Transform your bay window into a haven of comfort and style with this DIY window seat cushion that requires zero sewing skills! With our tried and true method, crafters of all skill sets can create a custom cushion tailored to fit your decor and dimensions for about $30 and less than one hour.
Envision your bay window as a feast for the eyes and a testament to your DIY prowess. Follow the step-by-step guide below to craft a window seat cushion that’s as unique as it is comfortable.
Why You’ll Love This Tutorial
- Yield: 1
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: easy
- Cost: about $30 for materials (assuming you already have the basic tools)
This DIY window seat cushion is a project my mom has done for me in both of my homes to create both a reading area and a spot for my cats to relax and look out the windows. They’re also so great for showcasing your bookshelf wealth.
It’s quick to make once you have the cheap materials, and the steps are very, simple, such as measuring, cutting, and stapling.
Note: This DIY window seat cushion tutorial is meant for a space that’s already built, like a bay window.
Materials and Tools
- 1/2″ thick plywood cut to fit the size needed
- 3″ thick high-density upholstery foam
- upholstery fabric (or heavy-duty non-stretch material)
- staples (3/8″ or 1/2″ depending on thickness of fabric)
- spray adhesive (optional)
- scissors
- electric knife (or sharp knife)
- staple gun
- permanent marker
- tape measure (or ruler)
- power saw or hand saw (if plywood is not already cut for you)
- hammer
- heavy-duty staple remover (optional; in case you make a mistake)
Expert Tips
- Buy precut plywood or have your home improvement store cut it for you. (Home Depot or Lowe’s will cut it to size for you.)
- We recommend JOANN Fabrics, which is where we purchased our upholstery fabric.
Tutorial: DIY Window Seat Cushion for a Bay Window
1. Measure your space.
Measure your window seat space width inside of the window from edge to edge with a tape measure or ruler.
Then, measure the depth. Subtract 1″ from width and depth so that the final DIY window seat cushion can easily move in and out of the window space. These are your final measurements.
2. Cut your plywood.
Measure, mark with permanent marker, and cut plywood with your power saw or hand saw per your final measurements (or have Home Depot or Lowe’s cut it for you). Make sure it has a straight edge!
3. Cut your upholstery foam.
Measure, mark with a permanent marker, and cut foam with an electric knife (or sharp knife) per your final measurements.
4. Place your fabric, foam and plywood.
Lay out your upholstery fabric on a floor or flat surface so that it faces down and is straight.
Place the foam in the center of the fabric. Make sure the foam is straight, so that any pattern on the fabric appears straight as well.
Place the plywood on top of the foam. If you choose, you can add some spray adhesive to the plywood before you place it to ensure it remains aligned with the foam.
5. Cut your fabric.
Trim your fabric at least 7″ to 8″ longer than all four sides.
Then, cut the four corners off the fabric, about 2″. This step helps remove excess fabric so that your fabric lays more flush when the cushion is complete.
6. Wrap and staple your fabric.
Start by wrapping your fabric around the upholstery foam and plywood on the long sides. The fabric should be tight, but not too tight, as excessive tightness will create creases in the fabric.
Staple at the center on each side with the staples, then staple outward at approximately 3″ intervals until you reach the ends of the plywood.
Then, wrap the fabric around the foam and plywood on the short sides, as if you were wrapping a present. Secure both sides with more staples. Hammer each staple to ensure they are tight and flush.
7. Place your DIY window seat cushion and enjoy!
Turn your bay window seat cushion over and check your finished product. Place it in your space. If you choose, add home decor items like a throw pillow, blanket, and books (of course!).
Enjoy your hand-crafted DIY window seat cushion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Balance is key in achieving the ideal seat height when constructing a window seat for areas like living rooms or dining spaces. The cushion’s thickness is crucial for comfort, so opt for a high-density foam thickness of around 3 inches or more.
Upholstery fabric (or another heavy-duty non-stretch material) should be used for an indoor window seat cushion. Sunbrella material is also durable, as well as resistantto fading.
Measure your window seat space width inside of the window from edge to edge. Then, measure the depth. Subtract 1″ from width and depth so that the window seat cushion can easily move in and out of the window space.
1. Measure space and subtract 1″ from all four sides to get your final measurements.
2. Cut plywood per your final measurements.
3. Cut upholstery foam per your final measurements.
4. Place your fabric, foam, and plywood straight on a flat surface.
5. Cut fabric 7″ to 8″ longer than all four sides.
6. Wrap and staple your fabric.
8. Place your DIY window seat cushion and enjoy!
Conclusion
Creating a DIY window seat cushion without sewing is not only easy but can also be a fun and rewarding project. Remember, the key to a beautiful window seat cushion lies in choosing the right foam thickness and fabrics.
SHOP THE POST
Love this idea. I was just contemplating a big project with zipper, piping and sewing. The idea of a plywood frame is so much easier. It will be easier to stabilize as well. Thanks!
SUPER easy!!
I’m curious why you need plywood, and if it’s necessary why is it not listed in your necessary products to use? Otherwise I love this idea!
I don’t quite understand this question, as plywood is listed. The fabric is stapled into the plywood and supports the cotton batting.