How to Put Hinges on a Window Seat Lid

How to Build a Murphy Bed in a Window Seat
Published: May 29, 2013
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Measure the back edge of the window seat lid to get the correct length stainless steel or brass piano hinge you need. The thickness of the lid determines the width of the hinge. For example, if your lid is 3/4-inches thick, you need a 1-1/2-inch-wide piano hinge.

Step 2

Turn the window seat lid over so the back edge faces up and the underside is toward you.

Step 3

Open the piano hinge flat and align the edge of one half of the hinge along the edge of the lid with the unsupported half of the hinge toward you. Use the supported part of the hinge as a template to mark the positions for screws by penciling a dot inside each hole along the length of the lid.

Step 4

Use a 1/16-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes for the screws at each marked point.

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Step 5

Replace the hinge in the same position so all the pilot holes are visible trough the hinge holes, then fasten a screw through one end. Carefully align the opposite end and put in another screw, then continue adding screws in a line from one end to ensure the hinge stays straight.

Step 6

Place the lid on top of the window seat and align it properly, then open it and, holding it carefully in the correct position, use the unfastened half of the hinge as before as a template for drilling the pilot holes for attachment to the window seat box.

Step 7

Drill the pilot holes, then attach the lid to the box using the same sequence for fastening the screws in place.

Photo Credits

Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty Images

Deborah Stephenson

Deborah Stephenson is a homesteader, lifelong organic gardener, former zookeeper, naturalist, artist and anthropologist who brings an eclectic range of experience to her writings. When not writing she can usually be found puttering in her…

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