49 Outdoor Bench Ideas (Seating Pictures & Designs)

Here we showcase a variety of attractive outdoor bench ideas. An outside bench can be a great way to fully enjoy your backyard, patio or garden area. They can be used as a seating area around a fire pit that family and friends can enjoy. Benches can also be used as a place for private contemplation or to extend your home’s outdoor living area. Below you’ll find a variety of outdoor bench designs that you can use for inspiration for creating your own inviting backyard space.

For most people, the garden is their house’s pride and enjoy. With urbanization and rapidly rising real estate costs, owning a wonderful oasis of your own is a modern privilege. People blessed to have beautiful gardens should have great seating space from which to admire their handiwork. When choosing what outside bench is best for your home, it is good to consider a wide range of materials.

Then match that material’s physical characteristics and aesthetic value to what type of garden you have, where in the garden you would like to place the seat, and how you’d actually like to relax when you’re in your garden.

Types of Outdoor Benches

Here are a few common types of outdoor bench ideas that can suit most garden types.

Built-in – this type of outdoor seating is perfect if you are expecting to host a large number of people in your outdoor space. With the ability to be fully integrated with plant boxes and fire pits, these are a great way of organizing large outdoor spaces and maximizing views of the garden and landscape.

Circular orientations are a great way of creating more social dynamics, while creating a linear type of built-in seating promotes more movement and a larger central space. Usually done with a cement base, the seats can also be made of polished cement, or it can also be made of wood or tile.

Hanging – perfect for just 1-2 people, this is the most entertaining type of outdoor seating, hanging from an overhead canopy, balcony, or maybe even a large shade tree. This is best placed oriented towards the best view in the garden, so as to enjoy gentle swinging movements while admiring the scenery.

Bench with roof – although gardens were made to enjoy the outdoors, sometimes, nature does get in the way when it decides to throw strong rain, harsh sun and heavy snow on your garden. To keep safe, a bench can be fully integrated with a roofed structure, be it a small gable roof, or just a trellis with beautiful vines creeping through.

Of course, it is always best to match the material and color of the roofing to the natural setting of the landscape, as well as to not block out too much light, air and view with its covering.

Picnic bench – the most practical choice for outdoor seating, a picnic bench is the most flexible choice for multi-use gardens, as it can be used for a variety of activities and can host a good number of people. Whether you’re just using the picnic table and bench combo for just afternoon tea or a full-on barbecue day, the picnic bench can accommodate it all.

This flexibility also allows the patio space to be used for more everyday functions that would otherwise be confined to the house’s interiors, such as studying, eating, working and entertaining guests and visitors. After all, a little sunlight and a breath of fresh air mean the difference between a cold, drab day and a natural burst of energy from the outdoors.

Straight-backed bench – the most common type of outdoor seating, these can be store-bought in a wide range of varying budgets, designs and finishes. This is also a pretty common option for DIY-ers, because of its simple yet highly functional profile.

Backless bench – the simplest kind of outdoor seating, this type of seat is perfect for larger outdoor spaces where the seat will be used for temporary resting space, and not as a long-term seating option. A backless bench is also good for areas where the bench doesn’t interrupt any important landscape elements, as it can be designed low and unassuming.

Outdoor Curved Bench

Surrounded by lush green grass and a backdrop of tropical plants, the stone fire pit with curved stone bench pictured above is the perfect backyard spot to relax. Decorated with neon pink and orange throw pillows and accompanied by a set of sturdy wooden furniture, the whole family can come together over the warm fire. Beige pebbles line the circular patio space, providing a change in texture from the grass.

This modern house’s backyard patio, done in washed limestone, sits beautifully with the desert landscape. A fire pit, centered in between three raised benches, provides warmth during the cold night, while a pool in the background is a welcome respite during the day. The seating area is surrounded by landscaping and a rough rubble retaining wall encircling it.

This traditional double-roof house features a large patio, starting with a wooden pergola over an outdoor dining set on one end, and a lovely built-up stone fire pit and curved stone bench on the other. Built up of porous beige rubble rock, the seating area gives the traditional outdoor space a more rustic vibe.

Metal Bench

This beautiful flagstone patio looks over a vast green ranch and is set apart via a rustic barn-style double-rung horse fence. A pair of antique wrought iron benches is placed on the patio and surrounds a low fire pit built of reddish stone brick. For maximizing views, choosing outdoor bench ideas that are portable can provide you with versatility while watching a sunrise or a sunset.

