How to Make a Couch on the Window Sill (and Where to Put the Radiator)?

We have already told about designer Erin Kestenbaum in a step-by-step guide to creating a dressing room. This time, the designer solves a new issue: how to hide ugly radiators that spoil the interior of her house in Victorian style. Erin created not only a beautiful but also extremely functional zone: here you can warm up in the sunshine early in spring or lie down with a favorite book on a cloudy autumn day. If the window width allows, you can even set up a full sleeping place for a guest staying overnight.

We tell you how to create such a chill-out zone yourself.

For the first time, the designer converted the windowsill into a sleeping place on the veranda - it turned out very cozy!
Step 1. Prepare the workspace

First, remove the windowsill and prepare the workspace, freeing up space around the radiator.

Step 2. Build the Frame

First, decide on the dimensions of the bench. Cut blocks of appropriate length, 10 cm wide and 5 cm thick. On the photos, the bench has an unusual shape - you can replicate it: then cut the blocks at an angle to form the lower base for the seat. Or make a rectangular seat.

Before attaching the vertical supports to the base, determine where the ventilation holes will be located and ensure that the vertical supports do not interfere with them.

Regarding height, the most optimal for a windowsill is 48 cm. Considering the height of the cushion that will lie on the seat (approximately 5–7 cm) and the thickness of the wood at the top of the bench (approximately 2 cm), the vertical supports should be about 40 cm in height.

Attach the front frame to the floor using long nails.

On the back wall, install a solid wooden board and attach the front frame to it using 5x10 cm blocks and appropriate length according to your dimensions. This will ensure the strength and stability of the entire structure.

Step 3. Cover the Frame with Gypsum Board

The most suitable material for covering in this case is gypsum board. It's cheap and easy to use, allowing you to create the illusion that the seat continues the wall. You can even use leftover gypsum board from previous renovations.

Cut pieces of gypsum board to size according to the front frame and attach them using screws for gypsum board.

You can hide protruding screw heads and defects on the gypsum board with a thin layer of spackle. If your bench has the same shape as in the photo, don't forget to spackle the corner of the bench.

The easiest way to create a sense of built-in furniture is to continue the base of the seat with the skirting board used in decorating the rest of the room.

Step 4. Cut Ventilation Holes

To allow hot air from the radiator to circulate smoothly and prevent overheating of the structure, you must cut ventilation slots. Consider the width of the finishing skirting board you plan to use around the ventilation opening.

Don't forget to 'try on' the finishing skirting board before cutting the holes.

Cut pieces of grille that will cover the ventilation openings slightly larger than the openings themselves. Attach them from the back side of the gypsum board base using a construction stapler. Ensure that the pattern alignment is correct on all grilles.

Attach decorative skirting boards around the ventilation openings using glue and/or finishing nails.

Step 5. Make the Upper Part of the Bench

For the upper part, choose high-quality plywood at least 2 cm thick (to prevent the plywood from sagging under the weight of a person sitting on the bench). Cut it to size according to the support structure.

Ensure that the plywood is well-sanded and attach it to the support structure.

Step 6. Paint!

The most pleasant part begins now. Apply two coats of primer before painting, as gypsum board absorbs paint like a sponge. Choose the color of paint that matches the wall color. Don't forget to let each coat dry.

Step 7. Thermal Insulation

This step is optional, but if you don't want your seat to get too hot, you can lay flexible thermal insulation to draw heat through the ventilation openings.

A beautiful seat hiding bulky radiators from view is ready.