If the contents of your garden shed are in as much of a muddle as mine, you will want to know about the weatherproof backyard cabinets Ikea just dropped. These slimline, stylish units offer sturdy shelves and strong hooks that make organising your outdoor clutter much easier. Space to stack garden tools? Tick. Room for outdoor sofa cushions? Tick. A handy spot to leave your favourite trowel? Tick. Every April I empty my shed onto the lawn, reorganise, and stack everything back in. By May, the shed has somehow reverted to its rummage-sale status. So the idea of having backyard storage that stays organised is a garden game-changer.
Meet the New Ikea Garden Cabinets: SUNDSÖ and KOLBJÖRN
Ikea has released two ranges that are perfect for outdoor storage. The SUNDSÖ cabinet is a mid-height unit the size of a slimline kitchen cabinet. It is made from durable galvanised steel powder-coated in three colours: off-white, anthracite, and blue. The door can be hung to open left or right, and adjustable feet compensate for uneven paving. Dimensions are 23⅝” x 33⅞” x 13¾”. It coordinates with the SUNDSÖ folding bistro set.
Then there are four new additions to the modular KOLBJÖRN range. These indoor/outdoor units include a low open-shelf unit, a head-height three-door cabinet, and two larger shelving units. All are powder-coated galvanised steel in a neutral beige colourway. The low open-shelf unit is nice enough to use as a patio coffee table. The three-door cabinet offers plenty of room for garden tools. These cabinets are intended for both indoor and outdoor use, blurring the boundaries between inside and out – a clever trick for small-space living.
Hack #1: Create a Custom Outdoor Storage Wall with Multiple SUNDSÖ Cabinets
Stack two or three SUNDSÖ cabinets side by side to create a seamless outdoor storage wall. This hack works brilliantly on a patio or balcony where you want a built-in look. The adjustable feet ensure each cabinet sits level even if the ground is uneven. You can use the top surface as a serving area when guests come over – perfect for holding drinks, planters, or a small grill. The cabinets’ powder-coated steel finish resists rust and fading, so they stay chic season after season.
Imagine a reader who lives in a rental apartment with a tiny balcony and no storage. A slim, lockable cabinet for garden tools and cushions is a lifesaver. By placing two SUNDSÖ units side by side, you double the storage without taking up extra floor space. The reversible door is a lifesaver for tight corners, making it ideal for narrow paths. You can even use one cabinet for gardening supplies and the other for outdoor dining essentials like tableware and linens. This hack turns a single cabinet into a modular system that looks like custom built-in furniture.
Hack #2: Use the KOLBJÖRN Low Open-Shelf Unit as a Patio Coffee Table
The low open-shelf unit from the KOLBJÖRN range is frankly nice enough to use as a patio coffee table. It provides a handy surface area for drinks, books, or a laptop while offering storage underneath for magazines, cushions, or small tools. The neutral beige colour blends with most outdoor furniture. This hack is perfect for someone who hosts frequent outdoor dinner parties – a weatherproof cabinet can hide tableware and linens while keeping them clean and accessible.
To implement this hack, simply place the unit in the centre of your seating area. Use baskets or decorative boxes on the lower shelves to keep clutter out of sight. The galvanised steel construction means it can withstand rain and sun without warping or fading. You can even move it indoors during winter and use it as a side table in a living room. This versatility makes the KOLBJÖRN low shelf one of the most practical ikea garden cabinet hacks for small spaces.
Hack #3: Convert a Three-Door KOLBJÖRN Cabinet into a Mini Garden Tool Station
The head-height three-door cabinet from the KOLBJÖRN range offers plenty of room for garden tools. This hack turns it into a dedicated tool station. Install hooks on the inside of the doors to hang trowels, pruners, and gloves. Use the adjustable shelves for pots, fertiliser, and seed packets. The closed doors hide the mess, so your garden area looks tidy. This is a game-changer for a gardener facing a chaotic shed – they want a system that stays organised year-round without annual re-sorting.