This traditional style white painted wrought iron bench sits regally in front of a high garden wall. Its white frame contrasts well with the lush greenery behind it, and the intricate pattern brings a touch of class to an otherwise regular garden.

This backless metal bench features black wrought iron done in vintage scrolls and motifs, sitting in front of a low red brick garden wall. All around, large leafy plants tower, along with splashes of color from seasonal blooms. The bench nestles into the landscape very subtly yet evokes a certain nostalgic sense thanks to its classical profile.

Wooden Bench

This old bench, repainted aqua blue and then rescrubbed to give it a vintage look gives this back garden a retro-modern touch. Sitting at the end of a gravel path and surrounded by lush shrubs and blooms, the pale blue is a great match to the variety of colors present among the flowers.

Sitting on a grey flagstone patio, this long brown wooden outdoor bench features a traditional profile with its straight wood slatted back and seat set inside arched arm rests. Sitting on this bench, one enjoys being in the foreground of tall flowering shrubs in clean white and vibrant red.

This simple wooden bench features a curved S-profile in black iron decked with standard size timber poles running along its front. Set in front of a semi-paved foot path, this bench is low and allows people seated to feel the grass with their hands while seated in this lush garden. Make the most out of smaller patio spaces by choosing a bench that doesn’t “feel” small.

This hanging bench, in an L-shape and made of warm cedar wood, mimics the corner shape of the row of garden planters behind it. Pale white and blue throw pillows are added on top and go well with the vibrant purple of the flowers and the deep greens of the ivy-covered wall.

DIY Bench

When creating your own outdoor DIY seating build, it’s important to know the best wood to use for outdoor benches. Using the right type of wood will help prevent damage from the sun and moisture. Here are some of the best natural wood materials for creating an outdoor bench: Acacia, Redwood, Cedar, Cypress, Teak, and Shorea.

This modern style house features an all-paved backyard, utilizing large slabs of concrete partitioned neatly by grey river pebbles. Aside from the woven plastic outdoor furniture and stainless steel grill, an L-shaped bench runs around the outer edge of the retaining wall that acts as a planter in this outdoor space. The bench plan is made up of reclaimed wood seating mounted onto a scrubbed concrete backing, going with the industrial feel of the main house.

This contemporary-style backyard features a thin-cut, dark-stained reclaimed wood plank for its walls and raised patio flooring. It’s also used for the U-shaped bench and raised fire pit, which culminate in white tile. The seat of the U-shaped bench is decorated in a deep blue color, contrasting with the dark brown wood finish and the lush green hedges all around.

This contemporary-style outdoor space features a minimalist DIY bench hanging on the back wall’s rough concrete finish. With its simple design, throw pillows in bright shades of blue and orange were added, as was a zigzag pattern tapestry to the back. To its side, hanging air plants and decorative plants breathe life into the space.

Perfect for family DIY activities, a regular old garden bench can easily be spruced up by painting on some fresh patterns. Spray painting on a stencil is one of the easiest and least messy ways of achieving this look. When returned to its location, the newly painted bench brings out the color of the low flower bushes even better.

This all wood double decker backyard patio features a linear staircase coming from the top floor balcony down to an expansive wooden deck surrounded by a canal of wood shavings and then a grass area. The lower deck, elevated from the ground, features a pair of simple yet functional wooden benches of the same wood species as the entire deck, easily blending in, as they are bolted directly onto the deck, making them safe and sturdy for outdoor use.

Concrete Bench

This huge mountain side mansion features strong cement and reclaimed wood finishes in its walls and roofing. A line of concrete benches on either side of the entrance are the perfect seat when admiring the view and blends very naturally with the house and surrounding cliffs. Square cut stone tiles also pave the way towards the entrance and are lit by small lights embedded below the benches.

A modern-style patio in sharp square angles features a raised square fire pit and recessed seating all around it. The L-shaped concrete corner bench is decorated with a moss green cushion and a psychedelic pattern for its backrest, a vibrant contrast to the pale grey stone used for the rest of the patio.

With its textured pale grey finish, this low stone bench is the perfect addition to this overgrowth of yellow flowering bushes. The area is led to by tall grass and stamped earth, a simple design element to a wild, untamed outdoor area.

