25 Stylish Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Storage
Built-in cabinets, hidden drawers and multi-use nooks help stash outdoor essentials and can enhance a garden’s design
Even a minimalist outdoor space benefits from some storage options, whether that’s a spot to tuck in your bike, stash clippers for potted herbs or store your gardening equipment. Plenty of out-of-the-box options are available that will work well. It’s even better, though, if you end up with something that lets you hide away any eyesores or gives you a garden feature you’re proud to show off.
First, look around your deck and backyard for space that you can put to better use. Then check out the following 25 ideas for ways to make your outdoor storage integrate with the rest of your landscaping.
First, look around your deck and backyard for space that you can put to better use. Then check out the following 25 ideas for ways to make your outdoor storage integrate with the rest of your landscaping.
2. Under-deck storage
A raised deck offers another opportunity to add style and storage. A timber barn door and siding are stained to complement the rest of the deck in this home in Washington, USA. It’s also right off both the house and the side yard for easy access.
A raised deck offers another opportunity to add style and storage. A timber barn door and siding are stained to complement the rest of the deck in this home in Washington, USA. It’s also right off both the house and the side yard for easy access.
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3. Floating console
This open-air cabana in New York, USA, includes a wood-panelled wall containing built-in floating joinery with hidden storage that doesn’t interfere with the area’s floor space. The mix of black, white and natural timber fits in with the patio’s modern barn look.
Find a landscape architect or designer on Houzz who can help you make practical, pretty modifications to your outdoor area
This open-air cabana in New York, USA, includes a wood-panelled wall containing built-in floating joinery with hidden storage that doesn’t interfere with the area’s floor space. The mix of black, white and natural timber fits in with the patio’s modern barn look.
Find a landscape architect or designer on Houzz who can help you make practical, pretty modifications to your outdoor area
4. Integrated cabinets
A shallow cabinet built along one side of a deck is a good spot for storing outdoor accessories without stealing too much space from the outdoor area – or, if this was on a patio next to the home, the interior. In this London, UK home, the door finish matches the fencing above, and the joinery is tucked along a wide walkway. Everything is handy when it’s time to work but is tucked out of sight when it’s time to entertain.
A shallow cabinet built along one side of a deck is a good spot for storing outdoor accessories without stealing too much space from the outdoor area – or, if this was on a patio next to the home, the interior. In this London, UK home, the door finish matches the fencing above, and the joinery is tucked along a wide walkway. Everything is handy when it’s time to work but is tucked out of sight when it’s time to entertain.
Hidden Drawers and Storage Bins
5. Built-in drawers
Built-in drawers beneath this deck can stash outdoor pillows and blankets. They’re easy to access but aren’t taking up valuable floor space.
5. Built-in drawers
Built-in drawers beneath this deck can stash outdoor pillows and blankets. They’re easy to access but aren’t taking up valuable floor space.
6. Concealed cubbies
Three drawers built into a multi-level deck are almost invisible when closed but can be easily opened to reveal ample storage space. The interiors are lined with metal to protect the contents.
Three drawers built into a multi-level deck are almost invisible when closed but can be easily opened to reveal ample storage space. The interiors are lined with metal to protect the contents.
7. Underground cellar
These oenophiles keep their wine collection naturally chilled yet readily available with this underground cellar built into their deck in Sussex, UK. Plus, there’s the ‘cool’ factor of dropping down into the cellar to get your wine.
These oenophiles keep their wine collection naturally chilled yet readily available with this underground cellar built into their deck in Sussex, UK. Plus, there’s the ‘cool’ factor of dropping down into the cellar to get your wine.
Niches and Nooks
8. Cut-outs
Niches cut into the back side of this outdoor kitchen cabinet in Texas, USA, are the perfect spot for storing small outdoor items such as towels, pool toys or bottles of water. They’re close enough to the nearby pool to be readily available but safe from water splashes or accidental spills and breakage. They also bring a nice touch of colour to what would otherwise be a blank wall.
8. Cut-outs
Niches cut into the back side of this outdoor kitchen cabinet in Texas, USA, are the perfect spot for storing small outdoor items such as towels, pool toys or bottles of water. They’re close enough to the nearby pool to be readily available but safe from water splashes or accidental spills and breakage. They also bring a nice touch of colour to what would otherwise be a blank wall.
9. Multi-use shelves
This multi-purpose design in London, UK, takes niche storage to the next level with open shelves, storage bowls and baskets. There are also handy spaces for storing firewood without having it spill into the garden area itself. Building it into the fence keeps the walkway that runs beside it open and clear as well.
This multi-purpose design in London, UK, takes niche storage to the next level with open shelves, storage bowls and baskets. There are also handy spaces for storing firewood without having it spill into the garden area itself. Building it into the fence keeps the walkway that runs beside it open and clear as well.
