10 Ways to Sneak Storage Into Your Outdoor Spaces

If you love hanging out on your deck, chances are you have extra cushions, garden supplies and kids' toys scattered about. And it's hard to enjoy your peaceful outdoor space if it looks like CluttervilleUSA. (We get it.) Discover how you can sneak in some much-needed storage, so you can truly kick back and relax.

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May 07, 2018

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

From: Room by Room

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Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Line 'Em Up

Go for multiples to create the illusion of larger furniture pieces. Lining up these three potting benches not only creates a clever focal point, it offers plenty of work surface and extra shelving.

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Aruba Cube Ottoman

Square Outdoor Table

Aqua 20-inch Pillow

Citronella Votive Candles

Square Outdoor Coffee Table

Garden Potting Bench

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Soji Stella Market Lantern

Coral Floral Throw Pillow

Peacock Throw Pillow

Blue Acrylic Glasses

Aldrich Grey 5-Piece Sectional

Vintage 48ft Light String

All-Purpose Caddy

Inexpensive cleaning caddies are just the right size for storing small items you may need in your outdoor space, or use it as a drink carrier. When you're done, simply wash the caddy with hot, soapy water and allow to dry.

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Garden Potting Bench

Ditch the Cooler

Colorful plastic tubs are just right for gardening, wrangling toys or filling with ice. When not in use, they stack and store with ease. We like to use multiples at parties to organize a variety of drinks for guests — one tub for waters and juice boxes and one tub with beer and soda.

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Garden Potting Bench

Double-Duty Surfaces

If space is tight, a bar/fire-pit combo could be just the solution you need. When it's not being used as a fire pit, it's a functional flat surface that's just right for serving apps and drinks, prepping a cookout or relaxing with a coffee.

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Granada Dinnerware Set

Partanna Bar Table

Grey Rustic Barstool Set

Behind the Bar

Most outdoor bars have cabinet storage or open shelving in the back, so take advantage of it. This is the perfect spot to keep barware, linens and outdoor dishware within easy reach. As you load up each shelf, always start with taller and infrequently-used items first. The gear you need daily will be front and center, while more seasonal items hang out in the back.

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Green Cloche Bottles

Crisscross Area Rug

Hammered Glass Drinkware Set

Granada Dinnerware Set

Blue Cloche Bottles

Double Wall Drinkware Set

Partanna Bar Table

Vertical Storage

When space is at a premium, go vertical, whether it's stackable storage boxes (like these round, all-weather containers) or tall shelves along one wall. Just make sure the bottom containers store items you don't need to access every day.

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Grey Metal Planters

Natural Wood Style Storage Table

Gloss Blue Outdoor Lantern

Storage Camouflage

Rethink how you utilize large, outdoor storage boxes. They're often used to store items you don't need every day. Potted plants, candles and weather-resistant decor will boost their functionality and enhance the look of your space. We also love that they can serve as extra seating when your small gathering turns into a full-blown block party.

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Grey Metal Planters

Gloss Blue Outdoor Lantern

Natural Wood Style Storage Table

Dresser Redo

Repurpose an old dresser or console into the ultimate indoor/outdoor entertainment center. The dimensions are just right for anchoring a long wall, plus the storage is a bonus. The drawers and closed cabinets are ideal for keeping board games, DVDs, blankets and seasonal decor out of sight.

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Currents and Tides Wall Art

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Reclaimed Wood Buffet

Verne Stripe Curtain Panel

Malibu Woven Watermelon Rug

Sky Blue Wood Chairs

Sunbrella 20x20 Pouf

Behind the Scenes

Tucking your TV behind artwork is a surprisingly easy DIY project that'll help keep your electronics from being the focal point of the room. This project works best using two pieces of art butted next to one another. With inexpensive trim, build a rectangular box in the same dimensions as your artwork. The frame will hang directly against the wall and help accommodate the depth of the wall-mounted TV. Next, attach hinges to the outside edges of the rectangular frame then to the back edge of the artwork. With the art securely fastened to the frame, hang and fasten the entire piece over the TV. When it's time for movie night or the big game, the two art pieces swing open to reveal your flat screen.

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Currents and Tides Wall Art

Sunbrella 20x20 Pouf

Reclaimed Wood Buffet

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Currents and Tides Wall Art

Pop the Top

Consider adding a lidded end table or ottoman into the mix. These are great for storing larger items, like floor cushions and bulky blankets, you may not need all the time. They're out of sight, which makes the space feel less cluttered. Plus, your items are protected from dust and moisture.

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Outdoor Storage Side Table

Verne Stripe Curtain Panel

Red Decorative Throw Pillow

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Diamond Weave Throw Set

Malibu Woven Watermelon Rug

More from:

Room by Room

10 Ways to Sneak Storage Into Your Outdoor Spaces

Related To:

Shop This Look

Line 'Em Up

Shop This Look

Aruba Cube Ottoman

Square Outdoor Table

Aqua 20-inch Pillow

Citronella Votive Candles

Square Outdoor Coffee Table

Garden Potting Bench

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Soji Stella Market Lantern

Coral Floral Throw Pillow

Peacock Throw Pillow

Blue Acrylic Glasses

Aldrich Grey 5-Piece Sectional

Vintage 48ft Light String

All-Purpose Caddy

Shop This Look

Garden Potting Bench

Ditch the Cooler

Shop This Look

Garden Potting Bench

Double-Duty Surfaces

Shop This Look

Granada Dinnerware Set

Partanna Bar Table

Grey Rustic Barstool Set

Behind the Bar

Shop This Look

Green Cloche Bottles

Crisscross Area Rug

Hammered Glass Drinkware Set

Granada Dinnerware Set

Blue Cloche Bottles

Double Wall Drinkware Set

Partanna Bar Table

Vertical Storage

Shop This Look

Grey Metal Planters

Natural Wood Style Storage Table

Gloss Blue Outdoor Lantern

Storage Camouflage

Shop This Look

Grey Metal Planters

Gloss Blue Outdoor Lantern

Natural Wood Style Storage Table

Dresser Redo

Shop This Look

Currents and Tides Wall Art

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Reclaimed Wood Buffet

Verne Stripe Curtain Panel

Malibu Woven Watermelon Rug

Sky Blue Wood Chairs

Sunbrella 20x20 Pouf

Behind the Scenes

Shop This Look

Currents and Tides Wall Art

Sunbrella 20x20 Pouf

Reclaimed Wood Buffet

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Currents and Tides Wall Art

Pop the Top

Shop This Look

Outdoor Storage Side Table

Verne Stripe Curtain Panel

Red Decorative Throw Pillow

Cotton Monaco Throw Set

Diamond Weave Throw Set

Malibu Woven Watermelon Rug

More from:

Room by Room

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