Build This Book Nook & Window Seat

Enlarge Image Image Gallery This built-in windowseat/bookshelf can be an attractive addition to your home. LEN CHURCHILL

Your favorite books within easy reach, a comfy seat and lots of warm, natural light — these are the three features that make an inviting book nook. Combine a little bit of vision, a little bit of know-how and a few key tools, and you can custom build this combination window seat/bookshelf/storage area for your home. And it won’t cost a whole lot if you remember two things: salvage and simplicity.

Keep your design simple, make use of reclaimed cabinets (or inexpensive ready-made shelf units), and success is within reach of anyone with intermediate woodworking skills. Yes, every nook will be a little different, but that’s OK. Custom work like this needn’t be daunting because the design principles and construction skills you need remain the same in every case. That’s what you’ll find below: a toolbox of universal concepts, techniques and solutions that you can apply to your specific project.

STEP 1: FIND THE PERFECT LOCATION

Every book nook needs shelves, a seat and a window. These are the essentials, but because the window and its location sets the stage for the rest of the project, start there. South-facing windows offer direct sunlight, which is nicest in northern climates. Light from north facing windows is less intense and easier on the eyes.

Ideally, you want to choose a window that is within 30 to 42 inches of the floor. Any higher, and the seating area won’t be as well lit. Any lower, and there won’t be a place to support your back. You’ll also need a location with at least 24 inches of free wall space on both sides of the window for shelves (more is better).

Have a corner window? You’ll enjoy a cozier book nook in this location, though construction might be more challenging. It’s more complicated to join a base cabinet and bench at 90 degrees because it interferes with the swinging action of the doors.

If the window you choose is old and tired, do a tune-up or replace it. You could do this job after the window seat is installed, but why make the upgrade any harder than it has to be? It’s easier to work without shelves and a bench in the way. (For help, see Install Your Own Windows.)

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN WISELY

You could build your own shelves and bench from scratch, but before you do, look around. Every day thousands of perfectly good kitchen cabinets are “upgraded,” often unnecessarily. You can save substantial time, money and resources by making use of reclaimed cabinets and shelves. They’re available at little or no cost from kitchen cabinet stores, who almost always keep the ones they replace. (Call ahead and leave your name, so they can contact you when units become available.)