Arnie Alligator Kids Bench - Beige

Arnie is a children's bench cut in the shape of an alligator, long and low, with its jaws open at one end and a squared-off tail at the other. It is 100cm long, 34cm wide and 30cm tall, so the seat sits close to the floor and the flat top runs the full length of the body. A row of painted zigzag teeth runs along its back, more line the open mouth, and a smaller row marks the back leg, while rounded bumps for eyes and nostrils rise above the top. It is made from MDF and painted in beige, a soft, quiet shade for a child's room.

This is a piece for a child's bedroom or playroom. The top gives a low seat for pulling on shoes, looking at a book or perching at the end of the bed, and the body is open at both ends. Inside the mouth, the jaws form two shallow shelves, and the tail end opens onto a compartment with a shelf inside, so picture books, soft toys and odds and ends have somewhere to go at tidying time. Its length suits the foot of a bed or the space under a window, where it doubles as seating and storage without taking up much floor space.

MDF gives a smooth, even surface that takes paint well, which suits a shape with this many curves and cut edges. Care is simple: wipe it clean with a moist cloth. It weighs 15.1KG, so it is worth settling on its spot before you fill the shelves, and the maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download. For styling, drape a blanket along its back and slip a few favourite books into the open mouth, so the alligator looks as though it has a mouthful of stories.

Assembly instructions (PDF)

What is the Arnie bench made from?

It is made from MDF with a painted finish in beige, cut into the outline of an alligator with open jaws and a squared-off tail.

How big is the bench?

It is 100cm long, 34cm wide and 30cm tall, a long, low bench that fits along the foot of a bed or under a window.

Does the bench have storage?

Yes. It is open at both ends: the alligator's jaws form two shallow shelves, and the tail end opens onto a compartment with a shelf inside, with room for books and soft toys.

How do I clean it?

Wipe it clean with a moist cloth. That is the maker's care instruction for the painted MDF finish.

Does it come with assembly instructions?

Yes. The maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download, so you can read through the steps whenever you like.

How heavy is the bench?

It weighs 15.1KG, a solid weight for a children's bench, so it is easiest to put it in place before you load the shelves.