The ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ Bench

(R)evolution at the Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition as Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm and Fritz Hansen reinterpret a classic Scandinavian bench in a hands-on collaboration between designer and manufacturer.


Each year, the Cabinetmakers' Autumn Exhibition (Snedkernes Efterårsudstilling) serves as a powerful platform for celebrating contemporary furniture design, where past meets present and new stories are born. This year’s exhibition is no exception. With the theme (R)evolution, it honours the father of Danish design Kaare Klint’s philosophy that good design requires both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of historical furniture design. Among the 36 pieces on display, a bench reimagined for today’s world pays homage to Scandinavian heritage: named ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’, the piece is designed by Danish/Swedish designer Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm in collaboration with Fritz Hansen.

‘OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND’

The 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' bench reinterprets the classic Scandinavian 'slagbænk'—a traditional wooden bench with a hinged seat for storage. Historically simple and utilitarian, this modern version is transformed with sleek shapes, contemporary materials, and a design language influenced by Fritz Hansen's craftsmanship legacy.
 
Speaking to the design, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm notes, “At first glance, ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ may feel familiar, yet it introduces new forms and materials that make it an entirely modern piece. It speaks to the core values of Scandinavian design—simplicity, functionality, and beauty—while offering a new way to think about space and storage in the modern home.”
 
The bench design offers a generous storage space—132.98 litres, to be precise—making it as practical as it is comfortable. Yet, it’s the small details that make this piece truly exceptional. It is crafted with pressure-moulded beech and Douglas fir veneer, a tribute to Fritz Hansen’s design heritage, notably the work of Arne Jacobsen, who pioneered this technique at Fritz Hansen in the mid-20th century. The curves on its seat and backrest are inspired by the curves of Jacobsen’s Oxford chair, providing ergonomic sitting comfort. Similarly, the use of custom-designed ‘snake eyes’ screws, a subtle nod to Poul Kjærholm’s PK91 chair, ensures that the bench is easy to disassemble while adding a layer of visual intrigue.

COLLABORATION & CRAFT

The collaborative process—from concept to prototype to final product—resulted in a piece that is not just functional, but meaningful and full of history. “It’s increasingly rare to find the kind of collaboration between designer and manufacturer where hands-on craftsmanship meets creative vision in the workshop”, says Chris, “Yet this is exactly what happened in this project.”

Fritz Hansen’s legacy of collaboration stretches back over 150 years, with partnerships with visionaries like Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm whose iconic designs and manufacturing techniques left their mark on the 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' bench.

Chris had the opportunity to work directly in the workshop alongside Fritz Hansen's Design Developer, Mads-Ulrik Husum. This hands-on approach allowed them to experiment with materials and techniques, resulting in details like the unique cross-lamination pattern. Mads-Ulrik shares, “At Fritz Hansen, we focus quite a bit on the layout of veneer, which is also visible on the edges of the veneered Arne Jacobsen chairs.”This approach, Mads-Ulrik explains, “brings a rhythmic, aesthetically pleasing pattern that elevates its look beyond standard production methods.”

Additionally, when it came to crafting the gables of the bench, they looked to the sweeping veneer arches of Poul Kjærholm’s PK60 coffee table base for insight. This attention to detail and connection to iconic designs are what defines the bench's modern yet nostalgic character. 
 

 

 

 

REVOLUTIONISING TRADITION

‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ is more than just a functional bench—it is a quiet revolution as the humble bench is reimagined for modern living. This evolution from a modest piece of furniture from the past to a stylish, comfortable, and relevant design with more than a touch of nostalgia is what makes this piece so special.  

By collaborating with Fritz Hansen, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm not only benefited from the brand’s vast knowledge of materials and techniques but also from its rich design history. This bench is the product of both a respect for tradition and a desire to push boundaries—a fitting tribute to the exhibition’s theme of (R)evolution.

For those who appreciate the subtle evolution of traditional forms, the Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition 2024 provides the perfect stage for this quiet but impactful piece. It is a testament to what can be achieved when the worlds of craft, history, and design come together in true collaboration. 

Please note that the Out of Sight, Out of Mind bench is a single piece produced for exhibition only and is not currently in production. The Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition 2024 takes place in Copenhagen from 5th – 27th October 2024.