Should I have a window seat in bay window of 1930s semi? Advice please?

[FishfingersAreOK]

We are doing up a 1930s semi and have installed underfloor heating downstairs. This means no radiator in the beautiful bay. My plan was to have a window seat put under the bay - somewhere for additional storage, somewhere to sit and read. A window seat.

Is this a good idea? Or naff? Will I regret the space going (sitting room still pretty big without the bay)? Will it cause curtain issues?

Wise MN views welcome please...

[oreocrumbs]

I love window seats. So I vote yes. I can't think what the space would otherwise be used for, apart from a table, so I can't see that you would miss the space.

Your house sounds like it will be stunning, I hope you will post some pictures when you are done.

[ProudNeathGirl]

I think that would be lovely.

[ApuskiMcClusky]

As long as there's still somewhere for the Christmas tree (I can't be the only one to plan this out when viewing houses surely?!).

[FishfingersAreOK]

What about curtains though (another thread on here got me thinking)...just to windowseat level around the bay or full length in front of seat?

[MrsjREwing]

If you lean back when sitting would you put pressure on the curtain pole? We got blinds to deal with this issue. Our window seat is uncomfortable due to draft, not soft enough and not the right height.

[FishfingersAreOK]

And thank you Oreo - and I hope so and if fucking should the horrific amount of money we seem to be pouring into it..gulp

.....Christmas tree on the window seat?....twinkling out of the window.....plugged into one of the 16 (!) sockets being put in. 16 FFS! 4 double sockets in the TV corner!

[oreocrumbs]

I would have roman blinds at the windows and full length curtains that would be drawn straight across, although probably never draw them.

You would still be able to put the christmas tree infront of the seat I should think - but agree it is a very important factor!

[RoobyMurray]

hmm I'm not sure. Would you have to lean on the window? or is there wall to lean on?

I think bay windows looks nice empty to make the room feel spacious. But saying that, we have an arm chair in ours.

And you could have shutters instead of curtains.

[oreocrumbs]

It will be worth it in the end! You can enjoy your lovely house while you eat only bread and water for the next 3 years!

[CaliforniaLeaving]

As long as there's still somewhere for the Christmas tree (I can't be the only one to plan this out when viewing houses surely?!).
Now why didn't I ever think to do this. Two houses and neither had a good spot for the tree. Third times a charm for me, I'll be checking tree spots in our next house.

I like the idea of a window seat.

[FishfingersAreOK]

Mrs Ewing - good point about the comfort factor! And you know that at some point the builder will ask "how high do you want it?" So just started a new thread to pick on others experiences.....is yours too high or too low?

[noddyholder]

I think they look old fashioned.

[MrsjREwing]

Too high. Ours is a shelf one, so underneath is outside the house.

[Pannacotta]

I'm not sure they are very practical, where do you lean back when sitting on a window seat, for example?
Do you need the storage?
I think I'd be tempted to try a pair of armchairs in the bay first, I think a pair of chairs and a round table in the middle looks good and would be more comfortable to sit and read in.

There are some good pics of both options here
[[http://www.houzz.com/furniture-for-bay-window-area/ls=4]

[FishfingersAreOK]

Do you know what that is a good idea....I think I will wait. I really could do with the storage but just been into the sitting room and it may make what is now a lovely room into a bit of a box. It is something that the builder can do later (after a few months of bread and water) without any problems...and will save a few ££s for now too (which we desperately need to do).

We are going for a slightly more traditional trying not to be hurumphy at the old-fashioned remark look in the sitting room as want a home for inherited furniture. So warm, cosy, dark wood in the sitting room and light airy more contemporary in the rest of the house. So Noddy you are probably right - but I think that is why I like them. The space thing/pragmatic thing is a consideration. And it would be nice to make at least one decision after we have moved in and not before. Oh will this ever end....

[AllPastYears]

We have window seats in 4 rooms, I love them :) They are all on the sunny side of the house and are good to sit in. They are in recesses so you just lean against the side (with a cushion) and they have covered foam padding on top. Lots of storage inside.

Two have shutters and two have curtains.