Types of Benches – Practical Informal Seating Options

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Imagine for a moment, sitting at the sea on a beautiful park bench, watching the majestic sunset as the sun says goodbye to yet another day, the last thing that comes to mind is the type of bench you are sitting on and thinking about the day that has just finished and the day that is to arrive again. What if we did take a moment to think about the different types of benches, what if we did think about the people who sat before us, would our journey not be that much richer for knowing just a little bit more about the types of benches there are in the world?

The Various Different Types of Benches

Most types of benches are intended for outdoor use, though there are a few bench types that can also be used in the home. In this article, we will list the various bench types as well as the functionality of each type of bench.

Different bench types are mostly used for the garden areas.  Everybody likes to sit out in the garden on a hot summer’s day and just breathe in the wonders of nature and the most convenient place to do this, is on a garden bench that has been placed in the best spot in the garden.

Garden benches typically only have enough space for two people.

They can be used as a seat for one and can even be used with an outside dining table where the bench is placed on one side of the table and on the other side single chairs, which will add a bit of contrast to a great outdoor space.

Memorial Bench

These types of benches usually have a plaque placed on them giving details of who has paid for the bench and in whose memory, it was placed, to remember our loved ones who have passed on, it has become almost symbolic to place a bench in a public area such as the beach or a public park.

The public is welcome to sit and enjoy the view and yet still give the family of the deceased, a bit of comfort in having an object such as a type of bench named for the loved one.

The memorial bench is not purchased outright by any one person, it is a sponsored item and cannot be removed. Memorial benches belong to the local council and are the responsible party who will take care of the placing of the plaque when a family has donated in the name of the deceased. The grass verge around the bench will be maintained by the council.

The memorial bench has become a very popular way to immortalize a loved one in a special place.

Storage Bench

The storage bench is a type of bench that has four sides, a base, and a lid, shelves, or drawers. There are usually no legs found on a storage bench as the function of the storage bench is to be able to store items in the bench that could be heavy and may be too much pressure for four little legs.

The seat of the storage bench is usually fitted with hinges to enable you to lift the lid easily.

Storage benches are the type of benches that are designed for use either indoors or outdoors. Indoor storage is perfect for children’s rooms to use as toy boxes and outdoors, this type of bench will be perfect for garden tools or even patio furniture cushions.

The storage bench is multifunctional as it acts as a storage place for clutter and is also a bench for sitting. Outdoor storage benches are usually made of plastic as they need to be all weatherproof against rain, snow, and the harsh sun. This type of bench is not attractive, especially for a garden, but it is a step up rather than having garden tools all over the lawn.

The storage bench is useful to have when storage space in the house is minimal.

Planter Bench

This type of bench has planters attached to it. It is usually made from wood and is purchased in a set of three, where the middle of the bench is used as a plant bench and the two sides will be the sitting benches, or vice versa. These types of benches are placed on patios or decks in the garden and are the perfect place to add color with flowers or plants.

These types of benches will make the outdoor area look inviting, yet are functional at the same time. The planter bench is the ideal object in the garden to incorporate a rustic look that will add to its surroundings.

Indoor Bench

Indoor benches are those types of benches that are for the dining room area where the bench will be placed against a wall behind a dining room table or be stored underneath the table when not in use. This type of bench is used in smaller homes where space is an issue.

The length of a bench means that it can seat multiple people and the big drawcard for this type of bench can also serve as a storage bench in that it can be made where the lid of the bench is lifted and used as a storage bin for larger items in the kitchen or dining room area.

Benches are also ideal for use at the foot of a bed, providing a place to sit while getting dressed and putting on shoes.

The indoor bench is made from wood and will have a padded top so when sitting on it, it will be comfortable. The bench type can also be incorporated as a window seat or even a hallway seat if the hallway is big enough to accommodate it.

Tree Bench

The tree bench is probably the most difficult to incorporate into its natural surroundings. The tree bench is a circular seating area that is erected around the trunks of large trees. The shape of the circular tree bench is a hexagon and encompasses designing several curved slates which will slot into each other and give the impression of it being a solid piece.

This type of bench is usually found in outdoor spaces and in many restaurants where space is key. They enhance the features of majestic trees and at the same time, the trees form a type of shading for people who do not want to sit in the harsh sun.

