table saw in my basement. I makes working with wood very do-able. The bench just requires straight cuts. I could never do anything with lots of compound cuts and joints.
Danielle says
03/10/2010 at 6:41 amWow, Diane! Did you really make that yourself?? I am ultra-impressed! It’s fantastic!
Beth @ CricketCrossing says
03/09/2010 at 5:18 pmThat is so great! You really built that? I am in awe! lol And love that you can move it from one place to another.
Heidi says
03/09/2010 at 12:52 pmThis looks like such a fun project! I love benches like this!
Christine says
03/09/2010 at 9:12 amOh wow…beautiful! You are SO unbelievably talented.
Laurel says
03/08/2010 at 11:14 pmIt looks fantastic. I dream of having a window seat.
charlotte says
03/08/2010 at 9:58 pmnice!
erin @ tinytwistcreative says
03/09/2010 at 2:38 amThis is so perfect. I love window seats & you chose such perfect colors!
Jessica Hills says
03/09/2010 at 1:43 amThat is so pretty! I love window seats, especially ones that are in sun-filled windows :)
Becky says
03/08/2010 at 10:56 pmWhat a great, versatile piece–love it!
Diane @ InMyOwnStyle says
03/08/2010 at 10:46 pmHi Debi- Baltimore was so much fun. I saw your pics on ning. They came out great.
Julie says
03/08/2010 at 10:25 pmLove it in both places! I’m scared of power tools…you are inspiring me! :)
debi9kids says
03/08/2010 at 9:55 pmOH! I LOVE this project!!!!
I am so so so glad I met you in Baltimore! I would’ve never found your blog otherwise….
It was really great getting to know you over some over-priced Yuenglings ;)