Declutter Your Indoor & Outdoor Spaces With IKEA's Budget-Friendly Storage Bench

Finding a piece of home decor that also serves as a storage solution is every homeowner's dream, but finding one that can be used both in and outside your home? That's the real jackpot. Luckily, you don't have to scroll endlessly online to get this, as IKEA's NAMMARÖ storage box might just be your new favorite find. 

This 80 x 45 x 40cm storage box from the NÄMMARÖ series scores high marks in terms of durability. This is thanks to its base material, acacia, which has a high resistance to weather, water, mold, and pests. IKEA went further to pre-treat the NÄMMARÖ box for better protection against weather, stains, and frequent use. In addition, the storage box has a slatted design all the way to the loose lid, ensuring proper airflow and making it great for outdoor storage. The box comes in rich, varied grain and shades and a clean, minimalist Scandinavian design that won't clash with your existing decor. 

One of the best things about the NAMMARÖ box is its versatility. The lid lifts to reveal a surprisingly roomy storage compartment, while the sturdy slatted top doubles as extra seating when needed. It can be used as a storage chest for your indoor or outdoor items, as well as a sitting bench when needed. And because it's from IKEA, it comes with that signature affordability, giving you high-end functionality without the high-end price tag. You can get all of these features for only $109.99 from IKEA.

The beauty of the NAMMARÖ bench lies in its ability to adapt to almost any space. As an outdoor accessory, it can be a home for your garden tools, patio throw pillows, grilling accessories, or outdoor gaming items like pool noodles. It can also serve as a beautiful outdoor storage idea for your patio, deck, or pool area, keeping them clutter-free. In a bind, this box can easily become a bench, so your guests can have a plush seat when you run out of chairs. With the capacity to carry weights of up to 243 pounds, you don't need to worry about any accidents. 

Inside the house, this storage box is ideal in areas where clutter is a recurring theme. In the entryway, it's the perfect drop zone for bags and other items while serving as a great spot to sit when you need to put on or take off your shoes. For living rooms, it can serve as a coffee table with a hidden compartment for throw blankets and board games. It can also be a great bed end bench that could store blankets and linen. Parents are sure to love using it in a playroom or bedroom to corral toys, while pet owners might find it useful for tucking away leashes and other supplies.

While the NAMMARÖ bench is great as is, a few easy tweaks can take it from basic to brilliant. For starters, you can add comfort and a pop of color to it by topping it with outdoor-rated cushions or a custom-cut foam pad to make it even cozier for seating while protecting the wood from wear. On the inside, you can use items like removable dividers, bins, or small baskets to create compartments within the box. These will help improve organization and are a great strategy for decluttering. For improved function, you can fasten hinges to the lid to make it easier to keep the box open without removing the lid completely. 

To preserve the box when you're using it outdoors, consider adding rubber feet to all four legs. This will prevent moisture from seeping in from the floor into the wood, reduce scratches caused by dragging the box, and improve stability by reducing slips and slides on smooth surfaces. You can also consider lining the interior of the box with waterproof wallpaper to keep the items inside safe from the elements. This may make the box look less minimal and chic, though. For long-lasting use, don't forget to re-stain the box once or twice a year to maintain its appearance and protect the wood.