22 Sneaky Storage Solutions for Your Deck, Porch, and Patio

Whether your outdoor space is a tiny condominium balcony or a concrete patio behind your split-level ranch, one thing is for sure: There never seems to be as much “hanging out” room as we’d like there to be. Given that we also tend to keep our outdoor stuff—things like gardening gear, sun protection, and grill essentials—well, outdoors, our decks, porches, and patios always seem to be shrinking. This super cool al fresco furniture will keep your stuff out of sight so there’s more room for more friends on your deck.

One of the best parts about summer is enjoying al fresco dining in the backyard, but it is challenging to find a table fit for a petite porch. While most tables and chairs would take up all the space, this foldable bistro set leaves room for other decor. Although it’s smaller than most patio tables, its handy shelf provides a place to put serving dishes and condiments to make room on the table as you eat. The table folds up easily and has a spot to tuck away the chairs for convenient storage when you need more space outside.

Get the Volpe Highland Dunes 2-Person Bistro Set at Wayfair for $299.99.

If you barbecue out back every chance you get, a cart like this one might change your life for the better. It’s a work area, a serving stand, and a storage cabinet all in one. It includes hooks for grilling tools, a paper towel holder, a spice rack, and a sealed storage space under the stainless steel top. When it’s time for clean-up (or if you just need to clear the cart out of the way), simply roll it away on its casters. 

Get the Keter Utility Portable Outdoor Table and Storage Cabinet at Amazon for $215.99.

What piece of furniture is more useful than a multifunctional storage ottoman? In one portable package—or in this case, two—you get extra seating and storage for stashing blankets, pillows, and towels. These wicker ottomans have steel frames and cushions that come in a variety of colors.

Get a set of two Best Choice wicker ottomans with storage at Walmart for 119.99.

Tuck garden hoses, pruning scissors, kids’ baseball gloves, or party supplies into a storage bench that, while keeping its contents out of plain sight, lets your family and guests catch a breath on the generous depth of the bench seat. 

Get the Keter Solana 2-person outdoor resin storage bench at The Home Depot for $178.51.

If you have the space for a shed…then you probably have one already! If your backyard is modestly sized and you’re still looking for a long-term outdoor storage solution, consider a slim garden cabinet. Its footprint occupies limited square footage, and on the inside there’s enough room to both stack items on the shelves and fit long-handled tools. You can even use Command Hooks on the back of the door to gain extra storage. 

Get the Leisure Season Solid Wood Shed at Wayfair for $409.15.

Job number one when hosting a backyard bash is determining where guests will deposit trash, and you can do better than tying a giant trash bag to the deck post and calling it a day. This vertical deck box comes has two interior hooks for hanging a trash bag. The box can also be used for storing pool noodles, toys, and other backyard gear. Whichever way you decide to use it, this piece is discreet and super stylish. 

Get the Red Barrel Studio Arianda 45-gallon plastic deck box at Wayfair for $147.40.

For a small patio or balcony, you want a deck box of appropriate proportions. At just over 3 feet tall, this cabinet-style option is just the right height to double as a serving station. An inside shelf provides two tiers of storage. What’s more, this cabinet is water-resistant and lockable. 

Get the Rubbermaid Water-Resistant Cabinet Desk Box at Wayfair for $222.43.

Enjoy coffee on the deck or patio  in the morning with this wicker side table. When it’s time for happy hour, pull up the top of the table, stow drinks in the ice bucket below, and use it as a standing bar table. It has 32 quarts of drink storage capacity and a drain plug for easy cleanup.

Get the Wrought Studio 32-quart Artem Cooler and Table at Wayfair for $83.87.

Don’t let simple inconvenience get in the way of a relaxing afternoon. A secret pull-out table on this chaise lounge is just the detail needed when you want to set your drink down so you can dive into your summer read. Made from lightweight aluminum with a wood look, the chair is stylish and can hold up to 250 pounds. The zippered cushion cover is washable. 

Get the TK Classics Aluminum Outdoor Chaise Lounge with Sliding Table at The Home Depot for $465.99.

There’s more storage to this teak outdoor hall tree than meets the eye, thanks to its slatted back. With two shelves and a bench with a closing lid, you have tons of storage for gardening tools, plants, and backyard items. It’s the perfect fit if you’re looking to add seating and storage to a small balcony. 

Get the Christopher Knight Home Priscilla Outdoor Hall Tree at Amazon for $294.99.

