Abelone Wooden Bench - Black

This black bench pairs mango wood with iron: a lidded storage box held in a slim metal frame, with an open slatted shelf beneath the box. It measures 102cm long, 40cm wide and 58cm tall, so it sits neatly against a wall without eating into a narrow hallway, and the box runs almost the full length of the frame. The black iron frame rises into a low rail across the back and short arms at each end, giving the bench a light, open outline for something with this much storage. Storage comes in two kinds: hidden inside the box and on show beneath it.

The lid lifts on hinges to open the storage compartment, which makes this a natural fit for a hallway: a place to sit while you pull on boots, and a box to hide hats, gloves and scarves. The slatted shelf suits shoes, a basket or a stack of books. It works just as well at the foot of a bed for spare blankets and bedding, or in a living room as extra seating with somewhere to tuck away magazines and games. The black finish suits a modern or industrial room and looks good beside natural textures such as woven baskets, wool and linen.

The frame and legs are black iron, the bench has a powder-coated and lacquered finish, and care is simple: wipe it clean with a moist cloth. Mango is a hardwood with a lively grain, and the grain still shows faintly through the black. The bench weighs 19.5KG, a solid weight worth bearing in mind if it has to go up a flight of stairs. The maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download. For styling, fold a throw across one end of the lid and slide a woven basket onto the shelf: the pale texture softens the black and keeps the look relaxed rather than severe.

Assembly instructions (PDF)

Which materials make up the bench?

The bench combines mango wood with iron. The frame and legs are black iron, and the finish is powder coated and lacquered.

How big is the bench?

It measures 102cm long, 40cm wide and 58cm tall, and it weighs 19.5KG, so it is a solid piece to move.

Does it have storage?

Yes. The top is a lid that lifts on hinges to a storage compartment, and an open slatted shelf sits beneath the box for shoes or baskets.

How do I clean it?

The maker's care advice is to wipe it clean with a moist cloth, and that applies to the whole bench, wood and iron alike.

Does it need assembling?

The maker supplies assembly instructions as a PDF download, so you can look through the steps in advance.

Where does the bench work best?

It suits a hallway, where it gives you a seat plus hidden storage and a shoe shelf, and it works equally well at the foot of a bed or along a living room wall.