Space-saving picks
Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
My neighbor has about 80 square feet of deck space. I know this because she measured it, told me about it, and then proceeded to fit a full outdoor living room onto it – complete with a sofa, side tables, a little cooler, and four extra cushions that disappear somewhere when guests leave.
Her secret? Every piece of furniture pulls double duty. And the storage ottomans are doing most of the heavy lifting.
If you’re working with a small deck, balcony, or patio and you’re tired of having nowhere to stash throw blankets, extra pillows, or the random stuff that accumulates outside, a furniture set with built-in ottoman storage is genuinely one of the smartest investments you can make.
You get a footrest, extra seating when friends come over, and a hidden compartment that keeps your space looking clean. One piece, three jobs.
I’ve rounded up 11 best patio furniture sets with storage ottomans, all sized reasonably for compact outdoor spaces.
A few are lean budget-friendly (you can find solid sets starting around $280 on Amazon or Wayfair), and a few are worth splurging on if you plan to actually live on your deck. Let’s get into it.
Why a Storage Ottoman Changes Everything on a Small Deck
Before I get into the sets, I want to say something about Ottoman storage that most people treat as a side note. It’s not. For small outdoor spaces, a storage ottoman is a genuine space solution, not just a bonus feature.
Think about what you normally do with outdoor cushions when it rains unexpectedly. You scramble, you toss them inside, and they sit on your living room floor for three days. With a weatherproof storage ottoman right on the deck, that problem disappears.
The best outdoor storage ottomans are made with a waterproof or water-resistant lining inside, so you can actually store cushions, throw blankets, gardening gloves, or small tools without worrying about moisture damage.
Most hold between 30 and 60 liters of gear, which is more than you’d think. And because the top is cushioned, it works as a footrest, a coffee table with a tray on top, or quick extra seating when a friend pulls up a chair.
Counterintuitively, adding an ottoman to a small deck can make the space feel less cluttered, not more – because it gives everything a place to go. I’m still not 100% sure this holds for truly tiny balconies under 50 square feet, but for anything 60 square feet and up, it consistently works.
Worth remembering as you shop.
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Sets Under $500: Small Budget, Real Function
Let’s start where most people actually shop. In the $280-$400 range, you’ll find a surprising number of sets that include a two- or three-piece sofa grouping plus at least one storage ottoman. The trade-off at this price point is frame weight – the aluminum or powder-coated steel tends to be thinner, and the cushion foam is lower-density, meaning it compresses faster after a few seasons.
For a rental apartment deck or a seasonal setup that gets covered or stored in winter, though, these work really well.
The Billmont Wicker/Rattan 2 Person Seating Patio Conversation Sets With Ottoman consistently shows up on Wayfair around $289-$359 and earns it. Crafted with durable PE rattan and sturdy woven frames, it’s built to withstand the elements. Plush, sponge-filled cushions and matching ottomans provide lasting comfort, while the versatile design lets you arrange the pieces together or separately to suit your patio, deck, or garden.
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The Backyard Outdoor Wicker Conversation Chair Set with Storage and Ottoman is available on Amazon for $236). Keep your outdoor space neat and organized with convenient built-in storage. Stash cushions, throws, and other essentials out of sight, so your patio is always tidy and ready for guests.
Whether used as extra seating, comfortable footrests, or converted into coffee tables, these versatile ottomans add functionality and style to any indoor or outdoor living space.
Also in this range: the SAFAVIEH 4-Piece Wicker Outdoor Patio Dining Set with Ottoman (around $495 on Walmart) features a contemporary design with a sleek black frame and soft beige cushions. This outdoor seating piece blends modern style with lasting comfort.
Built with a durable steel frame and all-weather wicker, it is designed to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance season after season.
Mid-Range Sets ($500-$800): Where the Quality Jump Actually Happens
Honestly? This is the sweet spot. The difference from budget sets is tangible here – heavier gauge frames, higher-density foam cushions (usually 3 to 4 inches rather than 2), and weather-resistant fabric that holds its color through multiple seasons instead of fading by August. You’re paying for longevity, not just aesthetics.
The Abaco All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Storage Chest costs around $800 on Crate&Barrel. Designed to coordinate with the Abaco outdoor lounge collection, this versatile storage chest doubles as a coffee table.
The sleekly designed chest displays a handwoven exterior of all-weather resin wicker with chunky texture and the nuanced color of natural fiber. The top opens up to a generous storage area, perfect for storing pillows, throws, and outdoor supplies.
The Costway Patio Rattan Furniture Set Sectional Sofa (around $560 on Target) comes with various combinations, which not only meet your different needs but fit your various places. Place drinks, snacks, or decor on the tempered glass coffee table, then relax on the plush, padded cushions and unwind in comfort.
The spacious seating offers plenty of room to stretch out, while the included throw pillows provide extra head and back support. Built-in seat clips keep the cushions securely in place, whether you’re sitting or lounging.
For more warmth and texture, the Arlington Outdoor Wicker 7 Person Seating Group with Cushions & Storage ($720 at Wayfair) holds up well in partial sun. Handwoven resin wicker over a durable steel frame offers lasting weather resistance for season after season of outdoor use.
Deep seats, supportive high backrests, and plush polyester cushions provide exceptional comfort, while the matching coffee table features hidden storage to keep blankets, pillows, and other outdoor essentials neatly organized.
