8 Outdoor Bench Ideas to Spend More Time Outside (With Photos!)
Take a seat with our favorite outdoor bench ideas.
Set the scene for spending more time outside and enjoying the fresh air that warmer weather has to offer. Whether you need additional seating, have an empty space that you would like to make a little more inviting, or wish to de-stress in nature, an outdoor bench can add a welcoming touch. Escape the humdrum and appreciate your home's very own landscape with these eight outdoor bench ideas.
1. Metal Outdoor Benches
For a more classic and timeless outdoor bench idea, consider a metal bench. Made out of either steel or cast iron, metal outdoor benches are rust-resistant, sturdy, and long-lasting. Choose an ornate metal outdoor bench design to add an eye-catching touch to your patio or a charming addition to your backyard. Hang outdoor string lights above your metal outdoor bench to create a daydream aesthetic perfect for those midsummer nights. The twinkling outdoor string lights will create a lovely contrast against the more rigid aesthetic of the metal outdoor bench.
If you prefer your outdoor bench ideas to be more rustic and farmhouse in style, then wood is the way to go. Wooden outdoor benches have a more natural color and appearance which can fit in well in your backyard, giving you the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunset. Wood harmonizes with all types of decor, allowing you to add outdoor pillows and cushions both for extra padding and to accentuate your new outdoor bench. Choose outdoor pillows and cushions in bold and quirky colors to add a little character or exotic designs for a more sophisticated feel.
Stone outdoor benches are frequently made of cast stone or concrete, both durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. These resilient stand-alone pieces are designed to weather and age naturally over time. Stone outdoor benches are best placed in a more permanent location in your yard, as they are not easy to move. Set the scene around your outdoor bench with a strategically placed garden arbor for that secret garden feeling. Outdoor benches are often designed with historic architectural details like gargoyles, lions, and scrollwork, which are an instant draw that will make you want to linger in your backyard much longer.
A low-maintenance outdoor bench idea, a plastic outdoor bench ticks all the boxes. Plastic outdoor benches come in a wide variety of colors and designs that can change your space from drab to fab in no time. These benches are weatherproof and easy to clean, so you can enjoy them year-round without concern for their exposure to the elements. Plastic outdoor benches are fairly lightweight, making them easy to place on a rooftop garden where you can de-stress and enjoy the fresh air. They are the most affordable of all outdoor benches, though they may not be as hardy or long-lasting.
Don't forget to include storage! Stylishly stow away garden gloves, board games, and outdoor cushions in an outdoor bench with storage. Take your pick from outdoor storage benches with drawers beneath to a hinged seat that lifts to access the storage. This dual-function outdoor bench will allow you to keep all your outdoor essentials within reach while still providing a comfortable place to lounge. For those cooler evenings, store a few outdoor blankets and throws in the bench so that you can comfortably sit back and enjoy the night air without getting cold.
If you want to enjoy a little greenery without a backyard, an outdoor planter bench offers the perfect alternative. The best outdoor bench to hail in summer, these benches have planter boxes that you can fill with your favorite flowers or herbs to enhance the look of your patio. If you want to try your hand at a little gardening, why not put your green thumb in action by adding a trellis? Plant creepers and other climbing plants on the trellis behind your outdoor planter bench for a beautiful botanical surprise.
Choose a paintable outdoor bench to make your best outdoor bench fantasy a reality. Paintable outdoor benches are a fun and funky way to implement a particular design aesthetic with bright pops of color or simple pastels. Once you've selected the design you like, you can paint these one-of-a-kind outdoor benches to stand out or blend in with your outdoor space. Express your personality by pairing them with whimsical lawn and garden accents for a unique seating experience. Craft a fairy garden, place garden stones, or install a wishing well to perfectly complement your uniquely painted outdoor bench. Be sure to check whether the paint needs to be sealed once applied to ensure your handiwork lasts a long time.
An outdoor picnic bench offers space-efficient and low-profile seating. A more informal seating option, outdoor picnic benches have minimalist and sleek lines that lend themselves to modern style. If you want to use your outdoor picnic bench for a full dining experience, add an outdoor patio table to create the perfect gathering spot to re-create that picnic feeling. Our large selection of patio table materials and styles gives you the flexibility to customize your perfect outdoor spot this summer.
Whether you're looking for outdoor bench ideas for decoration or functionality, we can help you find the best outdoor bench to suit your needs.
