DIY Upholstered Window Seat

 DIY Upholstered Window Seat: Learn to make your own window seat cushion and save a ton of money!

I have a quick and easy tutorial for you today that will save you loads of money if you’re after an upholstered window seat (or bench seat) without the price tag!

I’m slightly obsessed with window seats and have to have one in my life. But the cost of paying an upholsterer to make a custom cushion for such a large area is very expensive. So this time around, I decided to have a go at it myself. I was surprised by how easy it was!

First, I measured up the area. Then I had my local hardware store cut a lightweight piece of thin ply to size. I had a piece of foam cut to size as well. I chose a 3-inch thick, medium density foam.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

I checked that everything fitted snugly – perfect!

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

I purchased a length of fabric, ironed it, and cut it to size, allowing a generous margin at each side for folding. I then placed my foam and board face-down on the fabric.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

Folding over the edges to keep the fabric looking neat, I brought up one side and stapled it into place using a staple gun. I started in the center, then did the opposite side in the center, pulling the fabric taut. I continued down one side, pulling the fabric sideways as I went so it remained taut down the length of the board from one staple to the next.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

With one side stapled firmly, it was time to tackle the corner. It was a similar process to wrapping a present. I brought the fabric up on the diagonal to make a corner fold, and held this in place with one hand while tucking the excess fabric on the floor snug against the width of the foam and board.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

With the first corner fold stapled into place, I then brought up the triangle of fabric on the floor and made a second diagonal corner fold.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

Here’s the second corner fold stapled into place.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

Continuing to pull the fabric taut, I repeated this process for the opposite corner.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

I then continued stapling down the length of the board on the opposite side, this time pulling the fabric firm across the width of the board – but not so tightly that the edges of the foam became rounded. Two final corners, and then it was done!

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

I held my breath and flipped it over, hoping for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Perfect!

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

The upholstered seat cushion slotted into place like it had always been there. With the cushion snug against the walls, the corner folds are invisible.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

I added some pillows to complete this cozy nook, which is in our kids’ playroom.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

Having a seat cushion has transformed this nook. It’s now an inviting, cheerful space where the kids love to curl up with a book. I also love sitting there to watch them play.

DIY upholstered window seat by A house full of sunshine for Practically Functional

You can see some more photos of our playroom in this post, including the DIY gallery wall I made for our kids’ artworks!

DIY Kids art gallery wall by A house full of sunshine

Also… my most exciting project to date: I’ve just released an e-book! The title is Your Beautiful Life, and I’m giving it away for FREE on my blog. You can find out more and pick up your free copy here.

3D book cover, transparent, sized for web

Thanks for having me today, friends!

Karen @ a house full of sunshine

My name is Karen and I'm a sleep-deprived stay-home Mama to three cute little hooligans. I live in Australia, and as a part-time interior decorator and ex-teacher of Creative Arts, my passion is expressing creativity in the home. On my blog you'll find decorating ideas, kids' activities, recipes, and organising projects, inspiring you to live your most creative life and love the home you're in. I hope you'll join me at a house full of sunshine.

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