Here Are Designer-Approved Outdoor Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

an outdoor dining table — (Image credit: Future)

Anyone who lives in a small home or apartment knows that in order to make the most of the space, you have to get savvy with your design decisions. The same goes for small backyards. Multi-purpose furniture becomes a must, practical storage solutions are necessary, and clever organization ideas are fundamental for keeping the space clutter-free and ready for comfortable outdoor living.

The trick, then, is knowing which backyard storage ideas are best for patios, porches, and outdoor areas that are short on space.

To find the answers, we turned to the experts – the designers who know first-hand what outdoor storage ideas actually work for small spaces. From benches with hidden storage to shelving units that put exterior walls to use, here are the outdoor storage solutions that designers recommend to keep small patios clutter-free and summer-ready.

1. Storage Benches

an outdoor scene with a storage bench — IKEA's NÄMMARÖ Storage Box boasts a spacious interior that can hold all sorts of miscellaneous garden necessities. With its lid on, it doubles as a garden bench.

Whether you have the smallest patio known to man or a large, sprawling backyard, it's always beneficial to furnish outdoor spaces with pieces that do more than just their intended purpose – like benches that double as storage receptacles. This recommendation comes from designer Jennifer Wilson, who sees storage benches as one of her favorite 'storage-maxxing' pieces.

According to Jennifer, a storage bench can act as a space to 'safely stash outdoor throw pillows, throw blankets, lanterns, candles, or other decorative accessories' during the off-season or even during inclement weather episodes. 'In today's world, where we blur indoor and outdoor living, storage solutions are more critical than ever for keeping our more 'indoor' leaning design aspects protected from the elements,' she explains.

And although they're particularly useful for storing outdoor decor during weather incidents, storage benches can also help keep your patio organized on a day-to-day basis. If you plan on hosting parties or events this summer, use your patio's storage bench to keep clutter at bay and out of guests' eyesight.

2. Storage Ottomans and Coffee Tables

a backyard with outdoor seating and a storage coffee table — Pottery Barn's Huntington Outdoor Coffee Table With Storage makes hidden storage look chicer than ever.

Just like storage benches, storage ottomans and coffee tables are also desirable features for small spaces because they, too, serve more than one purpose. Of course, they provide a flat surface to hold drinks, snacks, and outdoor decor, but because they're designed with removable lids, they offer hidden storage for miscellaneous outdoor accessories, too.

According to designer Ashley Morgan, these storage ideas are particularly appealing because they can seamlessly integrate into a patio furniture scheme without looking out of place. 'The storage solutions I think are the most beneficial for keeping small patios clutter-free are the ones that can exist alongside the patio furniture,' she explains. An ottoman or outdoor coffee table with hidden storage does just that – benefiting the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor living room while simultaneously organizing the space.

3. Vertical Storage

two outdoor vertical shelving units — IKEA's LÄCKÖ Outdoor Shelving Unit is perfect for small spaces, as it takes up minimal floor space but has plenty of vertical storage for plants or hosting essentials you want to keep on show.

When floor space is limited, it's always beneficial to turn to the walls for storage. While many of us already implement wall storage ideas within our homes, we might forget that we can do the same outside, too.

This suggestion comes from designer Steven Gurowitz, who recommends including wall-mounted shelving units or tall outdoor cabinets to 'make use of wall space rather than consume valuable floor space.'

'A clean patio looks wider, more spacious and comfortable,' Steven remarks. By utilizing vertical storage solutions on the patio, you can give miscellaneous clutter a proper home, and ultimately make your patio look more organized. No matter the size, any outdoor space can benefit from vertical outdoor storage.

4. Storage Side Tables

an outdoor storage side table — When closed, Wayfair's Kona Round Side Table looks like nothing more than a simple outdoor side table. However, slide open its lid to reveal a hollow interior – fit for storing extra drinks on ice.

Perhaps your outdoor space is far too small for a coffee table, an ottoman, or even a bench. In that case, consider getting an outdoor side table for the space instead.

These convenient patio furnishings are made with hollow interiors – perfect for storing outdoor necessities in close proximity. Plus, many are designed with insulated interiors, like Veradek's Outdoor Cooler Side Table Combo. This way, you can fill the side table with ice and drinks and transform it into a makeshift cooler.

Storage side tables are particularly beneficial for those designing very small outdoor areas – they can become the only table surface you need for the space. However, even if your backyard is a bit more spacious, this type of side table is particularly useful in providing unexpected storage while outside.

5. Bar Carts

McGee &amp; Co outdoor bar cart with terracotta plants on top — McGee & Co.'s Haviland Bar Cart adds a rustic style to a small patio as well as providing extra storage and surface space.

An outdoor bar cart can add both style and storage to a small patio. This recommendation comes from interior designer Alana Spears, who recognizes them for their versatility and multifaceted nature.

Though mainly used for holding drinks, glassware, and other hosting essentials, an outdoor bar cart's use extends far beyond that. As Alana recommends, you can 'use one to display potted plants or to keep smaller essentials neatly organized and within reach.' And since most bar carts are on wheels, they're easy to move around the patio – push it out of the way to free up space or move it into the center to turn it into a makeshift table.

If your patio is small, the last thing you want is unnecessary clutter clogging up the space. As Jennifer Wilson explains, 'keeping outdoor spaces clutter-free allows us to enjoy the peace and serenity of outdoor living in even the smallest of spaces.'

By incorporating outdoor furniture storage solutions like storage benches, ottomans, coffee tables, wall cabinets, side tables, and tiered bar carts, you can give clutter a proper place to live – and in some cases, keep it hidden from view. This way, your patio – no matter how big or how small – will become a space that you'll want to spend every second on this summer.

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Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.