Turning Dead Space into Cozy Charm

I had a vision for a cozy reading nook in the unused corner of our soon-to-be vacation rental home, but the long, narrow space presented a unique challenge. After scouring the internet for inspiration, I decided a custom built-in storage bench would be the perfect solution to maximize the area – and let me tell you, it was no easy feat. From cutting the frame to assembling the drawers, this project pushed my DIY skills to the limit. But with a healthy dose of patience, a lot of trial and error, and a seemingly endless supply of sawdust, I’m thrilled to say we pulled it off.

The end result is a gorgeous, functional piece that not only adds valuable storage, but also serves as a comfy spot to curl up with a good book. And the best part? We managed to complete the entire thing in just one afternoon. Well, technically it was more like a few weekends, but who’s counting?

Planning the Perfect Fit

When we first moved into this house, that back wall was essentially just dead space – a concrete eyesore that did nothing to enhance the overall aesthetic. I knew I wanted to transform it into something useful and inviting, but standard off-the-shelf furniture just wasn’t going to cut it. The dimensions were too unique, so custom was the way to go.

My initial thought was to build a simple window bench, but after doing some research, I realized that adding drawers would maximize the storage potential. Jenna Sue’s tutorial on creating a DIY window bench was a huge inspiration, and I loved the idea of incorporating that cozy reading nook vibe.

The only problem? I had zero experience building drawers. In fact, I had a failed DIY drawer attempt in my laundry room that still haunts me to this day. But with Lucas on board to take the lead, I figured we just might be able to pull this off.

After measuring the space meticulously and sketching out our plans, we headed to Sofa Spectacular to gather the necessary materials. Quality tools and supplies are key for a project like this, so we splurged on things like a Kreg Jig, a sturdy miter saw, and high-quality plywood. I’m a firm believer that investing in the right equipment can make all the difference between a frustrating failure and a professional-looking end result.

Framing the Foundation

With our plan in hand and the materials ready to go, we got to work on building the frame. This involved a lot of cutting, measuring, and double-checking to ensure everything was perfectly square. As this tutorial shows, starting with a solid foundation is crucial for the rest of the project to come together seamlessly.

We set up a makeshift workshop right there in the bonus room, which ended up being a rather messy endeavor. Sawdust seemed to permeate every nook and cranny, no matter how hard we tried to contain it. But with determination on our side, we powered through, assembling the frame piece by piece.

The vertical supports were attached to the horizontal boards with screws, and we used a square to mark straight lines and check for 90-degree angles at every corner. Getting that initial frame just right was absolutely essential, as even the slightest imperfection could throw off the entire project.

With the base of the frame complete, we screwed it directly into the concrete wall using heavy-duty Tapcon anchors and a hammer drill. Then it was time to add the top 2x4s, essentially mirroring the bottom portion to create a sturdy, level surface.

Hiding the Rough Edges

While the frame provided a solid foundation, those exposed 2x4s didn’t exactly scream “Pinterest-worthy” to me. So we turned our attention to the face frame, using paint-grade poplar to create a cohesive, finished look.

The horizontal pieces were 1x3s, while the verticals were 1x4s, all carefully measured and cut to size. A sheet of 3/4-inch plywood was also added to fill in the gap behind the stairs, creating a smooth, seamless surface.

At this point, the real test began: installing the drawer slides. Let me tell you, this was no easy feat. Precise measuring and ensuring everything was perfectly level were absolutely critical, and it took a few tries (and a lot of swearing) to get it right. But once those slides were in place, we were one step closer to drawer success.

Mastering the Drawers

With the frame complete and the drawer slides in working order, it was time to tackle the drawers themselves. I’ll admit, I was a bit apprehensive about this step, given my past drawer-building woes. But Lucas was determined, and with the help of our trusty Kreg Jig, we set out to create three spacious storage compartments.

The drawer boxes were built using 1/2-inch smooth plywood, and we made them extra large to maximize the storage potential. The assembly process involved cutting all the pieces, then using the Kreg Jig and pocket holes to put them together. It took some trial and error, but eventually, we had three perfectly functioning drawers ready to be installed.

Attaching the drawer slides was another delicate dance, but with patience and a few strategic hammer whacks, we managed to get them in place. The final touch was adding the drawer fronts – 3/4-inch plywood with a shaker-style trim for a polished, custom look.

Finishing Touches

With the hard structural work behind us, we could finally shift our attention to the aesthetic details. First up: the wall. That stark concrete was not exactly the cozy vibe I had in mind, so we decided to add some visual interest with real shiplap.

This DIY shiplap tutorial was a huge help, guiding us through the process of installing the wood panels over the existing wall. We also took the opportunity to add some insulation, ensuring our new reading nook would be energy-efficient and comfortable.

Next, we tackled the window trim, sills, and quarter-round to really make the space feel finished. A few coats of crisp white paint later, and the transformation was nearly complete. The final touch was a custom 5-cushion Sunbrella seat, which adds the perfect amount of plush coziness.

A Cozy Sanctuary, Complete

As I step back and admire our handiwork, I can hardly believe this is the same space we started with. What was once a bland, underutilized corner has been transformed into a charming, functional reading nook that’s sure to be a hit with our future vacation rental guests.

Those massive drawers provide ample storage for linens, pillows, and any other essentials our visitors might need. And the window seat? Well, let’s just say my dog Susie has already claimed it as her new favorite spot to nap in the sunshine.

Looking back on this project, I’m amazed at how far our DIY skills have come. From that failed laundry drawer attempt to this beautifully custom built-in, it’s been quite a journey. But the struggles and frustrations along the way have made the final result that much more rewarding.

So if you’re feeling inspired to tackle your own storage bench or window nook, I say go for it! With the right tools, a bit of patience, and a healthy dose of determination, you just might surprise yourself. Who knows – you might even find yourself with a new favorite reading spot in your home.