My children want me to make them a bench for their front hall. Something to sit on to put on shoes and etc. and with storage under the bench for mittens, coats etc. for the grandkids. I don’t want to make just a plain box and wonder if anyone has seen some nice plans. I checked all my back issues and did not find any, but I don;t have complete sets.
It will most likely be oak with an upholstered top and some type of low rail around the upholstered top. The upholstery may be part of the piece or it may be loose. they have not decided yet.
It can be a reasonably complex piece as I will not be charging my labor and will use it to practice some new joinery skills. Thank you in advance for any help, advice or cautions.
Keith
Replies
You might look at http://www.newyankee.com, there are some benches and chests in there that might fill your need.
Instead of just a bench, you might consider making a Hall Tree, which includes a bench with storage, plus a back where you can mount coat hooks. I made one this past winter and have attached a few pictures. Most of the construction is Frame/Panel with mortise/tenon joints. The arms are attached to the front legs and to the back with wedged through tenons; the top shelf is also attached with wedged through M/T, though they are not visible (but it's good practice). The seat flips up for storing boots or whatnot below the seat. I used "butler table" hinges to keep the seat from accidentally closing.
If you are interested I have bare bones plans (little more than dimensions) that I drew up in Powerpoint--from before my CAD days.
P
I LOVE IT! Great...
Are you sure you want wet muddy boots on it?
Like Larry, my first thought was to direct you to the plans page at NYW... check out some of Norm's settles... they're a bit like Paul's hall tree... just longer....
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
You might want a couple of open slatted shelves instead of an enclosed base, so wet mittens and shoes dry. Perhaps a plastic drip pan underneath, unless the floor is waterproof.
Thank you for taking the time to send your suggestions. I love the hall butler, but I don't think they want something that high. It is lovely and I may be able to incorporate some of the details from the lower part. I also appreciate the idea of slats for airflow. I think that one is a keeper and can be used instead of a solid bottom. This got me thinking of some form of lower shelf for boots and the clothing on a slatted floor above the boot rack. I will try these ideas on my "client" and any others you care to suggest. I did not find any ideas on the Yankee Workshop, but I bookmarked it for future reference. Looks like a good site.
Keith
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