Garden Benches: 17 Creative & Rustic Ideas

This idea gallery features a variety of garden benches including classic, creative, and rustic styles, perfect as a focal point to display flower pots and garden art in your outdoor space.

If you would like ideas for sitting areas, also see 24 Relaxing Garden Nooks.

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Creative Garden Bench Ideas

There is an inside joke between gardeners about garden benches and sitting areas in general—and the consensus is—we don’t use them—or not for sitting, that is. The moment you do try to sit in a garden, you see what needs doing and can’t help but get up and do it. And before you know it, hours have passed.

Perhaps this is why so many garden benches are used as functional garden art.

Whether a bench is a classic style or a quirky DIY project made from old tree branches, they make great focal points in the garden.

These ideas come from home gardens I’ve visited on garden tours. They are organized by themes. Have a look and see what’s next for your outdoor space.

Birdhouse Benches

The world of home and garden décor goes through all sorts of trends through the years including duck and cow themes and birdhouses.

This idea to make the back boards of a garden bench look like a birdhouse never gets old to me.

I’ll show you a few variations.

I like how the wood for this next bench looks like giant popsicle sticks.

Here’s another view—it’s a lovely woodland setting.

This next one was painted bright red and (perhaps) sponge-painted with white paint overtop. Love the giant teacup planter (here’s a smaller version) and fake squirrel.

This next one converted each of the back wood pieces into faux birdhouses.

This next one is really rustic and half way to being a birdhouse bench.

For more ideas also see this Gallery of Garden Birdhouse Ideas.

Rustic Garden Benches

Rustic garden benches are made by using tree branches for parts of the bench.

To keep the bench functional, this first one has a table-like frame made from lumber. The arm rests and back are made from rustic branches.

Just like the previous bench, this one is a combination of lumber and rustic branches and the whole thing has been painted white.

Repurposed Bed Bench

This quirky little bench is made from an old metal headboard and baseboard. The baseboard has been cut in half and welded to the headboard. The bed rails (cut to size) are used to support the wood pieces forming the seat.

You can also turn a real bed frame into a flower bed using these tips.

Classic Wood Benches

This first bench is a traditional, classic design made with untreated wood.

The fan-shaped back pieces on this next bench make it somewhat unique.

This next one-of-a-kind creation seems to be made from 2x4s and 2x2s.

If you want building plans for various styles, there are lots here on Etsy, or check books at your local library.

Storage Bin Bench

If you need a place to store patio cushions, a box-like storage bench like this one is a good solution.

The deck (above) used a blue color theme throughout the space. You can see more pictures here: Using Blue As A Garden Color Theme.

Concrete Garden Bench

If you want a bench that will last for many years, a traditional concrete one like this is a good option. No maintenance required!

Metal Garden Benches

These next metal (or cast iron) garden benches are more for art than function.

The bench (above) fits in nicely with the plants and garden art. If buying one, I’d want to shop in-person to be sure it’s solid enough to sit on or hold heavy planters. This bench has a hummingbird theme.

The bench (below) is vintage and best used as a decoration.

You can sometimes find unusual pieces like this at yard sales and in thrift shops.

Arbor Garden Bench

Here a sun arbor and garden bench are combined to create a shady sitting area.

The side rails of the arbor would be a good place to grow some climbing vines. This has more ideas for creative garden arbors.

More Ideas

• 38 Blue Garden Accents: Art, Décor, & Flowers
• 12 Creative Wheelbarrow Planter Ideas
• Best Small Pond Ideas For Patios & Gardens

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