The Atvars 8-Person Wicker Outdoor Sectional Seating Group with Storage Ottomans ($690 on Wayfair) is worth calling out for its cushions.
Built with a durable steel frame wrapped in weather-resistant resin wicker, it offers lasting performance and contemporary appeal. The spacious sectional features plush polyester-covered cushions for exceptional comfort, while the slatted coffee table provides the perfect spot for drinks, snacks, or decor.
Three matching storage ottomans offer convenient hidden space to keep outdoor essentials neatly organized, making this set ideal for relaxing or entertaining by the pool or on the patio.
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The Splurge Sets ($800+): For Decks You Actually Live On
If your deck is where you really spend time – morning coffee, evening wine, weekend reading – it’s worth buying furniture you love. Sets above $700 use thicker all-weather wicker, heavier aluminum frames that won’t wobble or blow over in a strong breeze, and Sunbrella-grade fabric that resists fading and mildew far longer than the cheaper alternatives.
Over five or six seasons, the math often comes out in favor of spending more once.
The Emroy 6 – Person Reversible Modular Outdoor Conversation Set runs around $990. This conversation set offers flexible configuration options to suit any outdoor space. Whether your patio is compact or spacious, you can easily rearrange the modular sofas to create a seating layout that fits your needs and complements your outdoor setting.
The Modway Convene Wicker Rattan Outdoor Patio Furniture Set (available at Amazon, typically $825 on sale) is the set I’d buy if I had a small but seriously used outdoor space. Built with a durable powder-coated aluminum frame, this modern outdoor patio set features an espresso-brown synthetic rattan weave with UV-resistant protection for lasting outdoor performance.
Clean lines, squared arms, and a sleek silhouette create a contemporary look that complements any patio, deck, or backyard.
And for something design-forward: the Keter Darwin 4-Piece Resin Rattan Patio Set (around $2,547 on Frontgate). Designed for smaller outdoor spaces, the Palermo 3-Piece Loveseat Set combines exceptional comfort with lasting durability.
Handwoven dove-colored wicker wraps concealed powder-coated aluminum frames for a clean, refined look. Gently angled backs, wide arms, and plush, double-wrapped foam cushions upholstered in premium performance fabric create a comfortable retreat for relaxing outdoors.
One More Worth Mentioning
The Mallorca 54″ Wood Outdoor Storage Bench ($839 on Crate&Barrel) deserves a higher note. Designed for lasting outdoor performance, this storage bench is crafted from durable eucalyptus wood with a painted, wire-brushed finish that mimics the look of weathered driftwood.
The clean-lined design features slatted sides and a lift-top seat that opens to a spacious compartment, perfect for storing cushions, throws, and other patio essentials.
Key Takeaways
- Storage ottomans maximize small outdoor spaces by combining hidden storage, extra seating, and a comfortable footrest in one multifunctional piece.
- Most storage ottomans hold 30-60 liters, making them ideal for storing cushions, blankets, gardening tools, and other patio essentials while reducing clutter.
- Budget-friendly patio sets under $500 offer excellent value for seasonal use, though they typically feature lighter frames and lower-density cushions.
- The $500-$800 price range delivers the best balance of comfort, durability, and weather resistance with sturdier frames, thicker cushions, and longer-lasting fabrics.
- Premium patio sets over $800 use high-quality materials like heavy-duty aluminum frames, all-weather wicker, and performance fabrics that withstand years of outdoor use.
- Choosing furniture with built-in storage helps small patios feel larger and more organized, making it easier to enjoy compact decks, balconies, and outdoor living areas without sacrificing comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size storage ottoman works best for a small deck?
Look for ottomans with around 30-50 liters of interior volume. That’s enough for a full set of cushions or several throw blankets without the ottoman itself dominating your floor space. Most sets designed for compact decks hit this range naturally – check the product specs before buying.
Can outdoor storage ottomans stay out in the rain?
Most quality outdoor storage ottomans have a waterproof or water-resistant interior lining and a sealed lid, so light rain is fine. For sustained heavy rain or winter storage, it’s still smart to throw a cover over the whole set to protect the cushion fabric and frames from long-term moisture damage.
Are 5-piece sets too big for a small deck?
It depends on the configuration more than the piece count. Many 5-piece sets designed for compact spaces fit comfortably in an 8×8 or 10×10 foot footprint. Always check the overall assembled dimensions, not just the number of pieces, before ordering. Manufacturer product pages usually show a layout diagram.
What is all-weather wicker, and does it hold up outdoors?
All-weather wicker is PE resin – a synthetic material that looks like natural rattan but won’t crack, fade, or absorb moisture the way natural fiber does. Any outdoor furniture labeled “all-weather wicker” should be PE resin. If the listing isn’t specific, check the material specs before buying.
Final Thoughts
Start with the ottoman. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, anchor your decision around what the ottoman needs to do first. How big does it need to be to hold your cushions? Does it need to double as a coffee table?
Once you know what you need from that one piece, the rest of the set falls into place around it – and that’s the decision that actually shapes how functional your deck becomes day-to-day.
And if you’re on a strict budget, don’t overthink it. A $300 set that you use every day beats a $900 set that sits under a cover because you’re nervous about getting it dirty. Buy something you’re comfortable living in.
Then add a good outdoor rug underneath, some string lights overhead, and a plant or two nearby. These are the best patio furniture sets with storage ottomans ideas. And your small deck will feel exactly like the outdoor room you wanted it to be all along.
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