Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage review: garden storage and seating

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

A simple garden bench promises to hide it all away while also providing extra seating.

Many keen gardeners will recognise the situation: after a few summers, something is left in every corner, the lawn starts to resemble a storage area, and the appeal of relaxing outdoors after work begins to fade. The Keter Eden 2-in-1 Bench Storage aims to strike an appealing balance here, serving as storage, seating and a reasonably stylish piece of garden furniture in one – for around £100 at B&M in the UK. But how well does this combination furniture work in everyday use, and who is it genuinely worthwhile for?

Garden bench with hidden storage: what the Keter Eden offers

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

The Keter Eden brings together a bench for two people and a proper garden storage box – tackling two issues at the same time.

Everyday items that can be tucked away inside include:

• Garden cushions and blankets
• Small gardening tools, such as hand trowels, 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

Its main advantage is that, rather than repeatedly carrying everything indoors, it can all be placed in one piece of furniture. Families with children in particular will notice how much calmer the garden feels once toy cars, sand moulds and balls are no longer spread everywhere.

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

Visually, Keter has opted for a wood-effect finish with a panelled texture. The bench recreates the appearance of a classic wooden bench but is made from resin plastic. As a result, it blends fairly discreetly into many outdoor spaces, whether placed on a paved patio, beside a raised bed or against the house wall.

At approximately 140 x 60 x 84 centimetres (width x depth x height), its dimensions mean it does not look like a bulky cabinet while still offering worthwhile storage. 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 a proper seat?

The Eden is designed by the manufacturer as a two-seater. Two adults can sit on it, for example while having an afternoon coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. Anyone planning to sit for longer will usually add seat cushions or a slim bench pad, which can be stored inside afterwards.

The backrest is fairly basic and practical rather than sofa-like. Anyone accustomed to spending a lot of time on upholstered furniture will notice the difference. For a traditional “sit down briefly, stretch out your hands and look around the garden” break, though, it is more than sufficient.

Material and durability: how robust is the Keter Eden?

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

Resin (plastic)	Wood
No painting or oiling required	Needs regular care with oil or wood stain
Resistant to moisture and does not rot	Can rot when continually damp
UV-resistant and barely fades	Fades and turns grey over the years
Easy to wash with water and a mild cleaner	Dirt tends to become embedded and cleaning takes more effort

This is a strong selling point for families who simply do not want the ongoing maintenance involved with wood. Dirt, pollen and bird droppings can be washed away in spring 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 normally remain outdoors throughout the year. Sun, rain and frost have little effect on it. The only important point is to make sure that large amounts of water do not collect inside during winter, where they could freeze and expand. Those who keep an eye on this or always close the lid properly should be able to use the bench for many years.

Security: add a padlock for peace of mind

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

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

This is particularly reassuring in rows of houses where lots of neighbouring children play outside together: harmless toys can remain accessible at any time, while sharp scissors, fertiliser or metal skewers stay safely stored away.

How practical is the Keter Eden in everyday life?

Its usefulness becomes clearer when considering typical daily situations. Here are three examples from the perspective of different households.

Families with children

For families, the bench is almost like an extra “children's bedroom cupboard” in the garden. At the end of the day, all outdoor toys go inside rather than being left all over the lawn. Parents regain a clear view of the garden, children can find their toys more easily, and the patio can look tidy within minutes when visitors arrive.

Working couples

Those 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, while at the weekend it is all close to hand for an evening on the patio with just a few simple movements.

Small gardens or allotments

Every square metre matters in allotments and very narrow urban gardens. Here, the bench scores because it provides storage and seating within the same footprint. Anyone who previously used a separate storage box and chairs can reduce this to one item of furniture with the Eden, freeing up space for beds or a barbecue area.

Value for money: is the investment worthwhile?

At around £100 in UK shops, the Keter Eden is not an ultra-cheap bargain, but it is also far removed from luxury garden furniture. When the cost of buying a sturdy bench and a weatherproof storage box separately is compared, the total will usually be noticeably higher.

Anyone who values purely natural materials will not be satisfied with the plastic appearance. For those primarily seeking tidiness, functionality and minimal maintenance, however, the offer makes good sense.

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 make the bench even more useful:

• Small folding crates or baskets inside help separate toys from tools.
• Put heavy items, such as compost, at the bottom and lighter items, such as cushions, on top.
• During heavy rain, check that the lid closes properly so water cannot get 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 area hygienic and easy to use, while avoiding the familiar “chaos box” where 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 garden bench for two people with an integrated storage box offering around 265 litres of space beneath the seat.

How much does it really hold?

To give an idea, it can easily accommodate several thick seat cushions, a blanket, a ball, a few gardening tools and some additional small items. It is not intended for large garden equipment such as lawnmowers.

Can the bench stay outside all year?

Yes. The weatherproof resin material is designed for continuous 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 on 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 will have little opportunity to enjoy views of flower beds or the sunset. A piece of furniture that gathers up the clutter while also providing seating noticeably reduces that pressure.

There is a psychological element too: a tidy outdoor area signals that “everything is in its place”. It can make the mental to-do list feel shorter. Instead of thinking, “I still need to sort that out”, it is simply a matter of opening the bench, putting things inside and closing the lid. Done.

Anyone already planning to make the garden an “extension of the living room” benefits twice over: cushions, string lights, games and blankets remain readily available outside. Trips back into the house are shorter, and the barrier to spontaneously spending another hour outdoors is much lower.