Ditch The Shed: IKEA Has An Easy Solution For Instant Outdoor Storage

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Your home might have tons of closets, cabinets, and nooks to hold your large accumulation of stuff. But there are some things you don't want to bring inside, either because it's better to keep them handy outdoors or they're a bit too grungy or unsafe to have indoors. While sheds are nice to have, they also have large footprints and, usually, larger price tags. Plus, even the smallest sheds have us looking for clever ways to hide them. If you want to add outdoor storage that preserves space and funds for fun — or even create fun — IKEA's KOLBJÖRN Cabinet will do the job for you for merely $169.99.

Like a small outdoor closet, the KOLBJÖRN Cabinet adds tons of style to any size place, making it one of our favorite IKEA finds for patio storage. This galvanized metal cabinet measures 31 1⁄2 inches tall for convenient storage on a deck or patio, by the poolside, or next to the vegetable or flower patch. IKEA designed the KOLBJÖRN for both indoor and outdoor uses, but what makes it best suited for outside are the holes on the door handles that accommodate a lock. Secure power tools, liquor, potentially harmful chemicals, or sports equipment in the KOLBJÖRN without worrying they'll fall into the wrong hands. Granted, its signature sleek IKEA look might be diminished by a conventional combination lock, but a lock like this PARIJAT HANDICRAFT Brass Owl Padlock would elevate both the cabinet's form and function. It also is equipped with ventilation holes, so trapped moisture or chemical gas buildup shouldn't be a concern.

Let's head to the back yard. Either standing against a fence or within reach of the garden, a KOLBJÖRN cabinet is ideal for containing and protecting hand tools, fertilizer, potting soil and pots, and other growing-thing essentials. The four nearly 6-inch legs have somewhat narrow feet, so the cabinet probably should stand on a flat surface rather than directly on the ground. The feet are adjustable to help it stand on uneven ground. If you're worried about it staying upright, four pavers, one for each foot, will solve the problem of not having a bit of concrete or decking for it to perch on.

A poolside KOLBJÖRN is just the spot to keep towels, pool chemicals, goggles, and water toys. Its height is just right for setting phones, drinks, and glasses out of the way of splashes. However, a deck, porch, or patio might be the best spot for the cabinet. Front porch-wise, it can keep shoe clutter at bay, hold umbrellas, and discretely store a hide-a-key in a magnetic case (placed somewhere that's not too obvious on its steel structure). Take the KOLBJÖRN around to the back deck to corral blankets, candles, cushions, and yard games. Place one next to the grill as part of a budget-friendly outdoor kitchen setup, or relegate the whole piece to an outdoor dry bar stocked with glasses, bottles, drink shakers, and bamboo umbrellas for the win.