Yard Benches - What do you think?

While I was down in my back a couple weeks ago and wasn't able to do my regular gym workout, I did try to walk some in the neighborhood.

It was during these little excursions that I began to notice yard benches.

They seem to be the rage right now in a lot of neighborhoods.

BUT,

does it matter how they are used?
Is it enough to just stick a bench somewhere in the yard?

Should they be decorative?

Should they be functional?

Should they be of some practical purpose such as adding to the landscape or offering a place to relax or pull off your shoes?

Let's look at some and see what we think.
(Excuse my shadow in these pictures - probably not the best time of day to be shooting with my iphone)

 Cute bench, but who would want to disturb the Frog Family to sit there?

By the way, this same homeowner has had this little display blocking her front door since last fall. 

Okay, I know its not a bench, but I just couldn't resist.  I found this little grouping in a niche off the garage, and wondered if anyone ever uses it?

 What do you think about the lone, isolated lawn bench?  It is very pretty and decorative, but why stick it out in the front yard behind the buried water meter?

 This homeowner's sense of overgrown evidently doesn't correspond with mine.  I would be leery of spending much time there and on those cushions.

 

I love this little white metal bench and think it adds to this little corner area of the side yard.

 

What do you think of this ornate little cast iron bench in this English garden?

 I like this simple little wooden bench placed in the side front corner of the yard, under the crepe myrtles.  I think it adds an architectural detail that I like.

 This simple little rustic bench is placed at the end of a driveway and helps define the area well.

There are a couple homeowners who have chosen to use a swing in the place of the bench.

 Pinterest provided these beautiful and purposeful benches for our enjoyment and inspiration.

Which is your favorite?

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

 So, do you have a bench in your front yard?

I'm leaving the first comment with my personal favorite.  Come join me.