Renowned for being one of the most elegant and sophisticated bench types for outdoor use, a Lutyens bench has been a popular choice for those in the UK for over a century.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding a Lutyens bench and share advice on what to consider when buying one of these beautiful outdoor seating arrangements.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about buying a Lutyens bench…
What is a Lutyens bench?
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and renowned for its distinctive beauty, a Lutyens bench can be defined as a type of outdoor seating arrangement. It’s one of the most popular bench styles in the UK, due to its eye-catching design.
Crafted from premium solid teak and known for its elaborate look and feel, a Lutyens bench can be produced in many sizes and is found in both private and public outdoor spaces. It’s mostly referred to as the Lutyens bench, but it can also be called a Sissinghurst bench or a Marlborough bench.
A true merit of its time, a Lutyens bench is renowned for being the epitome of elegance and sophistication.
Why is it called a Lutyens bench?
A Lutyens bench is named after its creator, Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Sir Edwin Lutyens, born in 1869, was a well-respected architect from England. He was renowned for taking core, traditional concepts from his era and transforming them into new, innovative creations that aligned beautifully with the natural movement of the times.
It’s said that Sir Edwin Lutyens was influenced by Tudor décor and architecture, which some believe is the inspiration behind the stylistic approach of a Lutyens bench. The Tudor period was renowned for its focus on elaborate woodwork that showcased designs that featured unique curved shapes.
Although the Lutyens bench is considered an iconic design, Edwin’s work transcended well beyond garden furniture.
Sir Edwin Lutyens was responsible for designing the architecture for some of the most famous buildings and monuments in the world, with some notable work from his extensive portfolio being the Viceroy’s House (located in New Delhi, India) and the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
How does a Lutyens bench differ from other outdoor seating arrangements?
A Lutyens bench is considered a more premium feature due to being crafted from quality materials and its instantly recognisable design. It's also said to be inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which increased the demand for furnishings made from natural materials that demonstrated skilled craftsmanship.
So, in other words, a Lutyens bench isn’t classed as a ‘standard bench’, and instead more of a distinctive feature. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see these beautiful benches being used as focal points.
A Lutyens bench is ideal for those who prefer traditional yet timeless additions, as it's renowned for having a slatted seat and backrest, curved detailing, and tastefully scrolled armrests.
Has the distinctive design of a Lutyens bench evolved over time?
For the most part, the main design principles of a Lutyens bench have stayed consistent over the years.
You'll likely find a range of sizes to choose from, and potentially even colour finishes. However, the look and feel of a traditional Lutyens bench is something to be admired, so, in reality, it wouldn't make sense to change the fundamental characteristics.
How much does a Lutyens bench cost?
The cost of a Lutyens bench will ultimately depend on several factors, such as the quality of the teak used to create the bench, the provider, the desired size, and so on.
We can’t speak for other retailers, but at Cotswold Teak, we offer an assortment of long-lasting, ultra-durable Lutyens benches, with our 3-seater options starting at as little as £766.60.
It’s also worth mentioning that our Lutyens bench options are handcrafted from ethically sourced, premium-quality teak.
How do you maintain the quality of a Lutyens bench?
An authentically crafted Lutyens bench made from solid teak should only require little maintenance to preserve its timeless elegance.
Solid teak is an incredibly durable hardwood that can withstand harsh elements better than other materials commonly used to create garden furniture. However, some maintenance may be required now and then, just like any type of feature placed in an outdoor environment.
To keep a Lutyens bench looking brand new, we recommend purchasing a simple teak care and protection kit. These easy-to-use formulas will provide you with everything you need to ensure a teak Lutyens bench stays clean and protected from the elements.
For more information on the teak care and protection formulas available at Cotswold Teak, click here.
Factors to consider when buying a Lutyens bench
See below for advice on what to keep an eye out for when buying a Lutyens bench.
Material
You may come across Lutyens benches that are made from stone or metal variations, however, if you're looking for an authentic Lutyens bench, avoid investing in those that are made from these materials.
Buying a Lutyens bench made from premium solid teak has many advantages, with some being:
> Durability - teak is one of the most durable and weather-resistant hardwoods available. Overall quality preservation will only require ‘light-touch’ maintenance (compared to other materials).
> Authentic - a Lutyens bench has been historically crafted from quality teak, making this material one of the key characteristics of this type of seating arrangement.
> Long-lasting - As mentioned above, Lutyens benches made from solid teak are incredibly durable and sturdy, meaning they can remain a long-standing feature in an outdoor environment. With very little TLC, a teak Lutyens bench will last for decades.
