• the bench seat is a traditional seat installed in automobiles, featuring a continuous pad running the full width of the cabin.
• a punishment bench is used to have a punishee lie (and often be tied) down on for the administration of a corporal punishment, after which it may be specifically named, e.g. caning bench

Often benches are simply called after the place they are used, regardless whether this implies a specific design

• Garden benches are very similar to public park benches set outdoors, but the former offer usually only two or three -, the latter mostly up to five persons sitting places.
• Picnic tables, or catering buffet tables have long benches as well as a table. These tables may have table legs which are collapsible, in order to expedite transport and storage.
• Church pews inside places of worship are equipped with an additional kneeling bench.

Various types of benches are specifically designed for and/or named after specific uses, such as:

• a Bench (weight training) is used for fitness exercises, such as the bench press which is named after its use of a bench
• a Communion bench is not used as a seat
• Piano benches offer usually one person seating and are height adjustable.
• a spanking bench, such as a caning bench, is specifically designed for a spankee to lie upon, possibly strapped down, while submitting to paining of the posterior
• Swing seats are independently movable, suspended benches, used for play or as a relaxing porch swing.
• Tête-à-tête: a two-seater with the seats pointing in opposite directions, thus almost facing each other.
• A friendship bench in a school playground is where a child can go when they want someone to talk to.
• The bench in a courtroom, behind which the judge is seated.