The tree bench is the perfect place to relax in a garden or read a book and will make an ordinary garden look quite regal when incorporating this type of bench around a beautiful lush tree.

Backless Bench

A backless bench is simply a bench without a backrest. These are popular in shopping malls.  The placement of the bench allows a person to sit and face any direction that they wish to. This type of bench design is cost-effective and usually uses far less material to make than other bench types.

The disadvantage of the bench without a back is that they are not the ideal bench to sit back and relax, however it is a bench that has been placed in an area to be used only for short periods. Mall walking could be daunting for the elderly. This type of bench is placed to allow the shopper to take a quick break.

Curved Bench

This type of bench can add a nice addition to a corner space in a room. Curved benches curve at an angle and this means that people who are sitting on the bench are positioned with their knees facing each other, whereas when sitting on a straight bench, the knees would face forward. The curved bench is more social as it encourages conversation face to face.

What Are Benches Made From?

There are different garden benches, from plastic to concrete to the ever-popular wooden garden bench, and choosing what bench suits your home should be the deciding factor when purchasing a bench. A plastic bench will not weigh a ton and will be easy to move around should you wish to change the look of your garden without too much difficulty. The types of wooden benches available in the marketplace could be much heavier and will most likely remain in the area where you place them.

Choosing the ideal spot in the garden is important, as once a heavy bench is placed in the area, it may be difficult to move it without a bit of help. Ideally, this would be the perfect spot for you to enjoy your garden in its entirety.

Pallet Bench

The pallet bench is the type of bench that has become trendy in recent times, especially for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. The design is easy to ensemble and makes great outdoor furniture using old wooden crates and wooden pallets. These bench types are made according to personal taste and can be customized to your style.

Some people may think that the pallet bench is cheap looking but it can be made more inviting by adding a good coating of dark varnish. They are great bench types to make if the budget does not allow for the more expensive bench types.

Concrete Bench

The concrete bench is available at most garden centers and when placed in the garden, gives the feeling of the classic English countryside. These types of benches add a touch of class to a garden, and some of them can be made in block styles that can work well in Japanese-inspired gardens.

The concrete bench is the bench type that requires no maintenance at all when compared to all types of wooden benches and it also has a very long lifespan. The disadvantage of concrete benches is they are not comfortable and usually only have space for no more than two people and they are very difficult to move around because they are so heavy.

Metal Bench

Compared to the other types of benches, the metal bench is available in a variety of styles and various types of metal. The types of wooden benches have a lot of upkeep associated with them but the meal bench stands up to harsh weather conditions and, they can be upgraded very quickly by adding a coat of exterior metal paint to the bench if it starts looking a bit dull.

Metal benches are more expensive than the various types of wooden benches that are available but they are also longer lasting than the other types of benches. The investment of purchasing a metal bench will pay off in the long run. The materials that are used to make this type of bench are iron or aluminum. A lot of them also have beautiful designs incorporated into the armrests and the backrests of the bench.

The iron bench will add a retro and yet vintage design look to the garden.

Wooden Bench

All types of wooden benches are by far the most popular garden benches. The wood is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and is not only comfortable to sit on, but it also adds warmth when sitting on a wooden bench. All types of wooden benches require very little maintenance to upkeep the bench if prepared properly before placing it outdoors.

All types of wooden benches should be either stained or varnished or painted with a formula intended for exterior wooden surfaces. This needs to be done every year and will protect the wooden bench from moist or harsh weather. If a protective coat is not painted onto the wood, it could become rotten quite quickly and the structure will be compromised and the garden bench will just become very unattractive in the garden space.

After reading this article, the garden bench certainly gives much food for thought. Even though the primary purpose of the bench is to sit, for the human being, it offers so much more, a place to remember good times, a place to make friends, and a place to revive the soul to face a new day. A beautiful piece of furniture that just does so much for the soul that very few other pieces of furniture achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Type of Bench to Use in a Garden?

The tree bench is certainly the bench of choice as it adds dimension to a garden and brings out the natural beauty of a tree that could generally go unnoticed.

What Is the Upkeep of a Wooden Bench?

If a wooden bench is properly prepared before placing it in a garden, then the upkeep should be minimal and perhaps a fresh coat of paint or varnish should be applied only on an annual basis to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.