4. Japandi Entryway Slatted Bench

The Japandi style merges Scandinavian functionality with Japanese wabi-sabi simplicity. A slatted wooden bench in an entryway provides an organized place to put on shoes, display ceramic catchalls, and ground the foyer.

  • Materials: 2×2-inch solid ash or white oak lengths, 2×4-inch lumber for the leg frames, 2.5-inch pocket hole screws, exterior/interior wood glue, light matte wax finish.
  • Tools: Miter saw, pocket hole jig, power drill, bar clamps, sander.
  • How to Make It:
    1. Build two square “U-shaped” leg frames using 2x4s mitered at 45-degree angles or joined with pocket holes.
    2. Cut six 48-inch lengths of 2×2 lumber for the seating surface.
    3. Pre-drill pocket holes on the underside of the outer framing boards to conceal fasteners.
    4. Join the slats horizontally onto the leg frames, maintaining an exact 0.5-inch gap between each slat using wood spacers.
    5. Sand all surfaces smooth, rounding sharp edges slightly, and seal with a breathable furniture wax.
  • Tips & Variations: Place a linen bench cushion over half the seat and leave the remaining wood slats exposed to rest a stone tray or decorative vase.