Ferdinand Elephant Kids Bench - Grey

Ferdinand is a long, low children's bench shaped like an elephant, made from MDF and painted grey. Painted creases run along the trunk, which curves down to the floor at one end, and the face has a sleepy closed eye with long lashes and a painted cheek. Two large oval ears stand out from the sides and a slim tail hangs at the back. It is 110cm long, 36cm wide and 32cm tall, which keeps the seat at a child's height, and the maker gives a maximum load of 50KG.

We think of it as two pieces of furniture in one, which is what makes it so useful in a small bedroom, nursery or playroom. It is a low seat for reading or pulling on shoes, and it is storage too. At the trunk end, two open shelves hold picture books or a few favourite toys within easy reach, and an open cubby tucked under the body takes more books, a soft toy or a small basket. When nobody is sitting on it, the long flat top works as a low surface for a basket or a stack of books.

The body and the legs are both MDF with a painted finish. MDF is a dense, smooth board that takes paint evenly, so the face and trunk markings look crisp and clean. Care is simple: wipe it clean with a moist cloth, which suits a piece that will meet crayons and sticky fingers. It weighs 14.4KG, a substantial piece that is best placed once rather than dragged about the room. It needs putting together, and the maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download. For styling, stand it against a pale wall with the face turned into the room, a woven basket on the top and a soft rug at its feet. The styling props shown are not included.

Assembly instructions (PDF)

What is the bench made of?

It is made from MDF with a painted finish in grey, and the legs are MDF as well, so the whole piece is one painted material.

How big is the elephant bench?

It is 110cm long, 36cm wide and 32cm tall, a low height that keeps it at a child's level in a bedroom, nursery or playroom.

How much weight can it take?

The maker gives a maximum load of 50KG for the bench. The bench itself weighs 14.4KG, so it is a substantial piece of furniture.

Does it have any storage?

Yes. There are two open shelves at the trunk end and an open cubby under the body, handy for picture books, a small basket or soft toys.

How do I clean it?

Wipe it clean with a moist cloth. That is all the maker asks for the painted MDF surface, which makes everyday marks easy to deal with.

Does it need assembling?

Yes, it needs putting together, and the maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download so you can see the steps in advance.