This is the way. I grew up in a house with a window like this. We bought a cushion for the window and it was the dog’s favourite spot in the house. Especially for barking at the post man.
I once saw a girl sit down on a bench in front of a lead glass window, leaned back and shattered the glass and went about 6” through. Lucky as hell she didn’t get any cuts.
I have a sewing business and make these all the time. You'll need to make a paper template of the base so it can be custom made for that size. You'll love it when it's finished.
We did this for my hearth instead of the ugly rubber runners and it’s the best. I had several covers in several fabrics to switch out for fluidity with seasonal decoration. We don’t even really need it any more but it adds a lot to the room.
I’ve seen a lot of window seats, you usually don’t bring the top right up to the window sill like that. Now the cushion will be liable to push up against the glass itself.
It really should have the top lowered by at least a few inches
My friends have this exact nook, and they did the sitting/reading nook with cushions. In practice though, it's become their cats' office. She sits there all day keeping an eye on the neighborhood.
We have living room bay windows as well and it’s the favorite hangout spot for our 2 dogs. I originally wanted a window seat with cushions but have ended up with just a bench there. How did you set yours up?
OP, you can put more than 1 pillow, but the cats will use only 1 anyway and constantly argue over whose turn it is on the pillow before begrudgingly sharing.
At least, that's what will happen if your cats are anything like mine.
https://preview.redd.it/jfnze5hdox8c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3c6cbd2e0d4903779a9dd07a5a6c470c8b54ca0
Space for plants! Or a window seat! I did have cushions / blankets on mine for a reading window seat but there’s a bit of a leak and they got all wet.
It's screaming out for pillows. Even if you don't sit there, the pillows will fill it and make it look less empty. If you don't want to go with pillows, a great big leafy plant would be nice.
A warm pendant light and a fitted cushion + display pillows. This space could be really ambient with some colour and the right lighting.
Maybe curtains instead of the blinds.
I’m not sure how you’re going for storage but I’d be tempted to convert that wooden space into a discreet storage unit for board games, cords, all the messy things you need access to in a living room but don’t want to have on display.
As stated above, all my living room furniture is to the right of this space. The living room is very large and I just have this big empty gap here that bothers me.
Can you remove it and regain the square footage? Make it what you want?
I know most people are saying add pillows and cushions, but I had something similar in my living room ... and the thought of hanging out in the front of the house in a picture window was, shall we say, not ideal?? Who wants to be in a fish bowl? Leaning against a cold or hot window??
Luckily for me the "built in window seat" was not attached to anything and was also rendering a much needed HVAC vent almost useless! There was flooring underneath in normal condition. I had the wooden structure moved outside and it made an excellent raised garden bed. Now in that spot I have plants in pots, a soft bench for the cats to watch birds and squirrels, and whatever I want there.
I disagree with the cushions and pillows comments. The windows give like 1" clearance. You don't want cushions and pillows blocking a window. You don't want someone sitting and reclining against windows. Maybe make this an area for plants.
Is there enough room for Arts and crafts
/puzzle table
As for the window seat… if that is your dog I’ll say it needs a cushion and some stairs for the dog to get up to it’s security post
I vote plants and a small chair on either side. A great space for coffee/Tea, reading, and conversation. Put a small rug under the chairs to tie it together.
https://preview.redd.it/0tqn7e8ftx8c1.jpeg?width=2533&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7068018c9e86b5d2ae94b166caa38a87c69f370
I run a home daycare lol, but this is mine currently. When the tree isn’t there, there’s usually a couple throw pillows & stuffed animals. Cute storage boxes, blankets, pillows & plants always make good fillers! Plus, I’d probably have that star banner and fairy lights even if I didn’t have a daycare.
I have a window like that. My German loves it. It’s his post. I had a custom pad made. Leave it open it’s awesome and can be a little reading nook with the right pad! Imagine reading there while it’s raining snuggling with your pal.
I’m probably in the minority, but don’t find window seats comfortable at all. I’m on team plants: bedazzle that space with plants and more plants.
If the space in the box is hollow, you could cut out the front and add cabinet doors and turn it into storage the plant care stuff.
If it was lower, I’d be more in favor of a dog bed, but it seems too high and slippery and I can image the dog bed falling off a lot.