Outdoor Glider Bench

This white outdoor glider bench for two is constructed from acacia hardwood with a country style that would look appealing on any porch, deck or patio. See this loveseat glider bench at (Sponsored) Amazon 

Outdoor Swing Bench

A swinging Adirondack bench creates a more dynamic element whilst still matching the style of the two low-seated wooden lawn chairs. With the seats in a warm red wood finish, it contrasts well with the bright green grass and the simple grey stamped concrete of the patio floor.

This overgrown backyard features a wooden swing bench setup as its main decorative element, with its rounded log construction and wooden slat bench hanging from the top. The green slate gable roof also becomes the space’s defining aesthetic characteristic, while providing ample shade during rain or shine.

Strong and wide enough to seat two, this lovely hanging loveseat allows you to spend whole afternoons just lazing around the outdoor patio. The base, made of larger wood timbers and secured by metal screws, tastefully curves from the ground up and holds a textile canopy over a wooden frame. Below it, the white cushioned swing seat is held up on both ends by a strong woven fabric that makes it both touch and aesthetically pleasing.

Dangling inches above the red polished concrete floor, this white painted wood bench with cylindrical motif on its back and arm rest is attached to the ceiling via rope. While swinging with the big beautiful garden in the background, the bench provides comfort via its canary yellow seat cushion and sea blue throw pillow.

This very rustic looking swinging bench set overlooking a hill comes in a very unique driftwood assembly. Decorated with hanging flower pots and even an old Olmec head used as a plant pot, this outdoor seating area exudes a quaint yet vintage charm.

Almost sculptural in its appearance, this hanging wood bench is made up of several horizontal slats of a yellowish wood type that looks almost like it came from the tree it is hung up on. The electric blue rope on which the bench is hung on is a great contrast to the pale wood finish of the swing bench and the greens of the freshly mowed lawn.

Hanging on a sturdy metal chain, this hanging swing chair is a very comfortable addition to any back garden with its rounded profile and wicker construction. Made even more comfortable with seating cushions, the bright orange upholstery is a good accent to the dark wicker threads in abstract patterns as well as the plain white cement patio.

Outdoor Modern Bench

This 100% stainless steel patio bench, with its sleek chrome linear profile, matches well with a modern garden setup. In this instance, it is pushed to the corner of a grey-tinged wooden deck with a glass balcony. The greenery around it accentuates the deck’s modern theme via the use of bamboo. Conversely, this bench can also be used indoors, and can resist wear and tear as it comes as a fully welded piece.

This highly structural piece is made of hewn basalt rock, a craftsman effort that resulted in a highly sculptural conversational piece and can liven up any old backyard garden space. Placed on a clearing of crushed gravel, the stone bench makes a bold statement among all the low-lying bushes and greens in the yard. The top of the bench is polished with a natural edge, creating a safe and comfortable seating surface.

Wicker Bench

This hip swimming pool patio with its limestone tile flooring features a functional semi-circle outdoor seating space with central circular table. All made out of dark colored wicker, the seating space also features white weather proof cushions and backing pillows. See this semi circle wicker bench at – Amazon [sponsored link]

This luxurious pool, bordered by two large built-up plant boxes, is beautifully lit up at night and is accessed via a “floating” platform coming from the house’s living area. This underlit platform features just one piece of furniture – a luxurious rattan daybed with white cushions and throw pillows.

Rustic Bench

This rustic driftwood bench is of a very crude construction, yet possessed a certain craftsman’s charm to it, especially since it sits right on the beach. A palapa stands over the bench, which is an open space with a thatched palm leaf roof, perfect for entertaining wind during hot weather and for framing spectacular beach views.

This craftsman style wooden backyard canopy features round logs on all sides in a warm wooden tone. In between these strong pillars are paler, more cubical wood planks that act as bench seating. The outdoor space is decorated with outdoor wooden furniture and features fine grain pebbles as ground cover.

This garden bench features a blooming fern motif on its backrest and a simple wooden seat. The low greenery planted right behind it matches and contrasts with the house’s red brick walls. The rest of the garden space features an orange pebble wash for its flooring.

