Benches

The Repose Bench

by Prairie Bench0

In our ongoing fascination with ancient furniture, we wanted to design a unique bench that used a curved surface. The trick is in the joinery. We created barrel staves out of reclaimed spruce with vertical grain lath for stability. The X frame legs were another carry over from old world designs. Though, we’ll try this again in a box frame.

The Repose, as we call it, invites the sitter to lounge appropriately. Designed for the boudoir, or a photography studio, combine a few throw pillows and it forces the seated to assume a most flattering, nonchalant and radiant pose. It’s the Prairie Bench spin on early Grecian and Roman stools, where the partaking of peeled fruit and philosophy was the order.

Check earlier post for the accompanying, smaller, Attendant Stool. The same design, but in a traditional half moon shape specifically for the grape peeler.

Both are intended to alternate as a bedroom clothes heap holder.

Repose: 90-BL-06-12, reclaimed spruce, finished in dark walnut stain and counter oil.

Twin Birch and Maple Bench Set

by Prairie Bench0

A client saw our first birch and maple bench and asked for two in a set. Each uses a free fallen salvaged birch, which was milled into planks. Both are 17.5″ inches tall, slightly less than normal seat height. They are very sturdy with solid maple legs pruned last year from a tree that’s actively producing. They were aged outside and off the ground to give them a weathered patina. The entire surface is covered in butcher block oil, one of the nicest for indoor use that takes very little maintenance. We couldn’t bring ourselves to finish these in varnish, and shellac would have affected some natural tones.

All the surfaces are very smooth and touchable, and comfortable enough for two people to share seat. We think a matching bistro table might be coming soon.

Approximately 36″x14″x17.5″tall. Birch and maple, finished in butcher block oil. Pictured: 87-BL-05-12; 88-BL-05-12

Prairie Birch and Maple Bench

by Prairie Bench0

This is a long hall bench (40″ by 15″ wide and 19″ tall) finished in contact safe oils. No stain, nails or screws were used. Every component is pressure fit and glued. The legs and frame support are constructed from a single, aged, maple branch grown onsite. The birch top is from a log salvaged in the Fraser River by a local tug operator.

The grain in this birch specimen is unique with chocolate and caramel colors swirling on a backdrop of creme and ash tones. The rough cut plank still has the sanded and preserved texture of the mill saw on the underside. One edge still has a unique burl notch making it one of a kind. The top and sides are glassy smooth and oiled to a natural polish with some good depth and quilting (the natural shimmer). The maple legs are lightly sanded and left with their natural twists and turns. Everyone who’s seen the bench immediately reaches out and touches the surfaces. It feels solid and comfortable with the unique blend of these two complementary hardwoods. This bench is definitely one of our faves.

81-BL-04-12 Birch and maple, finished in FDA approved cutting board oil. Click the thumb nails to see the unique characteristics of this wood.

 

 

Songwriter Bench

by Prairie Bench0

 

This was a fun design. It has lots of curves, the arms are at different levels: one skinny to prop a guitar, and the other wide to write notes, and there’s a sneak-box underneath the seat to hide lyrics and keepsakes. The bench is sturdy and has a comfortable back slope built in. If you play and instrument or entertain guests on the patio, this is your office.

The Songwriter Bench has a 36″ seat length. Reclaimed fir and spruce, finished in rosewood oil. #27-BL-01-12

 

Reflection Bench

by Prairie Bench2

The Reflection Bench designed itself. The seat and back came from one piece of reclaimed spruce tree. During the finishing process, the blond blaze through the center of the timber was accentuated and then the frame was built to enhance this feature. The result is a shimmering look with the back reflected in the seat. A single, ergonomic arm rest is used to give the bench an open, welcoming feel. Also, affirmations of observation, vista, vantage, foresight and understanding are scribed in the joinery. This is a unique timber from an individual tree and rare to see this tone and contrast in a solid piece of wood.

The Reflection Bench is finished in tung and rosewood oils to preserve the natural look and feel.

#26-BL-12-11 Sold

Approximate dimensions: 48″w x 32″d x 34″h