Pencil Bench

About Pencil Bench

The taper of the leg where it joins the seat is inspired by a pencil. Gently splayed legs create stability. And a subtle round over protects edges and little knees whilst avoiding an overly childlike feel.

We have lived at home with the prototypes of this bench for years. I remember how delighted my eldest was to have her own appropriately sized piece of furniture. It still gets daily use even now.

Being carried around the house to wherever she needs a seat or a work surface. It’s employed as a kneeling table for play and for homework and the occasional TV supper. It forms the end of a make shift run for the guinea pigs behind the sofa and has the toothmarks to prove it. When we need another side table I borrow it back. Sometimes it is covered in toys. Other times in books. Next to the kitchen table it is probably the most used piece of furniture in our house.

Finished with 100% plant based oils and beeswax and absolutely no petrochemicals. The finish can be renewed if desired or left to wear naturally. The wedged mortice and tenon joints should hold it together for the next hundred years. So one way or the other over time the top will develop a unique patina (whether that includes toothmarks is up to you).