Let’s talk about (window) seats baby, all the good things and the bad things about erm... window seats

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

We’re having some work done and thinking about putting a window seat in the lobby bit between rooms (it’s not grand enough to be a hall or even a cloak room). We would use it for storing shoes and boots and it would be on the exterior wall.

It would be handy to be able to sit there to put on boots, but I’m a bit worried being on an outside wall (that doesn’t get much sun) it could end up cold and maybe even damp in there? I don’t want wet shoes.

Because it’s a lobby area it won’t be very well heated. We would probably have some underfloor heating or a very small radiator in the space.

Any thoughts?

The more I think about this the more I think it’s a recipe for condensation and damp.

Gah! What to do?!

If you're storing shoes and boots in there, surely it doesn't matter too much if it's cold or even damp? I keep shoes in my porch and they are fine. I think it sounds like a nice idea, though my concern would be that (in my family anyway) people might just dump shoes in there and you'll end up with a big heap of random shoes.

I don’t really understand, why would it be any colder or damper with a window seat? It’s either cold or damp or it’s not, a seat won’t make a difference.

yep. damp and mould.
I wanted a window seat/chest in the kitchen bay window but was discouraged by the carpenter. she would only agree if we were to insulate the bay first and putting another air brick in.
we agreed on a simple fitted open bench with a storagd shelf underneath.

That’s what I’m thinking Purple. A seat under the window (maybe built in, but probably not) and I’ll put the storage on the opposite, internal wall where things won’t get damp.

I don’t mind a big heap of random shoes if they’re contained. They’re currently all over my hallway in a big random heap!

The designer put the storage on the outside wall but I’ve just read loads of threads about damp wardrobes on exterior walls.