Gorgeous Front Porch Bench Design Ideas
A gorgeous front porch bench can completely transform an outdoor space. With so many designs and styles to choose from, it can be an exciting project to find the perfect bench for your home.
Benefits of Front Porch Benches
Adding a thoughtfully designed bench to your front porch offers many advantages:
- Provides extra seating for family, friends, and guests
- Enhances your outdoor living area
- Improves the aesthetic appeal of your home's exterior
- Can double as storage space with lift-up seats or drawers
- Increases your home's curb appeal and value
With the right bench, your front porch can become a favorite place to relax, socialize, and take in the surroundings.
Materials for Porch Benches
Front porch benches come in a variety of materials to match any home's style:
Wood
Cedar, teak, or pressure-treated pine are excellent woods for outdoor use. Cedar resists rot, while teak is highly durable. Pine is affordable but requires a protective stain or sealer.
Wicker
All-weather wicker woven over aluminum or steel frames makes a lightweight and resilient porch bench.
Wrought Iron
Benches made of wrought iron or cast aluminum have an elegant, classic look. But they can get hot in the sun.
Concrete
Poured concrete benches are sturdy and weatherproof. Concrete can be textured and stained in different colors.
Stone
Benches constructed from natural stone, bricks, or pavers have a timeless, rustic appeal. Granite and limestone are durable options.
Popular Porch Bench Styles
From traditional to modern, there is a front porch bench to suit any home's personality:
Traditional
A classic farmhouse or colonial revival-style bench with decorative back and arm rests has traditional charm.
Modern
Sleek, contemporary benches in metal, plastic, or wood make a bold, modern statement.
Rustic
For a rustic look, choose a wooden log bench or a unique tree stump bench .
Size and Shape
Consider the size and shape of your porch when selecting a bench:
- A rectangular bench is a versatile, classic shape for most spaces.
- Curved benches soften hard lines and fit nicely in rounded alcoves.
- Custom corner benches maximize awkward, angular porch areas.
- Built-in or wall-mounted benches are space-saving options.
Functional Features
Today's benches do more than just provide seating. Useful features include:
Storage Benches
Maximize function with a lift-up seat bench for storing cushions or outdoor accessories. Or choose a bench with pull-out drawers built in.
Swing Benches
A suspended porch swing bench adds nostalgic charm and a relaxing place to gently sway.
Rocking Benches
Add soothing motion with a rocking bench , a great spot for reading, conversations, or quiet contemplation.
Planter Benches
An integrated planter box is a unique touch. Try plants that cascade over the sides.
Cushions and Decor
Optional cushions and decor provide style and comfort:
- Plush outdoor cushions in weather-resistant fabrics.
- Throw pillows that complement exterior paint or trim colors.
- Patterned fabrics like florals or stripes for visual interest.
- Benches with lattice-work , carved details, or turned legs.
Placement and Installation
Proper placement showcases your porch bench to its full potential:
- Center it on the porch for symmetry and easy conversation.
- Position against the railing to enjoy views.
- Angle it diagonally in the corner to optimize space.
For safety and stability, properly secure benches with high-quality hardware. Built-in and wall-mounted benches often require professional installation.
DIY Bench Ideas
You don't have to buy a bench to have one on your porch. Creative do-it-yourself versions include:
- Upcycling old furniture like dressers or chairs into a bench.
- Building a simple bench with 2x4s or pressure-treated lumber .
- Fashioning unique benches from reclaimed materials like an old door or barn wood.
With basic tools and materials from your local home improvement store, you can create a custom bench perfect for your space.
Professional Installation
For more complex designs or construction, consider hiring a professional like:
- A carpenter or furniture builder to craft a custom wood bench.
- A landscape designer to incorporate the bench into a cohesive garden scheme.
Qualified pros can handle challenging installations and ensure structural integrity of built-in or suspended benches.
Inspiring Gallery of Front Porch Benches
Need a little design inspiration? Browse photos of beautifully crafted benches in all different materials, styles, and configurations. Notice how each bench perfectly suits the home's architecture and personality.
A red cedar bench with charming wood details instantly creates an inviting feel on this cozy Craftsman porch. White planter boxes overflowing with colorful blooms complement the bench's crisp look.
On a quaint Victorian home, a dark wicker bench with scrolled metal accents and plush cushions offers a refined seating area along the wraparound veranda. The classic styling pairs nicely with ornate trim and gingerbread details.
A contemporary urban penthouse balcony is furnished with a sleek steel and ipe wood bench in a minimalist style. The linear bench design aligns with the condo's modern aesthetic of glass, steel, and unfinished wood.
This inviting front porch features a wall-mounted bench with a rolled back and sloped seat for comfort. Built-in bookcases flank the sturdy pine bench, creating a cozy reading nook sheltered beneath the roof's overhang.
A well-chosen front porch bench reflects your personal taste and creates an inviting spot to enjoy your outdoor living space. Keep in mind important considerations like size, style, materials, functionality, placement, and installation options. Thoroughly plan your design to craft a bench that makes a gorgeous addition to your home's curb appeal.
You can install a bench on your front porch with some creativity. Just imagine relaxing with family as you gently rock and take in neighborhood views from your new favorite seat in the house.