Every home benefits with more storage, and if the space indoors is limited, look outside! Outdoor storage designs will not only help keep the house clutter-free and organized, but the smart units will also boost the style and functionality of your porch, patio, or deck. Plus, finally, there will be a proper place to store outdoor furniture, garden tools, containers planters, lawnmowers, bikes and more.
If you're looking for ways to make your backyard ideas for storage more functional and useful, then these are the routes to a less cluttered space you need to know about.
1. Consider built-in storage for your outdoor kitchen
If you have an outdoor kitchen and want to use it to the fullest year round, it would be prudent to have storage cabinets outside so that it can act as overflow backyard storage. Consider built-in cabinets in weather-resistant materials and add shelves and organizers within to keep the kitchen accessories in proper order.
This beautiful outdoor space adds just a touch of extra storage through it's built-in kitchen. 'These cabinet doors added under the sink and under the cooktop provide access for maintenance and some additional storage,' shares Nicole Clapman, principal interior designer at Studio Schicketanz.
2. Build a shed or a garage
If you have large enough outdoors and if you have the budget for building something new, consider a shed or a garage. This is the perfect warehouse for your home that can contain a world of things, all safely kept away from the indoors. Think garden tools, porch furniture, boxes, ladders, bicycles, and more. This can even be a secondary room for your home — a guest room or even a garden office.
'When building an outdoor shed, choosing the right materials is crucial for ensuring durability, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance,' says interior designer Nishtha Vashist. 'Consider resin as it is an excellent option for those seeking weather-resistant and low-maintenance sheds. These are resistant to rot, rust, insects, and fading. They’re also easy to assemble and eco-friendly, often made from recyclable materials. Wooden sheds offer a timeless, rustic look that blends beautifully with natural surroundings. They come in various styles and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your aesthetic and functional needs. Wood is sturdy and long-lasting but requires regular maintenance to protect against insects, rot, and weather damage. For strength and durability, metal sheds made from steel or galvanized aluminum are excellent choices. They are resistant to fire, pests, and rot, and generally require less maintenance than wooden sheds.'
If you're looking for the best wood for outdoor projects, designers suggest IPE, cedar, and wood composites. Interestingly, prefab options are also available should you not wish to construct.
3. Consider outdoor carts
Outdoor kitchen carts have several uses. These portable beauties can enhance the outdoor bar or kitchen setup, offer extra storage to keep bottles, cups, and glasses, and can even be used indoors should the need arise. Plus, many retailers now offer beautiful, colorful designs in these, which can add to the outdoor aesthetic.
'Consider the materials and make sure they are rated for the outdoors,' says Erin Hannon-Watkinson, founder of STUDIO HA/WA. 'We recommend stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum.'
Kitchen carts aside, you can even go for more heavy-duty carts that can help gardening work a breeze. 'Durable outdoor carts are essential for transporting gardening supplies, tools, and even groceries from the car to the house,' says Nishtha. 'Gorilla carts are a bit more rugged but highly durable, and can hold a lot of weight. The commercial, big wheel carts have large, rugged wheels that can tackle any terrain. The high-density polyethylene construction ensures it won’t rust or dent. You can also go in for the durable resin ones that are perfect for garden use. They're easy to clean and resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring it lasts for years.'
4. Add storage with potting tables
Have too many pots and garden tools and can't find the perfect place for them? Consider a handy storage center with organizer tables. Plus these can be used for potting, pruning, and cleaning plants and flowers. These can be placed inside gazebos and even in your outdoor living rooms.
'I like potting benches with a sink as these are a breeze for plant care and clean-up,' shares Nishtha. 'The expandable tabletops have a hidden dry sink perfect for mixing soil or storing it for your next potting session. You can also add wheels for mobility, with locks to keep it stable while you work. The Greenhouse Emporium’s Foldable Potting Bench is perfect for small spaces. This multifunctional design offers a large work surface and plenty of storage space for pots underneath. It includes a hanging bar for tools and gloves, making it highly practical. When not in use, it folds flat for easy storage, which is ideal for urban gardeners with limited space. Made of kiln-dried Canadian Hemlock with an oil-based stain, it’s robust and weather-resistant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This bench is a fantastic blend of convenience and functionality, ensuring you have everything you need within reach without taking up too much space.'
5. Choose outdoor furniture with storage niches
Consider outdoor furniture pieces that do double duty, where you can store pillows, outdoor throws, rugs, and more. Go for coffee tables, loungers, ottomans, and more that have in-built storage niches.
'For any outdoor space, choose materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, such as weather-resistant wood, metal, or synthetic materials like rattan or resin,' says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA.
6. Add a hanging frame
'If you're adding a pegboard, or a hanging frame to your modern garden, you can easily add umbrellas, toolboxes, repair kits, shovels, rakes, pruners, hand tools, and more on this,' says Nishtha.
This is the perfect small backyard storage solution and can be customized with hooks, baskets, and shelves. You can also add a rolling cart to the scene to increase the storage possibilities.
How do I maximize my outdoor storage?
There are several ways to make the most of your outdoors and expand storage. From tool sheds, potting tables, kitchen carts, outdoor cabinets & drawers, storage ottomans & benches, to pegboards, baskets, and more, there are many opportunities hidden in your backyard and gardens.
How do I make my outdoor storage pieces look nice?
If you have an outdoor console, a cabinet, shelves, or even storage boxes, and are worried they might be bringing down the aesthetics of the outdoors, there are several ways to salvage their looks. You could paint them, upgrade their shelving with smart panels, and hooks, or even replace them with more modern-looking pieces.
