Brian Holcombe is a woodworker specializing in handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture influenced by Japanese sashimono techniques and furniture of the Chinese Ming Dynasty. All of Holcombe’s woodwork is joined together without the use of fasteners, nails or screws, and units like his credenzas and cabinets often feature shoji — traditional Japanese sliding doors or screens. His work is mid-century modern in style but thoughtfully traditional in construction as it draws on the materials and techniques once favored by the Samurai and wealthy merchants of Asia.
His studio, where he builds elegant bookcases, daybeds, benches and other pieces, is in Princeton, New Jersey. By creating his furniture by hand, Holcombe intimately understands the nature of each material he uses. While much of his work is made of wood, the use of various types, including ash, walnut and mahogany, gives a sophisticated variation to the furniture, with brass accents furthering the depth of its design. Holcombe uses mulberry paper for his sliding door pieces and offers a live edge on some products, like his dining room tables.
In addition to producing beautiful furniture, Holcombe teaches woodworking classes both in person and online, including workshops on hand tools, interlocking techniques and shoji doors. Publications such as Fine Woodworking and Handwork Magazine have featured his expert work.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Brian Holcombe seating, tables, storage case pieces and more.
$3,800 / item
Dovetailed Corner Long Bench in Mahogany
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Mahogany
$2,950 / item
Dovetailed Bench in Mahogany by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Mahogany
$850 / item
Dovetailed Stool in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking an outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utiliz...
Walnut
$3,500 / item
Spindle Back Bench in Walnut and Ash
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Contemporary walnut bench handmade by Brian Holcombe utilizing the techniques of traditional Windsor chair making combined with traditional mortise and tenon joinery similar to that ...
Walnut
$3,995Sale Price / item|15% Off
Live Edge Trestle Bench in Cherry by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilized joinery unique to Japanese timber carpentry. This bench utilizes joinery found in traditional Japanese carpentry...
Cherry
$2,850 / item
Dovetailed Bench in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Walnut
$2,950 / item
Dovetailed Bench in Mahogany
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Mahogany
$4,058
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 14.18 in
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank & SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful bench by Josef Frank, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1960s. The frame is made of mahogany, upholstered seat with brass nails. The feet are elegantly sculpted and the bench can also be used as a table, end of bed stool...
Fabric, Mahogany
Bronze MFA Bench by American Studio Craft Artist David N. Ebner
By David N. Ebner
Located in Bellport, NY
An awarding winning bronze studio crafted bench by American artist, David N. Ebner. MFA stands for Museum of Fine Arts and located in Boston, MA. This piece has a wonderful Asian el...
Bronze
$2,000 / item
H 17 in W 36 in D 12 in
Walnut Knife Beam Bench 3' Long Solid Wood + Blackened Steel by Alabama Sawyer
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our knife beam bench in walnut utilizes salvaged walnut wood logs for a rustic bench. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural texture of the end grain of each species. The 12" x 12" beam is milled and finished to sit raised by a mild steel base with a black patina. The beam bench brings rustic beauty at a variety of lengths. Cracks, knots, saw marks and variation is part of the beauty of these pieces. The wood will continue to move and the finish to patina over time. The knife walnut beam bench makes a cozy coffee table in a den or living room or low table in a mud room or entry hall for flexible use as a place to place packages and bags or to remove shoes. With the oiled finish used on the knife walnut beam bench, we do not recommend putting this bench outside...
Steel
$2,794 / item
H 18 in W 72 in D 15 in
Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our beam bench utilizes salvaged local pine logs for a rustic bench for indoors or outdoors. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural textu...
Steel
Beachcomber Milking Stool in Oiled Walnut
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The beachcomber milking stool is our take on a Classic, simple form. The hand shaped seat is sculpted for comfort, and the legs are shaved wi...
Oak, Walnut
Convex Bench Series 60 in Natural Walnut
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafted from solid oak or walnut, ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Bench in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, walnut, faux leather, Europe, 1950s This European bench from the 1950s combines a walnut frame with black faux leather upholstery. The design is straightforward and functiona...
Faux Leather, Walnut
French antique bench in solid walnut
Located in LYON, FR
Superb 1950s bench in solid walnut with its unique grain. Entirely restored by our cabinetmaker, the bench is perfectly solid and stable on its legs. Treated and protected with a col...
Walnut
Artisanal Bench in Special Walnut
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Handcra...
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Slagbänk Storage Bench with Spindle Back
Located in Mckinney, TX
19th-century Swedish slagbänk bench with spindle back, reeded panels, and beautifully worn layered paint. The removable seat opens to reveal generous storage beneath, while the origi...
Pine, Paint
Odyssey Bench in Natural Walnut
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Artfully balanced and handcrafted, this bench pairs a lightweight aesthetic with solid construction. The rectangular cushion rests atop a sculptural wood base with elegant, sloping c...
Velvet, Walnut
$1,900
H 32.5 in W 47.5 in D 19.25 in
Midcentury Transitional Modern Spindle Back Bentwood Settee Bench in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modern yet traditional spindle back bench from the 1960s. Great petite size. It is very well made from solid walnut. Clean ready to use condition.
Walnut
Custom Bench - Per Specification
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Pair of custom benches created to fit an inside corner to corner of 68" Outside Dimensions 84". 34" tall ebonized quarter sawn oak.
Oak