10 Attractive Outdoor Storage Solutions

There are lots of ways to store things outside that not only work well but also look nice. In this post, we’ll talk about ten outdoor storage ideas that are both useful and pretty. These ideas will help make your outdoor space look better and be more organized.

Why Good Outdoor Storage Is Important

Before we get into the specific ideas, let’s talk about why having good outdoor storage is important. When you have a place for everything, your yard looks nicer. It’s also easier to find things when you need them. Good storage can protect your stuff from bad weather and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Plus, when things are put away neatly, you have more room to relax and have fun outside.

Now, let’s look at some great outdoor storage solutions that will make your yard look awesome!

Pretty Garden Sheds

Garden sheds are like little houses for your outdoor stuff. They come in many sizes and styles. You can find sheds that look like tiny cottages or modern buildings. Some are made of wood, while others are made of metal or plastic.

A garden shed is great for storing big things like lawn mowers, bikes, and garden tools. You can also use it to keep patio cushions and outdoor toys dry when it rains. Some people even turn their sheds into cozy spots to relax or work on hobbies.

To make your shed look even better, you can paint it a fun color or add window boxes with flowers. You could also put up some lights around the door to make it look pretty at night. Inside the shed, use shelves and hooks to keep everything neat and easy to find.

If you don’t have much space, look for a small shed that fits in a corner of your yard. Even a tiny shed can hold a lot if you organize it well. Remember to put your shed somewhere that’s easy to get to but doesn’t block your view or take up too much of your yard.

Stylish Deck Boxes

Deck boxes are like big chests that you can keep outside. They’re great for storing things you use often, like cushions, toys, or garden tools. Most deck boxes are made to look nice on a patio or deck.

You can find deck boxes in many materials, like wood, plastic, or wicker. Some look like fancy furniture, while others are simple and practical. Many deck boxes are waterproof, so your stuff stays dry even if it rains.

One cool thing about deck boxes is that some of them can be used as extra seating. Look for ones with flat tops that are strong enough to sit on. This way, you get storage and a place to sit all in one!

To make your deck box fit in with your outdoor style, you could add a cushion on top that matches your patio furniture. Or, if you have a wooden deck box, you could paint it to match your house or fence.

Inside your deck box, use small bins or bags to keep things organized. This makes it easy to find what you need without making a mess. You could even label the bins so everyone in your family knows where things go.

Clever Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are a smart way to grow plants and store things at the same time. They use walls or fences to save space on the ground. You can make a vertical garden with shelves, pockets, or even old pallets.

In a vertical garden, you can grow flowers, herbs, or small vegetables. But you can also use some of the spaces to hold garden tools or pretty pots. This mix of plants and storage looks great and is very useful.

To make a simple vertical garden, start with a sturdy trellis or a set of shelves that can go outside. Hang some pots or boxes on it for plants. Then, use hooks or small baskets to hold things like gardening gloves, seed packets, or small tools.

If you’re handy, you could build a custom vertical garden with hidden storage. For example, you could make a wall of planter boxes where some boxes open up to store things inside. Or, you could attach a small cabinet to the bottom of your vertical garden to hold bigger items.

Remember to put your vertical garden where your plants will get the right amount of sun. Also, make sure it’s easy to water your plants and reach your stored items. With a little creativity, a vertical garden can be both a beautiful feature and a clever storage solution.

Multi-Purpose Outdoor Furniture

Why have separate storage and seating when you can have both in one? Many outdoor furniture pieces now come with built-in storage. This is a great way to save space and keep your yard looking tidy.

Look for benches with lift-up seats that have storage space inside. These are perfect for keeping throw blankets, outdoor games, or even pool toys. You can find these benches in wood, plastic, or metal to match your outdoor style.

Ottomans and coffee tables with storage are also very useful. They give you a place to put your feet up or set down drinks, but they also open up to hold things inside. Some even have wheels, so you can easily move them around your patio.

For a cozy touch, try a storage ottoman that looks like a big, soft cushion. These are great for holding extra pillows or blankets for chilly evenings. Plus, they’re comfortable to sit on when you have extra guests.

If you like to entertain, look for outdoor bar carts or serving stations with storage. These often have shelves or drawers to hold dishes, cups, and serving tools. When you’re not using them for parties, they can store gardening supplies or kids’ outdoor toys.

To make the most of your storage furniture, think about what you use most in your outdoor space. Then, choose pieces that can hold those items and fit your style. With smart furniture choices, you can have a clutter-free yard that’s always ready for relaxing or entertaining.

