Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor.
If you are looking to make a lasting change in your outdoor space, you can't beat the durability and style of built-in seating. Fresh patio furniture is fabulous, but the right built-in bench, designed to suit your space to a T, can make your patio feel larger and more welcoming, and ramp up the style. See if any of these 10 useful ideas for transforming a patio with built-in benches could work for you.
1. Use one long bench for multiple seating areas. Make the most of your space by using a built-in bench long enough to span several seating areas. Vary the height of your bench so you can position an outdoor dining table at one end and make a lounge area at the other end.
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by Swell Homes »
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2. Tuck a bench between planters for built-in shade. If you could use more shade in your patio, consider installing a bench nestled between a pair of big planters filled with trees. Check with your local garden center to choose a variety that does well in a pot and works with your climate.
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3. Make a statement with a big swoop. Have a steep hillside that's impossible to plant? Use it to your advantage by building in a unique curved bench.
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by Outhouse Design »
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4. Maximize a small space with a custom fit. A small space filled with lots of small furniture just feels cluttered — you can actually seat more people and increase the sense of space with a built-in bench that fits perfectly.
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5. Integrate steps and seats for a smooth look. If you are working on a major patio remodel, take into account the steps, pathways and other elements during the planning process. Repeating materials, like the wood and concrete shown here, creates a cohesive look.
6. Cozy wood benches up around the fire. If a fire bowl is the centerpiece of your patio, chunky wood benches are a natural choice. Try a pair filling out one corner, as shown here, or use curved wooden benches all around, campfire-style.
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by Jane Ellison »
7. Make room for kids and grown-ups. A unique design like the combo bench and table shown here can provide a perch for adults sipping wine just as easily as it can play host to toddler tea parties.
8. Weather the elements with stone seating. A stacked stone bench and table have a rustic elegance that would be at home anywhere from New England to California and beyond. In the summer it can play host to gatherings, plumped up with colorful cushions. In the winter it adds organic beauty to the landscape.
9. Welcome friends with a curved border. Sharp, modern lines look crisp, but they are not for everyone. If you crave a softer look, try introducing a round shape to your patio with a gently curved bench made from stone or wood.
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10. Channel elements of your dream getaway. Love the Italian Riviera? A built-in stone seat with an architectural backrest and striped cushions, plus café chairs and a big umbrella nearby, will bring the look home. Even if you can't jet off to Italy, you can enjoy a pretty fabulous staycation in your own yard.
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