Who doesn’t get the warm appeal of a window seat? Both practical and stylish, and often nestled beneath bay windows, they quietly elevate home design. Whether for reading or relaxing, having an extra spot to take in garden views is always delightful, and these homes show you just how to do it. From snug library benches to modern seats with built-in storage, there are plenty of ways to craft a window seat.
For inspiration, here are 13 of our favourite homes with cosy window seats.
A timber masterpiece in Tasmania
A modern minimalist outlook.
When Jess and Ed stumbled upon a large block in Launceston, Tasmania, they knew it was the ideal spot to build their dream home. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece comprised of American oak, brick and concrete, with plenty of light warming the two-storey home. On the first floor, three window seats nestled along the hallway stream sunlight and offer sweeping views of the rolling hills beyond. “I see the home as an elegant, soft industrial statement with considered, minimalist interiors and just the right amount of industrial expression,” says Emma Heidke, the interior designer.
An elegant French provincial family home
A cosy, French-inspired reading nook.
This charming old sandstone abode in Sydney’s Lower North Shore has been lovingly renovated with French provincial flair. Detailed wall mouldings, antique-style furniture and chandeliers create a warm, lived-in feel, particularly in the main bedroom. Here, a snug window seat and bookcase were created to make use of wasted space, quickly becoming a favourite spot. “I love spending lazy Sundays on the window seat,” the owner Kim shares.
A historic Brisbane home renovation
Functional and stylish.
For Brisbane couple Lorena and Sergio, creating the perfect family home meant adding a spacious extension and a new upper level. For the interiors, they opted for a classic white timeless style, accentuated with thoughtful pops of colour. In the second living area, a custom window bench was designed with built-in storage, adding a functional bonus to the space. Cushions in calming cool tones help turn it into a comfortable rest area.
A majestic home on the Mornington Peninsula
A dose of classic style and elegance.
Clever design choices and elegant finishes were exactly what this new build needed to transform into a welcoming family home. “We wanted a home that was quite nostalgic and a bit romantic. We love traditional aspects but with modern touches,” says owner Tom. In the living room, a window seat next to the fireplace is a warm and inviting spot, complemented by luxe finishes and classic wainscoting.
A playful Art Deco red-brick cottage
A window seat full of colour and charm.
Built in 1926, this heritage cottage exudes charm with its eclectic and vibrant interiors. The formal living room, once neglected, has become a much-beloved space thanks to thoughtful styling. “This room used to be a space that we’d drop into only occasionally in winter,” says the owner’s daughter and interior designer Vanessa Hawes. “Now it’s comfortable and colourful, with a few formal Art Deco touches.” A luxurious velvet seat beneath bay-style windows adds a plush textural element that contrasts beautifully with herringbone floors and crisp white walls.
A bright and charming Queensland cottage
An inviting spot by the fire.
In this Queensland cottage, a revamped layout and lively use of English style have fashioned a modern family home that pays homage to its heritage. “We wanted a home that reflected our age and stage,” says owner Ainsley. “We wanted it to feel warm, comfortable and like a family with small children actually lived there.” Much like an English cottage, a window seat with custom VJ cabinets doubles as storage and a warm sitting spot beside the fire.
A revived Queenslander in Brisbane
Wonderful and whimsical.
While this children’s bedroom looks like a magical garden, the home’s inspiration comes from an American classic aesthetic. “I had definite thoughts about decor and how our family wanted to live. I didn’t want to see someone else’s ‘signature’ or ideas everywhere in my home,” says owner Teresa. Having lived in the US, the owners chose a traditional colour palette of red, white and blue for the interiors, except for their daughter’s bedroom, where a pretty pink scheme takes over. A prim window seat with floral cushions offers an extra spot to read and relax, beneath matching wallpaper for a whimsical touch.
A coastal farmhouse on the Gold Coast riverway
A versatile family reading nook.
For this lively family of six, their Gold Coast riverfront property maximises its idyllic location with plenty of outdoor activities for the kids. Inside, the holiday vibe continues in a coastal-meets-farmhouse style, featuring a comfortable and practical bench seat in the family TV room. “The decision to make one end a reading nook has really paid off,” says owner Bec. “It’s such a great spot to sit, relax and open the doors out to the pool.” Storage drawers beneath hold kids’ games, while a crisp white palette and a Craig Parnaby artwork help lend a fresh holiday feel.
A Vancouver home filled with timeless character
An enchanting nursery storage bench.
Just like the rest of this custom-built three-storey home in Vancouver, the children’s bedrooms are brimming with traditional character and charm. Vintage drapery in the nursery gently diffuses light over a plush window seat, complete with storage for toys and clothes. Interior designer Kelly Deck looked to historic homes from the French and American countryside for style inspiration, and the results are simply enchanting.
A charming French provincial heritage cottage
Classic, bespoke design.
Couple Chantel and Joe were instantly captivated by this historic Lower North Shore cottage and had a clear vision of how they wanted to style the home for their family. “I’ve always loved a French provincial, classic look and being able to bring that look and feel to our first family home is really special,” says Chantel. Interior designer Danielle Bonello-Dunsford was enlisted to help create the French-inspired aesthetic. This involved creating a custom window seat in the living area beneath bay-style windows, complemented by a custom sofa and wingback chairs for a seamless blend between old and new.
A calming 1920s Melbourne bungalow
A harmonious blend of history and style.
Purchased by the owners in late 2020, this Californian bungalow, boasting a stunning 1920s facade and heritage features, was in dire need of renovation. The main bedroom was a particular focus for the owners, who aimed to maximise its potential. “When we bought the house, the first thing I wanted was a bench seat in the bay window to capture the wonderful morning light,” says the homeowner. Below leadlight windows that evoke a lovely historic ambience, a window seat with built-in storage adds both functionality and elegance.
A Hamptons-inspired family oasis
White, bright and inviting.
Light and bright is key to classic Hamptons style, but this Noosa home adds a slight twist to the look thanks to a touch of Queensland coastal sensibility. Practical open-plan living areas are framed by fresh white walls and deep blue accents. Meanwhile, a library room on the upper level features a custom upholstered daybed with blue furnishings to lend a nautical look. Windows flood the space with light and offer views of the water beyond, enhancing the holiday home atmosphere.
A modern Spanish-style Melbourne home
Simple, contemporary elegance.
Soaring ceilings, an airy layout and beautiful arched windows were just a few of the perks that drew owners Ian and Annette to this bayside property. “It had a perfect floor plan for us, but the home – which was about 10 years old – had been built in a Spanish Costa Del Sol style with lots of dark wood, creamy yellow, ornate ironwork and columns,” recalls Annette. “The house ended up being passed in at auction, but I kept coming back to it and started thinking there was a lot that we could do to make it more ‘us’. We made an offer, which was accepted, and it was time to realise our vision for the house.” To refresh the home, the couple opted for minimalist and sophisticated interiors, as seen in the living area where a window seat is perched below sleek steel-framed windows. A layering of textural pieces throughout adds softness to enhance the aesthetic.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