Consider a hypothetical scenario: you have a small backyard with no shed. This cabinet can sit against a fence or wall, providing lockable storage for all your gardening essentials. The powder-coated steel resists rust, so damp tools won’t damage the unit. You can even add a small magnetic strip on the inside door for metal tools. This hack keeps everything accessible yet out of sight, making your outdoor space feel larger and more peaceful.
Hack #4: Mix and Match SUNDSÖ and KOLBJÖRN Units for a Coordinated Look
Why stick to one range? Combine the SUNDSÖ cabinet with a KOLBJÖRN three-door unit to create a comprehensive storage system. Use the SUNDSÖ for frequently accessed items like cushions and the KOLBJÖRN for larger tools and supplies. The colours – off-white, anthracite, blue, and beige – can be mixed or matched. For example, an off-white SUNDSÖ next to a beige KOLBJÖRN creates a soft, neutral palette. Or go bold with a blue SUNDSÖ paired with a beige KOLBJÖRN for a pop of colour.
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This hack is ideal for a larger patio where you want a built-in look without custom joinery. Position the cabinets against a wall, leaving a gap for a small bench or plant pot. The adjustable feet ensure everything lines up perfectly. You can even use the top of the SUNDSÖ as a display surface for planters. This approach blurs the line between interior and exterior, a clever trick for small-space living. It also makes your garden feel more like an extension of your home.
Hack #5: Use a SUNDSÖ Cabinet Indoors as a Slimline Pantry or Bar Cabinet
Because these cabinets are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, you can bring one inside. The SUNDSÖ cabinet’s slim profile (13¾” deep) makes it perfect for a narrow hallway, kitchen, or dining room. Use it as a pantry for canned goods, a bar cabinet for bottles and glassware, or a linen closet for towels. The adjustable shelves accommodate different items. The sleek handle integrated into the door gives a modern look.
Imagine a reader who wants to maximise storage in a small apartment. This cabinet can serve as a coffee station in the living room or a craft supply cupboard in a home office. The galvanised steel finish is easy to clean – just wipe with a damp cloth. The fact that it’s weatherproof means you can also move it back outside in summer. This dual-purpose use is one of the most versatile ikea garden cabinet hacks, making a small garden feel bigger by blurring the boundaries between inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ikea Garden Cabinet Hacks
What if my patio floor is uneven – will the adjustable feet really level the cabinet?
Yes. The SUNDSÖ cabinet has adjustable feet that can compensate for uneven paving. Simply twist the feet to raise or lower each corner until the cabinet sits level. This is especially useful on balconies or patios with slight slopes. The KOLBJÖRN units also have adjustable feet, ensuring stability on most surfaces.
How do I decide between the three colour options to match my existing outdoor furniture?
Off-white is the safest choice – it matches almost any colour scheme. Anthracite works well with modern, minimalist furniture and dark accents. Blue adds a playful touch and pairs nicely with neutral tones or wood. If you have a beige or grey patio set, the KOLBJÖRN beige is a seamless match. You can also mix colours for a curated look.
Why is galvanized steel a good choice for outdoor storage compared to wood or plastic?
Galvanised steel is coated with a layer of zinc that prevents rust and corrosion. It is much more durable than plastic, which can crack in sunlight, and more weather-resistant than wood, which can warp, rot, or attract pests. The powder-coated finish adds extra protection against fading and chipping. This makes these cabinets a long-term investment for your outdoor space.
What if I want to use the cabinet indoors too – will the colours work with my home decor?
Absolutely. The neutral off-white and beige are classic indoor colours. Anthracite adds a sophisticated touch to modern interiors. Blue can be a statement piece in a kitchen or mudroom. Because the design is sleek and simple, these cabinets blend easily with most interior styles. They are essentially indoor furniture that happens to be weatherproof.
