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These corner summer house ideas go beyond saving space. They’re divided into two concepts: practical ways to use the space and decor themes to help you style it. Read on for inspiration to make your garden room work for you.
And if you’re in the market for a new summerhouse, our buying guide can help you choose a summerhouse.
Corner Summer House Ideas
Let’s start with a use, then a decor theme—each one follows the other in turn.
Garden bar with a view
Set up a fixed or fold-down bar counter along the two rear walls that meet at the corner. This layout keeps the front open and lets you serve facing outwards. For instance, an L-shape counter, like the BillyOh Nightjar, fits nicely in the BillyOh Renna Summerhouse.
Go for stools that stack or fold if you’re tight on space. Feel free to extend the seating outside so the inside doesn’t feel boxed in, but guests still gather around.
And if your summerhouse has side windows, fit a shelf underneath to create a serving hatch. Serve drinks straight out to guests gathered outside.
Here are a few more garden bar ideas to complete your setup.
Tropical escape setting
This relaxed, lively theme would pair perfectly with a garden bat setup, wouldn’t you say? Or even if not, it still works for a summer retreat vibe.
Natural materials will be your main decor pieces for this one. Think bamboo, rattan, or light wood for furniture. Also, go for warm, bright colours like greens, corals, and yellows.
Bring in palm prints through cushions or wall art, but it’s the real plants that make the difference. Place large potted plants or hanging greenery near the entrance.
Tip: If the summer house has corner-facing doors, use that to your advantage. Keep them wide open to let air and light in, and make the indoor area feel like an extension of the outdoors.
Year-round garden retreat
A corner summer house sits out of the way, and the angled layout gives you a wider view. The ideal space for a quiet retreat, even during the colder months, indeed! But to use it year-round, you’ll need to insulate the walls and floors, unless yours is already insulated.
Either way, add thick rugs and draught excluders to the setup for extra measures. From there, furnish and decorate the space to make it home-like. These summer house interior ideas might help.
Japandi calm
Most corner summer houses come with windows on two sides, which suits this style. Japandi is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian interior, combining:
- the clean lines of Scandinavian design with
- the warmth and natural materials often found in Japanese spaces
Keep the furniture low and minimal, such as a floor cushion or bench, a small table, and soft throws or textured rugs. Beige, off-white, grey, or muted earth tones make the perfect colour palette. Then add one or two plants, plain ceramics, or wooden storage boxes.
Keen to take this design approach outdoors? These minimalist garden ideas can help you achieve that.
Kid’s den or teen hangout
The corner-facing floor-to-ceiling doors and windows are a bonus here, meaning you’re not limited to one viewing angle. You can keep tabs on your little ones while you enjoy a sip in the comfort of your patio. But overlooking them alone wouldn’t be enough—the space must suit them to enjoy their stay.
Soft flooring is key. Go for foam tiles or a big rug for sitting, lying down, or playing with toys. A low table is a nice addition, paired with beanbags or kids’ chairs. A chalkboard wall is a good shout too if they’re into drawing. Don’t fill up the space too much, so they can still play these fun games and activities.
Keep the furniture light and kid-friendly for their own safety. And if they’re older, use these playhouse ideas for teenagers for inspiration.
Vintage garden room
Mismatched furniture works well here. Try pairing an old wooden chair with a metal side table or a weathered bench with floral cushions. Look for pieces with character, like second-hand or repurposed.
Play with soft fabrics in faded prints, like florals, checks, or lace. A patterned rug would look charming, too. Add a few framed prints, old books, or enamelware on a shelf to give it that lived-in feel.
Paint it in soft white or ivory to make the vintage furniture stand out. Or choose pale mint – a nod to retro without going full 50s diner. Have a look at our summer house interior paint ideas for more.
Personal garden gym
What makes it suitable for this use? You’re not in full view of the house or neighbours, and with the doors angled inwards, you can open them without feeling exposed. And because most corner models have windows on two sides, you’ll still get light—plus airflow through the double doors, which makes the space easier to train in.
To make the space work, you may need to double up the flooring to support extra weight. Vents and fan installation also help keep the air moving and stop the room from smelling of sweat over time.
If your summer house is only big enough to fit a cabinet inside, you can expand it with a lean-to design. It’s like adding an extra room by attaching it to the side. But if you don’t feel like building one, it might be time for an upgrade. Our BillyOh Penton is a corner summer house with a side store, where you can keep anything you’re not using that day.
We’ve covered more on this here: Summerhouse Gym Ideas for a Garden Workout Space
Ready to make the most of yours? Explore our full range of corner summerhouses if you haven’t found the right one yet.
