Scandinavian Modern Outdoor Benches

Scandinavian Outdoor Benches

Scandinavian outdoor benches bring the Nordic ethos of simplicity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty to your patio, deck, or garden. Rooted in a design philosophy that prizes clean lines, honest materials, and functional elegance, these benches transform outdoor spaces into serene retreats. From backless teak dining benches to powder-coated steel designs in muted tones, our curated collection showcases pieces from heritage makers like Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen, Muuto, and Skargaarden—each reflecting the artistry and durability that define Scandinavian design.

Understanding Scandinavian Outdoor Benches

Scandinavian outdoor benches are distinguished by their minimalist silhouettes, natural wood tones, and restrained color palettes—off-white, charcoal, dark green, pale blue. They favor FSC-certified teak, thermally treated ash, and recycled materials over ornate detailing. The Linear Steel Outdoor Bench by Muuto exemplifies this aesthetic with its slender steel frame and six colorways, while the Cutter Bench by Fritz Hansen pairs solid teak slats with sculptural legs. These designs prioritize longevity and honest construction—no plastic veneers, no shortcuts—just materials that weather gracefully and joinery that endures coastal salt, mountain snow, and urban sun.

Scandinavian Outdoor Bench Style Variations

Backless Dining Benches: Streamlined and space-efficient, backless benches like the Avanti Outdoor Bench by Houe (available in thermo ash, pine, or powder-coated finishes) tuck neatly under tables and suit narrow balconies or patios where visual openness matters.

Benches with Backrests: For all-evening comfort, consider the Timbur GL101 Outdoor Bench with Cushion by Carl Hansen, which pairs untreated teak with Agora Life Oat cushions—ideal for leisurely dinners and conversation.

Lounge & Settee Styles: The Regatta Outdoor Lounge Bench by Fritz Hansen and Caselli Herringbone Rattan Outdoor Settee by Alder & Ore offer deeper seating for relaxed outdoor living rooms.

Integrated Planters & Modularity: The Sticks Outdoor Planter Bench by Cane-line combines seating with greenery, dividing zones on decks or terraces.

Materials & Finishes for Scandinavian Outdoor Benches

Teak: The gold standard for outdoor furniture. FSC-certified teak—seen in the Skagen Outdoor Bench by Fritz Hansen and BM1871 Outdoor Bench by Carl Hansen—starts golden and weathers to silver-gray unless treated with teak oil. Dense, oily, and naturally rot-resistant, it thrives in rainy or coastal climates.

Powder-Coated Steel & Aluminum: Lightweight yet durable, the Linear Steel Outdoor Bench and Paon Outdoor Bench by Houe feature UV-stable finishes in black, white, pine green, and paprika that resist chipping in snowy winters when properly maintained.

Recycled Ocean Plastic: The Ocean Outdoor Bench by Mater transforms ocean waste into high-performance seating in black, sand, green, or burnt red—proof that sustainability and style coexist.

Thermally Treated Ash & Oak: Heat-treated woods offer enhanced weather resistance without chemical treatments, as seen in Houe's Avanti collection.

Sizing Your Scandinavian Outdoor Bench

2-Seater Benches (Small): Approximately 43–55 inches long, perfect for 4-person dining tables, bistro setups, or entryways. The Linear Steel Outdoor Bench (Small) and Grinda Outdoor Bench with Cushion by Skargaarden fit compact patios and balconies.

3-Seater Benches (Medium/Large): Ranging 60–75 inches, these accommodate 6- to 8-person tables. The Avanti Outdoor Bench (Large) and England Outdoor Bench by Fritz Hansen provide ample seating for family gatherings.

Seat Height & Depth: Standard dining benches sit 17–18 inches high and 14–16 inches deep—ideal for pairing with outdoor dining tables. Lounge benches like the Regatta sit lower (15–16 inches) with deeper seats (18–20 inches) for relaxed postures.

Placement & Installation Tips

• Dining Zones: Position backless benches under tables to save space; add cushions (Sunbrella, Agora, or Cane-line fabrics) for extended comfort.
• Entryways & Porches: A Dapple Outdoor Bench by ferm LIVING in cashmere or tea green anchors front entries with sculptural presence.
• Garden Paths & Viewing Spots: The RESO Bench by Skargaarden in charcoal grey or light green offers minimalist seating along walkways or beside water features.
• Coastal & Rainy Climates: Teak and powder-coated aluminum withstand moisture; rinse salt spray monthly and apply teak sealer annually to maintain golden tones, or let teak patina naturally.
• Snowy Winters: Metal benches with UV-stable powder coats (Linear Steel, Paon) can remain outdoors year-round; cover or store cushions to prevent mildew.

Choosing the Right Scandinavian Outdoor Bench

For Small Balconies: Opt for backless, 2-seater designs in light colors (off-white, pale blue) to maximize perceived space—Linear Steel (Small) or Dapple Bench.

For Family Dining: 3-seater benches with optional cushions—Laknas Outdoor Bench with Cushion by Skargaarden or Sticks Outdoor Bench by Cane-line—offer flexibility and comfort.

For Eco-Conscious Buyers: The Ocean Bench by Mater or FSC-certified teak options (Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen) align sustainability with high-end aesthetics.

Cushions: Not required for teak or contoured designs, but Sunbrella or Agora fabrics resist UV fade and moisture—essential for all-day use. Many benches offer coordinating cushions (Timbur, Laknas, Sticks).

Price Range: Quality Scandinavian outdoor benches span $530 (RESO Bench) to $3,700 (Regatta Lounge Bench), with most dining benches between $1,200–$2,500. Value lies in heirloom-quality construction, ethical sourcing, and timeless design.

Maintaining Your Scandinavian Outdoor Bench

Teak: Clean with mild soap and water; apply teak oil every 6–12 months to preserve golden hue, or allow natural silver patina. Sand lightly if uneven weathering occurs.

Powder-Coated Metal: Wipe with damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners. Touch up chips with matching paint to prevent rust.

Recycled Plastic: Hose down; no sealing required. UV-stable pigments maintain color integrity.

Cushions: Remove covers and machine wash (cold, gentle cycle); air dry. Store indoors during prolonged wet periods.

Why Choose Lumens for Scandinavian Outdoor Benches

Our collection spans heritage Danish makers (Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen) and contemporary innovators (Muuto, Houe, Mater), each piece selected for its marriage of form, function, and provenance. Whether you need a backless bench for a 4-person table, a lounge bench for sunset conversations, or a planter bench to define your deck, we offer coordinated colorways, multiple sizes, and expert guidance. From the sculptural Cutter Bench to the accessible Avanti, every bench reflects the Scandinavian commitment to craft, sustainability, and enduring beauty.

Ready to bring Nordic simplicity to your outdoor space? Create inviting moments throughout your landscape with thoughtfully designed outdoor benches that blend comfort, durability, and timeless style.