Custom Designed Bay Window Seat

While remodeling their Marina apartment, Tom and Lizzy faced a common problem in San Francisco–what to do with that odd space created by a bay window. “Really, we want to be able to sit or lie right here and look out the windows, or read, or work, or nap,” they said. Bay windows are notoriously oddly shaped. Irregular angles and uneven floors are typical in San Francisco. Finding a cookie-cutter sofa that wouldn’t be awkward in the space and that would suit their needs was not going to happen.

“Forget about every couch you’ve ever seen in catalogues and imagine what you want this to be,” I told them. “After all, we’re building custom furniture, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be exactly how you want it.” I contributed a series of design drawings exploring a range of possible configurations, and together we zeroed in on a fundamental design.

Then came a fun evening of taping string on the floor to find exactly how far out we wanted it, and stacking cushions to find that just-so height. Other requests: A single floating platform, lightweight so it could be easily moved for cleaning, and able to support a few guests; custom cushions; and it had to be gorgeous. The final design has an aluminum frame and trim, a Europly wooden platform, cotton upholstered cushions, and adjustable feet. It’s strong and light, fits perfectly level, and, yes, gorgeous. A few days after delivery, Lizzy emailed me a photo of herself napping on the sunlit window seat. “I’ve turned into a cat,” she wrote. Our plan was complete.