> Oil content - teak contains a naturally high oil content. So, Lutyens benches made from teak have a natural protection against harsh UV rays and exposure to excessive moisture.
> Sustainable material - as we mentioned earlier, a Lutyens bench was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which saw natural materials soar in popularity. Solid teak was likely the material of choice because it’s a sustainable yet luxurious resource, rich in natural beauty.
> Aesthetic value - a Lutyens bench was originally crafted from solid teak because of the visual appeal found with this hardwood. It can be handcrafted into a sleek and eye-catching feature, boasting a golden hue tone, which (if left without treatment) naturally transitions into an attractive silver shade.
Quality, craftsmanship, and style of a Lutyens bench
As mentioned above, an authentic Lutyens bench will always be crafted from solid teak. And just like any material, the overall quality can vary depending on the source and the retailer. So, if you want to invest in a long-lasting Lutyens bench, go with a trusted provider!
Materials aside, the quality of the craftsmanship should be showcased clearly throughout the construction of the bench. This is just as important for comfort as it is for quality.
The distinctive look and feel should be translated through its curved decorative features, with the addition of a slatted seating and backrest arrangement. Scrolled armrests are also a key decorative feature, and the structure should be incredibly sturdy with a smooth finish.
Size
There is no specific size a Lutyens bench should be. In fact, this bench style can come in various sizes. So, whether you have a smaller outdoor space or looking to furnish a spacious garden, it should be easy to find one that matches your unique requirements.
Cost
We touched on this earlier in the article, however, a quality Lutyens bench is considered to be a more luxurious option when it comes to furnishing an outdoor space.
The quality of craftsmanship and the teak used to create the feature can influence the price significantly. So, if you’ve found a Lutyens bench that is priced much lower than many other options, we encourage you to do further research to ensure you’re investing in a quality product.
Matching furniture
For those who prefer their furniture to follow the same design theme, you’ll be glad to know that there are various features available that follow a traditional look and feel inspired by a Lutyens garden bench.
For example, we offer a beautiful Lutyens coffee table at Cotswold Teak, created to match perfectly with our Lutyens bench options.
So, if your heart is set on creating a more all-rounded look in your outdoor space, we assure you it’s more than possible with a Lutyens bench feature in the mix!
Lutyens garden bench options at Cotswold Teak
At Cotswold Teak, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the most exceptional solid teak outdoor furniture on the market.
We offer a vast range of the most sought-after styles and designs to choose from, which, of course, include a beautiful selection of Lutyens benches. We also only use ethically sourced FLEGT Licenced Timber to create our teak furniture.
So, if you’re looking for the best quality Lutyens bench for your outdoor space, see below for a taste of what we offer!
For more information on our FLEGT Licenced Timber, click here.
Rydal Lutyens 3-Seater Garden Bench
The perfect bench for those who have an appreciation for the finer things in life, we have our Rydal Lutyens 3 Seater Garden Bench.
We’ve designed our Rydal Lutyens 3 Seater Garden Bench to be a spacious and premium quality addition to any outdoor space, ideal for spending time with family and friends in comfort and style.
With slatted seating, beautifully curved design features and scrolled armrests on either side, this beautiful addition is expertly handcrafted to be the perfect example of a Lutyens bench.
Style aside, our Rydal Lutyens 3 Seater Garden Bench is handcrafted by expert craftsmen to ensure we deliver the best quality on the market. This seating arrangement is made from premium solid teak, and all joints are dowelled for added strength and durability.
Dimensions
- Length - 165cm.
- Height - 104cm.
- Depth - 64cm.
Lutyens Teak Coffee Table
Next, we have our beautifully crafted Rydal Lutyens Teak Coffee Table - designed to match seamlessly with our Rydal Lutyens 3-Seater Garden Bench.
Effortlessly timeless and elegant, expertly designed and built to last. Our beautiful Lutyens Garden Bench boasts immaculate craftsmanship, and the execution of this style is truly faultless.
Handcrafted from ethically sourced FLEGT Licenced Timber, this Lutyens-inspired coffee table benefits from heavy and sturdy construction, ideal for those looking to add a long-lasting feature to their outdoor space.
Dimensions
- Length - 87cm.
- Width - 60cm.
- Height - 40cm.
- The overall table length (with the inclusion of the arms) - is 96cm.
Cotswold Teak - the home of premium teak outdoor furniture
We hope you’ve found our article on Lutyens benches useful.
At Cotswold Teak, we pride ourselves on being a trusted retailer of premium outdoor furniture and accessories. We offer a great selection of solid teak garden furniture, which includes an assortment of Lutyens bench options.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space with the help of one of these beautiful features - then shop with us today.