9 Neat Garden Storage Ideas
Clear the deck(ing) and stash away garden essentials with these shed-free solutions
Sun’s out, fun’s out – and with it all the seasonal stuff that helps make the most of a day in the garden. From seat cushions to swingball sets, barbecue tools to badminton racquets, simplify the tiresome task of putting it all away at the end of the day with a neat garden-storage solution. Check out the ideas below to see what would work in your space.
Get a freestanding box
The simplest way to add some instant storage is with a freestanding box, such as this one. There are loads of options online, and a hinged lid and weather-resistant finish make something like this a practical choice. What’s more, the fact that it is not fixed down means it can be easily moved out of the way to create extra floor space if you’re in party mode with a patio packed with people.
The simplest way to add some instant storage is with a freestanding box, such as this one. There are loads of options online, and a hinged lid and weather-resistant finish make something like this a practical choice. What’s more, the fact that it is not fixed down means it can be easily moved out of the way to create extra floor space if you’re in party mode with a patio packed with people.
Plant up the top
Turn boring storage into an integral part of the garden by creating a mini living roof on the top, planted up with alpines or succulents. Remember that the finished roof will be very heavy once the soil, gravel and plants are in place, so make sure the storage structure below is sturdy enough to support its weight. Doors on the front open up to reveal ample storage for garden paraphernalia.
Turn boring storage into an integral part of the garden by creating a mini living roof on the top, planted up with alpines or succulents. Remember that the finished roof will be very heavy once the soil, gravel and plants are in place, so make sure the storage structure below is sturdy enough to support its weight. Doors on the front open up to reveal ample storage for garden paraphernalia.
Include some colour
Hinged lids on benches mean that cushions can be quickly stashed away underneath when the inevitable rain turns up to spoil the party. And painting the benches a stylish colour (here, Farrow & Ball’s Brassica) means they can be admired all year round, long after the summer blooms have faded.
Fancy doing something similar in your garden? Find joiners and carpenters near you
Hinged lids on benches mean that cushions can be quickly stashed away underneath when the inevitable rain turns up to spoil the party. And painting the benches a stylish colour (here, Farrow & Ball’s Brassica) means they can be admired all year round, long after the summer blooms have faded.
Fancy doing something similar in your garden? Find joiners and carpenters near you
Utilise the levels
In a garden with steep steps, incorporating a bench with storage underneath it makes the most of the awkward angles. The front opens up to allow big items to be stashed away – but make sure the storage area is waterproof inside if you are planning to store cushions in it.
Like the idea of a linear garden design? Check out these ideas
In a garden with steep steps, incorporating a bench with storage underneath it makes the most of the awkward angles. The front opens up to allow big items to be stashed away – but make sure the storage area is waterproof inside if you are planning to store cushions in it.
Like the idea of a linear garden design? Check out these ideas
Be upfront
If space is tight in the back garden, how about putting some storage in the front garden instead? A sturdy metal lockable unit like this is big enough for bikes and other garden bits and bobs. Choose a colour that matches the walls of your house, or go for a bright contrast to liven up the street.
If space is tight in the back garden, how about putting some storage in the front garden instead? A sturdy metal lockable unit like this is big enough for bikes and other garden bits and bobs. Choose a colour that matches the walls of your house, or go for a bright contrast to liven up the street.
Plan from the outset
If you’re planning a garden from scratch, try and make storage an integral part of the design so you won’t have to add anything in later. This row of wooden-clad planters extends to include a hinged storage-box-cum-bench that flows seamlessly onto another planter, then more storage. And as with all storage, remember, you probably need more than you think!
If you’re planning a garden from scratch, try and make storage an integral part of the design so you won’t have to add anything in later. This row of wooden-clad planters extends to include a hinged storage-box-cum-bench that flows seamlessly onto another planter, then more storage. And as with all storage, remember, you probably need more than you think!
Tile the roof
Turn a utilitarian storage unit into something special by saying farewell to bog-standard felt, and tiling the roof instead. From cedar shingles to slates, choose a tile that sits well with the rest of your property to personalise a standard design.
On the inside, hooks, racks and shelves will free up floor space and help to keep things tidy and easy to access. A good clear-out now and then will ensure that broken water pistols and mouldy bird feed are not taking up precious shelf space.
Turn a utilitarian storage unit into something special by saying farewell to bog-standard felt, and tiling the roof instead. From cedar shingles to slates, choose a tile that sits well with the rest of your property to personalise a standard design.
On the inside, hooks, racks and shelves will free up floor space and help to keep things tidy and easy to access. A good clear-out now and then will ensure that broken water pistols and mouldy bird feed are not taking up precious shelf space.
Double up
If you’re worried that a box will look too ‘blocky’ in your garden, consider a storage table along these lines, where the surface can also be used for potting up plants. Try searching online for a garden utility bench, or repurpose another piece of furniture, such as an old kitchen trolley. This table has been used mainly for gardening kit, but outdoor toys or sporty stuff could be stored on the underneath shelf in weatherproof boxes or baskets.
Tell us…
How do you keep on top of the clutter in your garden? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
If you’re worried that a box will look too ‘blocky’ in your garden, consider a storage table along these lines, where the surface can also be used for potting up plants. Try searching online for a garden utility bench, or repurpose another piece of furniture, such as an old kitchen trolley. This table has been used mainly for gardening kit, but outdoor toys or sporty stuff could be stored on the underneath shelf in weatherproof boxes or baskets.
Tell us…
How do you keep on top of the clutter in your garden? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
These multi-purpose benches-cum-storage-boxes score highly on the practicality scale, as the castors allow them to be wheeled around the space. Pulling them out gives access to the lush plants behind, making weeding and general green-fingered maintenance much easier. Or they can be reconfigured as a bench and table, pushed together or moved to the other side of the patio to add flexibility to the garden design.