Whether you need a spot to gather your gardening tools or a place to set your entertaining supplies, this potting bench will keep your gear organized. In addition to its work surface, cabinet with a door, and upper shelf, this bench has handy hooks for side storage. 

Get the Yaeetech Outdoor Potting Bench at Amazon for $169.99.

This rolling cooler does more than chill 80 quarts’ worth of ice and drinks in the insulated bins under its handy top doors. It includes an attached bottle opener and a bin to catch popped caps. A lower shelf can hold other backyard or party items. The entire wood grain style cooler rolls on casters, easily pulled from either side for handy portability. 

Get the Permasteel Wood Grain Rolling Cooler at Wayfair for $213.53.

An unruly hose in the yard is just asking for someone to trip over it and take a spill. Wrangle it up and store it in this hideaway bin with a crank handle. It’s out of sight, yet still easy to access. And with its flat top, you can put it between chairs and use it as a side table. 

Get the Suncast Resin Outdoor Hideaway Storage Reel at Amazon for $60.11.

When they’re not in use, protect your patio cushions and pillows from the sun and weather by storing them in this stylish deck box. The plastic resin holds up to the elements for years and has a wooden appearance. It’s both water- and UV-resistant and holds up to 120 gallons of backyard items. 

Get the Keter Brightwood 120-gallon Resin Deck Box at Wayfair for $185.06.

Apartment balconies and small patios are just big enough for a few chairs and plants, but leave little room to keep outdoor items. Dress up your balcony with a solid wood cabinet deck box. This one stores plenty of items in its water-resistant, locked cabinets. It should hold up to the elements and protect the contents on any of its four shelves to calm the balcony clutter so you can enjoy the sunset.

Get the Sand & Stable Amagansett Wood Cabinet Box at Wayfair for $503.48.

This might not be storage per se, but these Mock Rocks do keep the ugly parts of your yard well hidden. The lightweight faux stones have hollow centers that fit over exposed pipes and pumps. What once were eyesores on your property now fit right in with the rest of your landscape. 

Get the Large Mock Rock at Plow & Hearth for $169.95.

During peak summer pool party season, pool floats, noodles, and other accessories can clutter the deck. This organizer can corral that gear in an attractive rolling design made of rattan wicker. It features baskets on the front for smaller items and a powder-coated steel frame, plus a holder for long items. Even those without a pool can use this handy holder to store outdoor toys or gardening tools.

Get the Outsunny Rattan Wicker Rolling Pool Storage Organizer at Bed Bath & Beyond for $246.74.

Sometimes the easiest way to handle the clutter is to hide it. For a quick cleanup, toss the pool floats, sprinkler, and outdoor furniture covers behind this simple wood privacy screen. The screen stands up to the wind, partly because of the counterbalanced integrated planters. If you train plants to climb the wooden slats, visitors will only notice a pretty patio accent, while you know the real truth behind it.

Get the Yardistry Wood Privacy Screen at The Home Depot for $310.78.

Every backyard gathering could use a few extra tables for setting out snacks, but when the party’s over you’re usually at a loss as to where to keep them. This set of three nesting tables stack together for streamlined storage. Put them in the corner or next to a lounge chair to keep the tallest table for everyday use, while the other two tuck snugly underneath. 

Get the Abbyson Living Maxwell 3-piece Nesting Table Set at Target for $359.99.

A fire pit is a great way to get the family together for an entertaining evening, but if you have a small patio this kind of gathering might not seem like a viable option. Rather than having to forgo the fun, select a pit that functions in more ways than one. The propane tank for this gas-powered fire pit is hidden away and the fire pit has a handy door and waterproof lid. It doubles as a drink table. 

Get the YeSea Rattan Fire Pit at Amazon for $309.99.

Backyard parties are better when there’s a sturdy bar to store spare glasses, utensils, and backup bottles. This rust-resistant, iron-framed bar is a handy gathering spot for outdoor family dinners or pool parties. Comes with two cushioned stools; the glass top cleans easily and the two shelves provide spacious storage on the back side.

Get the Tangkula 3-piece Wicker Patio Bar Set at Amazon for $239.99.

Outfit your deck with furniture, storage, and style in one quick sweep with this 8-piece set from Target. This wicker collection from Costway includes two sofas, cushions, two ottomans, a coffee table, and a storage box. Fashionable and functional, the set can be laid out in several different ways to best fit your space. The pieces nestle together conveniently for off-season storage under the included weatherproof cover. 

Get the Costway 8-piece Rattan Patio Set at Target for $731.99.