In every plan we create for a new project or built-in, there are many options, with changes, tweaks, and revisions along the way. It’s fun to think and/or draw up different ideas and other possibilities, even if they aren’t used in the end. Planning the living room window seat is no different; I’ve drawn up several designs of seat and shelf combos, all with variations on measurements. I’ll share more about the evolution later, including my drawings to show the process.
Depending on the window seat plan and dimensions, the furniture arrangement needs change, too. Initially, I was torn between a 24 inch and 30 inch seat depth. Twenty four inches isn’t a tiny seat, but it also isn’t the wide, curl up and relax oversized area a 30 inch deep seat would be. Adding another 6 inches would cramp a furniture plan with the couch directly in front of the tv, fortunately, we have other options.
Sometimes, a simple furniture reconfiguring can open a world of possibilities. To leave adequate walking room between the furniture and soon to be built-in, I placed the leather sofa and the smaller linen couch parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the window and tv.
This allows for the deeper built-in, while adding emphasis to the window wall and the views beyond. The chair is our stand in for a window seat, but at 36 inches, we know a built-in that deep won’t work. A thirty inch depth seems to be the Goldilocks of the seat, not too narrow or too wide.
Way back when we first looked at this house and considered buying it, the views were one of the top selling points. Creating a beautiful, but still comfortable, livable, room to play up the views is priority for this built-in. Up until now, with the sofa squarely in front of the tv, the views haven’t been the focus, rather the tv.
We’ve lived with this arrangement since Monday, and sure, the old sofa placement was more comfortable for tv/movie watching. With basement plans in the works and a remodel nearing, we’ll have room to create a designated theater space in the darker basement. At that point, I think this living area would be a secondary tv space, in which case, the tv doesn’t have to be the main functional focal point.
Now, the layout pulls double duty, with focal points on either end of the room, with furniture allowing viewing in either direction.
As plans are discussed and elements change, the window seat evolves, getting more functional and beautiful with each revision.
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So a part of me thinks if you want a window seat -give thyself a window seat. Like what else is life for? But then the other part of me thinks that you shouldn’t force it because if you do it’s probably not going to work out like you envisioned and it will wreck it for you. I don’t think the new configuration looks good and I don’t see you keeping it thst way if you already know that it’s not as comfortable as having a couch across from a tv. That leather couch is beautiful and if you make a smaller coffee table you can float the couch out more, do your shelves, and prompt more space to enjoy your view. Putting up curtains will block the view, crowd the shelves, and not be comfortable from a window seat standpoint. I don’t think you’ll sit in thst spot and use it like you think (seems counterintuitive for the front of a house and main entry room to be a tucked away cozy corner of a house). When there were bay windows in your house, did you use them the way you’re imagining how you’ll use this? Maybe you can put a bench or turn a couch to face out snd try to enjoy that space for a week to really confirm thats where you want it and that that plan fits with how your family uses your house.
Did you consider putting a window seat nook to the left of your fireplace? That’s a special tucked away spot that you can really make into a cool and cozy feature with tons of custom character- especially near a fireplace and in a spot thst lends itself to assymetry. Also in a place that doesn’t ever compete with tv, require curtains because it’s in the back, etc.
I don’t know I just have a feeling you could do something really cool with that. But anyway, if you’ll absolutely love your current plan then who cares what I think! 🙂 Excited to see the outcome but wondering if this is a project to take on after you do the basement area and see how it changes how you use your home.
Hope you don’t mind my random and partially conflicting opinion!
All the best!
That view!!! A deep seat the curl up and read-swoon!
Oh, my goodness–what a view. Can’t wait to see the window seat and book shelves built and installed.
This plan is much better than the other one.
Oh, this arrangement just beckons you to come closer and see the views. The window bench will be perfect. Your views are amazing.