15 Ikea Window Bench Hacks That Create Dreamy Reading Nooks

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Gray Havsta cabinet system with window bench from Hydrangea Tree House featuring built-in storage drawers.

Every room has that one awkward window space that seems impossible to make functional. These ikea window bench hacks & ideas transform those tricky spots into cozy retreats without breaking your budget.

Smart storage solutions hide beneath cushioned seating while maintaining that custom-built appearance. The modular nature of IKEA pieces makes them perfect for creating tailored fits around any window size.

Simple modifications turn basic furniture into sophisticated built-ins that add both comfort and value to your space.

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Introduce Deep Burgundy Nordli Drawers as a Window Bench

Burgundy reading nook with ikea window bench hacks & ideas from @heatheryounguk featuring Nordli drawers and matching shelving.
Source: @heatheryounguk

This rich burgundy setup transforms Ikea Nordli drawers into a surprisingly elegant window seat that doubles as storage. The deep wine tone wraps the entire corner, creating a cozy reading nook that feels custom-built rather than assembled from flat-pack pieces.

The built-in cushion sits perfectly flush with the drawer tops, and the color coordination between the bench, shelving, and cabinetry makes everything feel intentional. @heatheryounguk painted all the surfaces in the same shade, which really ties the space together.

You could replicate this with any bold color that matches your existing furniture or go for a softer neutral if dramatic isn’t your thing.

Upgrade Your Bay Windows With Ikea Sektion Storage Benches

White built-in window bench from @thathomebirdlife with navy striped cushion and leather cabinet pulls.
Source: @thathomebirdlife

Bay windows practically beg for a cozy seating area, and Ikea Sektion cabinets deliver exactly that with hidden storage tucked underneath. The white cabinetry here blends seamlessly with the window trim, while leather pulls add a warm, custom touch that elevates the whole look beyond basic.

That navy striped cushion brings in pattern without overwhelming the space, and those neutral throw pillows keep things relaxed and inviting. @thathomebirdlife shows how a simple foam cushion transforms hard cabinets into an actual hangout spot you’ll actually use.

Pair it with linen Roman shades and a few potted plants to complete that airy, lived-in vibe everyone craves.

Reveal Hidden Storage With Nordli Drawer Benches

White window bench with Nordli storage from House on Austin. Natural wood top with drawer organization.
Source: House on Austin

White Ikea Nordli drawers line up under a warm wood bench top, creating a spot that actually earns its keep. The open cubby in the center holds woven baskets while drawers on each side tuck away blankets, books, or whatever clutter needs hiding.

House on Austin topped the dressers with butcher block for a cozy reading nook that doubles as serious storage. The natural wood grain brings warmth against crisp white walls, and those drawers keep the space looking clean even when life gets messy.

You could swap the wood for a cushioned top if lounging sounds better than extra surface space.

Energize Storage with Striped Cushions and Kallax Bins

White Kallax window bench from @theheartandhaven with striped cushion and tan storage bins below shutters.
Source: @theheartandhaven

The white Ikea Kallax unit transforms into a functional window seat when paired with a custom striped cushion in neutral tones. Tan fabric bins slide perfectly into each cubby, creating hidden storage that keeps clutter out of sight while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Layered pillows in gray gingham, natural linen with grain sack stripes, and navy mudcloth add texture without overwhelming the space. @theheartandhaven shows how mixing patterns in a cohesive color palette creates visual interest that feels intentional rather than chaotic.

White plantation shutters complete the look, filtering natural light while the bench becomes an instant favorite spot for reading or simply enjoying the view.

Infuse a Playroom With Built-In Storage and Seating

Gray built-in window bench from Sarah Flips It showcasing ikea window bench hacks & ideas with drawer storage below.
Source: Sarah Flips It

This genius hack transforms Ikea Nordli drawers into a gray built-in window bench that doubles as toy storage. The matching bookshelf ties everything together, creating a cohesive reading and play zone that feels custom without the hefty price tag.

The padded cushion topped with colorful pillows makes this spot irresistible for kids to curl up with books or games. Sarah Flips It painted both pieces in a soft gray-blue that brings calm to what could be a chaotic space.

Those drawer fronts hide mountains of toys while keeping the room looking tidy and grown-up enough to transition as your kids age.

Add Panel Molding to Your Ikea Smastad Bench

Cream panel-molded window bench from @nicolahuthwaite. Gingham cushion and pink blossoms complete the look.
Source: @nicolahuthwaite

The Ikea Smastad gets a seriously elegant upgrade with simple panel molding attached to the front. This transforms a plain storage bench into something that looks custom-built and architectural, perfect for a window nook.

Paint it in a soft cream or white to match your trim, then top with a linen cushion and gingham pillows for that cozy reading spot vibe. @nicolahuthwaite shows how adding decorative molding makes all the difference without complicated carpentry.

The storage inside stays totally functional while the outside looks like it belongs in a period home.

Ikea Besta Cabinets Inspire Built In Window Seating

Sage green window bench from Olive Grey Avenue with striped cushion and geometric curtains.
Source: Olive Grey Avenue

Ikea Besta cabinets transformed into a window bench create that built-in look without the custom carpentry price tag. The sage green painted finish gives these cabinets a softer, more furniture-like appearance than their original white.

A striped cushion in neutral tones sits atop the Besta units, while geometric patterned curtains frame the windows above. Storage drawers below keep the space practical, and Olive Grey Avenue shows how simple modifications turn basic cabinets into cozy seating.

Swap the cushion fabric or paint color to match your own room’s vibe.

