Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage: Review and Buying Guide

The Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage is designed to tackle two everyday issues at once: not enough storage and not enough seating. Below, we look at what this model offers, who it suits, and where its limitations show.

What’s behind the Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage

The concept is straightforward: beneath the seat of a two-seater bench there’s a generous storage compartment. The result is a piece that looks like a garden bench from the outside, but functions like a compact garden storage box on the inside.

"The Keter Eden combines a bench and a garden storage chest – saving space on patios and lawns."

With a capacity of around 265 litres, it holds more than you might expect. Common things people store include:

• Seat pads and back cushions for chairs or lounge furniture
• Children’s and garden toys such as balls, sand toys or throwing games
• Small gardening items like hand tools, gloves and a watering can
• A picnic blanket, lanterns and barbecue accessories

The key benefit is that these items no longer end up scattered around the garden or carried back into the house every evening. Instead, they go into one easy-to-reach compartment, right where you actually use them.

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

Visually, the Keter Eden takes its cue from traditional wooden benches. The resin surface has a wood-panel texture, which makes it feel less utilitarian than many standard cushion boxes.

Its dimensions are roughly 140 x 60 x 84 centimetres (width x depth x height). That’s enough room for two adults without taking over the whole garden. It generally works well on smaller patios, but for a tiny balcony it will likely feel too bulky.

How well does the bench fit into the garden?

The wood-effect styling works particularly well in classic or mixed gardens where there are already wooden fences, edging boards or timber decking. In very modern, minimalist outdoor spaces, the bench can look a bit rustic depending on the colour, although it rarely looks truly out of place.

One clear advantage is that, unlike many plain plastic storage chests, the Eden reads as a proper piece of furniture. If you have guests, they’ll simply use it as a normal bench-no explanation required.

Material and durability: resin instead of timber

The bench is made from weather-resistant resin. In day-to-day garden use, that brings several practical advantages:

• no painting, oiling or staining required
• resistant to rain and high humidity
• less prone to warping and it won’t splinter
• better colour stability in sunlight than untreated wood

Anyone who’s owned a wooden bench for a few seasons will recognise the usual downsides: a weathered seat, flaking paint, and algae build-up. Resin avoids much of that routine maintenance. In most cases, a bucket of warm water with a little washing-up liquid and a cloth is enough to freshen it up.

"The Eden bench is clearly aimed at households who want to use their garden furniture – and don’t want to sand and paint every spring."

That said, resin doesn’t feel as warm or “natural” as real wood. If natural materials matter to you, it’s a trade-off: easier care versus the look and feel of timber.

Storage in real life: what actually fits inside?

A figure like 265 litres can feel a bit abstract. It’s easier to judge when you picture everyday situations:

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

It won’t take very bulky items such as large folding chairs or a wide barbecue. If you need to store those, you’ll still want a larger garden box or a small tool shed.

Seating comfort: functional bench or cosy favourite spot?

The Eden is primarily a storage bench rather than a lounge seat. The seat is sturdy enough for two adults, but without cushions it can feel quite firm. Add two seat pads or a single long bench cushion and it becomes a comfortable spot for a coffee break or an afternoon ice cream.

If you want to sit outside for hours reading, you’ll probably prefer an adjustable chair or a lounge set. This bench is better for shorter stays, pulling on shoes, or providing extra seating when friends are over.

Security and lock: how safe are the contents?

Under the seat there’s a basic locking mechanism that can be used with a padlock. A lock isn’t included, but it’s easy to add one.

"The locking mechanism deters opportunistic fingers – but it’s not a garden safe."

It’s not intended for expensive power tools, high-end equipment, or a costly gas barbecue. For toys, cushions, everyday garden tools, or decorations, the level of protection is usually sufficient. It can also make it easier to get children to tidy up, especially if they see the garden “treasure chest” as the fixed place for their things.

Who is this bench especially worth it for?

The Keter Eden 2 in 1 Bench Storage is clearly aimed at households with limited space who spend a lot of time outdoors. Typical buyer profiles include:

• families with children’s toys in the garden
• renters with a small patio or roof terrace
• allotment holders who want order in a tight space
• couples looking for simple, low-maintenance seating with added value

On large plots with a shed and plenty of storage, it’s more likely to be an extra piece for a favourite corner-handy, but not essential.

Value for money and alternatives

At around £100 (depending on the retailer), the Eden sits in the mid-range. Basic plastic cushion boxes are often cheaper, but they don’t provide seating. Higher-quality wooden or metal benches can cost significantly more, yet don’t offer hidden storage.

If you only need storage, you’ll find other options. If you only want a bench, there are plenty too. The Eden becomes most interesting when you need both in one unit and space is tight.

Practical tips for everyday use

A few simple habits can help the bench stay in good condition for longer:

• air it out briefly now and then so moisture doesn’t build up
• during prolonged wet spells, consider storing very delicate cushions indoors
• avoid stuffing the inside with wet garden shoes or sharp-edged metal items to reduce scratches
• in winter, brush snow off the seat occasionally so unnecessary weight doesn’t sit on it

If you involve children in tidying up, the Eden bench can even become part of your family routine: after play, everything goes back into the chest. That way, the lawn stays clear of trip hazards in the evening.

A tidier garden: why one piece of furniture can change a lot

Garden owners often underestimate how much impact a well-thought-out piece of furniture can have. When tools, toys and cushions all have a dedicated place right where they’re used, the space naturally looks more organised. Guests can sit down straight away without first shifting piles of clutter.

For many people, the garden becomes a second living room in spring and summer. If you’re constantly walking back and forth between the house and the patio to fetch and put away items, it quickly becomes tiresome. A bench with built-in storage reduces that back-and-forth-and makes time outdoors noticeably more relaxing.

One more everyday benefit that’s easy to overlook: a fixed seat tends to create a natural “favourite spot” outside. Under the apple tree, against a sun-warmed wall, or by the edge of the flowerbed-wherever the Eden bench sits, it often becomes a small comfort zone. And those are the places that ultimately decide whether you merely maintain your garden-or actually enjoy using it.