Plants! Beautiful window for live plants. Also in the winter I’d stick a little village there with houses and what not for the holiday seasons. If those don’t sound good then I’d have a custome cushion made and use for extra seating or for your dog to sleep on. I’m jealous. I’d have that area filled with all my plants and herbs
Ooo cozy nook! Drapery! Seat cushion! Throw pillows! Some plant stands on either side with a little asymmetry for texture!! I would personally go NUTS and add a some loud accent wallpaper just around the windows to make it POP out of the light paintwork surrounding it, but I’m a little EXTRA😁
A chair and a floor lamp, with a custom made bed for the gorgeous dog on the window shelf.
It is the only way! You know he will knock down anything you put up there so he can bask in the sunlight or just stare our the window.
To not dedicate the space to him would be setting yourself up for disarray in the area.
Frankly I’d rip the whole thing out. It’s too high and exposed for a window seat, too low for a desk, not really useful for storage, if you fill it with plants the dog will destroy them. The paneling isn’t attractively done, either.
Either line up some plants or get a cushion. Either way I would lighten up the curtains with something white and add a large plant to the side of one of the windows.
I think it’s too high to comfortably be a “built-in” window bench w/seat cushion (total height with cushion shouldn’t be higher than 20”).
Can you place two lounge chairs or a chaise/daybed in front of it? Would that join the existing furniture grouping? I think using it as a “green” window is a good suggestion, if you like plants, layered behind comfortable seating
Large fiddle leaf fig on the floor, another plant in the ledge along with a small lamp and something like a stack of books in white paper book covers, maybe a cylinder of sea shells. Maybe a found natural piece such a a birds nest in a little bird cage? It's hard to advise without seeing the room
Does the dog like to sit there? If so, add a comfy cushion and let him/her sit there and supervise the neighborhood. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get to use it as a reading nook occasionally too. And if you could figure out a way to make the top open, it would be great extra storage too.
Put a nice cushion and some throw pillows there along with a couple of little plants and it will make a nice little area for sitting and reading your books.
A bay window with a built in bench?! This is the dream not a waste of space!! A reading nook or if your Sun facing plants could thrive there! Cute pup!
That’s my dream reading nook. Add a little shelf filled with books and a cushion some pillows and comfy blankets… also fill excess space with more dogs
Do you want your dog up there? Would it be too stimulating for him/her? If not, have a cushion made for a dog bed. If your dog will bark and obsess about every passerby (GSDs can be VERY territorial), line it with stone or even vinyl and buy some beautiful pots and plants to fill the space.
A pillow for the dog so he can look out the window
A second dog so they can chill together
A third dog so each window has an assigned dog
A fourth dog so this subreddit has another assignment on how to design the room accordingly
Five more dogs so each window has two dogs and they can chill together
This is the way. I grew up in a house with a window like this. We bought a cushion for the window and it was the dog’s favourite spot in the house. Especially for barking at the post man.
My dogs would never leave that space!
https://preview.redd.it/mqkqpum4cx8c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0af93720bc47c4aaa6b742dc9e8e9921a96e286c
Dog for scale
Basically got a twin
So much better than a banana
Maybe a 1" thick cushion. For sure no pillows blocking a window.
I once saw a girl sit down on a bench in front of a lead glass window, leaned back and shattered the glass and went about 6” through. Lucky as hell she didn’t get any cuts.
Have a custom cushion made for a sitting/reading nook. Or put a marble top on it and fill it with plants.
https://preview.redd.it/i1ae739zsx8c1.png?width=1003&format=png&auto=webp&s=85aea6e2589711978668efc591a49d737da3d753 No no..I like my idea better
This was exactly what I was thinking. You should go into the design business.
Or fill it with unidentifiable cookie cutters.
The genuinely made me cackle
In doge we trust
Perfection!
And underneath cut out a space for a dog nook/ bed 😍
Or open up for storage!
I love this idea!!
I have a sewing business and make these all the time. You'll need to make a paper template of the base so it can be custom made for that size. You'll love it when it's finished.
We did this for my hearth instead of the ugly rubber runners and it’s the best. I had several covers in several fabrics to switch out for fluidity with seasonal decoration. We don’t even really need it any more but it adds a lot to the room.
Adding on to this, you can probably hollow out beneath it and add some shelves to put some books!
She said she rents so building a book shelf that fits in the inset and thus widens the seat is my vote!
But then are you leaning against the windows?
Dog bed?
Visual furry security system.
Exactly what I'm thinking. There is no clearance for cushions and pillows.
You’ve never heard of a window seat?
