Warmer temperatures may be luring you outside, but with no outdoor furniture except for a couple of rump-sprung beach chairs or a low retaining wall, you'll soon find yourself heading back inside to enjoy the recycled air conditioning. Maybe it's time to get serious about buying some attractive outdoor seating for your patio, deck, porch, lawn, balcony or whatever you call your outdoor living space.

Benches are an excellent starting point for your outdoor furniture collection. Originally crafted for gardens and patios of Italy and England, these timeless pieces bring a classic beauty to gardens everywhere.

image 'spring' by alphonse mucha