Iron Garden Benches

Iron garden benches have got to be the most romantic piece of outdoor furniture. Remember that Julia Roberts-Hugh Grant movie, Notting Hill? They fall in love on an iron garden bench while out for a walk at night. It looked equally gorgeous by day, as you can see in the last scene from the same movie, where a pregnant Roberts is lying on the iron bench, watching the children running around the garden, with her head on Grant's lap as he's reading a book and holding her hand.

While we would have believed that only parks and public gardens have access to such iron benches, there are many garden furniture stores where you can purchase these iron garden benches, as well as aluminum garden benches, which aren't as heavy. Some prefer aluminum benches, because they're easier to move around or store as they wish. Both iron and aluminum benches are quite durable and are known to last generations.

2-seater garden benches are particularly romantic; after all, it should fit a couple in love perfectly. Actually, there's even lots of space left over, allowing casual and comfortable space for two large adults or three gossipy teenagers, and a tight squeeze for four friends. Bigger benches allow for more people, of course, though the 2-seater has always been the more popular bench for gardens.

Iron is a great metal for benches because it doesn't rust easily. The iron garden bench is always left out in the rain not just because it's too heavy to move at all, but also, forces of nature are quite unable to wear it away. Iron garden benches are characteristically painted in gun metal, and the paint on most outdoor metal furniture lasts several years. Of course, if you wish, you could have your benches painted in other colors. When painting your iron bench, take into consideration its surroundings. Complement and contrast the color of paint you will use for your bench with the flowers in the garden.

You could also liven up your bench with cushions or throw pillows. Beyond decorative, you'll find it nicer to sit on the bench with a pillow between yourself and the hard, cold iron. Do remember to put away the cushions when they're not being used, especially when rains are expected. Your iron bench may stand strong against the elements, but your pillows may not feel the same way.

The best place to put your iron bench is that spot in the garden that doesn't look as pretty as the rest. It instantly breathes charm into that spot. Also, sitting in the boring part of the garden gives you a good view of everything else. And wouldn't you like to sit on your bench to look at the really pretty parts of the garden?  That does have a more romantic ring to it, doesn't it?