Samsoe Accent Bench

The Samsoe Accent Bench from Four Hands is a long, low, armless rectangle upholstered in a deep-pile cotton and polyester blend in a warm ochre. The base and trim are poplar burl veneer in a dark umber stain, so the swirling, figured grain differs a little from one bench to the next. Underneath, a corner-blocked frame with webbed seat support and a foam and fiber batting fill keeps the cushion supportive, and plastic glides protect the floor.

The pairing is soft against sleek: a plush, mustard-toned surface set against the gloss and movement of dark burl. Burl veneer has a long history in mid-century cabinetry and Art Deco case pieces, and here it gives the bench a moody, library-and-cigar-room feel. It sits comfortably with leather chairs, brass lamps, deep green or oxblood walls, and anything else with a little age or weight to it.

Set it at the foot of a bed, under a window, or along an entry wall where there is room to sit down and put on shoes. It also works as extra seating beside a coffee table, long enough for two people at a time. A vacuum or a light brush is all the cleaning the upholstery needs.