A soft place to land (on the window seat)
November 13, 2018
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Hey all! How was your weekend? I'm starting to freak out a little bit that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK. I cannot believe how fast the days have gone by this fall. Crazy, right?
I've been hard at work on a big DIY project I can't wait to share with you! But until then, I wanted to share this little update because it's the first time I've had this luxury in nearly four years of having window seats.
A few weeks ago I shared the dining area redo, complete with the new window seat and built ins:
If you missed it, check out how I light those sconces without electricity! So good.
I had a loooong window seat to fill, and was planning on making my own cushions. When I first showed you the seat, many of you recommended three cushions because of the length:
That was not what I wanted to hear, because I was going to attempt to DIY this. Keep in mind, I'd call myself intermediate as far as my abilities on a sewing machine. I have no problem sewing up some pillows or drapes, but this project did intimidate me.
As you can tell, I put it off. ;) I'm much more comfortable with a saw and a paint brush than the sewing machine. Ultimately I decided to do my no sew version instead of sewing these myself. Even though I really wanted a more polished cushion, it was going to be my best option. Well, it turns out I got an email from a company literally the morning I was planning to try start them, and I jumped at it! They make outdoor cushions and drapes, as well as a number of other items.
I was able to order three cushions from Patio Lane (see the bottom of the post for a coupon code!) and they are covered in Sunbrella fabric, which is PERFECT for a window seat. Obviously these get a lot of sun. (Not today...or lately in general, because winter is definitely coming!):
I went very simple with the color and welting -- I kept wavering between something simple or a fun fabric and contrasting welting. But I want them to work all year, all seasons...and I know I would eventually tire of something too busy.
I ended up using a Sunbrella linen upholstery fabric (the number is PL-32309) and it's a classic light cream -- it looks lighter with the light from the windows:
I was SO excited to get these! I was stalking the UPS updates every day. They are so well made and I was thrilled when they arrived. (It took less than two weeks for them to ship.)
My favorite part (other than the fabric that should hold up to anything), is the zipper:
I can easily remove them if needed. The zipper would not have happened if I would have tried this on my own. 😆
I got the firmest foam available, and that's the only thing I might change if I did them again. They don't have much give when you sit, but are still very comfortable:
I made our boy model them for me. ;)
I went with the firmer foam because I feel like they will hold up much longer. I didn't want them to wear in certain spots. And if I ever decide to recover them, I can use the inserts forever. So overall, I think the firmer foam was a good call.
The first day I laid on the seat with a blanket and I can attest it is very comfy! I just love this spot. I think it will be a popular area when we have large parties:
And on that note -- even though I know this fabric is made to hold up to the outdoors, I plan to scotch guard them as well. Our guests usually have a glass of wine in hand so you can't be too careful. :)
I feel so grown up with these, ha! I added our first window seat (in the last house) almost four years ago, and we never had a cushion on that seat. I'm thrilled to have this spot finished up and ready for the holidays!
**Patio Lane is offering a 15 percent discount when you use the code THRIFTYDECOR at checkout!
Patio Lane graciously provided these cushions. I would 100 percent recommend them and their quality!
I love your finished window seat, storage, shelves and such a clever way to light the area ! I just went back to read your 2015 window seat - impressive, useful, great lighting and you had the outdoor fabric idea for the window seat cushions then! Love the addition of your 3 white cushions.
ReplyDeleteJoy
The cushions look nice, and they do look well made. Sunbrella is a win as well. I’ll have to see what the 15% off will look like for me, I’ve had a nakey window seat for a long time too! Chrissy
ReplyDeleteYour window seat looks gorgeous! It's such a nice way to utiluse an otherwise unused area. This is something I'm thinking of doing for my place, too! ❤️
ReplyDeleteCharmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I wished I would have chimed in when you asked about a window seat cushion. Missed that somehow! We have a window seat the same width as yours and I had a cushion made. It’s one cushion not two. I would never ever recommend 3 cushions. That is crazy. So if you ever get tired of your new ones, yes, one cushion looks great. I can send a pic if you want to see it. I had a local upholstery shop make it from the fabric I chose.
ReplyDeleteNot crazy at all -- our seats open up on top so one would have been really awkward. :) Now that we have these in place I've realized even two would have been difficult when we open up the seat.
Deleteaw I love this little nook! So cozy!
ReplyDeleteI also have a naked window seat! I'd be interested in how you measured and communicated the angle you needed.
ReplyDeleteI just measured the depth and length of the seat, then divided the length by three. I think it was around 41.33 each and rounded down to 41. It is a rectangle shape so these fit perfectly! They do have great instructions on their site on how to measure for cushions if you need more help.
DeleteI have loved all your woodworking and projects over the years! I would love to do a window seat in my kitchen bay area since I saw your very first one in your former house. I have a question for you -- my bay area is large -- not able to put a double door in the middle, like your former home, and on either side of the two windows in the corners, I have a door on one side and a short wall on the other. I wish I could send a pic, but I'm kinda high tech inept to do that. Can you picture what I'm describing? Any thoughts if this is possible to do?
ReplyDeleteI think I understand and I think it would be fine! As long as the seat would come across the front straight across I think it would be OK. So end the seat before the door if I'm reading that correctly?
DeleteOK great! I was thinking that too. Thank you for responding -- I really value your opinion!
DeleteDoes the coupon code have an expiration date?
ReplyDeleteI will ask and report back!
DeleteI meant to let you know that the code is good through January 31, 2019! :)
DeleteHow perfect!! I always wanted a window seat growing up, somewhere I could settle in with a good book!
ReplyDeleteYour window seat area looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing, Sarah. And you were smart going with a soft neutral. You can always change out the pillows and blankets when you want a pop of color. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
Patio Lane
So glad you made the choices you did - exactly what I would have suggested - from the firmest foam to Sunbrella fabric and the three cushions. My cushions are still going strong after 13 years in my north facing Mudroom. Last year got new furniture in my south facing Great Room including an upholstered white couch. Sun had destroyed the previous upholstery. Sunbrella has been a miracle! Even chocolate has come off easily!
ReplyDelete