Wooden benches: how to choose the right one for your home or garden
A wooden bench is a comfortable, durable and sturdy seat for the living room, dining room or outdoor space. Find out which dimensions to look for, which materials suit your location and how to care for your wooden furniture.
Choosing the right wooden bench: what to consider
Wooden benches indoors or outdoors: where will you use yours?
Wooden benches work in living spaces as well as outdoors. In the dining room, a two-seater bench can replace dining chairs or complement a dining set. In the hallway, a bench can provide practical shoe storage and a place to sit while you put your shoes on. One example is the Corobench by Müller Möbelwerkstätten. In the living room or bedroom, a bench can provide a handy surface or a platform for plants. If you want to place your wooden bench outside on a patio or in a garden pavilion, choose weather-resistant wood.
How to find the right size
If you are placing your wooden bench at a dining table, make sure its seat height works with the table and other dining furniture. For a table that is 76 cm high, chairs, stools and benches should have a seat height of 46 cm. A seat height of 42 cm may be more comfortable for shorter people. You could also consider a wooden bench with a backrest for the kitchen or dining room.
Should the bench be the same length as the dining table, or should it tuck underneath when not in use? This can save space, especially in a small kitchen or dining room. Do you often invite guests over? A bench can provide seating for more people. A bench measuring 250 cm long can seat up to four or five people side by side.
If you have young children at home, choose rounded shapes to reduce the risk of injury.
Designer wooden benches: from minimalist to striking
There are many types of bench. Choose a designer wooden bench to match your interior or create a contrast. The Baenkk by kommod is a minimalist option: its slim design provides practical seating in a small room and makes a decorative feature. Its untreated wood creates a natural feel. Made from solid oak, the Arise bench by Million has a sturdy look, provides shoe storage in the hallway and a place to sit. In a child's room, it can be used as both a table and a bench. The Cutter series by Skagerak can be combined with different boxes to provide plenty of hallway storage. The Skagen bench by Skagerak, made from rustic teak, has a natural look and is suitable for the garden. For a more playful option, the wicker basket-style bench by OK Design combines seating with storage for blankets, laundry or toys.
Different woods for a harmonious interior
The material helps determine whether you can use your wooden bench outdoors. Teak is water-resistant and suitable for outdoor furniture. Its natural colour works well alongside lawns and flower beds. Dark oak gives a wooden bench a solid, rustic look. Pair it with rustic furniture or use it as a contrast in a modern interior. Benches in light oak or ash feel lighter and work well in minimalist spaces. Cedar benches are another option. Their subtle reddish tone gives them a refined look, creating a modern, rustic contrast with Scandinavian character.
Care tips: how to keep your bench looking good
Wood is a natural material. If you leave an untreated wooden bench outdoors, it will develop a patina over time. To prevent this, finish the surface with lacquer, oil or stain. You can also create attractive effects, such as a subtle tint or a refined sheen. A finish also helps protect the wood from stains and scratches. Wipe up spills quickly with a soft cloth. Take particular care with oiled wood: remove stains with a damp cloth and dry the surface so no moisture remains. Seat cushions or hides can help protect the bench. Some benches are also available with an integrated seat cushion, such as the Skagerak Georg bench.
How much does a wooden bench cost?
Our selection ranges from high-quality teak designer benches for outdoor use, such as the England bench by Skagerak, to practical mid-range options such as the two-step wooden bench by Million, and minimalist hallway benches such as the Convenience bench by Umage.
