If you're in need of patio storage ideas, start with the furnishings you already have. Many of your existing furniture pieces or decorative pieces can be upgraded or replaced by alternatives with hidden storage areas. The best part is, these outdoor items might take even less floor space while still providing convenient storage.
To help you squeeze every bit of storage from your patio, here are some ideas to try:
Folding furniture
The best part of summer is enjoying outdoor dining outdoors. However, finding a good table is a challenge when it comes to a small porch. Folding furniture can be a great option if you're short on space. Try a folding patio table with built-in shelves for extra storage potential. When dinner's over, simply fold up the table and tuck it out of sight.
Storage benches & chairs
Patio benches and chairs with hidden storage are one of the most efficient ways to decorate your porch or patio. These furnishings give you both seating space and storage in the same footprint, leaving more space leftover for decor. As a bonus, this type of bench or chair is simple to DIY using crates or reclaimed wood.
Storage tables
If you don't already have an outdoor coffee table or side table in your outdoor living space, consider adding one for an extra surface with bonus outdoor storage. A simple table is another excellent example of a possible DIY outdoor storage solution, too. Use it to hide entertaining supplies, outdoor toys or tools while adding the extra convenience of a flat surface.
Storage planters
Planters with hidden storage compartments are slightly harder to find than furniture storage, but might be worth the effort to search for. These planters feature empty compartments below the soil, and make the perfect place to store your gardening tools. Who knew potted plants could also help you save space?
Mini sheds
Garden sheds provide a secure, enclosed space for securing just about anything. Of course, not every homeowner has enough room for a garden shed. A mini shed may be a better solution for people who have a small yard or limited budget. When tucked away in a corner, a mini shed serves as an easily accessible storage solution for larger items.
No matter the size of your patio, you can use these ideas to create a more efficient and functional outdoor living area.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
