How to Build a Curved Bay Window Seat

A bay window seat can quickly and easily convert any wasted space in your home into a comfortable seat to sit on. If you have a curved bay window then fitting a curved bay window seat can seem complicated at first. However, as long as you have the right tools and materials close to hand you really shouldn't have a problem.

Step 1 - Planning the Window Seat

Measure the gap you have available for the window seat and start planning it. Bear in mind that few houses have anything that's perfectly square (or round!) and that's why you will need to carefully measure to make sure your curved bay window seat fits properly. By cutting to about the right shape you can then scribe along the seat to make it fit perfectly along the wall, but being careful not to scribe perpendicular to the curve but instead, perpendicular to the front of the layout.

Step 2 - Preparing the Seat

Cut the wood or MDF sheet to the right shape to fit inside the available gap. You can also cut out the center of the wood to allow more seating space. Make sure that the material you use is strong enough to support your weight.

Step 3 - Fixing the Batons

Cut sections of the baton that will fit against the wall. Cut these to the angle of the wall and then screw them against the wall so that they are all level. These will be able to support the board at least partially. The number of batons you should fix to the wall will depend mainly on the size of your seat.

Step 4 - Fitting Legs

Legs should be fixed to the underside of the seat, these can either press down onto the floor or brace against the wall like a bracket. Fix the legs onto the seat and the wall to ensure that the seat is fully secure.

Step 5 - Finishing Touches

Finish the seat off by attaching molding around the rough edges if required. To make this possible you will find it much easier if you use flexible MDF or plywood. Paint or stain the entire seat to make it much more durable. By painting or staining the seat you will be able to wipe it clean if anything ever gets spilled on it.

Step 6 - Making the Cushions

You will now need to make your own cushions for the window seat. It's unlikely that you will be able to purchase these from a shop because the seat has been designed to fit your unique window.

Making cushions is very easy, simply cut the fabric to shape.

Put all of the pieces down on the table upside down.

Stitch each piece together on 3 sides to form a pocket. You will then be able to turn the pocket inside out.

Stuff the cushion with stuffing material so that it is comfortable, then stitch up the open end.

You will need to stitch the open end by hand although you can do the other stitches with a machine if desired.