The Welcome Entryway Bench
Finding the perfect balance between modern aesthetics and traditional charm can be a rewarding challenge. I embarked on a journey to create a piece that seamlessly blends the sleek lines of modern design with the timeless allure of vintage décor. The result? The Welcome Entryway Bench – a marriage of styles that not only enhances our home but also pushes the boundaries of my woodworking skills.
Modern furniture, with its bold shapes and intricate angles, often captivates the eye and sparks creativity. However, integrating such pieces into every space can be daunting, especially in homes where traditional or vintage styles prevail. In our household, where traditional style dominates , the idea of incorporating modern furniture seemed unrealistic. However, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between styles.
The Welcome Entryway Bench serves as the cornerstone of this attempt. Crafted with attention to detail, it reflects my admiration for modern design while honoring the traditional essence of our home. But this project was more than just an aesthetic experiment – it was a chance to explore new woodworking techniques and push the boundaries of my craft.
One of the defining features of the Welcome Bench is its innovative use of through tenons. This technique added a layer of complexity and refinement to the build process. Similarly, my experimentation into template routing opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to achieve precise shapes and angles with ease.
The novelties didn’t end there. Determined to create a truly bespoke piece, I experimented with custom finishes until I discovered the perfect formula – a blend of boiled linseed oil, mineral spirits, and oil-based polyurethane, topped with a wax mixture for added depth and luster. The result? A finish that not only protects the wood but also enhances its natural beauty. The exact finish I made and my application process will be the subject of a future blog post.
Stain matching proved to be another hurdle. Through trial and error, I painstakingly blended various stains to achieve a color that seamlessly complemented the existing trim of our home.
The construction of the bottom of the welcome entryway bench used 5/4 red oak and the creation of the benchtop utilized 6/4 red oak stock. The final dimensions of the legs was just under 2.5″ thick and the benchtop was 1.3″ thick. The bench is 36″ wide, 16″ deep, and 19.5″ tall.
As I look to the future, I envision expanding the Welcome furniture group to include a table, table bench, and possibly chairs – each piece a testament to the harmonious coexistence of modern and traditional design. But for now, the Welcome Entryway Bench stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets craftsmanship, and innovation meets tradition.
