No one can afford to mess around in a small backyard – every square inch is precious. If a piece doesn’t solve at least two problems at once, it’s probably taking up too much space. That’s exactly why one of the easiest ways to give a patio a facelift is to consolidate with hardworking outdoor storage.
Offering 45”w x 20”d x 16”h of storage in the smaller 46” style, and 60”w x 26”d x 22”h in the larger 60”, West Elm’s sleek-lined Portside Outdoor Storage Trunk has enough storage to replace an outdoor cabinet altogether, with the bonus of looking like a genuinely chic coffee table once the lid is closed. A forever piece, if I’ve ever seen one.
It’s minimal; it’s sophisticated. This contract-grade, two-in-one storage trunk has all the charm of a vintage find, the sleekness of a new one, and the polish of an indoor design. Choose between two finishes: the cool-toned Driftwood or the slightly warmer Reef seen here.
It’s contract grade, crafted from moisture-resistant solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus, meaning it’s designed to survive many summers, many storms, many snowfalls, and many seasons without looking tired. Of particular note to me as a style editor, the wire-brushed finish gives this very polished design a lived-in, easy coastal cool we’re all chasing this summer.
Having grown up in Los Angeles – where most backyards are used more than indoor living rooms – and now spending my days writing about outdoor furniture – I can confidently say this is one of the most inconspicuous places I’ve seen to stash the most conspicuous parts of outdoor living: hoses, pool gear, spare cushions, and everything else you’d rather pretend doesn’t exist. If you invited me over for cocktails, I’d just think: wow, that’s one really cool outdoor coffee table.
Simply top the Portside off with an outdoor-friendly melamine serveware, a few acrylic wine glasses, and a floral arrangement to seal the deal, and no one will ever guess what’s hiding inside.
Obviously, it’s an investment: the smaller 46” trunk comes in at $899, while the larger 60” will run you $1,499. But the design is so good, it solves two small-backyard problems at once: a place to hide your various outdoor essentials, and a chic, conversation-starting centerpiece for your patio seating that actually earns every inch of the footprint it occupies.
If you’re not someone who enjoys replacing outdoor furniture every few years, the Portside might be your missing hero piece: the little black dress, perfectly broken-in jeans, or just-right loafer of the backyard. It’s not inexpensive, but as the saying goes: buy it nice, or buy it twice.
Shop Alternative 2-in-1 Outdoor Storage
It’s not always the right time to invest. Here are a few more affordable 2-in-1 small-backyard-friendly storage options that look every bit as stylish stashing garden and pool essentials as they do moonlighting as coffee tables, benches, or console tables.
It’s not every day that a sub-$200 outdoor storage cabinet earns a 4.8-star rating. Don’t let the price fool you: this charming barn-style cabinet is handcrafted from waterproof acacia wood. Yes, it’s designed for towels, swimsuits, and other backyard odds and ends, but I’d much rather see it double as freestanding outdoor bar – bottles below, stemware and bar accessories above.
At just 33 inches, this is the perfect petite coffee table with a hidden party trick: generous storage tucked inside its clean, floating silhouette. Ordinarily, this contract-grade piece costs almost as much as the Portside, but it’s currently nearly half off thanks to a clearance sale. Small-backyard owners, swoop in while you can.
If you’re looking for the closest budget-friendly alternative to the Portside, this Costway option might be it, offering a similarly minimalist look and a generous 43” × 16.5” × 15” of hidden storage. Personally, I’d use it as a bench rather than a coffee table. It supports up to 355 pounds, so simply add an outdoor cushion and you’ve got extra seating with a splash of personality.
If you’re buying just one outdoor storage piece, I’d still make it the Portside. But if your budget (or square footage) is a little tighter, IKEA’s new SUNDSÖ cabinet is my runner-up. At roughly half the size, it’s ideal for the smaller bits and bobs you still wish would disappear – all behind an eye-catching cobalt.
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