You might think we’d exhausted the topic of garden benches, but when it comes to garden design—especially the clever use of space and furniture—there’s always more to say. Particularly when the Lazy Magazine team start thinking outside of the box!
At Lazy Susan, we believe a metal garden bench is much more than just a place to sit. It can define a space, offer a moment of calm, and transform an overlooked corner into one of the most inviting features in your garden.
After all, a bench is never just a bench. It’s a place to pause, to take in the view, to sip a morning coffee, or to share a quiet conversation.
As the British author Cicely Mary Barker once wrote:
"The garden is the place where the mind comes to rest." And a well-placed bench can help you do just that."
It’s also worth remembering that gardens are for living, not just looking at, and in the words of horticulturist and TV presenter Monty Don:
“The garden is a reflection of you. You’ll get the best results when you’re relaxed and enjoying it.”
So, in this article, we’re stepping away from the obvious and exploring eight unexpected yet brilliant places to put your metal garden bench, alongside a few timeless tips to help you enhance each one and get more joy from your outdoor space this summer.
Why garden furniture placement matters
Metal garden benches are one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor furniture. They work beautifully in large and small spaces, traditional and contemporary gardens alike. But it’s not just about having a garden bench—where you place it can change the way your garden feels and functions.
Whether you're working with a sprawling lawn or a petite patio, creative placement can add structure, create a focal point, add balance, and generate atmosphere. These ideas are designed to inspire, surprise, and help you see the possibilities beyond the usual pushing of the garden bench against a patio wall or fence.
1. By the front door
Make a Welcoming First Impression
Placing a garden bench near your front entrance isn’t just about style—it’s practical too. It offers a spot to rest bags, wait for guests, or take off muddy shoes. More importantly, it sets a warm, inviting tone for your home.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Choose an aluminium garden bench in a finish that complements your front door or house colour. Add potted plants or lanterns on either side to create symmetry.
2. Beneath a tree
A Natural Retreat
Metal garden benches under a mature tree become a serene, shady escape, perfect for summer reading or quiet contemplation. The tree provides natural shade and frames the garden bench beautifully, making it a garden feature in its own right.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Our curved back metal garden benches work especially well around the base of a tree. Pair with woodland-style planting for a naturalistic look.
3. In the vegetable garden or allotment
Functional Meets Beautiful
The kitchen garden is not just for utility—it’s a sensory experience. A metal garden bench nestled among raised beds gives you a spot to pause, plan your planting, or simply admire the fruits of your labour.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Opt for a darker finish (like our antique bronze or slate grey) to blend in with natural materials like wood or stone. Add a small side of coffee table for your tools and cup of coffee.
4. At the end of the garden or pathway
Create a Focal Point
Positioning a bench at the end of a garden path or vista creates a destination. It draws the eye forward and makes even a small space feel longer and more purposeful.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Frame the garden bench with planting or arches to enhance the sense of discovery. Use it to highlight a view, sculpture, or a favourite tree.
5. Near a water feature or pond
Add Tranquillity to Your Space
Few things are more relaxing than the gentle trickle of water. A durable, rust-resistant metal garden bench placed near a pond, fountain, or birdbath invites peaceful reflection and encourages wildlife-watching.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Choose a model with decorative-style metalwork to complement natural surroundings. Add fragrant plants nearby for a fully immersive sensory experience.
6. In a secluded corner
Your Own Private Hideaway
Even the busiest outdoor spaces have quiet spots. A garden bench in a tucked-away corner can become a secret escape—somewhere to relax, take a breath, or enjoy a glass of something cold on a summer’s evening.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Use tall plants, screens or trellises to create privacy. Soften the bench with cushions and throws for maximum comfort.
7. Inside a flower border
Bring Seating into the Garden Itself
This is one of our favourite unexpected ideas—place your garden bench within the planting itself. Let it peek out from the blooms, half-hidden and inviting. It makes the bench feel like part of the garden, not just an accessory.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Use raised beds or shaped borders to carve out a nook. Surround the area with seasonal colour and include fragrant plant varieties for a scented seat.
8. Alongside our cast aluminium dining sets
Flexible Seating with Style
Adding a metal garden bench to your existing dining area is a great way to enhance both form and function. It provides flexible seating—ideal for children, extra guests, or casual lounging before or after a meal. And it adds style, visual interest, breaking up the symmetry of chairs and giving the whole space a more relaxed, sociable feel.
Lazy Magazine's top design tip: Position the bench on one long side of a rectangular dining table to mix up the seating arrangement. Match the finish to your garden dining set for a cohesive look, and add seat pads to up the comfort and style.
Our finishing touches: Make your metal bench area shine
No matter where you place your metal garden bench, it’s the little extras that truly bring it to life. A well-positioned bench is the starting point—but it’s the personal touches that elevate it from functional to fabulous.
Whether you’re creating a quiet reading nook, a social spot for sipping drinks, or a scenic place to soak up the garden views, these thoughtful additions will make your space feel even more special:
-
Add cushions or seat pads for comfort
A bench should be as inviting as it is attractive. Soft furnishings like outdoor cushions or seat pads instantly make your bench more comfortable — and they’re an easy way to add colour, texture and seasonal style. Go for weather-resistant fabrics and store them somewhere dry when not in use to keep them looking their best. -
Include lighting—solar lanterns or fairy lights for evening use
Lighting adds atmosphere and extends the usability of your garden into the evening. Drape solar fairy lights through surrounding foliage, or position a lantern on either side of the bench to create a warm, welcoming glow as the sun sets. -
Use pots and planters to soften edges
Surrounding your bench with potted plants or flowers helps to anchor it in the space and create a more natural, lived-in look. Use taller containers to frame the bench and smaller pots to add pops of seasonal colour and fragrance. -
Keep the area tidy and well-maintained for maximum appeal
No one wants to sit on a dusty or neglected bench. Regularly brush away leaves, wipe down surfaces, and keep the surrounding area clear of debris or overgrown planting. A clean, well-kept space is far more inviting—and helps your garden feel more loved and lived-in.
Built to Last: Why choose a Lazy Susan metal bench?
And don’t forget—with the Lazy Susan range, beauty and style don’t come at the expense of durability and practicality.
Our metal benches are crafted from high-grade cast aluminium, making them ideal for the UK’s often unpredictable climate. Unlike wood or steel alternatives, cast aluminium offers year-round peace of mind:
-
They won’t rust or rot
Crafted from a high-grade powder-coated cast aluminium, even during the wetter months, our benches stay looking good as new without the need for constant maintenance or protective treatments. -
They’re easy to clean and store
A quick wipe with warm, soapy water is usually all that’s needed. And thanks to their lightweight elegance, they’re easy to reposition or tuck away to protect during winter. -
They last for many years with minimal maintenance
Invest once and enjoy season after season. No sanding, no staining, no stress.
With timeless design, classic style, elegant detailing, and robust build quality, the Lazy Susan garden bench collection offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and durability. Whether you choose to tuck yours under a tree, frame it with flowers, or position it beside your dining set, it’ll become a favourite part of your garden for years to come.
Share your outdoor space with Lazy Susan
Have you placed your Lazy Susan garden bench somewhere unexpected in your garden? We love to see any of our range taking pride of place in your outdoor space. Tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook, or upload your photos here to support our Do Some Good campaign and help raise money for great causes.
