20 Smart Outdoor Storage Solutions to Keep Tools + Toys Contained
Don't let kids' toys muck up your curb appeal.
After living in New York City for many years, the concept of "outdoor storage" was entirely new to me. But now that my husband and I own a home in Los Angeles, I've become quite familiar with the phrase after realizing that my petite, 750-square-foot home wasn't going to fit everything that I wanted. Plus, we have the added challenge of figuring out what to do with all of our outdoor pillows when it rains. Oh, and wrangling up all of our garbage and recycling bins. Translation: We quickly realized that we needed to figure out a chic storage plan for our outdoor supplies.
Have you hit the same road block? Look no further. Here are 10 of the best (and creative!) outdoor storage solutions for decor, garden tools and more.
Recycling Center
Brian Patrick Flynn
If you want to take your environmental consciousness to the next level, set up an organized outdoor recycling center, like designer Brian Patrick Flynn did here. This setup will help you easily separate your various recyclables, yard waste and compostables. It's also a great way to teach kids about recycling, since everything is clearly marked, color-coordinated and separated.
Make It: Build an Outdoor Recycling Center
Pillow Storage
Stylish Storage
These multipurpose benches include pull out storage space to keep extra pillows and blankets safe when storms roll in. Extra storage makes it easy to keep extra plates and glasses at hand when neighbors stop by for a visit.
Photo by: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography
Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography
If you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, outdoor pillows can practically stay out year-round. However, no matter what sort of climate you live in, you need a solution for rainy days. Having an outdoor bench or drawer like this will make sure you have a spot to toss pillows during inclement weather.
Firewood Cubby
Chris Amaral, 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
If you have some extra space around your deck, create a spot for wood storage, like Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri did here. This simple "wood cubby" would be easy to add if you have a similar outdoor deck or patio. You can store extra wood for an outdoor firepit, as well as any of your indoor fireplaces.
Plant Shelves
Images courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
If you’re short on space in your yard, create colorful shelves to store flowering plants, like designer Brian Patrick Flynn did here. These inexpensive garden crates can be easily attached to most fences, and they can add a stunning splash of color to your outdoor space.
Make It: DIY Garden Crates
Garden Tool Rack
Mick Telkamp
Transform an old shipping pallet into a spot to store your most-used tools. Recycled bow rake heads and cheap hardware are the perfect solution for long-handled yard tools, garden essentials, gloves, potting soil and more.
Salvaged Cabinet
Beth Singer Photographer, Inc.
If you really want to get creative, create an outdoor storage cabinet with salvaged items, like the team at Art Harrison Interiors did here. Check your local salvage yard for old doors, moldings or pieces of wood. Then, think about how you might be able to combine them together to create a unique outdoor cabinet for storing garden tools and other home essentials.
Outdoor Party Station
Crates & Pallet
If you like to entertain outside, you might need a spot to store your party props, like plates, cups, napkins and bartending tools. Consider outfitting a simple crate with an additional shelf to provide more room to store anything you might need to make yourself the "hostess with the mostess."
Backyard Playhouse
Debbie Wolfe
You would be hard-pressed to find a kid who wouldn’t love their own outdoor playhouse. The best part? There's plenty of room to store your little one's outdoor toys.
Make It: Build a Backyard Playhouse
Storage Benches
Vignette with Storage Bench
In this vignette, a long, padded bench with multi-colored pillows add seating and color, but underneath the piece, designers have added space for storing outdoor equipment.
Photo by: Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery
Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery
One of the smartest ways to maximize your outdoor storage space is by using clever benches. This seating looks normal; however, you can lift up the cushions to reveal hidden storage inside. Designer Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery added this smart seating solution so you can store outdoor pillows, grilling supplies, kids' toys and lawn tools.
