Outdoor Bench Seating Solutions for Small Spaces
Smart bench seating that can create the illusion of space, so you utilise your small outdoor area the best way possible
Entertaining is often the number one purpose for an outdoor area, and making sure you have practical seating is an essential component to making this space work, so you can enjoy a lengthy (and comfortable) chat or meal with friends. However, creating an effective seating area without making an area feel cramped and cluttered requires some planning, especially when you’re tight on square metres. Here are a few options for creating stylish seating areas, while at the same time creating the illusion of space.
Cantilevered seating
Cantilevered seating is one of the best ways to create the illusion of a bigger outdoor area. The framework and supports for the seat are set into the wall behind and the ‘floating’ effect creates the negative space under seat.
Here are three options for cantilevered seats:
Cantilevered seating is one of the best ways to create the illusion of a bigger outdoor area. The framework and supports for the seat are set into the wall behind and the ‘floating’ effect creates the negative space under seat.
Here are three options for cantilevered seats:
- Leave the void under the seat empty
This is great for small courtyards as it gives the false impression of space and makes the area seem more ‘roomy’.
2. Create a garden bed under the seat
I love using this option for rooftops and other outdoor areas that are typically void of plant life. Mass plant the area under seat with a shade-tolerant plant such as Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ and the area will instantly appear more lush, without taking up too much room.
More: How to Choose the Right Garden Edging for Your Outdoor Space
I love using this option for rooftops and other outdoor areas that are typically void of plant life. Mass plant the area under seat with a shade-tolerant plant such as Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ and the area will instantly appear more lush, without taking up too much room.
More: How to Choose the Right Garden Edging for Your Outdoor Space
3. Use the void for storage
Just like the hinged bench seat, cantilevered seats can be used to free up space in the garden by storing items underneath. This picture is a perfect example as it’s used to store firewood for an outdoor pizza oven. Normally the timber would have required its own storage crate – or even a shed – taking up valuable room.
Just like the hinged bench seat, cantilevered seats can be used to free up space in the garden by storing items underneath. This picture is a perfect example as it’s used to store firewood for an outdoor pizza oven. Normally the timber would have required its own storage crate – or even a shed – taking up valuable room.
Built-in seating
Incorporating a bench seat into a raised planter is a great way to provide extra seating while at the same time creating the illusion of more space.
This could be in the form of a solid seat, as shown here, or even a cantilevered seat. The raised planter is taking up room anyway, so it makes sense to use the existing structure to provide a seating solution.
Having a green screen behind the seat creates a peaceful and calming spot; somewhere you’ll want to while away the hours.
Incorporating a bench seat into a raised planter is a great way to provide extra seating while at the same time creating the illusion of more space.
This could be in the form of a solid seat, as shown here, or even a cantilevered seat. The raised planter is taking up room anyway, so it makes sense to use the existing structure to provide a seating solution.
Having a green screen behind the seat creates a peaceful and calming spot; somewhere you’ll want to while away the hours.
Poolside seating
People are often reluctant to place bench seating adjacent to a swimming pool, as they feel it limits the space around it. I totally disagree with this. In fact, I think fixed seating like the example shown here provides a much-needed area to lounge in the sun and dry off after a swim – and it actually takes up less room than moveable furniture.
It’s important, however, that you check with your local certifier to ensure you’re not breaking any pool fencing regulations by having fixed seating in the pool area.
10 reasons Aussies rule at pools
TELL US
Do you have practical bench seating in your outdoor space? Tell us about it or show us a picture in the Comments.
MORE
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People are often reluctant to place bench seating adjacent to a swimming pool, as they feel it limits the space around it. I totally disagree with this. In fact, I think fixed seating like the example shown here provides a much-needed area to lounge in the sun and dry off after a swim – and it actually takes up less room than moveable furniture.
It’s important, however, that you check with your local certifier to ensure you’re not breaking any pool fencing regulations by having fixed seating in the pool area.
10 reasons Aussies rule at pools
TELL US
Do you have practical bench seating in your outdoor space? Tell us about it or show us a picture in the Comments.
MORE
11 Ways to Max the Benefits of a Small Outdoor Space
Garden Seating Nooks Worth Dreaming About
Wondrous (and Unexpected) Ways with Window Seats
While the hinged bench seat lid isn’t anything new, it’s still one of the best ways to store those items that would normally clutter an outdoor area.
It can be very difficult to make hinged bench seats completely waterproof, so I always recommend my clients install some large plastic Tupperware containers inside, to protect any items vulnerable to the weather. In fact, us landscape designers often use internal spaces like this to hide things like irrigation controllers and garden lighting transformers.
It’s also a good idea not to make the hinged lids too large, as they can become really heavy to lift, especially if you’ve clad the seat in hardwood.
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