Outdoor
June 19, 2011
12 Of The Best Benches
12 stylish seats for the great outdoors.
A teak beauty with patina.
This teak bench’s weathered finish makes it look as though it’s been sitting in a Parisian garden for years. The decorative back takes its visual interest to a new level.
LeaGrave. 38″ h. x 71″ w. x 27″ d. Approx. $2,360. At Restoration Hardware.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Spruce up this bench with colourful pillows.
A utilitarian and versatile bench that takes up minimal space, this piece could be pulled out for extra seating or even used as a patio coffee table.
Falster. Polystyrene; powder-coated aluminum. 17″ h. x 51″w. x 14″d. $100. At Ikea.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
A laid-back country classic.
The woven skirt on this curvy bench gives it big presence. Dressed up with flowery pillows, this piece would look right at home on a covered porch.
Arthur two-seater sofa. Rattan. 32 1?2″ h. x 42 1?2″ w. x 22″ d. $400. Through Bacon Basketware.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Sturdy and durable with delicate lines.
Characterized by a classical shape and latticework seat, this weighty bench is perfect for an English garden. Overlapping circles bring a graceful geometric focus to the back.
Laurentian. Cast aluminum. 33″ h. x 43″w. x 21″d. $729. At Hauser.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
A contemporary bench with a delicate profile.
A modern bench with acrylic webbing topped by a thin cushion could work as extra seating for dining or entertaining both outdoors and in.
Rusa. Teak; Sunbrella. 22 3?4″ h. x 61 1?4″ w. x 16″ d. $625. At Design Within Reach.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
A great find with an even better price tag.
Constructed in all-weather resin that resembles wicker (but won’t become brittle and crack over time), this bench boasts a sophisticated design and a budget-friendly price.
Dinsmore garden bench. 34″ h. x 44″ w. x 24″ d. $130. At Canadian Tire.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
An eye-catching showpiece for your porch or garden.
With a back that references Chinese Chippendale design, this bench — substantial enough to withstand a strong gust of wind — is a cottage classic.
Chippendale. Teak. 34″ h. x 48″ w. x 20″ d. $1,000. At Sheridan Nurseries.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Clean lines with a solid structure.
With a slatted teak back and seat and a stainless-steel frame, this ample three-seater is the perfect addition to a spacious contemporary backyard.
Cathay. 35″ h. x 71″ w. x 20″ d. $2,150. At Andrew Richard Designs.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
This teak conservatory bench seats two.
Elegant vertical slats and lines that are reminiscent of a Windsor chair means this transitional bench suits either a modern or traditional outdoor space.
Roseto. Teak. 353?4″ h. x 60″ w. x 241?4″ d. $999. At Crate & Barrel.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Add an unexpected pop of pink to your front yard.
Urban with a twist, this Pop Art version of a park bench is more than just a fun splash of colour in the garden; its curvy back makes it supercomfortable.
Fermob Louisiane. Powder-coated steel. 32″h. x 59″ w. x 28 1?2″ d. $750. Through Alphaplantes.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Ideal for outdoors or a mudroom.
Affordable and practical, this country-style bench has a seat that lifts, perfect for hiding garden tools, sports equipment and toys.
Jardin garden bench. Resin. 33″ h. x 55″ w. x 33″ d. $139. At The Home Depot.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.
Elevate your back deck with this elegant design.
Ideal for lounging, this daybed-like bench features bolsters and a generous cushion for added comfort. Place it poolside or even in the middle of the lawn — because it’s backless, it won’t obstruct the view.
Jacques Garcia outdoor double-arm bench. Woven resin; powder-coated aluminum; 28″ h. x 87″ w. x 26″ d. From $5,150. At Studio b.
See all our summer 2011 picks in our Best Benches photo gallery.