Plywood Panels Brighten Up Your Corner Seating Space

Pale blue cushioned L-shaped bench with plywood paneling from Plykea in a bright kitchen corner.
Source: Plykea

This L-shaped corner bench uses Ikea Besta with plywood doors to create a custom built-in feel that wraps beautifully around the window. The pale blue cushions contrast nicely with the natural wood grain, making the whole setup feel relaxed yet polished.

The vertical slat detail on the front adds texture without overwhelming the space, and those exposed ceiling beams echo the wood tones perfectly. You could swap the cushion color to match your own kitchen palette or add patterned throw pillows for extra personality.

Check out Plykea for inspiration on how plywood transforms standard Ikea pieces into something that feels completely bespoke.

Besta Cabinets Inspire a Cozy Neutral Reading Nook

Neutral striped window seat showcasing ikea window bench hacks & ideas from Fourth Home with layered cushions and garden views
Source: Fourth Home

Ikea Besta cabinets transform into a dreamy window seat when topped with a custom cushion in beige striped ticking fabric. The clean white paneled fronts blend seamlessly with the surrounding trim, creating that built-in look without the hefty carpenter bill.

Layered neutral pillows in cream and tan leather add warmth while the Roman shade in matching grey tones keeps things cohesive. Fourth Home shows how smart storage lives beneath that comfy perch, perfect for books or throws.

You could easily swap the fabric for velvet or add decorative molding to the cabinet doors for extra character.

Showcase Monochrome Style With Besta Window Seating

Monochrome window bench from Joyful Derivatives with black and white textiles and shiplap wall detail.
Source: Joyful Derivatives

This Ikea Besta hack transforms basic storage cabinets into a sleek window seat with a minimalist edge. The white units sit flush against shiplap paneling, topped with a custom cushion and fluffy white throw for comfort.

Black and white textiles create sharp contrast against the clean base, while a slim gold side table adds an unexpected metallic touch. Joyful Derivatives proves that Besta cabinets work beautifully as hidden storage beneath seating.

You could swap the monochrome palette for pastels or jewel tones depending on your room’s vibe.

Upgrade Your Ikea Besta Into a Turquoise Reading Nook

Turquoise painted built-in window bench from @holymackerelhouse with brass hardware and cushioned seating.
Source: @holymackerelhouse

That vibrant turquoise paint transforms basic Ikea Besta cabinets into something that feels custom and intentional. The built-in look includes open shelving for books, closed storage below the bench seat, and even small drawers with brass hardware that add a vintage touch.

The cushioned seat gets layered with a light gray pad, making it actually comfortable for long reading sessions. @holymackerelhouse paired the bold color with cream curtains that have red scalloped trim, plus natural woven shades for texture.

You could easily swap the turquoise for navy, sage, or even keep it white if bold color isn’t your thing.

Sektion Cabinets Introduce Built-In Window Seating With Storage

White built-in window bench showcasing ikea window bench hacks & ideas from Yellow Brick Home with charcoal walls.
Source: Yellow Brick Home

Those charcoal gray walls create such a cozy backdrop for this white built-in bench that’s actually Ikea Sektion cabinets transformed into functional seating. The paneled cabinet fronts give it that custom millwork look while hiding tons of storage underneath.

Yellow Brick Home topped these base cabinets with a cushioned seat that turns an ordinary window into prime reading spot territory. The brass sconces flanking each side add a touch of elegance without feeling too formal.

You could swap the panel fronts for glass doors to display books or switch up the cushion fabric seasonally for a fresh vibe.

Havsta Cabinets Boost Built In Window Seating Storage

Gray Havsta cabinet system with window bench from Hydrangea Tree House featuring built-in storage drawers.
Source: Hydrangea Tree House

The Ikea Havsta series transforms into a cohesive built-in when paired with bench seating beneath a bright window. Soft gray paint unifies the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, creating a custom look that feels intentional rather than assembled.

White textured cushions and pillows soften the seating area while woven baskets on top add warmth against the cool gray tones. Hydrangea Tree House shows how glass-front upper cabinets display curated finds without visual clutter.

The drawers below the bench hide less photogenic items while keeping daily essentials within easy reach.

Layer Textured Pillows Over a Built-In Bench

Sage-green paneled window bench from @home.at.highfield with textured pillows and wood seat.
Source: @home.at.highfield

Soft textures make all the difference when you want a window seat that actually gets used. The combo of taupe and cream pillows here brings warmth to the pale wood and sage-green paneling, creating a spot that begs you to curl up with a book.

The built-in design tucks neatly beneath the window, maximizing floor space while offering hidden storage behind those clean panel fronts. @home.at.highfield shows how a simple wood-tone seat paired with painted cabinetry below keeps things feeling fresh and uncluttered.

Try mixing pillow fabrics like linen, boucle, or even a knit throw to add depth without overwhelming the space.

Highlight Built-In Bookshelves Flanking Your Besta Window Seat

White built-in window bench with bamboo facade from Lovely Indeed featuring flanking bookshelves and colorful cushions.
Source: Lovely Indeed

White Ikea Besta cabinets become floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on either side of this window nook, creating symmetry that feels intentional and polished. The bench itself gets wrapped in a textured bamboo facade that adds warmth against all that crisp white cabinetry.

A yellow tufted cushion softens the seating area while colorful pillows bring playful energy into the space. Lovely Indeed shows how this setup turns an ordinary window into a reading retreat surrounded by storage that actually works.

The natural bamboo texture against white shelving creates a look that’s both modern and inviting without feeling too sterile.

These ikea window bench hacks & ideas prove that stunning results don’t require professional carpentry skills. Each project offers a different approach to maximizing both seating and storage potential.

Your window nooks can become the most coveted spots in your home with just a few strategic tweaks. The beauty lies in how these simple changes create spaces that feel intentional and perfectly planned.

Now those once-forgotten corners become functional focal points that everyone wants to claim.

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