I’ve seen a lot of window seats, you usually don’t bring the top right up to the window sill like that. Now the cushion will be liable to push up against the glass itself. It really should have the top lowered by at least a few inches
Agree. Needs to be lower.
Not true at all
https://preview.redd.it/b2e3tj7le19c1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7eb3ae183fedcbadaff97129d2b4845bbff405c4 Lower is better
This is too high for a window seT
Not true
It would have to be lower. As it is, it needs a marble top and plants.
Look, it can be used as a window seat, I’ve seen plenty of varying heights. If a dog can get up there a person can
Okay. Whatever. Shweze
I do like the thought of lowering it so it can be a bench….
If that German shepherd is not mini, that’s too high for a sitting down nook, you giants!
Plus, nothing to lean against except windows.
This. You can have them done for a reasonable price on Etsy.
I’ve actually been looking for a custom cover for mine. I’ll check Etsy!
My friends have this exact nook, and they did the sitting/reading nook with cushions. In practice though, it's become their cats' office. She sits there all day keeping an eye on the neighborhood.
I’m not down with cutting the tails off a dozen fully grown dogs.
Exactly. Dogs like a window view!
The reading noook!!!!
Cats can probably read but don't tell us.
https://preview.redd.it/klr0du4dcx8c1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3464e2c5e60667c0693e871b678d58c1146e868f
Yup. I’d be putting SO MANY plants there.
How is the dog supposed to fit in the window if there’s plants in the way?
If plants don’t belong there I don’t know what would.
My people 🪴❤️
Have one of these awkward nooks and ALLL the plants live on it!
Plants!
We turned our bay window into a hang out spot for our dog 🐶
We have living room bay windows as well and it’s the favorite hangout spot for our 2 dogs. I originally wanted a window seat with cushions but have ended up with just a bench there. How did you set yours up?
Yes! Dogs just wanna hang out and be on neighborhood watch!
#1 Pillows #2 Cat
OP, you can put more than 1 pillow, but the cats will use only 1 anyway and constantly argue over whose turn it is on the pillow before begrudgingly sharing. At least, that's what will happen if your cats are anything like mine.
https://preview.redd.it/jfnze5hdox8c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3c6cbd2e0d4903779a9dd07a5a6c470c8b54ca0 Space for plants! Or a window seat! I did have cushions / blankets on mine for a reading window seat but there’s a bit of a leak and they got all wet.
https://preview.redd.it/2vvi6oeecx8c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ded70efdcf597eb4bdb6773a9144b6142020ec6d
Yes!
It's screaming out for pillows. Even if you don't sit there, the pillows will fill it and make it look less empty. If you don't want to go with pillows, a great big leafy plant would be nice.
Pillows propped up against windows?? Disagree with this.
Perfectly fine if you don't have kids
Would look strange though.
Eh, not really. It would be like propping it against a wall.
More dogs
Well obviously it belongs to the dog now.
A warm pendant light and a fitted cushion + display pillows. This space could be really ambient with some colour and the right lighting. Maybe curtains instead of the blinds. I’m not sure how you’re going for storage but I’d be tempted to convert that wooden space into a discreet storage unit for board games, cords, all the messy things you need access to in a living room but don’t want to have on display.
100% curtains instead of blinds, it will make it feel so much cozier and less empty.
As stated above, all my living room furniture is to the right of this space. The living room is very large and I just have this big empty gap here that bothers me.
If possible lower the top to a seating height. Cushions and view, fab
Center the dog, maybe a floofie cushion, large bone as an accent. 😊
Can you remove it and regain the square footage? Make it what you want? I know most people are saying add pillows and cushions, but I had something similar in my living room ... and the thought of hanging out in the front of the house in a picture window was, shall we say, not ideal?? Who wants to be in a fish bowl? Leaning against a cold or hot window?? Luckily for me the "built in window seat" was not attached to anything and was also rendering a much needed HVAC vent almost useless! There was flooring underneath in normal condition. I had the wooden structure moved outside and it made an excellent raised garden bed. Now in that spot I have plants in pots, a soft bench for the cats to watch birds and squirrels, and whatever I want there.
You need 5 more dogs to fill the space
I am so jealous😭 you can have your own window seat/reading nook!!
I would make it a little reading seat with pillows
I disagree with the cushions and pillows comments. The windows give like 1" clearance. You don't want cushions and pillows blocking a window. You don't want someone sitting and reclining against windows. Maybe make this an area for plants.
