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
Rachel Perry says
Such a fantastic idea, and love the versatility of it! If you had light walls (Sherwin Williams China Doll) with a brown couch that pulls out into a bed, what color cushions would you recommend?
http://www.homesweethomestore.com
Jacqueline says
Wow 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
Ohhhhhh. 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
Wonderful 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
What 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
Great 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
Hi 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
Wow, Diane! Did you really make that yourself?? I am ultra-impressed! It’s fantastic!
Beth @ CricketCrossing says
That 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
This looks like such a fun project! I love benches like this!
Christine says
Oh wow…beautiful! You are SO unbelievably talented.
Laurel says
It looks fantastic. I dream of having a window seat.
charlotte says
nice!
erin @ tinytwistcreative says
This is so perfect. I love window seats & you chose such perfect colors!
Jessica Hills says
That is so pretty! I love window seats, especially ones that are in sun-filled windows :)
Becky says
What a great, versatile piece–love it!
Diane @ InMyOwnStyle says
Hi Debi- Baltimore was so much fun. I saw your pics on ning. They came out great.
Julie says
Love it in both places! I’m scared of power tools…you are inspiring me! :)
debi9kids says
OH! 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 ;)