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.
$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
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
Wonderful Transitional Chrome Velvet Stool Nickel Bamboo Jansen Bench
Located in Roslyn, NY
Perfect seating for the transitional or Classic rooms, this chrome / nickel stool with purple velvet fabric top done in bamboo chinoiserie design are so versatile that can be used in...
Nickel
$4,102
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
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.25 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in
Pair of Rare Walnut American Victorian Foot Stools Attributed to Belter
By John Henry Belter
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite pair of rare walnut American Victorian footstools, attributed to the renowned cabinetmaker John Henry Belter, showcases the opulence and craftsmanship of mid-19th cent...
Walnut
$3,000 / set
H 18.25 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
American Designer, Mid-Century Modern Tufted Ottomans, Stools, Walnut, Bouclé
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern American Designer Tufted Ottomans, Stools, Footstools Walnut, Bouclé Pair of Mid-Century stools or ottomans by an unknown American designer having organic curve...
Textile, Wood
Fine Pair of Georgian Style Antique Carved Walnut Benches
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair in a handsome deep amber tone walnut with good graining. Rounded rectangular benches raised on carved cabriole legs with shell knees and ball-and-claw feet. The slip seats n...
Walnut
$1,800 / item
H 18 in W 22 in D 18 in
Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs
By LF Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Denton bench made by LF Upholstery is shown with brown and taupe patterned horsehair with soft foam padding. It has a hand carved mahogany wood and finished frame with tapered legs - it is shown without trim but can be made custom with choice of pewter or French Natural nailheads or gimp trim...
Mahogany
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 29 in D 15 in
French Louis XVI Style Carved Walnut Petite Window Bench with Silk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Louis XVI style petite window bench, crafted in carved walnut, exudes elegance and refinement, making it a charming addition to any room. The bench is designed with grace...
Silk, Cane, Walnut
Modern Sculpted Walnut Bench with Dovetail Joinery
By Martell Woodworks
Located in Mendocino, CA
These benches are created from a single slab of walnut, providing a continuity of grain that wraps around the joints and moves your eye over the piece. Exposed dovetail joinery...
Walnut
Faux Bamboo (English, 19th Centunry) Stool/Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Faux bamboo (English, 19th century) ebonized and gilt trimmed round stool/bench with a needlepoint seat.
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Giltwood
$4,490 / set
H 12.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Stools / Benches Attributed to Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
A pair of elegant French Mid-Century Louis XVI style foot stools / ottomans / poofs or benches in the Modern Neoclassical tradition attributed to Maison Jansen, Paris. The pieces ar...
Brass
$4,000 / set
H 16 in W 24 in D 22 in
Pair of Percival Lafer Midcentury Brazilian "MP-97" Stools Foot Rests Ottomans
By Percival Lafer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brazilian rosewood tan leather upholstery foot stools benches.
Leather, Rosewood