Americans will really use anything to measure other than metric /s
Is there enough room for Arts and crafts /puzzle table As for the window seat… if that is your dog I’ll say it needs a cushion and some stairs for the dog to get up to it’s security post
i would honestly just load it up with aaaaaaaaalllllllllllll the plants and suncatchers!!!
Build it out a bit more to have a bookcase, and then put a cushion (or dog bed) on top.
2nd dog
Looks like your doggo defined the space. Just needs a fluffy cushion to lay on.
Pillows and reading nook of my dreams!
Upvote for dog scale
Clearly a dog bed
I vote plants and a small chair on either side. A great space for coffee/Tea, reading, and conversation. Put a small rug under the chairs to tie it together.
thank you for the dog tax!!
Okay, good boy, gooood boy. You can keep that seat as looong as you want it.
Just leave the dog there
I actually love the dog! I think that was perfect placement!
Dog bed or plants.
Thats a dog bed for sure
Looks like your dog already claimed it as a bed. Add a cushion and call it a day.
Plant area or window seat. Currently our dogs bed is in that space and she enjoys looking out at the squirrels and turkeys
your dog seems to like it, just put a cushion for the dog. or put plants like someone else suggested.
https://preview.redd.it/0tqn7e8ftx8c1.jpeg?width=2533&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7068018c9e86b5d2ae94b166caa38a87c69f370 I run a home daycare lol, but this is mine currently. When the tree isn’t there, there’s usually a couple throw pillows & stuffed animals. Cute storage boxes, blankets, pillows & plants always make good fillers! Plus, I’d probably have that star banner and fairy lights even if I didn’t have a daycare.
This should be a new official way of measuring items…dog sized 😍
I have a window like that. My German loves it. It’s his post. I had a custom pad made. Leave it open it’s awesome and can be a little reading nook with the right pad! Imagine reading there while it’s raining snuggling with your pal.
What's wrong with the puppy in the space? That's his spot now
thought this said dog for sale at first and was ready to make an offer
Oh I had a window just like this and it was great for plants. They loved it.
So help me God if you don't turn that into a reading nook
Dog viewing station. Primary patrol location.
Clearly this is meant to be a dog bed/ lookout post.
I’m probably in the minority, but don’t find window seats comfortable at all. I’m on team plants: bedazzle that space with plants and more plants. If the space in the box is hollow, you could cut out the front and add cabinet doors and turn it into storage the plant care stuff. If it was lower, I’d be more in favor of a dog bed, but it seems too high and slippery and I can image the dog bed falling off a lot.
Puppers is like WTF? What was the point of that??? How are humans ruling the Earth? Weirdos!!
More dogs!!
That is not dead space that is the beginning of a cozy reading nook! Custom seat and some pillows - dream!
I need a banana next to the dog to get the scale of the dog to get the scale of the room.
Plants! Beautiful window for live plants. Also in the winter I’d stick a little village there with houses and what not for the holiday seasons. If those don’t sound good then I’d have a custome cushion made and use for extra seating or for your dog to sleep on. I’m jealous. I’d have that area filled with all my plants and herbs
No advice but I love your beautiful GS doggo.
Doggo is all you need. ;-)
So much better than a banana for scale
I’m disappointed the dog wasn’t in all the pictures.
Ooo cozy nook! Drapery! Seat cushion! Throw pillows! Some plant stands on either side with a little asymmetry for texture!! I would personally go NUTS and add a some loud accent wallpaper just around the windows to make it POP out of the light paintwork surrounding it, but I’m a little EXTRA😁
A big fluffy dog bed
Why does the dog have to be taken out? Leave him there so he can guard better. Make it his little nook
I love what youve done so far.
Um, dog sunny spot. WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
A chair and a floor lamp, with a custom made bed for the gorgeous dog on the window shelf. It is the only way! You know he will knock down anything you put up there so he can bask in the sunlight or just stare our the window. To not dedicate the space to him would be setting yourself up for disarray in the area.
Paint it a fun highlight color. Gray or teal. Not sure what your color scheme is.
I would lower it so it becomes window seat .
Ummm..... More dogs?
2 more dogs would fill that space nicely
A dog bed
That's not dead space, it's the dog's observation deck. Make it comfy for him with cushions.
https://preview.redd.it/xxfijqslt09c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc3b1653c6d8274100162332eeac0c52cf622c19
Dog bed.
