Project file: ultimate reading nook

1. Ultimate Reading
Nook

2. Objective
Build a window seat that contains all the features to create an
ideal reading nook.
Background
I believe that constraints inspire creativity, but this was one
project that had the freedom (and the challenge) of starting with
a blank slate. The addition we were building was going to
include a new bedroom for my son. Although the room was only
modestly sized, by giving up some floorspace to create a
window seat, I knew we could make it feel larger. Though the
window seat appears to be a projection beyond the room
boundaries, in fact this is an illusion created by constructing a
wall into the room that contains two side-facing bookshelves.
Design
In reviewing countless images of window seats, it was easy to
pick the few that were the most visually inviting, and in fact, this
design was derived from one photo, in particular. But ultimately,
it is the dimensions of the window seat that determine whether it
becomes the favorite seat in the house or remains elaborate
window dressing. After careful mock-up and sit-testing we
concluded that the seating area should be about 5 feet wide and
30 inches deep. The distance from floor, or in this case the step,
to the cushion should be 15”. The step was added so that the
windowsill would lie right at the top of the seat back cushion,
which was important to the feeling of being connected to outside.
Indeed, the seat feels like a perch among the trees. A sizeable
ledge, which can double as an armrest runs around the bench
and further recesses the bookshelf, which should be minimally
12 inches deep. The back of the bench is set at a shallow angle
for comfort and remains comfortable either in a conventional
sitting position or stretched out sideways in the seat. A piano
hinge allows the seat to life to access the sizeable storage area
underneath. The elevation of the seat, the frame that surrounds
1 of 4
Ultimate Reading
Nook
the niche, and recessed bookshelves all contribute to the feeling
of being enclosed in a space separate from the room that one
can retreat into. The window paneling, lantern lights and latticed
window fuel the imagination with the sense of being ensconced
in the cabin of an old sailing ship bound for adventure.
Construction
The window seat was custom built, on-site, and its construction
is detailed in photographs on the following pages.
Ultimate Reading
Nook

3. 2 of 4
Ultimate Reading
Nook
Inspiration photo
Ultimate Reading
Nook

4. 3 of 4
Ultimate Reading
Nook
Before and after
Ultimate Reading
Nook
Construction
Progress

5. 4 of 4
Ultimate Reading
Nook
The finished nook
Ultimate Reading
Nook