How Much Does Installing a Window Seat Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a window seat costs an average of $2,500, but prices can range from as low as $500 to upwards of $8,000. Key factors influencing the cost include materials, labor, shape, size, and additional features like storage and upholstery. Hiring a professional ensures quality workmanship and helps you get the most out of your investment.

Window Seat Cost Factors

Several important factors influence how much it costs to install window seats in your home.

Material

Window seats are often made from wood and various types of upholstery, all of which can vary in price. Be sure to budget for both the structure and the upholstery for cushions and pillows. Total material costs range between $350 and $7,000.

Labor

Hire a local carpenter to build and install your window seat, especially if you want it to fit perfectly in your home or if you want to add custom storage solutions. You might also consult a designer and an upholstery professional to assist with the project.

Shape

The shape of your built-in seating can affect the cost. A simple corner bench can cost as little as $500, while more complex curved benches can cost up to $8,000. L-shaped and U-shaped benches cost between $1,000 and $8,000.

Size

Most window seat projects are priced based on the type of seating and the amount of materials needed for construction, although you might also find costs based on size. Built-in window seating starts at $30 to $40 per foot for a simple, 3-foot-long bench. More complex projects and those made of exotic materials can set you back $300 or more per foot.

Stuffing

If you want your window seat to be plush and cozy, consider upholstery and stuffing. Adding padding and stuffing costs $100 to $500 per cushion.

Tufting

Tufting adds small, evenly spaced indents—often finished with buttons—to give your upholstery a stylish and textured look. For a tufted bench, you'll spend $50 more for buttons and twine.

Storage

There are many ways to add storage to your window seat, whether you add drawers, a lifting bench, or cabinetry. Storage in smaller, 3-foot seats costs $500, while custom storage solutions for larger built-in seating projects range from $3,000 to $8,000.

Cushions

Cushions help finalize the look of your window seating while also making it more comfortable. Cushions range in materials and styles. You can find cushions at home decor stores for $20 to $50 each, or $100 to $500 for custom cushions.

Window Seat Cost by Type

Whether you're dreaming of a breakfast nook near the kitchen or a cozy reading spot in the living room, there are many types of built-in window seats to choose from. They vary in cost based on the simplicity or complexity of the design.

Bench

Standard window seats cost between $2,500 and $3,500 to install.

Bench With Storage Cubbies

If you want the simplicity of a bench with a little extra storage, this type of window seat is for you. Cubbies are perfect for storing shoes or baskets to hide away clutter. A built-in bench with cubbies costs $500 to $1,000. Larger benches with extra cubbies cost $2,000 or more.

Bench With Interior Storage

If you want hidden storage for blankets or winter coats, consider window seating that lifts up to reveal storage inside the bench. This option costs $500 for a small bench with interior storage, although larger benches made with more expensive wood cost closer to $3,000.

Daybed

A daybed offers a larger built-in seating option that can also double as a sleep space for guests. A built-in daybed under a window runs between $1,000 and $8,000 because it's a bigger built-in seating option that requires more materials for the frame plus extra padding and stuffing to make it comfortable enough for sleeping.

Dining Seats

Window seating at the dining table or breakfast nook can easily add more space for large families. Consult a kitchen remodeling contractor for advice on which type of built-in seating arrangement may work best for your space.

• Bench with tall back: Adding a back to the bench can make a more comfortable seat for dining, but it will also require more materials. This project costs $1,000 to $3,000.

• Booth: Booth seats can make your dining space feel like a hip restaurant. The extra padding and frame materials will cost more. Built-in booths cost $1,000 to $7,000.

• Breakfast nook: Breakfast nooks range widely in the materials and storage options. The cost varies from $1,000 to $8,000.

Reading Nook

Reading nooks are one of the most popular window seat options. They can be simple, like a built-in bench with cubbies to store books, or more complex with drawers and shelves to create a mini-library. Simpler options cost $500, while larger nooks with more storage solutions cost closer to $4,000.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

The bulk of the costs to install a built-in window seat are in materials, so you won't save much money by doing this project yourself. You might save 10% to 30% of the project budget on labor costs, but it will take longer than if you hire a pro, especially for complex designs. If you decide to DIY, expect the total materials cost to range from $1,200 to $1,600.

Hiring a carpenter to install your window seat is a solid investment, especially if you want custom woodworking, storage solutions, or complex designs. For an $1,800 project, carpentry services cost $200 to $600 of the total, and a carpenter will be able to complete the job correctly and quickly.

A professional carpenter will take a few hours for smaller window seating or a few days for larger, custom built-in seating. If you go the DIY route, it can take a day to build and install simple seating or several days for more complex projects.

Find a local carpenter today to ensure a professional and high-quality installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.