With small spaces, multi functional furniture is key. Outdoor spaces especially benefit from furniture that is versatile and serves more than one purpose. Probably the most important example is storage. There are many ways you can combine storage solutions with other furnishings, whether they be furniture or purely decorative. What’s even better is that many of these furnishings you can DIY. Here we’ll go over some ideas for DIY storage for your porch or patio space.
Hidden Storage Benches
One of the best ways to combine storage and furniture is with seating. Outdoor furniture gives you so many options for hidden storage seating, most of which you can build yourself. One great idea is to use a simple storage box and upcycle it into a bench or chair. All you need is a piece of foam cut to the right size and your choice of fabric. Cover the foam with the fabric to make a simple cushion and then attach it to the top of the box with velcro strips.
Now you have a bench that doubles as a storage container and opening it up won’t disrupt the attached cushion. As an alternative, you can repurpose other outdoor cushions to make the bench even cozier. You can also add feet or casters to the bottom of your new bench to upgrade it from just a box to real outdoor furniture.
Storage Crate Ottomans, Tables and Stools
Wooden storage crates are perfect for multi-functional storage. By adding a cushion on top of an unfinished crate, you instantly create a rustic and cozy ottoman or stool. You can also use storage crates as table surfaces, either for drinks and dining or for displaying potted plants and other outdoor decor.
For a more upscale look, paint and finish the crates in your choice of color or wood stain. You can also add a base underneath the crate to keep it slightly off the ground. Adding feet or casters will make it easier to move around, and protect the bottom of your storage from moisture.
Bar Carts for the Porch & Patio
Bar carts are coming back into trend in interior decorating, but are also incredibly useful in outdoor spaces. Even if you don’t use the bar cart for its intended purpose, what could be more convenient than a multi-tiered table on wheels? An outdoor bar cart makes an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen or sitting area. You can also turn a bar cart into combination tool storage and potting bench.
Depending on the type of wheels your cart has, you might replace them with larger ones to make traversing outdoor spaces more smooth. Otherwise, you can customize the cart to your liking or leave it as is. Keeping storage containers on the lower shelf of the cart will make housing smaller items easier and more convenient. Try it for gardening tools or small children’s toys as a mobile surface and space-saver.
These ideas are perfect for DIY enthusiasts and beginners alike. However, these are only a few of the ways you can combine storage with other furniture purposes. By creating multi-functional furnishings for your outdoor space, you leave more room for actually living in it.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.