There’s something about a window seat that just makes a home feel instantly cozier. I’ve been dreaming of one in this little corner for years, but since my heart can never fully commit to built-ins (ha!), I decided to go with a modular approach. Bonus: it’s renter-friendly too!

The base cabinets are actually an old IKEA Havsta hack. If you’ve been here a while, you probably remember them. I can share that full hack again if you’re curious, but for now, here’s how I’ve been layering onto this project to create a functional (and super cozy) little nook.

The Build

For this phase, I used a single sheet of ¾” sanded plywood. We cut the boards to the depth and height we needed, then assembled everything with wood glue and screws. The top was cut to match the exact width and length of the base, and I added edge banding to finish off the raw edge.

To make the top soft-closing, I used toy box hinges, these not only prevent slamming, but also hold the lid open securely (even with the cushion on top).

The best part? You can customize the measurements to fit your own space. The process is simple, and honestly, surprisingly easy to do!

DIY Cushion

Of course, no window seat is complete without a comfy cushion. I went with a block print fabric to bring in some personality and charm, and the process was simple enough that even as a beginner I felt confident tackling it.

Here’s how I made it:

1.Cut The Base: Start with ⅛” plywood, cut ¼” smaller than the top of your window seat.

2. Attach The Foam: Use spray adhesive to secure high-density foam to the plywood, then trim the excess with a serrated knife or foam cutter.

3. Add Batting: Wrap the foam with batting and staple it tightly. This smooths the edges and hides any imperfections.

4. Wrap With Fabric: Pull your fabric over the batting and staple in place, folding the corners like you’re wrapping a present.

That’s it, you’ve got a custom cushion!

Storage that Works in Real Life

Here’s the thing: I love styling shelves and cabinets, but I don’t always want them to be perfectly photo-ready (and truthfully, they rarely are). To make this space more forgiving for everyday life, I decided to add no-sew curtains inside the cabinets. I was very inspired by @tremont_home on Instagram, she used these little wood dowels and wire hangers to create window rods for a fraction of the price. You can even spray paint or use a little rub and buff on these before installing them. Genius!

Here’s what I used and how I did it:

Cut The Fabric: I used about 3 yards total—1 yard per cabinet, cut in half for each door.
Make Pockets for Dowels: Fold the top edge of each panel and secure with hemming tape.
Install Hardware: Slide the fabric panels onto dowels, secure in place using the wire hangers, and repeat for the bottoms.

It’s quick, renter-friendly, and makes hidden storage so much easier.

One day I’d love to invest in a sewing machine and really learn the craft (if you sew, I’d love to know what beginner-friendly machine you recommend!). But for now, these little no-sew curtains are proof you can get the look without the skill set.

The Result

This corner has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the house. It’s the perfect place for morning coffee, flipping through a book, or just staring out the window pretending I don’t have a million things on my to-do list.