Beautiful Outdoor Patio Storage Ideas You'll Wish You Thought Of Sooner

When designing your outdoor space, you'll want to create an atmosphere that promotes rest and relaxation. A patio filled with clutter distracts from this goal, so ensuring the area has plenty of storage is key. Additionally, proper storage keeps important items, such as your gardening supplies, outdoor toys, and extra cushions protected from wind and rain. There are many creative options worth considering that will not only keep your belongings neat and organized, but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your patio.

Whether you're interested in purchasing pieces that offer extra storage or repurposing things you no longer use, there are plenty of opportunities available to aid in organizing the space. Need to store miscellaneous items? It doesn't take long to turn a plastic planter into a lidded storage bin. If you need extra seating, a storage bench is an excellent solution. There's also the option to purchase weatherproof storage cabinets to keep outdoor toys tucked away and out of view. Once you've coordinated your outdoor patio, you'll find the area is much more inviting and enjoyable for the entire family.

One of the first things you'll want to do when considering storage ideas for your patio is determine whether you have enough seating. Storage benches double as seating and add functionality to your space by providing a large inner compartment to house your extra cushions, table umbrella, or backyard toys. Since the benches are available in several different colors, you're sure to find one that matches your existing patio furniture.

When creating more patio storage with a bench, go with a basic model that fits your current aesthetic. You'll find everything from storage benches made of solid wood, like this one for $145 on Amazon, to pieces constructed using a weather-resistant polypropylene, such as the Greesum storage bench deck box for $135 on Amazon. When shopping, you'll need to keep the following in mind: the number of seats the bench provides, maximum weight for the seating, and desired container size in gallons. Additionally, determine whether you want your bench to have a backrest and side arms, as some storage benches don't have these features. Additionally, most storage benches come bare, but you can always purchase a set of cushions to make the seating more comfortable.

If your patio coffee table doesn't have any space underneath for storage, swap it out with a table that does. You can certainly purchase an outdoor storage table, but making one from scratch will save you money and be more rewarding, too. Once assembled, you can use the table to hold all of your outdoor games, such as a frisbee, baseballs and gloves, a jump rope, tennis rackets, and even a set of water guns.

In order to create a gorgeous outdoor storage table, you'll need to have wood, wood glue, and a nail gun on hand. The tutorial from TikTok user @pineandpolardiy is especially great to try since it's beginner-friendly. It requires something simple like a dowel to create the spacing between planks, and then secure them in place with a quick shot of a nail gun. If your patio is uncovered, consider using a more weather-resistant wood, such as teak, cedar, or cypress. 

Another way to add storage to your patio is to create a lidded storage bin using a tall plastic planter. This bin is simple, yet stylish, so it won't detract from the beauty of your outdoor space. Making a lid for the plastic planter is key, as this keeps all of the bin's contents protected and hidden from view. The bin is perfect for housing your bird seed, fertilizer bags, or gardening supplies. There's also the option to use the container as an outdoor trash receptacle.

Purchase a tall plastic planter in the color of your choosing. Popular options include black, ocean blue, coral, and terra cotta. There are plenty of options out there, such as this recycled plastic planter for under $30 on Amazon, although you may also find them in your local discount stores as well. Flip the planter upside down on a piece of wood and trace around the top. Cut this circle out of the wood, as it will become the lid for your planter. Paint the lid using a complementary stain or weatherproof paint. Attach the lid using a hinge and a few screws. Feel free to also add a handle to make the lid easier to open. Once you purchase the handle, you should be able to attach it with just a few screws.

While some patio storage pieces are able to house a few items, deck boxes can accommodate a large number of objects. Some models even include a mesh pocket across the bottom of the lid to hold smaller items. Deck boxes are ideal for housing your pool toys, sports equipment, gardening supplies, or extra cushions. You can get them in fade-resistant wicker, like this one from Suncast for $159 on Amazon, which offers a more elegant look.

As you browse the available deck boxes, pay attention to the dimensions and storage capacity. You want to make sure the piece will fit in your space, and that it has a compartment deep enough to accommodate your storage needs. Next, look at the legs. If you plan on keeping the deck box in one location and never moving it, you just need the legs to be sturdy; however, if you anticipate moving the box from one spot to another, you want to buy a unit that includes sturdy wheels on the legs. A slow-closing lid is also a nice feature, as it prevents little hands from accidentally getting slammed or pinched.

Side tables offer a space to set down your favorite book or glass of freshly made lemonade while enjoying the pleasant spring, summer, and fall weather. You can also use them to set up a lantern or a few candles to add ambient lighting once the sun sets. When extra storage space is needed, you'll want to purchase a set of side tables that feature an inner compartment for stowing away a few pillows, board games, or towels, if you have a pool.

Just like with the deck box, side tables that offer storage are readily available on Amazon, such as this wicker one from Sundale for $88. You can choose between several colors, including brown, black, and charcoal gray. Typically, these end tables have a capacity of around 13 gallons, although you can get them a little bigger or smaller to fit your space. Don't let their small size fool you though, as several models come with an astounding 300-pound weight capacity. That means you could even use them as seating if the need arises.

Looking for an outdoor storage option that can keep both small and large items neatly organized? A decorative waterproof cabinet with shelves is a marvelous solution. This handy piece of furniture is ideal for arranging everything from sunblock and bug spray to towels and swimming goggles. It can also be used for gardening gloves and pruning shears, or even disposable plates and cutlery for dining outside. Items can be placed directly on the shelves or in small baskets that are then set inside the cabinet. There's also space on top of the cabinet to display a few houseplants.

When searching for the perfect outdoor storage cabinet with shelves, have your desired measurements on hand. Look for a model that offers removable shelves, so that you can place the shelves at a height that fits your storage needs. Mrossa has an attractive option on Amazon for under $160 with a 13-gallon capacity that meets these requirements. It's also lightweight, impact-resistant, and available in a choice of off-white or brown. Reviewers report assembly is easy and takes just under 30 minutes.

Patios with a larger amount of available space may wish to go with an outdoor plastic storage shed. These sheds stand much taller than the deck boxes, offering more room vertically to house items that aren't currently being used, such as your patio furniture cushions and matching accent pillows. Whether there's an approaching storm or you simply need a place to keep items clean and dry during the off-season, an outdoor storage shed will provide the protection you seek.

Setting up a plastic outdoor shed to store your pillows and cushions isn't as hard as you may think, as these sheds are more like oversized closets than traditional sheds that resemble small barns. Most models are also made out of resin and easily assembled using basic tools, like screws and hinges. A great option is this one from Rubbermaid, which sells for $595 on Amazon. The important thing is that you consider how many cushions and pillows you need to place in the shed, as this will determine the best size to buy. Additional features worth looking for include adjustable shelves, a choice of colors, and a lock for security.