10. Wood accent
The wood for this wood-burning barbecue is close at hand while being protected from the elements with a storage spot under the floating bench and shelving. The stacks of wood serve as a striking design feature on their own in a blend of sophisticated and natural looks.
Browse beautiful Aussie exteriors to inspire your own
The wood for this wood-burning barbecue is close at hand while being protected from the elements with a storage spot under the floating bench and shelving. The stacks of wood serve as a striking design feature on their own in a blend of sophisticated and natural looks.
Browse beautiful Aussie exteriors to inspire your own
11. Freestanding furniture
Use bins to create multiple nooks for tidy storage. This home in Dallas, USA, does triple duty as a spot for firewood storage, small benches for holding snacks, drinks and other paraphernalia, and as a decorative feature that helps screen the fire pit itself.
Use bins to create multiple nooks for tidy storage. This home in Dallas, USA, does triple duty as a spot for firewood storage, small benches for holding snacks, drinks and other paraphernalia, and as a decorative feature that helps screen the fire pit itself.
12. Trash niche
The street-facing side of this detached studio in California, USA, has a hidden practical purpose as the storage spot for garbage and recycling.
The storage section on the lower half has doors that blend into the rest of the siding and artwork and a window above, giving no hint of what’s hidden behind the doors when they’re closed.
The street-facing side of this detached studio in California, USA, has a hidden practical purpose as the storage spot for garbage and recycling.
The storage section on the lower half has doors that blend into the rest of the siding and artwork and a window above, giving no hint of what’s hidden behind the doors when they’re closed.
13. Concealed bin cabinet
This storage area appears to be a decorative cabinet that screens the neighbour’s house and frames an outdoor living area. In reality, it conceals the homeowner’s rubbish and recycling bins, which they can easily wheel down the driveway on garbage day.
The copper lid over the bins is hinged to provide easy access while also doubling as a benchtop if necessary.
This storage area appears to be a decorative cabinet that screens the neighbour’s house and frames an outdoor living area. In reality, it conceals the homeowner’s rubbish and recycling bins, which they can easily wheel down the driveway on garbage day.
The copper lid over the bins is hinged to provide easy access while also doubling as a benchtop if necessary.
Small Solutions
14. Wall-mounted shelf
If you have only a few things to store or want separate storage for items you use all the time, think outside the traditional garden shed. This wall-mounted cabinet does just that, as it is set on the side of the larger garden tool and storage shed. Its size is convenient for often-used tools you want close at hand. The rack keeps the tools in place when you open the door.
14. Wall-mounted shelf
If you have only a few things to store or want separate storage for items you use all the time, think outside the traditional garden shed. This wall-mounted cabinet does just that, as it is set on the side of the larger garden tool and storage shed. Its size is convenient for often-used tools you want close at hand. The rack keeps the tools in place when you open the door.
15. Slim cabinet
This small cabinet conceals an outdoor shower, but you can borrow the idea for a storage spot that is sleekly contemporary in style as well as practical. Small tools, garden supplies, towels, toys, and even outdoor serving ware can be readily available. Add it to a patio or deck or set it alongside the house.
This small cabinet conceals an outdoor shower, but you can borrow the idea for a storage spot that is sleekly contemporary in style as well as practical. Small tools, garden supplies, towels, toys, and even outdoor serving ware can be readily available. Add it to a patio or deck or set it alongside the house.
Double Duty
16. Shed shelves
Make the most of your outdoor storage spots by designing them to serve double duty. Shelving along one end of this garden shed in the West Midlands, UK, is a useful spot to keep firewood dry and unused pots close at hand. It’s also a good stashing place for small toys, tools and other outdoor accessories that can wind up all over your backyard.
16. Shed shelves
Make the most of your outdoor storage spots by designing them to serve double duty. Shelving along one end of this garden shed in the West Midlands, UK, is a useful spot to keep firewood dry and unused pots close at hand. It’s also a good stashing place for small toys, tools and other outdoor accessories that can wind up all over your backyard.
17. Hardworking potting bench
An extended potting bench provides storage room for more than garden supplies. Clear things off and you have a great spot for setting up drinks, hors d’oeuvres or a buffet for a garden party.
An extended potting bench provides storage room for more than garden supplies. Clear things off and you have a great spot for setting up drinks, hors d’oeuvres or a buffet for a garden party.
Sports Spots
18. Double doors
Sports equipment should be both handy and out of the way when not in use. That can be a challenge, especially when the sports equipment is bulky. These homeowners found a solution for their kayak and all the related equipment under the deck. The area is dry, but it’s also ventilated to prevent mould and mildew.
18. Double doors
Sports equipment should be both handy and out of the way when not in use. That can be a challenge, especially when the sports equipment is bulky. These homeowners found a solution for their kayak and all the related equipment under the deck. The area is dry, but it’s also ventilated to prevent mould and mildew.
