Window seats create a natural link between the interior and the landscape beyond. Sitting within the thickness of the wall, a well-designed window seat should feel like an invitation to pause.
At De Rosee Sa, we approach interiors through an architectural lens. Our work focuses on creating homes that feel calm, coherent and connected to their setting, shaped as much by proportion, light and structure as by material and detail. At a recent Cornwall project we created a window seat with soft woods and a beachy palette to put it in harmony with the sea beyond the window.
Here I share how I might approach the window seat at this six-bedroom family home in Suffolk. Originally a 12th-century hall, the house has great architectural bones. The window seat in the bay window of the family room offers an opportunity to build on the existing character rather than compete with it. With a few carefully judged layers, it could become one of the most quietly enjoyable places in the house.
Treading on carpet
I always begin underfoot. A window seat works best when it feels grounded, and a textural carpet brings a sense of immediate comfort. Basketweave Natural SBW from Crucial Trading has a subtle woven character that adds warmth and tactility without drawing attention to itself. It creates a soft landing for the space and sets the tone for the layers above, which is particularly important in a period home where finishes should feel settled rather than new.
Making a comfy seat
Reupholstering the window seat itself is one of the most effective ways to refresh the space without overcommitting to a particular look. A contemporary stripe such as Namay Samay’s Mende in cream would introduce a gentle rhythm that feels relaxed and timeless, working comfortably with traditional architecture. The scale of the stripe is key — it introduces interest while remaining calm enough to live with every day.
Adding cushions
Cushions are where I like to introduce warmth and depth. A small number of scatter cushions in Dedar Milano’s Topinambour (colour 008) would gently pick up on the red tones within the striped upholstery, adding richness without overwhelming the palette. Used sparingly, they would help the window seat feel considered but still relaxed.
Drawing the curtains
When the window looks out at a lovely view, as it does here over the natural landscape, the curtains should support the view rather than compete with it. A neutral fabric like Linteo YP21009 Belgian Linen from Designs of the Times softens the architecture and improves acoustics, while still allowing light and greenery to take centre stage. Linen’s flowing movement also brings an ease to the space, preventing it from feeling overly formal.
Lighting
A window seat shouldn’t only work during daylight hours. Thoughtful lighting transforms it into a place you want to use in the evening as well. Gubi’s 1967A pendant, hung overhead, provides a soft, atmospheric glow through its bamboo shade, giving the seat a sense of purpose after dark and turning it into a destination rather than a leftover corner.
Photography: Knight Frank; Kensington Leverne for De Rosee Sa; Peter Molloy for De Rosee Sa