Charming Potting Benches

Potting benches are not just for gardeners! These useful pieces of furniture can serve many purposes in your outdoor space. They usually have a work surface on top and shelves or cabinets underneath.

A potting bench can be a great place to store gardening tools, pots, and soil. But it can also be used as a serving station for parties or a spot to keep outdoor cooking supplies. Some potting benches even come with sinks, making them perfect for cleaning vegetables or washing hands after working in the garden.

To make your potting bench look nice, you could paint it a bright color or stain the wood for a natural look. Add some hooks on the sides to hang tools or towels. You could also put some pretty pots or lanterns on the top shelf for decoration.

If you’re crafty, you might want to build your own potting bench. This way, you can make it exactly the right size for your space and add the features you want. For example, you could include a hidden trash bin for garden waste or a special rack for long-handled tools.

When you’re not using your potting bench for gardening or parties, it can be a lovely display area for potted plants. Arrange some flowers or herbs on the shelves to add color to your yard. You could even use it as an outdoor bar, storing glasses and drinks in the cabinets below.

Remember to protect your potting bench from the weather. If it’s made of wood, you might want to cover it when it rains or bring it under shelter in the winter. With proper care, a potting bench can be both a beautiful and useful addition to your outdoor space.

Wall-Mounted Solutions

Don’t forget about your walls and fences when thinking about outdoor storage! There are many clever ways to use vertical space for storage that looks good too.

One idea is to hang tool organizers on your fence or the side of your shed. These can be simple boards with hooks or more complex systems with slots for different tools. Keeping your tools up on the wall not only saves space but also helps them stay dry and easy to find.

Another option is to use wall-mounted cabinets or shelves. You can find weather-resistant cabinets that look like indoor furniture but are made to withstand outdoor conditions. These are great for storing things you want to keep clean and dry, like outdoor dining supplies or pool accessories.

For a fun and useful wall feature, try a pegboard. You can hang all sorts of things on a pegboard, from garden tools to decorative items. The best part is you can change it around whenever you want, making it a flexible storage solution.

If you have kids, consider hanging some buckets or baskets at their height. This makes it easy for them to put away their own toys and helps keep the yard tidy. You could paint the buckets in bright colors or let the kids decorate them themselves.

Don’t forget about using the space under wall-mounted items. You could put a small bench or storage box underneath to maximize the storage in that area. This creates a nice, organized look while using every bit of available space.

When using wall-mounted storage, make sure everything is securely attached. You don’t want things falling off in strong winds or bad weather. Also, think about how the items will look from different parts of your yard. Try to create a balanced, attractive display that enhances your outdoor space.

Attractive Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor cabinets are like the ones in your kitchen, but made to live outside. They’re great for keeping your outdoor space organized and looking clean. You can use them to store all sorts of things, from gardening supplies to outdoor cooking equipment.

When choosing outdoor cabinets, look for ones made from materials that can handle sun, rain, and changes in temperature. Some good options are stainless steel, certain types of plastic, or wood that’s been treated to resist water and bugs.

One nice thing about outdoor cabinets is that they come in many styles. You can find ones that look modern, rustic, or anything in between. This means you can choose cabinets that match the style of your house and yard.

If you like to cook outside, you might want to set up an outdoor kitchen area with cabinets. You could have a cabinet for storing dishes and utensils, another for keeping food cool, and maybe even one with a built-in grill or sink.

For gardeners, outdoor cabinets are great for storing soil, pots, and tools. You could set up a little gardening station with a cabinet and a work surface on top. This gives you a place to pot plants and keep all your supplies together.

To make your outdoor cabinets even more useful, add some hooks or magnetic strips inside the doors. This gives you extra spots to hang small tools or store items you use often. You could also put shelf liner in the cabinets to help keep things from sliding around.

Remember to clean your outdoor cabinets regularly to keep them looking nice. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth can remove dust and dirt. If your cabinets are wood, you might need to re-stain or seal them every few years to protect them from the weather.

With the right outdoor cabinets, you can have a place for everything in your yard. This makes it easy to keep your outdoor space tidy and enjoyable all year round.

Creative Repurposed Items

Sometimes, the best storage solutions are things you already have or can find for cheap. Repurposing old items for storage is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also fun and eco-friendly. Plus, it can add a unique touch to your outdoor space.

One idea is to use an old wooden ladder as a plant stand and tool holder. Lean it against a wall and use the steps to hold flower pots. You can hang small garden tools from the sides with hooks or string.

