Gardens are a place to escape, but like with the indoors, the same storage issues arise.
Outdoor items such as tools, cushions, dining accessories all need a home, and rather than cluttering up the inside, there are solutions for the outside. Read on for our garden furniture storage ideas, and some inspirations for hiding those necessary items when the garden is not in use.
Built-in storage
A great way to get extra storage in your garden is by incorporating it into your furniture. If your space allows for it, build yourself a wooden bench against a wall or fence. Use the design of the bench to add a hinged or removable lid to access the inside. Alternatively, put doors onto the front, this won't distract from the style and paint it up any colour to fit in with your look. No-one will know!
Follow the same idea as an indoor chest or ottoman, allowing you and your guests to use the piece of furniture as seating day-to-day. This kind of wooden structure can also work for hiding bins and other unsightly items found in the garden. Wooden panelling is really easy to get hold of and can hide almost anything.
Raised beds
If you are a keen gardener but space doesn't allow for a shed, or you just need more storage, this is a fun idea. Build some raised beds to hide all your bits and also bring interest to your garden. Create different height beds using wood battens, and incorporate doors or panels in the side to access all your items. This is a great idea for storing your garden tools, soil, unused pots, etc. Keeping everything accessible outdoors, to keep you from having to go back indoors every time you need something.
As with the built-in furniture, you can paint them any colour you like to suit the style of your garden.
Quirky hooks
Bring your indoor style outside, and if you like things quirky, as do we, then some wall accessories are a fun place to start. Use hooks on walls to hang tools, fold-up furniture, or even the hosepipe. Whatever needs storing you can create a fun way to hang it. Our Elegant Ornate Cast Iron Hosepipe Holder can double up to make a great outdoor hook for storing metal chairs.
Also look at shelving with hooks attached, giving you the opportunity to dress the shelf with plants, and then have tools hanging underneath. Our Charcoal Grey Luggage Rack with Hooks would work great in an outside space.
During the Summer season decorate your garden to make it an extra room to your home. Combining wall decoration and functional hooks will help with storage, at the same time blending with the rest of your space. If it is done with flair and strong intent, then it won't look out of place.
Garden unit
Whether you create you are own or use an old piece, a garden storage unit is a great addition to any garden. This multi-purpose item of furniture should give you storage as well as workspace for potting plants or doing small bits of DIY. Choose an old dresser or kitchen unit for a rustic feel and repaint to suit your space. Treat with a weatherproof varnish and you are good to go.
Alternatively, make your own unit using wooden pallets. Doing it this way will allow you to make a bespoke piece of furniture to fulfil all your storage needs.
For more garden storage inspiration head to our Instagram & Pinterest pages.