I've added a shelf over the window seat. It helps define the space and it will serve as a place to store some of my typewriter collection. (Tools used are on the seat, along with a pile of books. Still working on the bookshelves).
Brackets are a Victorian repro from Lee Valley, sprayed with black lacquer and a quick swipe of cream enamel (I had to paint them: they are re-used and had rusted a little). Edge detail on the wood (a bit difficult to see in the photos) was done using a very simple tool: a flathead, slotted woodscrew in a bit of scrap 1-by-2. You screw it in to the desired width of the edge bead, then file the head of the screw flatter, creating a sharp edge at the slot. Worked along the edge of the wood, it cuts a groove while smoothing and slightly rounding the corner. 
I picked the most interesting side of the glued-up board for the bottom. It's just pine, planed flat and smoothed with a scraper. I think this shows the depth of the grain better than sanding.The finish is just boiled linseed oil and wax. I like the scent, once it's crosslinked enough to not be overpowering.
Will it hold typewriters? It should. The upper screws found a good, solid bite into the window frame. I'll find out gradually.
So, if you're ever in the Puget Sound area... ;-)
ReplyDeleteActually, we (meaning "Mrs Drang") decided that the new "window treatments" in the "new" house will feature cornices vice valences, a cornice in this case being a wooden version of a valence; the top is actually enclosed, forming a handy dandy shelf for cats to jump on, knocking Mrs. Drang's stuffed animal collection on the floor...
It looks strong enough to hold those typewriters. Overall, in terms of how it look, it's a good improvement.
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