Another cool repurposing idea is to turn an old dresser into outdoor storage. Paint it with weather-resistant paint and maybe add some fun designs. The drawers are perfect for storing all sorts of outdoor items, and you can put potted plants on top.

Old metal washtubs or galvanized buckets make great planters, but they can also be used for storage. Use them to hold firewood near your fire pit, or fill them with ice to keep drinks cool during parties.

If you have an old wooden pallet, you can turn it into a vertical garden with storage. Stand it up against a wall and attach small shelves or pockets to hold both plants and garden supplies.

Wine crates or wooden fruit boxes can be stacked to create interesting shelving units. Use them on your patio to hold books, candles, or small potted plants. You can leave them natural or paint them to match your outdoor decor.

An old mailbox can become a cute and practical storage spot in your garden. Mount it on a post or attach it to your fence. It’s perfect for keeping small garden tools dry and easy to reach.

When repurposing items for outdoor use, remember to protect them from the weather. This might mean adding a coat of waterproof sealant or bringing certain items inside during bad weather. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday objects into charming and useful outdoor storage solutions.

Functional and Stylish Outdoor Screens

Outdoor screens can do double duty as both privacy barriers and storage solutions. They’re a great way to divide your outdoor space and hide things you don’t want to see all the time.

One option is to use a folding screen with shelves built in. You can find these made of wood, metal, or weather-resistant wicker. The shelves give you space to store plants, books, or decorative items, while the screen itself provides privacy or hides unsightly areas like trash cans.

Another idea is to create a living screen using tall planters. Line up several large pots and plant tall grasses or bamboo in them. Between the pots, you can place smaller containers or baskets for storage. This creates a green privacy screen that also holds your outdoor items.

For a more permanent solution, you could build a slatted wood screen with built-in storage boxes. This works well to separate different areas of your yard while providing hidden storage space. You could use the boxes to store gardening supplies, pool toys, or outdoor cushions.

If you’re handy, you might want to make a screen using old shutters or doors. Attach several together to form a folding screen, and add hooks or small shelves for extra storage. This creates a charming, vintage look while being very practical.

A trellis can also work as a screen with storage. Lean it against a wall or set it up as a freestanding divider. Use hooks or small baskets to hang from the trellis for storage, and let climbing plants grow up it for added privacy and beauty.

When using screens for storage, think about what you want to hide and what you want to show off. You can use pretty baskets or decorative boxes on the visible side of the screen, while hiding less attractive items behind it.

Remember to secure your screen well, especially if you live in a windy area. You don’t want it toppling over, especially if it’s holding fragile items. With the right outdoor screen, you can create private, organized spaces that look great and work hard.

Innovative Hidden Storage

Sometimes, the best storage is the kind you can’t see at all! Hidden storage keeps your outdoor space looking clean and uncluttered while still giving you plenty of room to store your stuff.

One clever idea is to build a storage bench that looks like a normal garden border. Make a long, low box and cover it with the same material as your garden edging. The top can lift up to reveal space inside for storing hoses, tools, or other garden supplies.

Another hidden storage option is to create a false bottom in your planter boxes. If you have large planters, you can divide them horizontally, using the top part for plants and the bottom part for storage. Just make sure the storage area is waterproof and has a way to open it.

If you have a deck, consider adding trap doors to access storage areas underneath. This is a great place to store larger items like lawn furniture or holiday decorations during the off-season. Make sure the doors are watertight to protect your stored items.

For a fun hideaway, you could create a secret storage rock. This is a fake rock, usually made of hollow plastic, that opens up to reveal a space inside. It’s perfect for hiding a spare key or small valuables when you’re out in the yard.

In your outdoor seating area, look for furniture with hidden compartments. Some outdoor sofas and chairs come with secret storage under the cushions. This is a great place to keep extra pillows, blankets, or even books for outdoor reading.

If you have steps leading to your yard or patio, consider making them into drawers. This works especially well for wide, shallow steps. The front of each step can pull out like a drawer, revealing storage space inside.

When creating hidden storage, think about what you need to store and how often you’ll need to access it. Items you use frequently should be in easy-to-reach spots, while things you only need occasionally can go in more out-of-the-way places.

Remember to weatherproof your hidden storage areas, especially if they’re close to the ground where water might collect. You don’t want to open your clever storage spot only to find your items have been damaged by moisture.

With some creative thinking, you can turn almost any part of your outdoor space into a secret storage area. This keeps your yard looking tidy and organized while giving you plenty of room to store all your outdoor essentials.