The high ceilings of this room are complete with exposed wood beams and a vintage pendant. A neutral cushion and matching throw pillows fill a cozy window nook in this European-inspired home. The wooden window frames share the same stained wood color as the arched double doors.
24 Window Nook Ideas to Create a Relaxing Space
Written by
April 3, 2023
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here.
Take in the sights outside with window nook ideas that encourage relaxation. A window nook can be used with various purposes in mind. You can create a cozy reading nook with plush cushions and throw pillows or install a multi-wall bench for breakfast table seating. No matter what kind of space you want to create, this unique form of seating will not disappoint.
Window nooks are almost always outfitted with a custom or built-in bench, which gives you control over the design. Take this opportunity to include storage either inside or beneath the bench. Accessories will set your cozy little space apart from all the others. These features are the ultimate place to display decorative throw pillows and comfortable cushions. Don’t forget about lighting. If you intend to use this area for reading, you will need a pair of sconces to illuminate the space. Look below at our collection of window nook ideas to design an unforgettable seating area!
02 of Bay Window With a Wooden Bench
PHOTO:
Bay windows with black trim host a white bench with a stained wood top. Brown and white throw pillows are placed on the bench, basking in natural light. White walls and greenery surround this space.
03 of Built-in Shelves With Black Sconces
PHOTO:
Built-in shelves filled with books and baskets flank a cozy reading nook below a large window. Textured pillows and a white pad create a comfortable place to curl up with a good book. A pair of black sconces with brass accents are anchored to the side of the shelves to illuminate the space below.
04 of Dining Room Bench Surrounded by Windows
PHOTO:
Adding a window bench to your dining room can provide optimal seating while saving space. Windows cover two dining room walls and host a cushioned bench. A rustic wooden dining table stands beneath a black chandelier with beaded embellishments.
05 of Vintage Armchair Beside Lowered Window Nook
PHOTO:
A lowered window nook is topped with a beige cushion and white throw pillows in this rustic living room. Wood flooring hosts a vintage armchair accessorized with a vibrant accent pillow. A farmhouse-style mirror is used as wall décor.
06 of Wood Panels on Breakfast Nook Bench
PHOTO:
White paint and matching window blinds cover the walls of this breakfast nook. A white bench with a wood-paneled top extends across two walls. The circular white table is paired with a stained wood base and a matching chair.
07 of Patterned Curtain Over Light Blue Walls
PHOTO:
Light blue walls are paired with white trim and matching window shutters. A gray and white patterned curtain is draped beside a cozy reading nook. Patterned throw pillows are placed on the bench, adding a cozy touch.
08 of Masculine, Rich Blue Home Office Inspiration
PHOTO:
This office uses rich blue paint to achieve a sophisticated, masculine look. The gold sputnik pendant light and gallery light contrast with the dark wall paint. A leather desk chair and neutral pillows give it a cozy feel, along with a boho farmhouse rug with shades of indigo and brown.
09 of White Cabinets on a Window Bench
PHOTO:
A kitchen table with a wood frame and a gray top is set against a kitchen wall. A gray mug rack is mounted beside white cabinets. A bench with white cabinets and light wood sits in front of large rectangular windows. White pillows accessorize the top.
10 of Farmhouse Kitchen With Window Bench Storage
PHOTO:
- the_melton_homestead
This farmhouse kitchen features wood flooring that extends to a small bench resting below a large window. The window bench is equipped with drawers and a plush white cushion. A wooden topped island is accessorized with upholstered gray stools.
11 of Modern Farmhouse Breakfast Nook
PHOTO:
A welcoming breakfast nook is showcased in this modern farmhouse kitchen. A wooden dining table stands beside a built-in window bench and is topped with a vibrant runner and a vase of stems on a log slice for subtle organic décor.
12 of Bay Windows in a Neutral Living Room
PHOTO:
Living room bay windows feature an extended white bench and two black sconces. Wood flooring is layered with a patterned rug. A circular coffee table is paired with a beige sofa and a matching loveseat.
13 of Compact Window Bench Beneath Shaded Pendant
PHOTO:
Use recessed walls to your advantage by creating cozy spaces like the seating nook in this kitchen. A shaded white pendant hangs above a built-in white bench. A circular glass table is topped with blue and white tableware. A faux fur rug lays over wood flooring.
14 of Slanted Ceiling Creates Asymmetrical Shelves
PHOTO:
This slanted ceiling space hosts asymmetrical white shelves with a shiplap backboard. The white shelves are built into the wall alongside shaker cabinets and a padded seat. A neutral cushion and throw pillows are arranged on the window bench.
15 of Plants Decorate a Small Breakfast Nook
PHOTO:
Small decorative plants are displayed around a breakfast nook. White shiplap benches are used as seating on two sides of a wooden table. A patterned rug lays beneath the table and two white spindle-back chairs.
16 of Vintage Décor and Modern Features
PHOTO:
This modern farmhouse space showcases vintage décor paired with modern features. A window nook with white benches covering two walls offers unique seating to the room. A red accent pillow is arranged among a collection of white pillows.
17 of Colorful Kitchen With Charming Window Nook
PHOTO:
Bay windows are the most welcoming place to install a window nook. The natural recessed quality offers additional space for this charming feature. Light blue walls are accentuated by white beadboard wainscoting. A white pendant is displayed over a vase of vibrant hydrangeas.
18 of Window Seat Surrounded by Gray Walls
PHOTO:
A light gray wall surrounds a comfortable nook with a large window that fills the space. A tasseled blanket is folded over the seat and paired with two accent pillows. Built-in cabinets occupy one wall.
19 of Window Benches Covering Two Kitchen Walls
PHOTO:
A black farmhouse chandelier hangs above a wooden kitchen table. The pedestal table is paired with matching wooden chairs and window benches that cover two walls. Off-white beadboard wainscoting is installed around the windows.
20 of Staircase Landing With a Window Bench
PHOTO:
A wooden staircase railing and intricate black spindles border a staircase with gray carpeting. The staircase landing features a bench installed below a vertical rectangular window. White board and batten wainscoting is applied to the walls and covers the window bench.
21 of Natural Wood Bench Top With Beadboard Base
PHOTO:
A gray upright piano sits in front of two sunroom windows with pull-down bamboo shades. An arched shelf occupies the corner and hosts a gold sconce. A beadboard bench with a natural wood top provides seating in a naturally lit space.
22 of Black Sconce Illuminates Window Alcove
PHOTO:
A recessed wall hosts a built-in window bench and a black sconce. Window alcove accessories like throw pillows are essential to creating a comfortable space. The off-white walls are finished with white trim and framed wall décor.
23 of Pedestal Table Paired With Varying Chair Styles
PHOTO:
Decorative Roman shades partially cover a kitchen window with a black grid design. A white pedestal table is placed beside the window under a shaded brass pendant. Varying styles of chairs are gathered around the table, including a white bench for extra seating.
24 of Fall Kitchen With Breakfast Nook
PHOTO:
A fall garland is draped over the top of a kitchen window under a vaulted ceiling. White window benches are installed against two walls and provide seating to this charming breakfast nook. A wooden pedestal table is topped with a basket of flowers and Fall décor.
