Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Ruth Doherty

Best garden benches that will make your outdoor space

Making the most of your outdoor space has become a prerequisite for many homeowners. And some of the best outdoor benches offer the perfect spot to soak up the sun without taking up too much precious space.

Whether you’ve got a petite patio, bijou balcony or simply want to create a spot in your garden where you can relax and rejuvenate, an outdoor bench is a brilliant option.

Outdoor benches have remained a popular option in the garden seating sphere, closely following the viral egg chair as well as the day bed for exterior lounging . Soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand and make the most of the British summer.

From Scandi string benches and modern industrial styles to sumptuous sofa benches and egg benches, we’ve rounded up a host of our favourite outdoor benches below. All you have to do is sit back and relax…

Here’s our pick of the best lounge-worthy garden benches.

Habitat Kora two seater egg bench

Take relaxing al fresco to a luxe new level with this on-trend egg bench. Room enough for two, it’s the ideal spot for a romantic tête-à-tête or a natter with a friend.

Equally, it makes a stylish space for yourself, to lie back and enjoy a good book. The cocooning shape is tranquil and welcoming, and it comes with a seat pad and two cushions for extra comfort.

Buy now £480.00, Argos

Zuiver vondel small garden bench

For a seamless, contemporary style, the Zuiver outdoor bench from Cuckooland has got you covered. The aluminium frame is built to stand up to the unpredictable British weather, and the slats are wipeable for easy maintenance.

Ideal for patio perch or to pair with the matching dining table and chairs for a complete set.

Buy now £599.00, Cuckooland

Sunflower yellow metal garden bench

Garden lacking those sunshine rays? Don’t panic, every day will be a sunny day with this beautiful colour-pop yellow metal garden bench.

The retro Art Deco style will elevate your outdoor scheme and the mood-boosting colour palette will inject joy into every cuppa or sundowner enjoyed under an open sky.

Vintage vibes… and we’re here for it.

Buy now £245.00, Rockett St George

Outsunny 2 Seater Metal Garden Bench

This bijou bench is perfectly proportioned for a small balcony or patio, offering a modern-looking place to perch while you soak up the morning sun with a cuppa.

Crafted with durable, weather-resistant steel, it’s comfier than it looks as well as being long-lasting. Put the kettle on, grab the papers, and pop yourself down.

Buy now £94.99, Robert Dyas

Daquan Tioman wooden planter bench

You don’t have to be Charlie Dimmock to surround yourself with greenery in the garden, as this wooden planter bench makes it easy. The bench is made with wood treated with weather-resistant teak oil and is supported on either side by a planter box, where you can simply pop your favourite leafy greens.

Place it in a calming, tranquil spot in the garden or on the balcony where you can take five and relax.

Buy now £92.99, Wayfair

Wooden slatted bench

Proof that you don’t need to blow the budget on a stylish addition to your outdoor retreat? This chic wooden slatted bench from Studio.

The steel frame is weather-proof while the wood is treated to stand up to the elements. The style would suit any space, and we’d style it with a printed outdoor rug and large planter. The perfect perch for two.

Buy now £60.00, Studio

Richmond bench

Add a pop of colour to your outdoor paradise with this garden bench that is available in an array of shades. Not only will the bold and bright hues lift your outdoor decor style, but the powder-coated steel will also last for years, too.

What’s more, there’s a matching bistro set and tray table if you fancy a complete set or need something for a bigger get-together.

Buy now £200.00, Garden Trading

Habitat Nordic spring two seater garden bench

Inject a slice of pared-back Scandi style into your garden with a chic and affordable string bench. The timeless style comes in a contemporary grey hue and will slot right into any outdoor space.

Want more than one but don’t want to take up too much space? The benches are stackable so you can easily store them away when not in use. Add a cushion and a cocktail and you’ll be in summer heaven.

Buy now £130.00, Argos

Outsunny Wooden Garden Bench

Modern rustic blends with industrial style in this wooden and metal bench with a comfy backrest and sleek frame. Its minimalist aesthetic means it will slip seamlessly into any garden or patio space.

Just add blankets and cushions for a comfy-chic place to retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Buy now £67.00, Amazon

Apolima rattan effect bench

The organic, earthy trend is here to stay, which makes this affordable rattan effect outdoor bench a savvy buy indeed. The wicker piece boasts alluring curves and a comfy cushion to offer an inviting and calming spot to soak up the sun and grab some fresh air.

Buy it on its own for a standalone piece, or team it with the matching egg chair and an armchair - for the ultimate entertaining area.

Buy now £148.00, B&Q

Kendal grey outdoor two seater sofa bench

If you’re looking to mix sumptuousness and sophistication, a sofa bench is just the ticket. Ideal if you don’t have the space for a full sofa set, but still want the comfort a fully cushioned piece offers, this sleek grey sofa bench is contemporary as well as lounge-worthy.

It boasts water-resistant cushions, handy armrests, and floor protectors. If you do have a roomy garden, there’s a whole set to invest in - a luxe addition to your outdoor space.

Buy now £709.00, Danetti

Swansea Tree bench

Looking for something a little different? This tree bench is the answer. A great space-saver as well as being a pretty, decorative touch, it’s a nifty piece that allows you to enjoy the peace and sanctuary the garden offers without taking up too much square footage.

Crafted in solid iron with a distressed white painted finish, it will add a vintage vibe to your outdoor space, too. Grab a friend, head outdoors and put the world to rights.

Buy now £225.00, Modish Living

Keter Eden Bench 265L Garden Storage Box – Grey

Loyal readers will know by now that here at ES Best we have a thing for furniture with storage. When space is scarce, it pays to invest in items that work harder for your money. In the garden, that means a bench that doubles up as a storage bench. Simply add squishy outdoor cushions to this bench for additional seating, storing plant pots, gardening tools or even picnicware underneath, ready to whip out when you need it. The weather-resistant wood-look panel design is lockable and can hold up to 265L within.

Buy now £108.00, Argos

Verdict

Is there anything cooler than Habitat’s Kora two-seater egg bench? This timeless piece will offer you a cosy and tranquil spot to enjoy on your own or with family and friends - without setting you back a small fortune. The Rockett St George Sunflower yellow metal garden bench is also a little bit of joyful bliss that will bring a vintage vibe to your outdoor space.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.