Landscape Design
9 Built-In Outdoor Benches for Relaxing
Integrated patio seating works to save space, provide storage and soften edges
As we strive to create home-based havens, our yards become important centers of relaxation and seclusion. And for those of us who prize both design and comfort, neatly executed and practical outdoor seating is a priority. Although freestanding furniture offers convenience and flexibility, there’s an irresistible appeal to a perfectly proportioned built-in bench. Be warned: These nine examples may turn more than your thumb a little green with envy.
2. Curved and Tiled
This sweeping seat edges a terraced garden and would work well in similarly organic spaces where straight lines are at odds with relaxed planting. Constructed from stone and concrete, the bench has a mosaic tile treatment and a custom-made curved cushion. Additional seats and a coffee table create a casual conversation area.
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This sweeping seat edges a terraced garden and would work well in similarly organic spaces where straight lines are at odds with relaxed planting. Constructed from stone and concrete, the bench has a mosaic tile treatment and a custom-made curved cushion. Additional seats and a coffee table create a casual conversation area.
Work with a landscape designer near you
3. Combined With a Planter
The bench on this terrace backs up to a trough of leafy perennials and shrubs. Wood fencing provides height, structure and privacy for the yard.
The bench on this terrace backs up to a trough of leafy perennials and shrubs. Wood fencing provides height, structure and privacy for the yard.
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4. Plush With Pillows
Make your built-in bench comfy with colorful throw pillows and seat cushions with contrast piping. This colorful seat stands out against a more natural backdrop. The lime and striped fabrics tip toward desert modern when combined with potted succulents.
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Make your built-in bench comfy with colorful throw pillows and seat cushions with contrast piping. This colorful seat stands out against a more natural backdrop. The lime and striped fabrics tip toward desert modern when combined with potted succulents.
Shop for outdoor cushions and pillows on Houzz
5. Floating Above Greenery
This suspended bench appears to hover between the walls. This type of installation requires skill to create a smooth transition between the materials. Additional planting beneath the bench softens the overall design for a more naturalistic effect.
This suspended bench appears to hover between the walls. This type of installation requires skill to create a smooth transition between the materials. Additional planting beneath the bench softens the overall design for a more naturalistic effect.
6. Covered With a Pergola
This rooftop oasis is designed not to entertain hordes of friends, but rather to act as an idyllic hideaway from the stresses of daily life. An all-wood combination of bench, pergola, flooring and fence unifies the design elements and provides a neutral backdrop to enhance the eclectic mix of greenery.
For maximum practicality, make use of the space beneath the bench, as this designer did, for storing cushions when they’re not in use.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
This rooftop oasis is designed not to entertain hordes of friends, but rather to act as an idyllic hideaway from the stresses of daily life. An all-wood combination of bench, pergola, flooring and fence unifies the design elements and provides a neutral backdrop to enhance the eclectic mix of greenery.
For maximum practicality, make use of the space beneath the bench, as this designer did, for storing cushions when they’re not in use.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
7. Around the Perimeter
A small outdoor space can benefit from a border of built-in seating. Here, gray-washed wooden benches are subtle supporting players to the pizza oven at the center. The bench tops lift to access storage below.
A small outdoor space can benefit from a border of built-in seating. Here, gray-washed wooden benches are subtle supporting players to the pizza oven at the center. The bench tops lift to access storage below.
8. Long Enough for a Dinner Party
If alfresco dining is your favorite summer activity, then plan your garden with entertaining at its heart. This elegant pergola provides shade and helps define the midcentury modern setting. A long L-shaped bench with a backdrop of vertically planted palms gives the feel of an intimate garden room, while bold color combination delivers drama.
If alfresco dining is your favorite summer activity, then plan your garden with entertaining at its heart. This elegant pergola provides shade and helps define the midcentury modern setting. A long L-shaped bench with a backdrop of vertically planted palms gives the feel of an intimate garden room, while bold color combination delivers drama.
9. Deep Enough for a Nap
This whitewashed courtyard’s Mediterranean vibe is sure to lure visitors outdoors for a siesta on the deep built-in bench. The planting palette is beautifully restrained, with repeated trees and grasses providing symmetry and rhythm.
Show us: What does your built-in outdoor bench look like? Share a photo in the Comments.
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This whitewashed courtyard’s Mediterranean vibe is sure to lure visitors outdoors for a siesta on the deep built-in bench. The planting palette is beautifully restrained, with repeated trees and grasses providing symmetry and rhythm.
Show us: What does your built-in outdoor bench look like? Share a photo in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Tour more landscapes
Browse landscape photos
Find a landscape contractor
Shop for your outdoor spaces
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Integrating a built-in bench into a compact courtyard garden is an efficient use of space. This wooden model is painted the same color as the walls and floor to unite the area. The trees and other greenery planted behind the bench trick the eye into believing that the garden is bigger than it is.