I get this question a lot — and yes, you can usually get this urban bench without the backrest. Many city furniture collections are designed as a family rather than a single product, so if you see a bench with a backrest, there is often a matching backless version or the option to order the seat only. If the product page doesn’t show a backless option, it’s still worth asking the supplier. In many cases, the bench frame is modular and the backrest is simply bolted on during assembly, which means it can be left off or ordered separately.
Why a backless urban bench works for an open feel
Choosing an open feel bench is a simple way to keep sightlines clean. Without a vertical panel or rail behind the seat, views stay open across a plaza, garden, rooftop, or walkway. That makes the space feel larger and more connected. A backless outdoor bench also lets people sit from either side, which is useful in open areas where circulation isn’t strictly controlled. You can place it facing a view, a street, a landscape, or in the middle of a paved area without creating a clear front and back.
Things to think about before you remove the backrest
Comfort changes. A backrest gives lumbar support and a clear resting position. A backless bench is great for short or medium stays, but it is less supportive for long sitting. In parks, plazas, transit stops, or places where older adults and people with mobility needs sit for a while, a backrest can be important. If you want an open look but still need some support, you could choose a low-profile backrest, add a central armrest, or place the backless bench near a wall, planter, or railing that gives a subtle sense of enclosure.
Material and structure matter
On some bench designs, the backrest is not just an add-on; it can add lateral stiffness. When you remove it, the bench may still be strong, but you should confirm with the manufacturer that the backless version meets the same load rating and anchoring requirements. Most commercial backless benches are engineered to work either way, but it’s better to verify. Ask about the mounting system as well. A backless urban bench can be surface-mounted, in-ground mounted, or freestanding, and the right choice depends on whether it will be in a public streetscape, a private patio, or a commercial campus.
Style and placement tips
For a clean, open feel, choose a backless urban bench with a slim profile. Metal slats, powder-coated steel, wood-aluminum hybrids, and concrete bases all read differently in a space. If the area is contemporary, a minimalist backless metal bench works well. If you want warmth, look for a wood-slat seat on a metal base. Place the bench slightly away from walls so it feels like an object in the space rather than furniture pushed to the edge. You can also pair two backless benches facing each other across a low table or fire pit to create a social setup without visual barriers.
How to order it
If you already have a specific urban bench in mind, check the product code or spec sheet for a backless or bench without backrest version. If you can’t find it, contact the seller and ask directly: “Can I order this bench without the backrest?” Most commercial furniture brands can confirm within a day or two. Also ask about finish options, lead time, and whether the price changes when the backrest is omitted. Sometimes the backless version is cheaper, but not always — some modular systems price the seat and backrest separately.
So yes — if you’re going for a more open feel, a backless urban bench is usually available and can be a smart choice. Just think about comfort, structure, and placement before you commit. Done well, it keeps the space feeling open, flexible, and modern.