Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage: Garden bench and storage in one

Toys, cushions, a watering can – and nowhere to put them?

A straightforward garden bench can hide all of this away while also providing somewhere to sit.

Many keen gardeners will recognise the situation: after a few summers, there is something left in every corner, the lawn starts to resemble a storage area, and relaxing outside after work becomes less appealing. The Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage aims to strike an interesting balance here. It is designed to combine storage, seating and a reasonably attractive piece of garden furniture – available for around £100 at B&M in the UK. But how well does this work in day-to-day use, and who would genuinely benefit from this combination furniture?

Garden bench with a hidden compartment: what the Keter Eden offers

The principle is uncomplicated. On the outside, the Keter Eden resembles a traditional garden bench with a backrest. Beneath its seat, however, is a storage compartment providing around 265 litres of capacity. That is enough room for plenty of smaller items that would otherwise end up scattered across the patio or lawn.

The Keter Eden combines a two-person bench with a fully fledged garden storage box, addressing two problems at the same time.

Typical everyday items that can be put away inside include:

• Garden cushions and throws
• Small gardening tools, such as a hand trowel, gloves and plant sprayers
• Children's toys, balls and water toys
• Board games or card games for an evening on the patio
• A picnic blanket, watering can or barbecue accessories

The main advantage is that there is no need to carry everything back indoors each time: it can all go into one piece of furniture. Families with children in particular will notice how much calmer the garden looks once toy cars, sand moulds and balls are no longer spread around everywhere.

Design: does the Keter Eden bench suit a typical UK garden?

For its appearance, Keter uses a wood-effect finish with a panelled texture. Although the bench mimics the look of a conventional wooden bench, it is made from resin plastic. As a result, it blends fairly discreetly into many outdoor spaces, whether positioned on a paved patio, beside a raised bed or against the wall of the house.

At approximately 140 x 60 x 84 centimetres (width x depth x height), its dimensions mean it does not look like a bulky cupboard while still offering meaningful storage capacity. It is likely to be too large for a city balcony, but it is generally manageable in a terraced-house garden or on a small patio.

Comfort: simply a storage box or proper seating?

The Eden is intended by the manufacturer to seat two people. Two adults can sit comfortably enough for an afternoon coffee or an evening glass of wine. Anyone planning to sit for longer will usually add seat cushions or a slim bench pad, which can be stored inside immediately after use.

Its backrest is fairly simple and practical rather than lounge-sofa-like. Anyone accustomed to spending lots of time on upholstered furniture will notice the difference. For a traditional “sit down briefly, stretch your hands out and look at the garden” break, though, it is more than adequate.

Materials and durability: how hard-wearing is the Keter Eden?

Keter makes the Eden bench from weather-resistant resin, a durable plastic suited to permanent outdoor use. Compared with wood, it brings several practical benefits:

Resin (plastic)	Wood
No painting or oiling required	Requires regular maintenance with oil or wood stain
Resistant to moisture and will not rot	Can rot if left damp over long periods
UV-resistant and barely fades	Fades and turns grey over the years
Easy to clean using water and a mild cleaner	Dirt tends to become ingrained, making cleaning more laborious

This is a particularly strong point for families who simply do not want the ongoing upkeep associated with wood. In spring, dirt, pollen or bird droppings can be washed off with a bucket of water or a garden hose, leaving the bench ready to use again.

Weather resistance: suitable for year-round use

As the material is weatherproof, the Eden can generally remain outside throughout the year. Sun, rain and frost have little effect on it. The only important point is to prevent substantial amounts of water from collecting inside during winter, where it could freeze and cause pressure. Anyone who keeps an eye on this, or simply ensures the lid is always properly closed, should ideally be able to use the bench for many years.

Security: add a padlock for extra peace of mind

The lid includes a fitting for a padlock. A lock is not supplied, but one can be added for a few pounds. It will not protect high-security valuables, but it can keep curious children's hands away from sharp garden tools and deter opportunistic thieves.

