I have my eye on a vintage ebonized pine Nelson bench;I believe the 60 inch model.Seen in a local antique co-op for a pretty good deal.Now,the only way I can use this in my abode is as a TV bench.
Nonetheless,in a past thread,I was informed these are too low for TV viewing,but here is my rationale.In the intended room,i have eames lounge chairs,which are quite low.Secondly,with the TV a bit lower,I can mount art on the wall above it.I feel this bench would be aesthetically pleasing,and functional,but can I get a stiff neck from watching the telly at a lower viewing plane?My girlfriend has a small 20" LCD on a bench in her living room,and she never complains.What do you think?
Viewing height
Is directly correlated with seating height.
I am using an IKEA tv bench which is 16" height with a 40" LCD. The sofa is also 16" height and the viewing distance is about 10 ft. I find this very comfortable and natural (to be able to watch by looking straight ahead).
As an aside, I think placing a TV over a fireplace is asinine.
All I needed was a nudge!
Thanks,I think I'll pull the trigger.My alternate plan was to set up my Burdick Group Desk system ,but, two things prevented me from doing this.The 10 foot beam would have to be cut down,and the desk surface sits in front of the beam,so it would protrude into the room too much,IMO.So the parts continue to sit in my basement.Ah well,perhaps the next house will be large enough to set it up properly.
key 'intended room'
I encourage the purchase!
Many variations were presented i recall. Mine is mounted high.
It's across a large central room. 20ft from the big expanse of couch.
But close to kitchen and dining where it is often viewed standing.
Mounted between two oversized sliders, never any glare. US open on this
morning with random watching, laundry going, in and out off the deck,
pruned a tree out front, (four points of entrance standing)
Very different circumstances.
Nelson Bench is home!
Well,it does not disappoint.I went to the antique shop and flipped it over,noting how heavy and solid it is!It had the proper guides,and peg construction.(That's what is essential on the early version,which was made until 1967,I'm informed)I was also informed that these were ebonized Birch,not pine.Makes sense,as it is extremely heavy,and has minimal denting,which,if it were Pine would have more as it is a softer wood. Absent is the Herman Miller tag,though.Much age appropriate dust and cobwebs,and cleaning between the slats is quite time consuming,but I took my time and lovingly went over it with damp Q-tips to reach every crevice.I also noted that it was 57.5"Long x18.5 x14". I am a bit puzzled why it's not exactly 60",but it definitely is not a cut down model,not with the pegs and all.Lots of wonderful aged patina,various nicks and rubs,which to me distinguish it from a brandy new manufactured piece.It will settle in perfectly with my vintage Eames lounges.In all,a great buy for $450!
Besides, Herman Miller
is researching which of the Basic Storage pieces to bring back into production, so (hopefully) soon, you will be able to buy a brand new bookhelf or chest of drawers to set on your bench, which will give you lots more ways to use your bench!
I'm not sure when the all ebony bench was discontinued from Herman Miller, but when the "Herman Miller For The Home" group was reintroduced in 1994, I'm quite certain that the only bench options at that time was the maple top and ebonized legs.
Now, was that not easy and rewarding?
All kidding aside, the bench will bring you years of usefullness and plenty of smiles.
What more could you ask form furniture?
I use a swiffer duster to routinely clean between the slats or a synthetic, flexible, 4 inch round duster that has dense bristles over about one half of its legnth.
"I'm not sure when the all eb...
"I'm not sure when the all ebony bench was discontinued from Herman Miller, but when the "Herman Miller For The Home" group was reintroduced in 1994, I'm quite certain that the only bench options at that time was the maple top and ebonized legs."
They sold ebony models as well. I remember them from a friend's store and DWR.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com