Nelson Bench

I’ve always loved the Midcentury modern aesthetic, especially when it is applied to furniture. I would always find myself flipping through the pages of the Design Within Reach catalogs; eyes wide to the sleek styles and bold colors, eyes shuttered as I see the price!

One particular design that I’ve always admired has been George Nelson’s Platform Bench. When a project fell through after I had already purchased a bunch of White Oak, I felt inspired to try my hand at building one. I spent a lot of time examining the wood I had to make ensure the grain pattern seamlessly flowed from slat to slat. Each slat was selected and placed so that the quarter grain was showcased on top. Quartersawn lumber is prized and sought after for its stability and pleasing grain on all four sides.

The center brace is actually two laminated pieces of white oak that give the feel of one. Younger sap wood is lighter than the older heartwood and to some aesthetically not as pleasing. By laminating them together, it gives a nice white line down the center of the piece that is punctuated by the slats.

Measurements are 36” W x 16” H x 18” D. I hope you enjoy the piece as much as I enjoyed making it. To commemorate the launch of my website, I’m offering it up at a discount to one lucky follower. E-mail me with questions or click the link below to purchase!