How to create a quiet corner in your garden with a small garden bench

We focus a lot in our articles on entertaining friends and family - that’s what our large outdoor dining sets are perfectly designed for.

However, the smaller pieces such as a Bistro Set or a Small Garden Bench are just as functional but better suited to a little more in the way of peace and tranquillity in smaller spaces.

They’re perfect for a little intimacy for two or a little me time for one. Grabbing five with a cup of tea and a good book or sitting down with a glass of wine on a summer's evening after a busy day sounds just as great as a big family BBQ to us.

You don’t need a large sofa or dining set to do it either, a simple bench and side table is the perfect solution.

Research has shown that relaxation can keep us healthy, boost our immune systems, reduce stress, reduce tension, and improve sharpness and memory.

It can help us to avoid depression and anxiety, and according to the team at Wellbeing People:

“At times, we get so embroiled in our hectic lifestyles with deadlines to meet and work-life pressure that we forget to relax! Yet relaxing for just 5 minutes periodically by stepping away from what is causing our stress levels to rise, can give us the energy we need to tackle our workload or problems we are facing.”

We think a small garden bench in a quiet spot in your garden is the perfect way to step away from work or busy home life and catch a breather

Why would you want a quiet corner in your garden?

We all lead busy lives and a quiet corner in your garden has many benefits

1. Relaxation
   Your outdoor space, no matter how big or small, with the right, decor/design, is the perfect place to relax and de-stress. A quiet corner in your garden can be a place where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take 5. You can sit back, listen to the birds, and enjoy a little much-needed peace and quiet.

2. Reflection
   A quiet corner in your garden can also be a place where you can meditate or reflect after a hectic day. The solitude and natural beauty of your surroundings can help you clear your mind and re-focus so you're ready to go again.

3. Reading
   If you enjoy reading, writing or art, then a quiet corner in the garden is a great place to curl up with a good book or get creative in the fresh air and sunshine.

4. Nature
   A quiet corner is also a great place to take in nature and for those with a green thumb to admire their hard work. You can sit back and watch the birds, listen to the bees buzzing, or simply enjoy the beauty of the flowers and trees you’ve nurtured.

5. Entertaining
   We’re talking about me-time here but for many people relaxing is best done with loved ones. Having a nice cosy corner in your garden makes a great spot to also entertain. You can set up a small garden bench with a low table and catch up over a cup of tea or coffee.

No matter what your reasons are, a quiet corner in your garden can be a valuable asset. It is the perfect place to go to relax, de-stress, connect with nature, and grab a little me time.

How do you create a quiet corner in your garden?

If you want to create a quiet corner in your garden, then we think 5 simple garden design principles will help ensure it is the perfect spot.

1. Seclusion
   Of course, this depends on several factors, space being the biggie. However, if you’ve got options, try and choose a secluded spot. You want your quiet corner to be as far away from any noise or distractions as you can get.

2. Planting
   Plants and flowers are essential. They are beautiful and help to create a sense of peace and tranquillity, and with structural planting, you can also add shade, create privacy and reduce noise in your quiet spot - this is especially important if you're working with limited space such as on a balcony.

3. Shelter
   If you want to maximise the use of your quiet corner, then a garden structure such as a summer house or pergola can provide shade and shelter from the wind and rain. You can also achieve this with structural planting such as a large tree or by planting climbers on a frame to create a 'green screen'.

4. Seating
   For us, a quiet corner is not a quiet corner if it hasn’t got the right garden furniture. Keep it simple with a small garden bench and side table. You can up the comfort by adding cushions and outdoor blankets. Think simple and stylish!

5. Personality
   To make it your space add a few personal touches too. Think of items that will encourage you to use the space. It could be as simple as a bird feeder or as elaborate as a garden bar. Whatever will add to your relaxation levels and make the quiet space your own.

Why is a small garden bench perfect for a quiet corner?

No quiet spot in the garden - be it a corner, main patio, or even at the front of your property - is complete without the right type of outdoor furniture.

As we mentioned in our intro, a small garden bench is the perfect solution and here’s why you should consider purchasing one:

1. Relaxation
   A small bench gives you that perfect balance between relaxation and classical garden style. They are the perfect size for two people to back with a cuppa, relax, and enjoy the beauty of their garden. If you want a little me time then they’re ideal for grabbing 5 with a good book.

2. Intimate
   A garden bench is also a great place to entertain a guest and this is something we looked at in detail in our How to host a coffee morning or afternoon tea article. You can pair your bench with a low Coffee Table to serve drinks and snacks. Or, you can simply create a comfortable place to sit and chat.

3. Aesthetic
   Not only is a garden bench functional, but it also looks great too. Our classically styled collection will add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Pair it with a bold Bench Cushion for a pop of colour.

4. Focal Point
   We have an entire section on this in our Complete Guide as a garden bench is a great piece to create a focal point in your garden. You can place it in a central location, or a quiet corner, and use it to draw the eye to that part of your garden.

5. Informal
   Outdoor benches provide a place to rest without the need for any real reason to do so. They are the perfect size and ergonomic shape, while their simplicity gives them a more casual and informal feel.

6. Versatility
   Small garden benches are versatile pieces of garden furniture that can be easily moved and used for various purposes. Perfect for providing additional seating or seating away from the main patio, they can be used for relaxing, entertaining or even just as a decorative element.

How do you choose the right small garden bench?

Here are some tips for choosing and placing the ideal garden bench:

1. Material
   Start by choosing the best material for you and where you want to put it. Small garden benches are typically made of wood, metal, or plastic. Make sure the one you pick fits with your style, is durable, requires minimal maintenance, is weather-resistant and is fit for purpose.

2. Budget
   Garden benches can range in price from £100 to over £500. Choose a bench that fits your budget and your needs. Just remember you might need to pay a little bit more for a material that has better weather resistance but is low maintenance.

3. Size
   Garden benches also come in a variety of sizes. Pick one that is large enough to accommodate your needs (i.e. how you like to use it, how many people you want to seat), but not too big that it overwhelms your quiet corner. Measure carefully and check the dimensions before you buy.

4. Location
   Place your small garden benches in a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of your garden and the peace of nature such as a quiet corner or under a large tree. If you’ve got options, weigh up factors such as the direction of the sun, shade, wind, privacy, how you move around the space and the view.

5. Research
   With a little research and planning, you can choose the perfect garden bench for your quiet spot. Look at the above and weigh up the pros and cons to find the perfect small garden bench for your quiet oasis.

Small garden benches from Lazy Susan

At Lazy Susan we sell an extensive range of Small Garden Benches that are perfect for smaller gardens and they can remain outdoors in all weather. Available in a range of styles and sizes in our antique bronze, slate grey, white and sandstone finishes, our benches are designed to coordinate with our dining range.

If you have any photos of your Small Garden Bench from Lazy Susan, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.