As you know, a garden bench is a small form in garden and park architecture. The first benches have been known since the times of Ancient Egypt, but they received the maximum sophistication of form in the Renaissance, when the best architects and artists were engaged in the design of gardens. During this period, the bench was considered not only as a place where one could relax, but also as an integral part of the landscape, decoration of the park. Today, during the period of active construction of country houses and summer cottages, the design and shape of garden benches have become relevant. And since the house occupies the main place in the composition of the suburban area, it is its architectural solution that determines the style and shape of benches and other small forms.
Garden bench - choose a place for a comfortable rest in the garden
The placement of benches in the backyard also implies the location of places to rest. And it is the recreation areas that should give a unique image to your garden. Therefore, it is so important to successfully arrange the benches, taking into account the relief of the site, the surrounding landscape and their skillfully selected design. In addition, a garden bench for a summer residence or private household should be comfortable so that it is pleasant and comfortable to sit on it. It should be conducive to quiet rest and relaxation.
The best place to place a relaxation corner and a garden bench is a cozy, quiet place, in the most colorful corner of the garden. If the backyard has a large area, then a bench or bench is placed along or at the end of the garden paths, at the entrance to the house, near the pool or fountain. Garden benches placed on the lawn look great, it is only necessary that the lawn grass is resistant to trampling. The benches located near the hedges, green arches and pergolas look great and have a rest. Not far from the garden, you can also install a bench, you can relax on it during field work.
Stationary and mobile garden benches
If you need a bench for giving and you do not plan to use it often, but only during your stay there, for example, on the weekends, then a mobile folding bench would be an excellent option. It can be made of wood or plastic and have a folding mechanism that makes it compact and can be hidden in a country house, garage, shed, or even transported in the trunk of a car.
Folding garden benches are quite convenient if you need to quickly create a seating area. Their construction is strong, light and reliable, often consisting of a steel frame coated with polymer powder paint and a wooden seat and back. The second option, as we have already said, is a plastic folding bench - it is incredibly light and economical, as it has an order of magnitude lower cost than a wooden bench. The big advantage of a folding bench is mobility. It is difficult to say that such a bench carries an aesthetic load, but probably its main advantage is its convenience.
A stationary garden bench, which will stand on the site all the time, must be practical and durable. Being in the open air all year round, in any weather, it should not lose its appearance. After all, we expect to rest on it for more than one year. For such purposes, metal and stone benches, as well as those made of high-quality wood, are perfect.
Materials used to make garden benches
The material from which garden benches are made can be different: plastic, wood, metal, stone, or a combination of several of them. The cheapest and most accessible material is plastic. But products made from it give the impression of temporality, are devoid of comfort and aesthetically do not represent any interest. Forged or carved benches, as well as combined ones made of wood and metal, look very beautiful in the corners of the garden. But let's take a closer look at each type of benches.
Wooden garden benches
The most popular among summer residents are garden benches made of wood. They are comfortable, beautiful, and if you use the wood carving technique, they will become an excellent decoration of the garden. The main advantage is that wood, nevertheless, is a natural material, environmentally friendly and warm. Due to its naturalness, a bench made of wood fits easily into any landscape. It is better to make a bench from durable rocks that are resistant to decay. It can be oak, larch, hazel, cherry, teak or conifers. To bring beauty and protection from insects, wooden garden benches are varnished or painted. The cost of a wooden bench is directly affected by the value of the type of wood from which it is made. As for the design of wooden garden benches, the rustic-style log benches look the most original. Moreover, today such a performance is incredibly popular. And a low bench, roughly hewn from an old tree trunk, placed next to a stone hill, will be the pearl of your garden. Furniture manufacturers often produce entire sets of wooden garden furniture. Typically, such sets include a table and several benches, or large sets, where, in addition to these items, armchairs, chairs, picnic tables, deck chairs, etc. are included. A wooden bench in a wooden gazebo looks most attractive. And the open veranda will be decorated with a garden wooden table with a bench.
Stone garden benches
The main feature of stone garden benches is durability. As a rule, they are made of coarse-grained granite, colored or white marble, quartzite. Benches made of raw stone are installed in landscape gardens. In gardens of a systematic style, benches are made of smooth, worked stone. But, due to the high cost of the material, such benches are rarely installed.
Metal garden bench
This bench is durable and practical - this is exactly the option that is suitable for year-round use. A metal bench does not require special care, but sometimes it can look heavy, uncomfortable, and make the space heavier. Therefore, light, patterned designs are more often preferred, which are easy to fit into a garden in any style. Forged products for the garden, including garden benches, are always fashionable and popular with summer residents, owners of private houses and cottages. They look great against the background of green trees, in open space and in front of the house. Patterns can be very different: flowers with leaves, fancy curls, butterflies. Wrought iron benches for gardens and cottages will create the most romantic corners in your property. They can be artificially aged and successfully fit into the landscape, made in retro or old style. In order to make the seat on a wrought iron bench soft, special mattresses or pillows are often used, which are tied with ropes to the bench. Such a solution will make your stay more comfortable and cozy. In addition, you will be not only soft, but also warm - a removable mattress can be laid on a bench even in cool weather and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Plastic garden benches
Plastic benches are the cheapest and most unpretentious. The positive side of such a bench is its lightness, brightness of colors, mobility. But for a long time, a bench or other types of plastic furniture for a summer residence will definitely not become a decoration of your garden. Plastic quickly burns out and collapses from direct sunlight, besides, this material is fragile, it is easy to damage. But, along with this, plastic benches for giving are convenient to use. If in the summer you want to place a bench in the shade, and in the fall in the sun, you can do it without difficulty. They are also easy to clean, even with a hose. In addition, plastic can be of very good quality, only in this case the cost of the bench is an order of magnitude higher.
Combined garden benches
Often, combined garden benches are placed on garden and personal plots. They are comfortable, beautiful, practical, durable enough. A combination of metal and wood is popular. The comfort and warmth of wood is used in the seats of the bench, and durable metal in the supports and forged backs. Other combinations are allowed: concrete and stone, wood and forging, stone and metal. Today, benches with a seat and back made of rattan or its artificial counterpart, which have a metal base, are also popular. Today, benches with a seat and back made of rattan or its artificial counterpart, which have a metal base, are also popular.
Garden arch with a bench
A garden arch with a bench will become a wonderful decoration of a suburban area. The arch is made of metal coated with powder paint, such coatings do not corrode and do not crack under atmospheric influences. The sides and back of the bench have a beautiful pattern. The seat of the bench can be either wooden or forged. The lattice of the arch is braided with fast-growing climbing plants: climbing roses, clematis, decorative loach, girlish grapes. Additionally, you can hang a planter with petunias, nasturtiums, morning glory on the arch. Such an arch will be the highlight of the landscape. After you have chosen a garden bench for your dacha, complement the landscape with garden lights and lamps. Create comfort and coziness for yourself and enjoy the rest of nature.