Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage: Garden Bench and Storage Box for About £100 at B&M

A modest-looking piece of garden furniture promises a tidier outdoor space - and throws in a bench seat at the same time.

Anyone with a garden knows how it goes: over the years, watering cans, toys, cushions and tools build up - and before you know it, everything looks messy. That’s exactly the gap the Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage is designed to fill: a garden bench that doubles as a roomy storage box, sold for about £100 at B&M. It sounds like a straightforward concept, but it can make a noticeable difference day to day.

Why a garden storage bench can save so much day-to-day hassle

The thinking behind the Keter Eden is simple: one item of furniture tackles two recurring issues at once - not enough storage and not enough places to sit. Rather than scattering separate boxes and chairs across the patio, you get one compact unit that stays put.

"The built-in chest holds around 265 litres - enough for cushions, toys, small bits and the usual garden essentials."

That’s particularly useful in family life. If you’re constantly shifting footballs, sand toys or paddling-pool accessories out of the way, a large weatherproof box saves repeated trips back into the house. In the evening, everything goes straight into the bench, the lawn stays clear, and the next day it’s all immediately to hand.

What really fits inside the 265-litre box

The 265 litres isn’t just a figure on paper. In practical terms, the compartment can hold, for example:

• Several garden cushions plus one or two blankets
• A bucket of sand toys, a football and a few throwing games
• Small garden tools such as a hand trowel, rake and gloves
• A watering can, plant mister and a rolled-up picnic rug
• Small outdoor games or accessories for the barbecue area

In effect, the bench can replace several separate storage boxes. If you’ve been relying on baskets or old crates, you can often do away with them entirely - and the space looks far neater as a result.

Seating for two: relax while the garden stays tidy

The Keter Eden isn’t storage only; it’s a proper two-seater bench. For many gardens, that’s all you need: a small spot for a coffee or a place to keep an eye on the kids, without having to set up a full outdoor suite.

The manufacturer goes for a wood-panel style finish, which gives the bench a classic feel and helps it blend into lots of settings - from a terraced-house garden to a roof terrace or an allotment plot. If you like, you can add a seat pad on top and use it much like a comfy outdoor sofa.

"A bench and box in a single piece of furniture saves space - ideal for small gardens, terraces and balconies."

Design for unobtrusive integration in the garden

The wood-look finish is intentionally understated. It reads more like traditional garden furniture than a plastic storage box from a DIY store. If you prefer a calm, coordinated look outside, that’s a plus: against a house wall or beneath a window, it can visually fade into the background.

A common approach is to position it along the patio, on the edge of the lawn, or right by the back door. That creates small seating corners while also bringing order to what’s stored outdoors.

Material, dimensions, upkeep: what the bench is made of

Instead of real timber, Keter uses weather-resistant resin. The key benefit is that it copes with sun, rain and temperature swings far better than untreated wooden furniture.

Feature	Specification
Dimensions (approx.)	140 cm x 60 cm x 84 cm
Storage capacity	approx. 265 litres
Material	Weather-resistant resin
Function	2-seater bench with integrated storage box
Price	about £100 at B&M

Because there’s no wood involved, there’s no need to paint, oil or stain it. Sunlight shouldn’t bleach the material, and even after a wet autumn the bench will generally remain stable and ready to use.

"Low-maintenance really does mean: wipe it down with a damp cloth or rinse with a garden hose - nothing more."

Added security with a built-in lock option

The design includes a fitting where you can attach a padlock. The lock isn’t included, so you can choose one based on how much security you want.

This option is especially handy if you plan to leave pool accessories, children’s toys or cushions outdoors. The lid stays shut, curious little hands can’t easily get to everything, and it’s harder for strangers to grab items quickly.

Who the Keter Eden is genuinely worth it for

Not every garden needs the same answer. The Keter Eden tends to suit three groups in particular:

• Families with lots of outdoor toys and limited storage space indoors
• People with small gardens or terraces who want every square metre to do double duty
• Busy working households with little time or appetite for intensive furniture maintenance

If you already have a shed with plenty of shelving, the bench works well as an extra layer: cushions and everyday items go in the chest, while rarely used tools stay in the shed. For everyone else, it can become the main outdoor storage point.

Everyday situations where the bench comes into its own

A typical scenario: the children play in the garden in the afternoon, and later you want to mow the lawn. Instead of carrying everything indoors one item at a time, all the toys can be put away in the bench within minutes. Lid down, lawn clear - and next time the sun comes out, one lift of the lid brings it all back.

It’s similarly useful for impromptu barbecues. Cushions, blankets and small lanterns can live in there permanently. When friends arrive, the seating area is ready in minutes, without hauling boxes or crates up from the cellar.

What the term “resin” means in everyday garden use

More and more manufacturers now advertise resin, especially for garden furniture. In simple terms, it’s a resin-based plastic that can be moulded and coloured, often with a wood-grain texture. In practice, that means:

• no water absorption like wood
• lower risk of cracks caused by frost
• easier cleaning with water and a mild cleaner
• no painting or oiling required

If you love the natural look of timber but have had to replace rotten benches more than once, resin-based options are often where you end up. They can look similar, but demand far less upkeep.

How to combine the bench with other garden ideas

The Keter Eden can act as part of a broader outdoor organisation set-up. Two or three benches lined along a terrace create a long run of seating - and deliver a lot of storage at the same time. One chest can be for toys, the next for cushions and blankets, and a third for barbecue and garden accessories.

It gets particularly effective when paired with raised beds or planters. Placed between two large pots, it can feel like a mini-park in your own garden: herbs growing on one side, guests sitting on the other, and anything that looks cluttered disappears into the box beneath the seat.

If you treat your garden as an extra living room, you stand to gain the most: fewer loose items left around, seating that’s ready quickly, and one piece of furniture that quietly handles the unglamorous part of outdoor life - tidying up.

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