Rarely do you get the best of both worlds – except, maybe, in the sleek-lined Scandinavian universe that is IKEA. Friendly for indoors and out, part storage, part surface, the retailer's stealth new SUNDSÖ cabinet is all of that and more.
As any casual curator knows, what you don’t show is arguably more important than what you do. To that end, the SUNDSÖ hides the less photogenic parts of outdoor living (cords, tools, towels) behind a streamlined metal door with two adjustable shelves, leaving the top free to flaunt whatever you’d prefer people notice first (a linen tablecloth, a tray of drinks, etc.).
This easy-to-clean, powder-coated steel storage cabinet is compact (W 23 5/8”, D 13 3/4”, H 33 7/8”), making it ideal for small backyards, patios, or balconies – though it can just as easily be built out to suit larger outdoor spaces. It comes in the off-white shown here, as well as black and a bold new blue borrowed from the recent BILLY bookcase refresh. Rated 4.5 stars across 190+ reviews.
It’s something of a makeshift bar cart – or, depending on how many you commit to, a console for an outdoor living room. ‘Needed three of these in a row to put under an outdoor TV on my patio,’ writes one reviewer. ‘I put all my husband’s messy pool chemicals in them. Everything looks clean and uncluttered now,’ adding that they assembled all three in under half an hour. ‘Easy breezy!!’
And because part of the peril of being outside is that it’s never quite level, it’s worth noting one small but important detail: the feet are adjustable, meaning it won’t wobble on a slope. IKEA even tested it in high-use environments like restaurants – so your Sunday barbecue is nothing.
Only one question remains: what are you hiding inside your SUNDSÖ? Guests helping themselves to the lemonade dispensers, hors d’oeuvres, and admiring the linen tablecloth up top may never know – and that's a little luxury in its own right.
How I'd Style it
Call it the art of omission. We’re all for a little mystery, but we will reveal a few insider styling moves to make the most of your new storage.
Even when you’re not hosting, the surface should still look like you are. For that, potted plants are your best friend. Think of it like a lineup of beautiful perfume bottles on a vanity (no one’s looking for the toilet paper tucked underneath). Follow suit and house a few for your leafy favorites.
Consider throwing some shade over this secret-storage situation with what might be the chicest outdoor umbrella in IKEA’s repertoire yet. Those lemonade-yellow cabana stripes speak for themselves, adding a much-needed hit of energy to a patio that, spiritually, may still be giving early March.
The easiest way to make a patio feel like a real room is with a rug – nothing signals you’ve moved on from grass like a fabulous flatweave. This neutral, rustic brown underpins existing seating with ease and complements all three SUNDSÖ colorways.
The SUNDSÖ looks so good, it might just rival your indoor storage – a trait shared by a fresh wave of outdoor side tables and sofas (which we may or may not slide into the living room once the season’s over…).
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
