Absolutely—if you're going for that clean, contemporary look, you'll want benches that keep the silhouette simple, the palette neutral, and the materials honest. Here are a few modern minimalist urban bench options I'd shortlist:
1. Linear steel bench with timber slats. Think a low, horizontal profile in matte black or graphite powder-coated steel, topped with FSC-certified iroko or cumaru slats. The contrast between metal and wood adds warmth without visual clutter.
2. Concrete plinth bench. A single cast-concrete form with smooth, board-marked, or acid-etched surfaces works beautifully in plazas and streetscapes. It feels architectural, ages well, and needs almost no maintenance.
3. Corten steel edge bench. Pre-weathered steel gives a muted, rust-toned finish that looks intentional and blends well with both greenery and hardscape. A simple folded or box-section design keeps it minimalist.
4. Modular aluminum bench. Lightweight, slim, and recyclable, extruded aluminum benches with hidden fixings are perfect for modern transit stops or campus paths. Choose a matte silver, anthracite, or soft bronze anodized finish.
5. Backless hardwood bench with recessed legs. If you want minimal but warm, a solid oak or teak bench with slightly recessed black steel legs gives a floating effect that reads very clean.
When choosing, I'd also check that the bench is designed for public use—anti-skate features, drainage, and tamper-resistant fixings—so it keeps its minimalist look without becoming high-maintenance.