19. Side-yard solution
A simple open-sided shelter with a sloped corrugated-plastic roof keeps this family’s bike and boating gear corralled and out of the direct rain and sun in Minnesota, USA. There’s even room for a bike stand and fix-it area at the far end. The family kayak sits overhead.
A simple open-sided shelter with a sloped corrugated-plastic roof keeps this family’s bike and boating gear corralled and out of the direct rain and sun in Minnesota, USA. There’s even room for a bike stand and fix-it area at the far end. The family kayak sits overhead.
20. Sports shed
A stacking storage system houses this family’s skis along one side of a detached shed, while wall-mounted racks provide a convenient spot for storing bikes. The overhead roof provides added protection, and the equipment is easy to access.
A stacking storage system houses this family’s skis along one side of a detached shed, while wall-mounted racks provide a convenient spot for storing bikes. The overhead roof provides added protection, and the equipment is easy to access.
21. Storage screen
An almost hidden storage area sits behind the fence on the left side of this backyard in Los Angeles, USA. It holds equipment, supplies and other necessities for the pool and spa without detracting from the overall design of the backyard.
An almost hidden storage area sits behind the fence on the left side of this backyard in Los Angeles, USA. It holds equipment, supplies and other necessities for the pool and spa without detracting from the overall design of the backyard.
Personalised Style
22. Woodland shed
For most people, a garden shed or storage area, whether it’s for tools, supplies, equipment or toys, will be an integral and noticeable part of the landscape. You can minimise it by nestling it into an inconspicuous spot. You can also make a garden feature that complements the rest of your landscape.
This contemporary shed in Maryland, USA, may be nestled into the trees and shrubs, but its modern aesthetic still stands out. There are enough walls to provide protection, but the open L-shaped door encourages you to enter.
22. Woodland shed
For most people, a garden shed or storage area, whether it’s for tools, supplies, equipment or toys, will be an integral and noticeable part of the landscape. You can minimise it by nestling it into an inconspicuous spot. You can also make a garden feature that complements the rest of your landscape.
This contemporary shed in Maryland, USA, may be nestled into the trees and shrubs, but its modern aesthetic still stands out. There are enough walls to provide protection, but the open L-shaped door encourages you to enter.
23. Stylish outbuilding
This traditional shed in North Carolina, USA, looks more like a small cottage. The porch draws you to the space and encourages you to linger outside. Inside, there’s plenty of room, and everything is hidden from sight.
This traditional shed in North Carolina, USA, looks more like a small cottage. The porch draws you to the space and encourages you to linger outside. Inside, there’s plenty of room, and everything is hidden from sight.
24. Backyard barn
Even if you prefer both the shed and the contents hidden away, you needn’t sacrifice good looks. This backyard shed in Toronto, Canada, balances rustic and stylish charm, and the Dutch doors make it a versatile spot for backyard events. The wide ledges on the doors can double as a bar or self-serving area during gatherings,
Even if you prefer both the shed and the contents hidden away, you needn’t sacrifice good looks. This backyard shed in Toronto, Canada, balances rustic and stylish charm, and the Dutch doors make it a versatile spot for backyard events. The wide ledges on the doors can double as a bar or self-serving area during gatherings,
25. Multiple sheds
Multiple sheds are the focal point of this backyard in Minneapolis, USA. The three sheds, which have a midcentury-modern vibe to match the home, each serve a different purpose. The largest one, named the He-Shed by the owners, holds large equipment and tools. Next in line is the She-Shed, for gardening supplies and tools. The smallest shed, which sits at one end, is the We-Shed. It’s a spot with a built-in bench and fire pit that’s designed for relaxing.
Your turn
Which of these 25 ideas would work in your backyard… or have you an additional idea to share? Tell us your favourites in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more inspiration? Check out this Picture Perfect: 21 Fun, Colourful Exteriors From Around the World
Multiple sheds are the focal point of this backyard in Minneapolis, USA. The three sheds, which have a midcentury-modern vibe to match the home, each serve a different purpose. The largest one, named the He-Shed by the owners, holds large equipment and tools. Next in line is the She-Shed, for gardening supplies and tools. The smallest shed, which sits at one end, is the We-Shed. It’s a spot with a built-in bench and fire pit that’s designed for relaxing.
Your turn
Which of these 25 ideas would work in your backyard… or have you an additional idea to share? Tell us your favourites in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more inspiration? Check out this Picture Perfect: 21 Fun, Colourful Exteriors From Around the World
1. Weather-tight cupboards
A weather-resistant cupboard or cabinet makes just as much sense outdoors as it does inside your home. Fully enclosed cabinets will keep your outdoor paraphernalia secure and out of the weather when not in use, as well as readily available when needed.
Avoid having the cabinet stick out like a sore thumb by tucking it into otherwise unused or seldom-used spaces and giving it a stylish finish – this stylish Sydney, NSW residence by Penman Brown Interior Design shows us how it’s done.