The best replacement for benches is ottomans.

The best alternatives to benches are rated as following:
★★★★★  ottomans
★★★★★  stools
★★★  chairs
★★  window seats
★★  benches
★  pews
★  settees
★  seats
  trunks
  booths
  settee

Your alternative for benches is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about benches, one probably shouldn't forget about planters.

Other search terms related to benches and their ratings are:
★★★★★ planters
★ backs for dining tables
You have in mind a companion for benches and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of benches in all years. Click on graph for more.
benches
ottomans
stools