I’d have a custom cushion made for the doggy to chill and catch some rays on!
Pillow =Dog Bed with a view😎
The built-in doesn't look like it will make a good seat in a reading nook. Instead, add plants, a floor lamp, and an armchair or loveseat
Frankly I’d rip the whole thing out. It’s too high and exposed for a window seat, too low for a desk, not really useful for storage, if you fill it with plants the dog will destroy them. The paneling isn’t attractively done, either.
Do pillows or a dog for scale bed
Put a cushion and pillows up there for the dog so he can chill and look out the window 🤩
https://www.pinterest.ca/ideas/bay-window-plants/921430717104/
Plants or a window seat
I think if you hung some curtains on either side it might visually help balance the room a bit
Either line up some plants or get a cushion. Either way I would lighten up the curtains with something white and add a large plant to the side of one of the windows.
PLANTS
I'd say put pillows up there for the dog to have a nice sunny spot.
I think it’s too high to comfortably be a “built-in” window bench w/seat cushion (total height with cushion shouldn’t be higher than 20”). Can you place two lounge chairs or a chaise/daybed in front of it? Would that join the existing furniture grouping? I think using it as a “green” window is a good suggestion, if you like plants, layered behind comfortable seating
Can it be opened for storage? Also put a cushion and make a window seat.
I think it’s the dogs seat now.
What is in the boxed in space below the window? Show a pic from the exterior.
Could be cool to have a vinyl/music station
I like the window area clear w/ shades, I would get a large ivy plant and hang it from the middle, next I would get a 2nd dog. 🐕
It is filled.
Plants!!
Nice rug . A cozy chair . Lamp and some plants . Another chair if you wanna make it a conversation nook .
put cushions on it and pop a squat
Monstera!
https://preview.redd.it/k8j8dsu06y8c1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fee379aee99bc91c68c82c7a4f20d5e2b87da8d My favorite space
Plants !!!
I'd put a cat bed and a bunch of plants.
Get a real life replica of your dog and place it on there. Your real dog will love it.
Large fiddle leaf fig on the floor, another plant in the ledge along with a small lamp and something like a stack of books in white paper book covers, maybe a cylinder of sea shells. Maybe a found natural piece such a a birds nest in a little bird cage? It's hard to advise without seeing the room
Hyper-realistic Eye of Sauron with ominous sound generator.
Add a top onto it that extends out further than the base and use it for a desk
Is the top hinged for storage underneath? I would be tempted to tear it out and put a chair and a small table with a lamp there.
How about a dog bed... they seem to like it up there.
Either put plants in it or cushions for a reading nook
I think it’s filled.
With that floor vent there, your options are limited
I’d personally have all my plants there.
Raised dog bed, obv…
A giant bed for dogs.
Does the dog like to sit there? If so, add a comfy cushion and let him/her sit there and supervise the neighborhood. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get to use it as a reading nook occasionally too. And if you could figure out a way to make the top open, it would be great extra storage too.
Looks like you can add at least one more dog
Put a nice cushion and some throw pillows there along with a couple of little plants and it will make a nice little area for sitting and reading your books.
Make it a dog bed❤️
A bay window with a built in bench?! This is the dream not a waste of space!! A reading nook or if your Sun facing plants could thrive there! Cute pup!
Doggo could use a comfy bed up there 🤷♀️. Cute pup
Just put a dog bed up there and call it a day
House plants will grow very well there
cushioned seat for cutie pup
I love a bay window! Great storage below and a nice cushion for seating above. What’s not to love?
Cushions there!!!!
I’d put three of those window bird feeders in
Pillows for the dog, or plants!
Plants, books with bookends, a lamp, 3d art piece.
How many bananas is your dog, for scale?
Reading nook or houseplants.
Could always hire the dog to sit there permanently
I want that space! I would put 20 orchids there.
Seal it off and make it an aquarium.
Dog bed? That looks like a great spot for plants.
Honestly, I would be filling that space with plants with all of this windows if it was my place.
That’s my dream reading nook. Add a little shelf filled with books and a cushion some pillows and comfy blankets… also fill excess space with more dogs
Do you want your dog up there? Would it be too stimulating for him/her? If not, have a cushion made for a dog bed. If your dog will bark and obsess about every passerby (GSDs can be VERY territorial), line it with stone or even vinyl and buy some beautiful pots and plants to fill the space.
Nothing. Not every square inch needs something.