This mini-bench was originally made so that I could be downstairs in the basement watching TV (and the dogs) and still get something productive done.  It's height was set based on my height sitting on the couch.  You'll notice that there's no overhang on front, but things can be clamped from the back.  In particular, I felt this would help me with some of the work I'm doing on the guitar - I put a 1/4" plywood skin (with a little padding) over the top that overhangs slightly and provides edge support.  The length and weight really aren't conducive to heavy planing, but with the end braced against the furniture I can usually make do.  There's also a shelf underneath (I've got a second shelf ready if I ever get around to making the supports for it), and a small shelf from which I can hand the chisels.  Given my usual style, I suspect it'll never get used, because that means I've actually put something away.
 
 
 

Photo 1: Side view of the bench.  Yeah, it's got stuff all over it.  That blue thing on the floor is a dog toy, honest.
Photo 2: Same thing, different angle and lighting.  That's not a Record vise at the end, but a cheapie Taiwanese knock-off.  Now I know the difference, but it does the job.
Photo 3: Top view.  Yes, those are square bench-dog holes.  Get over it.  And yes, I know the image quality isn't as good as I'd like, but we all make sacrifices for server space considerations.

 
 

Stats:

Length: 24" (top) +3" (vise)

Height: 27"

Width: 14.5"

Weight: ~65#

Material: Birch
 

Lumber from New England Hardwood Supply, Littleton MA