Woodworker: Tim Bickert

This mahogany chaise bench was inspired by the furniture forms of Charles and Ray Eames and Hans J. Wegner, pioneers of the modern furniture age. Bickert created the gentle S-curve of the bench by laminating individual strips. The bench is a marvel of simple engineering: When you lie on it flat, the bench rests solidly on two points, but it gradually reclines as you pull up your legs. You can also rock in it while reclined. Lightweight (14 lb.) and narrow (17 in. wide by 78 in. long by 24 in. tall), the bench is finished with oil varnish and orange wax.

Photo: Tim Bickert