With a simple padlock, the bench becomes lockable storage – useful for tools or more expensive garden cushions.

This can be reassuring in rows of houses where several neighbours' children play outside together: non-hazardous toys can remain accessible at any time, while sharp shears, fertiliser or metal skewers stay safely stored away.

How practical is the Keter Eden in everyday life?

Its real appeal becomes clearer when considering typical daily scenarios. Here are three examples from the perspective of different households.

Families with children

For families, the bench is almost like an extra garden “children's bedroom cupboard”. In the evening, all outdoor toys can be put inside instead of being left spread across the lawn. Parents regain a clear view of the garden, children can find their toys more easily, and the patio looks tidy within minutes when visitors arrive.

Working couples

People with limited time tend to appreciate uncomplicated solutions. The Eden can hold seat cushions, small plant pots, a watering can and perhaps even a string of lights. Everything stays dry during the week, then at the weekend it takes only a few simple movements to have everything to hand for an evening on the patio.

Small gardens or allotment plots

Every square metre matters in allotments and particularly narrow urban gardens. This is where the bench stands out, as it provides storage and seating within the same footprint. Anyone who previously needed a separate storage chest and chairs can reduce this to a single item with the Eden, freeing up space for beds or a barbecue area.

Value for money: is it worth the investment?

At around £100 in UK retailers, the Keter Eden is not a rock-bottom bargain, but it is also far removed from luxury garden furniture. When the separate cost of a sturdy bench and a weatherproof storage box is compared, the total will usually be considerably higher.

Anyone who prioritises purely natural materials is unlikely to be happy with the plastic finish. For those primarily looking for tidiness, functionality and minimal maintenance, however, the proposition is a fairly convincing one.

Anyone currently considering buying a separate garden bench and cushion storage box should keep the Keter Eden in mind as a combined solution – it saves space, time and often money too.

Practical tips for everyday use

A few simple measures can make the bench even more useful:

• Small folding crates or baskets inside help separate toys from tools.
• Place heavy items, such as compost, towards the bottom and lighter items, such as cushions, on top.
• During heavy rain, check that the lid is properly closed to stop water getting in.
• In high summer, avoid placing highly flammable materials directly against the bench, as plastic can heat up.
• Wipe the inside with a damp cloth once per season to remove dust and cobwebs.

This keeps the storage space hygienic and easy to use, while avoiding the familiar “chaos box” in which nobody can find anything in the end.

FAQ: key questions about the Keter Eden at a glance

What exactly is the Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage?

It is a two-person garden bench with an integrated storage chest offering around 265 litres of space beneath the seat.

How much does it really hold?

To give an idea of its capacity, it can easily accommodate several thick seat cushions, a throw, a ball, several garden tools and additional smaller items. It is not intended for large garden equipment such as lawnmowers.

Can the bench stay outdoors all year?

Yes. The weatherproof resin material is designed for permanent outdoor use. The bench is resistant to rain and sunlight.

Does it need painting or treatment?

No. Unlike wood, the material does not need wood stain or a protective coating. Wiping it down occasionally is entirely sufficient.

How does the locking system work?

There is a fitting at the front where a standard padlock can be attached. This allows the contents and lid to be locked.

Why well-designed storage furniture changes everyday garden life

Garden organisation may sound unexciting, but it has a major influence on how relaxing an evening feels. Anyone constantly stepping over buckets, toys and scattered cushions has little opportunity to enjoy the view across the flower beds or watch the sunset. A piece of furniture that gathers up the clutter while also supplying seating can noticeably ease that pressure.

There is a psychological aspect as well: a tidy outdoor area signals that “everything is in its place”. That can make the mental to-do list feel shorter. Rather than thinking, “I need to sort that out too”, it is enough to reach for the bench – lift the lid, put the items inside, close it. Done.

Anyone already planning to make the garden an “extension of the living room” benefits twice over. Cushions, string lights, games and throws remain close at hand outdoors. Trips back into the house are shorter, and the threshold for spontaneously spending another hour outside becomes much lower.