Smart & Sneaky Storage Solutions: Outdoor Project Ideas

Written by

Dabney Frake
Dabney Frake
Dabney is a Southern-born, New England-raised, current Midwesterner. Her dog Grim is part terrier, part basset hound, part dust mop.
updated May 3, 2019
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(Image credit: The Fresh Exchange)

Small outdoor spaces suffer the same fate as indoor rooms— where to put all the clutter? Outdoor furniture cushions, lamps, and pillows all need a place to live when you’re not using them. The answer is one the most important rules of small spaces: furniture that serves two purposes at once.

(Image credit: Remodelaholic)

Amy of Hertoolbelt posted free plans for these wooden reclining chaise lounges over on Remodelaholic. They’re hollow which means they’re perfect for storage inside.

(Image credit: Oleander & Palm)

IKEA to the rescue! Oleander and Palm flipped some metal office cabinets on their sides and topped them with some tile. Now she has a freestanding bar stand with bonus storage underneath.

(Image credit: HGTV)

Designers Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri built firewood storage underneath the deck. It frees space up above for all the fun stuff. Via HGTV.

(Image credit: The Fresh Exchange)

Megan of The Fresh Exchange has a beauty of a back deck with built-in benches that flip up to reveal storage.

(Image credit: Today’s Nest)

This hanging outdoor bar from Today’s Nest holds tons of glassware and can be folded out of sight when not in use.

(Image credit: Ana White)

Ana White has free plans for this cooler stand. You can use the surface as a table most days, then pop the lid for a beverage when it’s hot out.