Saturday

DIYP #41 A Thrifty Window Seat Makeover

My master bedroom is average size and pretty ordinary. The focal point is this window with a seat large enough to sit on. 


For nearly 5 years, we've just piled stuff there.

Before
I have felt inspired to makeover the area several times, but felt very uninspired every time I checked into having a custom cushion made. 

After flipping thru a magazine, I realized that the answer was in pillows. Now, throw pillows aren't always cheap, but if you shop around, use what you have and get creative, it's amazing what you can create.

Before I tackled the pillow issue, I moved my existing curtain rod to the outside of the window, so the panels would create a small room feeling. You can see in the above picture where the rod was (the little white patch where I need to touch up the paint).

Next, I made several pillows out of napkins. I bought a package of napkins (they usually come 4 or 8 in a package). I love this option because it involves absolutely no sewing!


I matched up the sides and glued them together, leaving a hole small enough for stuffing.

I used this glue:


Make sure you glue a little at a time, not like I'm showing you in the picture below. I learned as I went that it's hard to match up sides that have already been glued. It's much easier to match up sides and add glue by lifting the edges.


I let the 'pillows' dry overnight. And stuffed them the next day. I couldn't believe how well the fabric bonded!


I glued up the remaining seam and it's hard to tell which pillows came off my bed, which ones I bought at WalMart for $5 and which one are napkins glued together for less than $2 each!


The most expensive part of the project was the outdoor lawn cushion I bought ($30). It's not the exact size of the window seat, but I think it still looks pretty good!


I used some hooks I had on hand from Hobby Lobby ($2.99 each) to hold back the curtains. I spray painted two matching candleholders I'd retired to my garage and shopped my house for a couple of coordinating candleholders.

after
The entire makeover cost around $50!

44 comments:

The Southern Family said...

I love it! I have pillow napkins too! Did you know you can make a super cute valance by taking a round table cloth and cutting it in half?

Muthering Heights said...

That looks adorable! I love the idea of using napkins for pillows...great idea!

Courtney said...

adorable!! i had a window seat when I was little and thought it was the greatest thing!

Kristy said...

I'm totally jealous b/c I want a window seat so badly! I already do the napkin pillows so I guess I'm halfway there! You did an awesome job and can come help me if I ever decide to install a window seat!

Diane said...

I love it !!!!!! It would be a great place to cozy up and read a book !!!

everydayMOM said...

Very cute! Love the colors!

Nikki said...

love it! I really like the colors:)

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I can't wait to try the napkins to pillow case craft! I pick up unusual napkins and placemats at our thrift stores and I think I could come up with some unique pillows. Thanks for the idea!

the BLAH BLAH BLAHger said...

Such a clever idea!!! Love it!

Keeper of the Home said...

I love it. The colors are absolutely gorgeous.

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

Absolutely ADORABLE! I love it! And I've heard of the napkin pillow idea, but now you've inspired me to try it! thanks!

Banteringblonde said...

I'm totally inspired!!!

Unknown said...

It looks great - and I love the curtain on the outside. Definitely a great place to hide behind with a book for some "me time"!!!

You just need a Do Not Disturb sign now and you are good to go :)

Teri from Indiana said...

Just for a future reference.......find an area company that makes the patio cushions, wait until the end of their season, usually in June, They have warehouse sales to clear out what didn't sell at a huge discounted price. My husband works are such a company & in July they do this. I got cushions for all of our patio furniture for less than $8 a cushion.

~*Michelle*~ said...

that looks awesome!!!!!!!!! LOVE the color combos too. perfect!

Terry said...

Very cute! Guess I better get me some of that glue!

Hyperactive Lu said...

Great job!

Kelly B said...

I had never thought of napkins before. That is a great idea!! Thanks for the post!! :)

bridget {bake at 350} said...

Loving this idea! We have one in our master, too...must be the neighborhood :), and it needs help. Previous owners left the cushion, but I believe I see paw prints on it. ;) I never would have thought of a patio cushion...or napkins pillows. Look out Target, here I come!!!

Kasey said...

It turned out great!! Good job.

Unknown said...

Very inviting!

Tiffany said...

This looks great! A very inviting little space.

akawest said...

It looks great! I like the idea of using glue on the pillows. I have used napkins, but always have sewn.

Nancy M. said...

I think it looks awesome!

Angie said...

This looks beautiful! Love the colors!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

I love window seats, Kristen! Glad you got it all spruced up, it looks great. I love that fabric glue too.

Cathy {Mommy Needs Motivation} said...

I love it! I am in the market for a bench like the wood one I see beneath your cushion-in-progress. And then I'll be all about the cushions too. Great idea, thank you!!

Tanya Moyer said...

Very pretty!!! Good job!!!

Anonymous said...

Looks so homey and inviting, I love it! Great idea to make pillows out of napkins, I need to try that.

Heather said...

Your window seat looks great!

Lisa said...

pretty pretty. I need some of that glue myself. For other things besides pillows!!!

nicole said...

That looks great! I have a big window seat in my room, and have had no idea what to do with it. You've inspired me.

Anonymous said...

yea - it look fabulous. So do your really think you can avoid piling stuff on there? My master bedroom sofa just screams - throw the odds and ends right here. Do it :)

Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Oops - didn't mean to be anonymous. :)

We've Got Scents said...

Thanks for sharing. Would have never dreamed of using glue to make decorative pillows.
Your window seat looks terrific!
Have a great weekend.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Lauren said...

I have you tell you, you look like a brunette Kate Gosslen (Jon and Kate + 8) in your picture there...and you look very slim, you been workin' out? :)

Amanda said...

so incrediably cute!!! and I bet the pics dont even due it justice. Great Job!

Lori said...

Awesome job! Thanks for sharing. :)

Anonymous said...

Nice. Have you considered using black spray paint on your white candleholders? Might look nice considering your black drapery hardware. . . mkw

Unknown said...

Wow! I just love the colors and patterns of the fabric that you picked!
And it was only $50?! Amazing!

Unknown said...

Wow! I just love the colors and patterns of the fabric that you picked!
And it was only $50?! Amazing!

mommy4life said...

What a great idea! I like the idea of an patio furniture cushion in the window seat!

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

That's awesome! Love your glued pillow idea!

Brianna said...

It looks fabulous!