In this Nine to Know, we see designers reimagine the bench seat through new forms and materials.
Nine renowned Australian and international designers present their own unique take on the bench – proving it’s much more than somewhere to sit.
This feature originally appeared in est magazine issue #43.
Slow Beam by Lauren Bamford and Hearth Studio | Photography by Lauren Bamford and Emily Weaving
Kyneton House by Edition Office | Photography by Ben Hosking
Part of a set of three called the ‘Kim’ family, the De La Espada Kim Nesting bench, designed by Luca Nichetto, encourages a sit-and-stay approach to the piece of furniture. In other words, a spot to ‘nest’.
Revered French designer Pierre Yovanovitch reinterprets the bench as part of his MAD collection, featuring the MAD armchair. The MAD bench is upholstered in a soft neutral fabric supported by sculptural natural solid oak.
With a following of 1.9 million on Instagram, LA-based designer Kelly Wearstler is, on all accounts, a trendsetter. Kelly’s sculptural Echo bench features a distinctive undulating form carved from solid Douglas fir.
Baxter’s Milano Worldwide 2021 collection is inspired by the world of art, fashion, design and architecture. Among other notable pieces, the collection features the Adel bench, made from structural Chilean pine plywood and dense polyurethane foam.
Like the roots of a plant, the strong legs of the FAINA SONIAH bench, imagined by Ukraine designer Victoria Yakusha, are said to draw energy from the ground – relaying the brand’s inherent respect for nature.
Friends David Caon and Henry Wilson utilised the A-joint system (used to construct tables) to design this bench for their Sydney-based furniture brand Laker. The bench explores clean natural materials and embraces a simple, robust shape.
Doubling as a console table, the Zanotta Quaderna bench by Superstudio appears to be inlaid with tiny tiles. However, the pattern is actually digitally printed on plastic laminate; deceiving yet ingenious.
You may recognise the name Møller from the iconic Møller #77 chair. The Danish brand is also known for the Møller #63 bench, with a durable woven cord seat and wooden frame – perfect for the end of the bed or in the hallway.
