Which of these Contemporary Patio Benches is Best for You?

The type of bench you select for your home or business depends on the setting, your design preferences and your storage needs. You can find contemporary patio benches in a wide variety of styles for indoor or outdoor use, made from resin, wood or stone. Upholstered benches are common in many styles of bedroom décor, as well as in foyers. Check out the most popular styles of benches and choose the best one for your space, needs and budget.

English Garden Bench

A traditional English garden bench like Classic Three-Seater Bench by Royal Teak Collection is made from wood and has a very structured design with tight slats along the seat and open slats along the back. English garden benches also have armrests on either side for added comfort. You can find English garden benches that are painted or stained to coordinate with the décor in your garden or yard.

Backless Outdoor Bench

You can find backless benches in a variety of styles to fit any outdoor space. These benches have neither backs nor armrests and are the easiest kind of bench to make. Otherwise known as deck benches, you will see simple structures around the perimeter of a porch or deck, under a tree or standing alone in a garden. Most have slatted seats like the Mason 3-Seater Backless Bench by Anderson Teak, but you can also find solid wooden or stone seats attached to legs or a frame.

Storage Bench

Storage benches may be backless or, in the style of an English garden bench, have a back and armrests. Most often, the seats are attached to the base of the bench with hinges, but you may also find storage benches with seats, or bench tops that are completely removable. There are even styles that come with shelves underneath like the Sauna Bench by All Things Cedar. You will find benches made from wood and often upholstered, while most of them are primarily made from plastic, resin or treated wood.

Bedroom Bench

A bedroom bench is most often backless and placed at the foot of the bed for convenience, additional seating, and as part of the décor. Bedroom benches may have storage, or not, and are mostly covered in fabric to coordinate with the style of the room.

Rustic Stone Bench

Rustic garden benches may be made with two boulders bracing a seat made from wooden slats or a thick slice of slate. You are most likely to see benches made from stone in a wooded or park-like setting.

Concrete Bench

Concrete benches may be decorated or plainly functional and are usually seen in a city park, business setting or government building. The concrete is practical as it needs little to no upkeep, is extremely durable, and will last for more than one lifetime.

While some can very well make your own bench, there are those who would opt to just buy them. Whatever bench style that takes your fancy, make sure that you only buy from a trusted maker or retailer to ensure quality.