The Shoemakers Bench

The Shoemakers Bench from Four Hands is a long, low, armless bench built on a solid oak frame with a single upholstered seat. Each leg carries soft moulding, and the cushion sits on a wooden platform with a foam and fiber fill under heathered mohair-blend fabric. A row of brass nail heads follows the edge of the seat, and the frame is joined with mortise and tenon for a sturdy build. Leg levelers on the feet keep it steady on uneven floors.

It comes from Four Hands' 30th Anniversary Capsule and takes its cues from Chinese antique furniture, where plain proportions and small details do the work. The soft, mink-toned fabric reads quiet next to the warm oak, and the brass nail heads add a bit of shine. It suits rooms that mix old and new, and it sits well beside lacquered cabinets, painted walls, or a wall of framed art.

Use it at the foot of a bed, along a hallway, or under a window in a living room. It seats two, which makes it handy for pulling on shoes at the door or for extra seats at a gathering. Between uses, a stack of books or a folded throw looks good on top.