The only thing better than outdoor furniture is outdoor furniture with storage. For those of us who hoard shoes, throw blankets, magazines, and just about anything else, having extra compartments to stash our possessions is a lifesaver — out of sight, out of mind.
The best outdoor furniture brands cleverly design it in, and pieces with storage often rank high in innovation. It's a bit spy-like — like a clock that doubles as a safe, you'd never guess what’s hidden inside. Imagine your guests' surprise when you ask them to stand up from their seat, only to reveal more cocktail glasses underneath. It’s not magic, but it’s a close second.
According to Milly McEwan, Product & Design Manager at RJ Living, outdoor furniture with storage is a great choice for anyone, but ‘particularly for people who have limited outdoor space or limited outdoor storage.’ Multifunctional furniture maximizes every square inch and ‘allows you to maintain a tidy and neat backyard without compromising on aesthetics or needing bulky storage units.’
Still, not all outdoor furniture with storage is created equal. Tracking down outdoor furniture with storage requires a discerning eye. Luckily for you, I specialize in this — finding top-quality, stylish furniture. And my search today was no different. Behold the sneakiest storage furniture your backyard has ever seen.
Our favorite Outdoor Furniture with Storage picks
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With 4.8/5 stars and priced under $120, you won’t find a better quality, affordable side table anywhere else. Despite its sleek and dark appearance, this side table would look good just about anywhere — against pink and white cabana stripes, breezy rattan furniture, or even more modern pieces. You can store whatever you want inside, but it also doubles as an ice crate — probably not the type of storage you were expecting in this edit, but hey, drinks need storage too!
This slat-back wooden bench from Target is as classic as it gets. It’s so charming that you might never notice the storage compartment underneath, which comes with a removable waterproof lining — handy for storing used tools or pool equipment. Place it poolside, in a garden, or on a patio — this spacious acacia wood seat can do it all.
I find this outdoor coffee table from Perigold particularly interesting because of its compelling contrast: the texture and coastal feel of the wicker paired with the smooth and sleek acacia slatted top. The best of both worlds. At 25.6” W, it's not the largest coffee table of the bunch, but it’s just the right size to house essentials like spare towels or throw pillows. Place it in the center of your outdoor living room for a practical and eye-catching focal point.
This sunny yellow outdoor wicker bench draws instant smiles. Drab backyard? Not for long with this gem. This isn't regular wicker — it's French-style, diagonal wicker. It seats two, making it useful for extra seating during outdoor gatherings, and opens to reveal ample storage for anything your heart desires. Fade-resistant, fire-resistant, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant, even if you opt for its blue, gray, or black varieties, rest assured that none of these bold hues will fade.
When we think of outdoor storage furniture, we typically picture ottomans and coffee tables, but a sofa?! Now we’re talking. Perhaps the stealthiest variety of the bunch, this outdoor sofa has under-seat storage, perfect for a fun party trick. Given its size, imagine what you could store inside. And don’t worry about caring for all those cushions — they’re upholstered in quick-drying olefin, which delivers ultimate weather-resistant durability.
If you’re looking to maximize your outdoor furniture, consider this dynamic duo — part chair, part ottoman, part loveseat — a modular design that never ceases to amaze. Simply place together and pull apart to customize your experience. For added customization, there are several frame and cushion colorways to choose from, so you’re bound to find one to suit your space. Regardless of which you choose, placing a backyard umbrella between the two is a must.
A reclining backrest is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this loveseat offers four different positions, allowing you to sit, recline, or lie flat for tanning or naps, all atop a thick elastic sponge cushion. Complete with retractable side trays to spare you needing to purchase a side table, the storage makes this already stellar design even sweeter.
A bit of a splurge for a coffee table, but if I know anything about Pottery Barn from personal experience, it’s that it’s built to last. If you want to buy an outdoor coffee table and never need another one, this is for you. Timeless, chic, and at 33” wide, it’s substantial enough to anchor even the most generously sized seating groups.
This pared-back design does so much with so little. I love the elegant curves of its sides and the contrast between the cushion and the water-resistant PE rattan. Of everything on this list, this is the biggest crowd-pleaser — I’m not sure there is a backyard this outdoor bench wouldn’t enhance. You can style it with other pieces when entertaining large groups, though it can stand on its own.
The quiet luxury of outdoor coffee tables — you can’t quite put your finger on it, but this coffee table simply looks expensive. Perhaps it’s the richly toned eucalyptus wood, or maybe it’s the elegant lift-top design that opens just like French doors. Either way, this is arguably one of the quickest ways to achieve a resort-like backyard, because what says ‘resort’ more than accessing everything you need at arm’s length? To lean into this look, consider adding an outdoor rug underneath.
A six-piece outdoor patio set for under $1,000? This might be one of the best deals in this entire edit. But don’t be fooled by its low price — each piece is made from powder-coated, rust-free galvanized steel frame, and the rattan is handwoven. The cushions are 7.8” thick on the back and 2.76” on the bottom, which sounds like a dream. The only thing dreamier is the inner storage space with a clever rain cover. Some assembly is required, but it’s worth it.
Rounding off this list is a darling pair of ottomans. I’m always partial to an ottoman given their versatility — part seat, part footrest, and in this instance, part storage compartment. Priced at just about $90, it’s about $45 per ottoman, making this one of the best deals in this category I’ve seen. And the best part is that nothing about it looks cheap. And if you don’t believe me, read their glowing reviews.
FAQs
What should I consider before buying outdoor furniture with storage?
When purchasing outdoor furniture with storage, Milly McEwan at RJ Living suggests considering a few key factors:
First and foremost, think about the material and its durability. ‘You will want to make sure that the furniture is made from weather-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor conditions,’ she explains. ‘I recommend looking for high-quality wood, metal, or synthetic materials treated to resist moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. It's also important to consider the weather conditions in your area, as some materials may fare better than others in your climate.’
Next, consider the storage capacity, which can vary significantly between pieces. ‘It’s important to ensure that your furniture has the capacity to be a helpful solution for you,’ Milly explains. ‘Make sure there's enough space for whatever items you think you’ll need to store.’
Lastly, proper ventilation is key. ‘For outdoor furniture, particularly pieces with integrated storage, proper ventilation is essential to prevent mold and mildew,’ Milly advises.
What should I keep inside outdoor furniture with storage?
The short answer is: anything you want! It's your storage, so feel free to use it for unconventional items — hoodies, paint supplies — the world is your oyster. However, according to Milly McEwan, common choices include:
- Cushions and Pillows: ‘Keep them dry when the weather isn’t great.’
- Garden Tools: Store gloves ‘and any other gardening accessories you might need.’
- Children’s Toys: Keep them organized and out of sight when they’re not in use.
- Outdoor Game Equipment: ‘Store items like badminton sets, balls, and other game equipment for the days when you want to have a bit of fun in the sun.’
- Barbecue Essentials: ‘Keep grilling tools, aprons, and other barbecue essentials close by but not in your direct line of sight.’
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