This small town cottage features a paved backyard, yet retains some garden elements thanks to its hanging planter and low under-sill bushes. A solitary stone garden bench is placed right in front of the red brick wall, adjacent to the ornate wood and gold plated back door. A similarly embossed white cement planter with human motifs sits right beside the bench and holds lively blooms.

A heavy-grained wood bench livens up this basic square cement tile garden path. Featuring a pair of large spoked wagon wheels on each side, this classic profile also features wood slats on its seat and back. This is a great addition to give any regular old garden space a quirky vibe.

This old wood and wicker outdoor seating bench is livened up with a fresh coat of electric blue paint, as well as DIY floral and leaf motif designs on its surface. Placed on wide spaced cement flagstones inlaid with red pebbles, the blue wood bench really livens up the backyard space, especially sitting in front of a flowery vine creeping up the house’s exterior wall.

Outdoor Park Benches

A simple wooden bench painted a deep shade of dark blue creates a beautiful play of color with the wispy pale purple wisteria blooming all along the length of this outdoor walkway. As if to emphasize the enchanting sight of the hanging blooms, large flagstones are laid out for the flooring and walls.

This tropical landscape, with its low blooms, carabao grass and palm trees, is a good backdrop to this traditional-looking white painted wrought iron bench. With a traditional basket weave seat and backing pattern, inlaid with flower and vine motif, the bench brings old school elegance to a fresh tropical garden.

A red bush brings much needed life to a traditional curved concrete garden bench with egg motif edge and double scroll legs. Harking back to an ancient garden, overgrown grass and rustic outdoor furniture give this backyard an antiquarian feel.

This bright flamingo pink bench done in a traditional profile is a welcome surprise to this small, traditional style backyard patio with red brick and cement flooring. The entire patio is surrounded on all sides by vertically oriented potted plants.

Outdoor Picnic Bench

This super modern house features a long white outdoor dining set in white wood planks set vertically.A long bench makes it easy to facilitate many family members or guests for entertaining. This contrasts well with the dark wood plank flooring that runs all the way to the open area with pool, which also features a wooden bench set in white painted concrete and lit below its seat.

A foldable dark wood dining table set sits al fresco in a large contemporary-style house. The bench seats have a thin dark brown bench cushion, which matches well with the off-white colors used in the rest of the house. A warm wood planter box at the edge of the al fresco brings a touch of warmth to the space.

Outdoor Garden Bench

Set amidst bright patches of pink and orange blooms, and a backdrop of vibrant green shrubs, this long bench sits perfectly nestled within the nature all around it. Set on a cement slab, it comes in a weathered wood finish that further highlights the vivacious blooms all around it.

This bench, painted a vibrant forest green, is nestled in between two very busy flower patches, and leads to the wider pebble stone walkways. With a backdrop of red brick wall and hanging ivy, the bench, recessed from the pathway, is a great place to take a rest, even at night, thanks to the presence of solar lighting right beside it.

This traditional Tuscan-style garden exudes class, particularly with the linear cast iron railings, with its bottom covered in ivy, alongside its beige cement steps leading to the lower patio deck. On one side, a stone platform exists for plants, and on the other, a unique addition in the form of a light purple cement platform, topped with a matching purple vase ornament. The unique seating area is fitted with a large white seat cushion, decorated with matching silk pillows.

This rustic bench made of simple bamboo construction is light, yet sturdy, adapting to the age-old adage of bamboo being bendy yet unbreakable. The flower trellis right behind the bench is also of a quaint bamboo construction yet holds a wonderful array of hanging flowering plants. A simple concrete brick path is used for the backyard patio and complements well with the bright green of freshly mowed lawn.

This very basic yet highly functional bench plan features a series of weathered wooden slats standing on top of two sturdy concrete base pillars coming out of a white sand pit. The garden bench’s white sand pit and pale tones contrast so well with the green grass, hedges and bush all around it. This layout gives it an almost modern zen appeal amidst the garden setup. This is a good example of how outdoor bench ideas don’t need to be extravagant when you have inviting garden views.

Nicely tucked in between two large hanging plant pots, this classic wooden seated bench blends naturally with the red brick wall and floors, and classic varnished door and window frames. To enhance its elegance, the bench design also features a flower and leaf motif in wrought iron on the bench’s backing and on its side armrests. Plant pots on the ground add warmth to the entire garden setup. Which type of bench products do you like the best? Share any experience you have with backyard seating in the comments.