Carl Hansen & Søn’s short table bench styled two ways

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I’ve aways loved timeless, multifunctional design – the kind of thing you can invest in safely, knowing it won’t ever date and will evolve with you as your home and lifestyle change. And today I want to introduce you to a brilliant example from Carl Hansen & Søn: a short version of Danish designer Børge Mogensen’s iconic ‘BM0488’ table bench, crafted from solid oak and woven cane.

First designed in 1958 and relaunched by Carl Hansen & Søn last year, the ‘BM0488’ formed part of Mogensen’s ‘building furniture’ concept, through which he aimed to create functional, durable pieces that can adapt to different needs and settings. It was intended to sit alongside his ‘BM0865’ daybed but it also works brilliantly as a seat or coffee table in its own right – and the smaller dimensions of the shorter version, which has just gone on sale via Carl Hansen flagship stores and approved retailers worldwide, open up even more possibilities.

To show just how versatile the ‘BM0488S’ short table bench is, I borrowed one to style in two different places around my own home. First, I used it as a bedside table in the guest bedroom, and I couldn’t help feeling it was made for this space! The low height suited the calming, slightly Japanese-inspired vibe that this room has acquired, and the rattan top added a lovely element of texture to the otherwise minimalist scheme. What’s more, the double weave provided a sturdy, stable base for lamps, vases and the like – in fact glasses of water and cups of coffee felt just as safe as they do on the oak-topped nightstands that normally sit in this room.

Of course, the bench also makes a great seat – and the small size is ideal for compact rooms and tight corners. It fitted perfectly into the alcove in our narrow hallway, providing a handy spot to sit and remove shoes – something that I’m very strict about since we installed new carpet on the landing and stairs! The decor in the hall is largely monochrome, so the rich tones and natural materials introduced layers of contrast and warmth that made for a very welcoming feel when we first stepped in through the door.

I can also see the short table bench working brilliantly as a side table by a sofa or armchair, or as a place to sit and pause by a favourite artwork or window – it really is incredibly flexible. What I love most about it, though, are the subtle details that slowly reveal themselves. The overall expression is pared-back and clean-lined, but look more closely and you’ll spot rounded edges, expertly crafted mortise joints and intricate braiding. The cane also has natural variations in colour, width and glossiness, all of which add to the soul and character of the design.

See full details of the ‘BM0488S’ short table bench here, and find Carl Hansen & Søn stores and stockists near you here. 

All photography by Abi Dare