Have a Seat: Garden Bench Inspiration

A lovely bench topped by a pergola at Lincoln Green Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Benches are the perfect accessory for any garden. They offer a place to relax, enjoy the flowers, dream, read, and watch the birds & butterflies. There is nothing better than having a comfy garden bench on which to rest after a hard day’s gardening. They can also add style, grace, and character to your outdoor space.

Garden benches come in a wide variety of materials, the most common are wood, metal, concrete and stone.

Natural wood is one of the most common materials used in garden benches. While it can be susceptible to weather damage and pests, it is easily protected with paint, oil or varnish. In colder climates, covering it over the winter will also help improve its lifespan. Regular cleaning of wood benches is also important to help preserve them. For more information see protecting wood benches.

For those who like the look of weathered wood, you can forgo maintenance and let nature take its course. Photo courtesy of @pixieperennials

Photo courtesy of @thompsonsgardenemporium

Metal benches are often made of steel, cast iron, or aluminum. Metal benches are often fantastically ornate. Many vintage and antique benches are metal. Metal benches require paint and protective sealants to prevent rusting. Like wood benches, they also require regular cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and grime that may deteriorate the finish. They also require covering or storing indoors in colder climates during the winter season. For more information on protecting metal benches, see protecting metal benches

Stone and concrete benches add a natural touch and have exceptional longevity. A big plus is they require virtually no maintenance.

Stone swan bench available at tuscanbasins.com

Garden benches can add a focal point to your garden. They also provide a place to spend time with friends and family and enjoy an intimate conversation within the garden.

Photo courtesy of @ourlittleflintcottage

You can add personality to your garden by adding a splash of color. A kaleidoscope of garden benches are available for sale online as well as in brick & mortar stores, or you can paint your own!

Bold red bird bench available on Etsy.com

Traditional Lutyens bench painted a happy shade of green. Photo courtesy of @asnipofgoodness

Creative folks can repurpose items and invent their own unique garden benches.

Garden bench repurposed from a vintage bed. Photo courtesy of @home_decoranddesign

Garden bench constructed from old farm wheels and tractor seats. Photo courtesy of @rusticremakes

You may want your garden bench prominently displayed, or tucked secretively away where you can hide from the cares of the world with a cup of tea (or glass of wine) and your favorite book.

Photo courtesy of @gardens_and_architecture

I love roofed benches, which provide a refuge from both raindrops and hot sun in the garden.

Just remember that in any garden, flowers gone wild can gobble up anything, even your garden bench! Make sure to trim those errant ramblers or you may lose your favorite seat!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you found some garden bench inspiration! If you enjoyed this post, you may also like my other gardening posts including The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey, The Garden Gate Story: Inspiration from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Magical & Enchanting Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Charming & Romantic Window Boxes, and Add Charm to your Garden with Beautiful Birdhouses!

Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

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Monterey Farmgirl