Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage review

The Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage is designed to tackle two common outdoor issues at once: a lack of storage and too few places to sit. We look at what this model offers, who it suits and where its limitations lie.

What the Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage offers

The concept is straightforward: beneath the seat of this two-person bench is a sizeable storage compartment. The result is a piece of furniture that looks like a garden bench on the outside while functioning as a compact garden storage box within.

“The Keter Eden combines a seating bench with a garden chest, saving space on the patio and lawn.”

With a capacity of around 265 litres, it can accommodate a surprisingly large amount. Typical items include:

• Seat and back cushions for chairs or lounge furniture
• Children’s outdoor toys, such as balls, sand toys or throwing games
• Small garden tools, gloves and a watering can
• Picnic blankets, lanterns and barbecue accessories

The key benefit is that these items no longer have to be left in a corner or carried indoors every evening. Instead, they can all be kept in one easy-to-reach compartment exactly where they are used.

Design: a wood-look bench rather than a plastic box

Visually, the Keter Eden takes its cue from traditional wooden benches. Its plastic exterior has a wood-panel texture, giving it a less utilitarian appearance than many storage boxes intended solely for cushions.

Measuring approximately 140 x 60 x 84 centimetres (width x depth x height), the bench seats two adults without taking over half the garden. Its size generally works well on smaller patios, although it is too substantial for very compact balconies.

How well does the Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage fit into a garden?

The wood-effect finish works particularly well in traditional or mixed-style gardens that already feature wooden fencing, bed edging or timber decking. In highly modern, minimalist spaces, the bench may appear somewhat rustic depending on its colour, though it is rarely out of place.

One notable advantage is that, unlike many plastic storage chests, the Eden bench looks like a proper item of outdoor furniture. When visitors arrive, it can simply be used as an ordinary garden bench without any explanation.

Material and durability: resin instead of wood

The bench is made from weather-resistant resin. For everyday use in the garden, this provides several practical benefits:

• No painting, oiling or staining is required
• It is resistant to rain and high humidity
• It is less likely to warp or splinter
• Its colour remains more stable in sunlight than untreated wood

Anyone who has seen a wooden bench after several years of constant outdoor use will recognise the usual problems: a weathered seat, peeling paint and algae growth. Resin avoids this typical garden maintenance. In most cases, a bucket of warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a cloth are enough to make the bench presentable again.

“The Eden bench is clearly aimed at households that want to use their garden furniture – rather than sand and repaint it every spring.”

Naturally, resin does not feel as warm or as “alive” as real wood. Those who prioritise natural materials will need to accept a compromise here between easy maintenance and appearance and feel.

Everyday storage: what will actually fit inside?

A capacity of 265 litres is an abstract figure until it is considered in practical terms:

Typical use	What it can hold
Family with two children	Several balls, sand toys, water pistols, skipping rope and small garden tools
Patio with a seating set	4–6 seat cushions, 2–3 back cushions, a blanket and a table runner
Small kitchen garden	Hand trowels, a hoe, gloves, spray bottles, a watering can and tying materials

There is not enough room for particularly bulky items such as large folding chairs or a wide barbecue. Anyone wanting to store these will still need a larger garden storage box or a small shed.

Seating comfort: just a bench or a cosy favourite spot?

The Eden is primarily a storage bench rather than a lounge seat. Its seating surface is sturdy enough for two adults, but feels fairly hard without cushions. Adding two seat pads or one continuous bench cushion creates a reasonably comfortable place for a coffee break or an afternoon ice cream.

Those who want to spend hours reading outdoors would still be better served by a reclining chair or lounge set. This bench is more suited to shorter periods of sitting, putting on shoes or providing extra seating when guests visit.

Security and lock: how well are the contents protected?

A simple fastening mechanism sits beneath the seat and can be fitted with a padlock. A lock is not included, but can be added easily.

“The locking mechanism deters opportunistic thieves – but it is no replacement for a safe in the garden.”

The bench is not intended for costly electrical equipment, valuable tools or an expensive gas barbecue. For toys, cushions, everyday garden tools or decorations, however, the level of protection will usually be sufficient. Children may also be more inclined to put their belongings away when they know the garden “treasure chest” has a designated place.

Who is this bench particularly worthwhile for?

The Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage is clearly intended for households with limited space that spend plenty of time outdoors. Typical buyers include:

• Families with children’s toys in the garden
• Tenants with a small patio or roof terrace
• Allotment holders looking to keep a compact plot tidy
• Couples seeking a simple, low-maintenance seating option with added value

On larger plots with a shed and plenty of storage options, the bench is more likely to be an additional piece of furniture for a favourite spot – useful, but not essential.

Value for money and alternatives

At around £100, depending on the retailer, the Eden sits in the middle of the price range. Basic plastic cushion boxes are often cheaper, but do not provide anywhere to sit. High-quality wooden or metal benches can quickly cost considerably more, while offering no concealed storage.

There are alternatives for those who only need storage, and likewise for those simply looking for a bench. The Eden becomes particularly appealing when both functions are needed in a restricted space.

Practical tips for everyday use

A few simple habits can help the bench remain useful for a long time:

• Air the compartment briefly on a regular basis to prevent moisture from building up
• During prolonged wet weather, consider storing highly sensitive cushions indoors
• Avoid filling the interior with wet garden shoes or sharp-edged metal items to prevent scratches
• Brush snow from the seat occasionally in winter to avoid unnecessary weight and pressure

Parents who involve their children in tidying up can even make the Eden bench part of the family routine: once playtime is over, everything goes back into the chest. This keeps the lawn free of trip hazards in the evening.

Garden organisation: why one piece of furniture can make a big difference

Garden owners often underestimate the impact a well-designed item of furniture can have. When tools, toys and cushions all have a permanent place right where they are needed, the area naturally appears tidier. Guests can sit down without first having to move clutter out of the way.

For many people, the garden becomes a second living room during spring and summer. Constantly walking between the home and patio to fetch or put away items can soon take the enjoyment out of it. A bench with an integrated storage compartment reduces this back and forth, making time outdoors noticeably more relaxing.

There is another everyday benefit that is often overlooked: a permanent seat automatically creates a “favourite spot” outside. Under an apple tree, beside a sun-warmed wall or at the edge of a flower bed – wherever the Eden bench is placed, it quickly becomes a small comfort zone. These are the places that ultimately make the difference between simply maintaining a garden and genuinely using it.