The year of the window / bench seat

I’ve had a lot of requests for window seats this year—some I’ve managed to build, and some I haven’t. As a specialist in carpentry and joinery, I love these projects. They’re surprisingly straightforward to make, and they offer both space-saving seating and functional built-in storage, which ticks two boxes for me straight away. It’s the perfect blend of practical design and bespoke furniture craftsmanship.

So when my family and I moved to North Devon recently, the first thing I thought when I saw the kitchen layout was, That’s perfect for custom bench seating. I jumped straight onto the computer and started drafting a masterpiece: a fully bespoke bench seat with nooks and crannies, a cosy spot for the cats with tunnels and flaps, plus clever storage. The possibilities felt endless—exactly the kind of creative challenge that makes me love being a bespoke furniture maker. But eventually I had to stop and bring both myself—and my ever-expanding budget—back down to earth.

My first window seat project was for regular clients in Brighton. Alice had asked about a seat below the window overlooking the side of the house and out into the garden—a perfect little spot for a reading area. I designed a bespoke corner bench seat with floating shelves above for her books to create a cosy, functional nook.

She loved the tongue-and-groove look, so instead of buying pre-made T&G panels, I cut and grooved them myself to make sure the pattern stayed perfectly balanced. I then routered a soft round-over along the top edge of the seat for a clean, handcrafted finish.

The top lifts up for storage, and the hinges I used open to around 90–100 degrees, so the lid stays up on its own. The storage is split into two sections to make it practical and easy to use—combining smart design with solid carpentry and joinery craftsmanship.

This project was for returning clients with a beautiful window overlooking the beach in Worthing. They wanted a bespoke built-in unit that doubled as a log store, designed to blend seamlessly with the sprayed finishes used in previous carpentry and joinery work throughout the apartment. We also incorporated a discreet, custom-made nook for the internet router—kept hidden but open enough to maintain a strong signal.

The finished piece showcased high-quality joinery craftsmanship, and opening the unit revealed a beautifully detailed birch-ply log store. The only element I’d refine next time is the lift-up seat. Because the wall wasn’t perfectly square, I had to follow its natural line, and that slight angle still catches my eye—but the overall result is a clean, modern, and expertly crafted addition to the space.

This project is a great example of how thoughtful carpentry, precision joinery, and custom design can transform an awkward space into something functional and visually striking.

This project was for returning clients who had a dining area that felt more like a walkthrough into the kitchen. In the corner, there was an ideal space for a piece of bespoke built-in seating—a comfortable spot to look out into the garden and enjoy a morning coffee.

The brief called for tongue and groove (T&G) panelling, which I routered by hand to ensure perfect balance and consistency. To complete the look, we added custom skirting to the base, giving the unit a clean, seamless, fully built-in finish.

This project is a great example of how thoughtful carpentry and joinery, combined with tailored design, can transform an unused corner into a functional and inviting feature.