Old Elm Wood Gate Bench — Three Reasons Why It Makes A Great Heirloom To This Day
BY SCENE SHANG
ESSENTIALLY A LONG STOOL, the ‘gate bench’ is named because it was traditionally placed in pairs opposite one another along gateways. Familiar to most, it is often seen in front of shophouse entrances. You might even have seen one in pictures of your grandma’s old family home.
What makes a great heirloom? It can be something that brings intangible value to you and your family, or a piece that is built to last long enough for sentimental feelings to kindle.
Here, we unlock three reasons why the unassuming Old Elm Wood Gate Bench makes a great heirloom for your contemporary home.
1. A strong and stable construction:
a furniture that can endure the test of time
The construction of the Old Elm Wood Gate Bench is made stable with two horizontal supports between both legs on each end.
2. Longevity in function:
a slim and lightweight piece that can be used for any occasion

A dining setting where gate benches are used. In the olden days, they were placed around classical Chinese square tables (八仙桌 bā xiān zhuō) to sit two people on each side.
3. Built from culture and tradition:
a lucky charm for your family


In Chinese, the cloud motif is called the ‘如意云纹’ rúyì yún wén - where 如意 rúyì simply means ‘as you wish’. (Left) The cloud motif applied in traditional Chinese architecture. (Right) The cloud motif subtly applied on the spandrel of the Old Elm Wood Gate Bench.
An Heirloom Reimagined by The Dreams of Early Settlers to Singapore
Old Elm Wood Gate Bench - Nutmeg, our classic gate bench meets lush upholstery designed by Binary Style. Newly-launched in our Blossoming Abundance Collection.
Heirlooms — Lives Told, Retold, Untold