If you have limited outdoor space, a shed is not always a practical option for garden storage. If this applies to you, I have good news, because garden cabinets are the stylish, space-saving alternative that is becoming more popular.
The key to a tidy garden is, of course, good garden storage ideas, and more often than not this consists of making sure your shed ideas are up to scratch. But what do you do if you don’t have space for a shed?
You get a garden cabinet, of course. Not only do these handy cabinets offer extra space for storing garden tools, pots, toys and furniture, but they look miles more stylish than a standard shed, too. Here’s everything you need to know.
The garden cabinet trend
I first became aware of this small garden storage idea, having spotted the now viral IKEA KOLBJÖRN cabinet online. Offering a sleek, urban look, it proved a brilliant storage solution for a small outdoor space. Since then, I’ve seen a range of new garden cabinets at The Range, including this green wooden storage cabinet with a hinged roof (£92.99) and the wardrobe-esque tall grey storage cabinet (£159.99).
I’ve even seen a number of stylish patio cabinets, which look just like a sideboard you’d find in the home. Perfect for hosting, examples such as B&Q’s Patio Storage Cabinet (£139.95) and Cox & Cox’s Malmo Outdoor Storage Cabinet (£450) provide an extra layer of storage to your small garden whilst allowing you to express your home decor style, too.
‘Garden cabinets have grown significantly in popularity over the last few years, and it is largely driven by the rise of smaller urban gardens and the increasing focus on how outdoor spaces look as well as function,’ explains Jamie Bloomfield, co-founder and director of Eden Landscapes.
‘People want their garden to feel like an extension of the home, and a traditional shed can work against that ambition. A well-designed garden cabinet stores the same essentials but takes up a fraction of the footprint and can look genuinely attractive as part of the overall garden scheme.’
Of course the biggest downside to a garden cabinet is that it doesn’t have the same space as a traditional shed. A well-organised shed can often store everything to your lawnmower to your best garden furniture. But if you are short on garden space, a well-placed cabinet can make a big difference. I would recommend investing in a cabinet over shed if you have a small courtyard or even balcony space. Plus, if your upping your hosting this summer, a stylish patio courtyard is a great place ton stach extra glasses and servingware ahead of your guests arrival.
‘For a small urban garden where space and aesthetics both matter, a garden cabinet is often the better choice. For anyone with more garden to work with and more to store, a properly designed garden building, summerhouse or garden room gives significantly more flexibility and adds more value to the property. It is not one size fits all. The right answer depends on the size of the garden, what needs to be stored and what the homeowner wants the space to look and feel like,’ concludes Jamie.
Shop the look
This sleek, wood cabinet is perfect for use as a tool shed, with one review mentioning it was able to store a lawnmower.
Made with solid spruce wood and black metal finishes, this cabinet looks great. It has four shelves in a variety of sizes that are perfect for holding up to 10kg of tools, painting gear, or large gardening tools. It also has an open area for long-handled tools.
Add a pop of colour to your patio or courtyard with this stylish green cabinet. It's space-saving design includes a hinged roof for easy access an it's two-shelves offer plenty of space. It even doubles up as a workbench.
Are you about to become a garden cabinet convert?
