In a cushion box you can keep the cushions of your garden chairs and other outdoor seating furniture well protected - provided the cushion box is waterproof and otherwise weatherproof. Our guide tells you what else you should pay attention to when buying a garden chest and which models are recommended.
A pillow box is practical and often decorative
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Keter Cushion Box Sumatra, Graphite, 511L
202.28 EUR To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| design | rattan look |
| volume | 511 l |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 145x73x64cm |
| resilience lid | 350kg |
| Lid with gas pressure spring | Yes |
| Lockable | Yes |
The cushion box Sumatra from Keter impresses with the extremely stylish rattan look made of easy-care plastic. Dirt can be easily removed. The highlights of the garden chest also include the high capacity of 511 liters and the maximum load capacity of the lid of 350 kilograms. This means that the high-quality storage box can also be used as a seat for up to two people. The gas pressure spring in the lid and the option to lock the box are also practical. However, the lock is not included. Almost all Amazon reviewers are absolutely convinced of the box - it should also be durable.
our recommendation
Keter Garden Bench and Cushion Box Patio Bench, Brown, 227L
200.27 EUR To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| design | wood look |
| volume | 227L |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 132.7 x 63.5 x 89.5 cm |
| resilience lid | n/a |
| Lid with gas pressure spring | n/a |
| Lockable | Yes |
With the Patio Bench model, the popular manufacturer Keter offers a garden box in the form of a full-fledged garden bench made of plastic with a successful wood look. The seat also functions as a lid that can be easily opened to store seat cushions inside. Up to two people can sit on the bench - and sit extra comfortably thanks to the backrest. For the majority of reviewers on Amazon, the espresso brown Patio Bench is a "top product".
our recommendation
Koll Living storage box / pillow box Emily, 270 liters - dry & well-ventilated storage space for seat cushions, garden tools & children's toys - with handles and wheels for easy transport
EUR 59.00 To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| design | plain-elegant |
| volume | 270L |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 118x45x57cm |
| resilience lid | 80kg |
| Lid with gas pressure spring | n/a |
| Lockable | Yes |
Here comes our price-performance winner: The storage box from Koll Living is not suitable as a seat, but it is a compact garden chest that can hold 270 liters. Like the other two recommendations from our comparison, the box can be locked with a lock. This is not included in the scope of delivery, but must be ordered separately. The Amazon reviewers are also happy about the beautiful look of the model - the plastic box doesn't seem to disturb the natural ambience in the green oasis.
Purchase Criteria
material
wood: Pillow boxes made of real wood are the natural solution, but with significant disadvantages. The material is extremely complex when it comes to maintenance. Wood has to be impregnated and glazed regularly to prevent mold and to remain attractive.
metal: Metal garden boxes are only suitable if they are resistant to corrosion. A special coating is required for this. In principle, metal cushion boxes are robust and stable, but often also heavy (to transport).
plastic: Most storage boxes are made of plastic, more precisely polyrattan, and for good reasons: they cannot mold (like wood) or rust (like metal). In general, garden chests made of plastic are weatherproof, durable and easy to care for. Because of these properties, as well as the attractive designs in which they are available, we explicitly advise you to buy a plastic pillow box.
design
Wooden boxes are natural and therefore fit perfectly into the green oasis. However, this is also possible with most plastic boxes. Many manufacturers offer their versions in rattan design or in wood look. Although artificial, both variants look deceptively similar to real natural materials. This means that most garden chests made of plastic can be harmoniously integrated into the outdoor living room. Depending on the specific design, metal boxes bring either very modern or antique charm to the garden.
volume
Before you buy your new cushion box, think about how many seat cushions you (can) want to put in it. The more textiles are to be accommodated in it, the higher the volume must be. Guide values: A storage box in XXL format holds over 500 liters. Medium-sized garden chests have a volume of around 300 to 400 liters. For small specimens, the capacity is lower. Tip: The cushion box should still give you space for new garden cushions.
Dimensions
The volume has a significant impact on the dimensions, but how exactly the liters are distributed over the length, width and height varies from box to box. In order to ensure that the garden chest fits into your green oasis without any problems and also meets your requirements (keyword seating or table as a secondary function), you should always take a look at the dimensions.
resilience
If you want to use the cushion box not only as storage furniture, but also as a seat or a table, the maximum load capacity is an important criterion. In this case, we advise you to choose a model that can withstand at least 180 kilograms. In general, the following applies here: The heavier the garden box can be loaded, the better it is, especially if it is to be used as a seat. In order to "just" function as a table, you don't need quite as high a maximum load capacity.
Lid with gas pressure spring
Not a must, but a practical extra is a lid with an integrated gas pressure spring. The latter makes it easier to open the garden chest and stow away the seat cushions. It reliably holds the lid up so that it cannot suddenly fall shut by itself, which in turn protects your fingers from serious injuries.
lockability
If your garden is easily accessible from the outside, it makes sense to buy a lockable cushion box. Such an embodiment has a recess for attaching a lock. Unfortunately, the padlock is not usually included in the scope of delivery, so you have to order a suitable model yourself.
price
The price of a pillow box depends on the material, design and manufacturer and of course the size and volume. The following applies: the larger and more valuable the garden chest and the more renowned the brand, the more the storage box costs. In the case of qualitatively convincing, compact models with a capacity of around 190 liters, the prices are in the range of 30 to 40 euros. Larger top versions sometimes cost over 200 euros.
frequently asked Questions
What is a pillow box and what is it for?
A cushion box is a garden chest in which seat cushions from garden chairs and other garden furniture can be stowed away. Such storage boxes are available in different sizes and with variable volumes. In addition, some models can also be used as seating or as a table or shelf. Most garden boxes are made of plastic.
What types of pillow boxes are there?
Classic pillow boxes come as normal storage chests. They feature a lid that you simply unfold to put your garden cushions in when it's raining or when you don't need them. Some garden boxes are also suitable as a seat - sometimes they even appear as a garden bench with a comfortable backrest and integrated chest.
Which brands offer high-quality pillow boxes?
Probably the best known and most popular brand for quality pillow boxes is Keter. However, there are also many other manufacturers who offer good garden boxes. These include, for example, Outsunny, TecTake, Koll Living and Kreher.
Where is the best place to buy a pillow box?
Pillow boxes are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers. You can sometimes find solid storage boxes for garden cushions in decoration shops, in supermarkets or even at discounters (Lidl, Aldi). If you want a particularly uncomplicated ordering process and a simple return option in addition to a large selection, Amazon is the ideal place to go.
equipment
padlock
If you opt for a lockable pillow box and do not yet have a suitable padlock at home, you must order one. Choose a strong lock that is not easy to pick. Padlocks with keys or individually adjustable numerical codes are available to you. The costs are manageable.
our recommendation