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IKEA storage school

Lesson 6

Let's get outside!

A balcony with a plant in a galvanised SOCKER plant pot next to an in/outdoor HYLLIS shelving unit filled with plants.

Getting outside is such a joy, especially when the warmer months come along. Whether you’ve got a sprawling garden, a little balcony just waiting to bloom, or a favourite park, having your outdoor storage sorted will give you the tools to enjoy the big, wide world on an entirely new level. Let’s jump in and get outside!

Caring for comfort 

The elements can have their way with objects, especially items made from softer fabrics. Closed, weather-hardy units are a great addition to an outdoor space. Slip some blankets or cushions onto a shelf and then next time the temperature drops while you’re outdoors enjoying a break, you can simply reach over for a little warmth.

An outdoor area with plants on top of a brown-red in/outdoor KOLBJÖRN cabinet with cushions spilling from its open doors.

The KOLBJÖRN cabinet is made from powder-coated galvanised steel, making it durable, easy to clean and protected from rust - perfect for living outdoors!

An outdoor area with a partially open VÄTTERSÖ storage box, revealing cushions inside.

The VÄTTERSÖ storage box is the ideal place to store your outdoor pads and cushions. Its waterproof fabric will protect them from rain, dust and dirt.

A homegrown greenhouse

Plants – such delicate little life-givers! If you’re hoping to propagate some cuttings or protect some more established green friends in the harsher seasons, there is a storage solution for that. A greenhouse is a practical way to store your plants and stimulate their growth – and a very sweet conversation starter too. Just look how cute they look in their glass home. 

An outdoor area with plants next to and inside a white in/outdoor ÅKERBÄR greenhouse.
An outdoor area with plants on the shelves of an in/outdoor HYLLIS shelving unit with a transparent HYLLIS cover.

A HYLLIS cover is a fantastically versatile way to transform a HYLLIS shelving unit into an enclosed storage solution. Super if you want to protect your things from dust, but just as effective at creating a small greenhouse indoors or outdoors.

Stackable, foldable, fillable space savers

A smaller outdoor space can still be a fun and versatile space – it just needs a bit more consideration. When picking tables and chairs, look for stackable or foldable products, giving you the option to put them away when not in use. Dual purpose pieces are also a great way to save space, like a coffee table with secret storage inside.

A sunny, outdoor area with a brown DJUPÖN folding table, folding open and closed.

If your balcony or outdoor space is on the smaller side, consider a DJUPÖN folding table. Enjoy coffee with a friend or a sunny working spot, and then when you're done, simply fold it and enjoy the room for other activities.

An outdoor area with potted plants, a green striped rug and a LÅGASKÄR coffee table.

The LÅGASKÄR coffee table is durable addition to your outdoor space...

An open LÅGASKÄR coffee table reveals the storage inside filled with games, a ball and cushions.

And also stores the things you may need while outside, like cushions, blankets and games!

Four stacked outdoor dark grey VIHOLMEN chairs in an outdoor space.

And if you're in the market for some outdoor seating, consider a set of VIHOLMEN chairs. They're weather-resistant, maintenance-free and stackable, making a small outdoor space feel a little bit bigger. 

Four people grilling in an outdoor setting. There is a shelving unit with food ingredients and preparation items and a barbeque.

A well-prepped outdoor kitchen

The sun has set, the spirits are high and you’re cooking up a storm under the stars. The last thing you need is to be running into the house to grab a knife, bowl or chopping board. Pair a barbeque with work surfaces for food prep and plenty of storage.

An outdoor area with a stainless steel GRILLSKÄR outdoor kitchen.

Modular, or readymade? The GRILLSKÄR series caters for it all. Create your own outdoor kitchen with storage and an efficient workspace to prepare food, cook it and wash up afterwards.

An outdoor area with a black/stainless steel outdoor GRILLSKÄR unit for sink with a GRILLSKÄR back panel attached.

If you have a smaller outdoor area, using the space above your cooking or washing station optimises space and means utensils are close at hand. This GRILLSKÄR back panel does just that!

An outdoor area with a black NISSAFORS trolley carrying bowls, jugs, bottles of olive oil and bread in a basket.

Will we ever stop advocating for the simple trolley? Probably not! A bar cart for sundowners, a wheelable spot for bits and bobs you may need cooking - a utility cart delivers!

Open for anything

Open storage is the gift that keeps on giving. Hyper-versatile, you can use it for gardening equipment, crockery to accompany an outdoor kitchen, plants and seedlings – really anything you’d like to display or see at a glance! If you’ve got a smaller garden, veranda or balcony, a tall, narrow unit is a great way to make to most of your space.  

White SOCKERBIT boxes with lids, a plant and a watering can on the shelves of an in/outdoor HYLLIS shelving unit.
An outdoor area with a grey outdoor LÄCKÖ shelving unit filled with potted plants against a redbrick wall.
GLADELIG mugs, bowls, plates and other items on the shelves of two beige in/outdoor KOLBJÖRN shelving units.

Lighten the load 

Let's make laundry day a breeze, shall we? Depending on your personal preference or spatial considerations, you can set up an outdoor, easy to use at-home laundromat. Pick a shelving unit with a drying rack for a more permanent solution, or a nifty, foldable rack for something more flexible. 

An outdoor area with clothes on a white in/outdoor MULIG drying rack and laundry in a blue TORKIS flexi laundry basket.

The MULIG drying rack has two wings that fold out giving you lots of space for your laundry and four hooks for hanging smaller items. Fold it back up when you're done!

Storage to get you out and about

It’s a beautiful day, so don’t waste another second! Let’s get outside. You might not have your own slice of the great outdoors, but there’s no reason not to explore what the world has to offer. All it takes is some curiosity and a bag filled with the things you’ll need to make the most of it.

Two people walk along a sidewalk. The person on the left of the image is carrying a striped/black white SKYNKE carrier bag.
A pair of hands reaching into a patterned/green NÄBBFISK cooler bag, filled with picnic items.
A grassy area with a person crouching next to a black VÄRLDENS gym bag and a light blue KORNAN hand towel.

Organised - inside and out!

You made it to the end of the final lesson in our storage school – good job! You're basically an organisational whizz by now. If you'd like to get even deeper into things, you can learn more about our range of storage solutions for outdoor at your local IKEA website.