You can put the bench, which measures 32 inches long x 16 3/4 inches high, by the back door as a catch-all. Place it in a bath for holding towels or in a child's room for storing toys and games. In the family room, stack magazines on the piece or use it for extra seating.

Construction is basic. There are only eight pieces: a seat, two ends, two curved aprons, a shelf, and two cleats that support the shelf. For the ends, seat, and shelf, we used laminated pine panels, each consisting of strips of wood glued to make 12-inch-wide panels. (Various lengths are available.)

The only tools required are a circular saw, a saber saw, and a hammer. The two aprons notch into the ends for added strength. Cleats cut from scrap wood are nailed to each end to support the shelf. Assembly involves wood glue and nails.

This example has one of our favorite finishes. The bench was sanded and then painted with a cream-colored latex. After that dried, a coat of blue was brushed on. When that was dry, the entire piece was sanded using medium-grade and then fine-grade sandpaper. (A small power sander will save time and effort.) The piece can be given a coat of clear or tinted paste wax for protection.