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Garden room ideas can take many forms, so we’ve narrowed it down to 22 ways people are using and designing them today. There’s plenty of inspiration here that can work in everyday settings. Scroll through and see which one could work for your space.
1. Your work from home garden office
Working remotely or running a business from home is even easier with a garden office. These structures come in all shapes and sizes, each offering different features.
If you want to skip the building from scratch, we have a model designed with the WFH lifestyle in mind. Take a look at the BillyOh Mia Log Cabin, for instance. It’s ideal as a small home office with enough space for storage, a desk, and a chair.
Already have a garden room? You can repurpose it. Check out our guide for tips on making it work for your setup: How to Suit Your Garden Office to Your Job
2. Personal garden gym space
No more running in circles in the garden! Stay fit without leaving home by converting a simple shed or log cabin into your own gym.
Aside from making sure you enough space to move, don’t overlook gym ventilation. Rubber mats are also great addition for support, cushioning, and noise absorption. Might as well check out these best exercises for your garden gym while you’re here.
3. Talk of the town garden bar
Why head out when you can have the best pub in the neighbourhood right in your own garden? This is like owning a wine cellar, but more functional, and way more fun. Plus, in the privacy of your own home, you don’t have to worry about other pubgoers.
Make the space ideal for a night of fun while enjoying a drink or two or more. Furnish it with a bar counter—take a cue from the BillyOh Nightjar Bar.
Read this guide for more tips: Garden Bar Inspiration for Your Backyard Oasis
4. Garden pod
This one’s for you if you want to go the extra mile, beyond the usual four-walled garden rooms, and go circular or oval. A garden pod is a freestanding structure with a spherical or pill-shaped design. It can be made from wood or glass (or sometimes both), making it look like a luxurious igloo.
A pill-shaped garden pod isn’t really something you can build as a modification to an existing shed or garden room, so it’s an idea that requires a new purchase.
5. Play house conversion for teenagers
If the kids have outgrown ‘playing,’ the playhouse hasn’t—teenagers can still make great use of it. For starters, you can turn it into their private retreat. A games room is also brilliant for gamers, while a mini library is for bookworms.
If you’re after more inspiration, this guide is worth a look: Playhouse Ideas for Teenagers
6. Garden storage solution
When it comes to storage solutions, sheds stand out in this category. Give your gardening and outdoor equipment some TLC by housing them in a safe environment. You can either purchase one or build your own. If the latter, here’s the ‘Best Time to Buy a Shed in the UK’.
7. Pool house getaway
A pool house shed makes your garden pool more practical and enjoyable. Set it up as a changing room with a shower, an entertainment lounge, or a kitchen and bar for poolside drinks.
Add storage for towels and swim gear, and make sure there’s plenty of shade and ventilation to keep it cool. And don’t forget to place a few sun loungers to complete the look.
8. Woodworking garden workshop
Having a dedicated workshop makes a huge difference if you’re into wood crafting. For one, you’ll have a space to work without worrying about the mess. Also, keeping everything in one spot means less setup and pack-down time—always a bonus!
Here’s everything you need in a garden DIY workshop.
9. Tiny pond house
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond, placing your small garden room right by the water is a great idea. A peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the view, listen to the water, and watch the wildlife. Whether it’s a natural pond or a man-made one, the idea sounds good, doesn’t it? You just need to make sure your room is raised enough away from the water in case of flooding.
You could extend the space with a decking porch at the front, so you can add a bench or a bistro set to make the most of it.
10. A touch of Marrakech style
This is a nice and easy decorative project. Marrakech is known for its stunning architecture and bold colours. Bring that style into your garden room with cushions, throws, and wall hangings.
For decorations, go for rich colours, intricate patterns, and a mix of textures. A few Moroccan-style lanterns or a patterned rug will help pull the look together.
11. Retreat for the music lovers
Convert your garden shed into a music room! That way, you can have the perfect place to rehearse and play music freely. Fill the room with your instruments, a couch for entertainment, and a space for recording. It’s also best to have a shed soundproofing, like foam panels, to keep the peace with your neighbours.
12. Potting shed space
If you’re used to sowing seeds and potting up plants on makeshift tables, a potting shed is a game changer. You could convert a small shed into one or go for a purpose-built unit designed for the job. Have a look at our range of potting sheds for options.
Set it up with a workbench, wall shelves for pots and tools, and good lighting if there aren’t enough windows. If you want to take it further, connect it to a cold frame or greenhouse for growing plants year-round.
13. Cabin salon
Owning a salon is a dream for many entrepreneurs with a passion for beauty and wellness. An insulated garden room could be the perfect way to make it happen. Even better, if you can find one that comes with insulated panels and EPS insulation.
This guide has all the details to bring this idea to life: How to Create Your Own Log Cabin Beauty Salon
14. The ultimate shed man cave
A man cave is your own space to enjoy hobbies and relax. Whether it’s for gaming, watching the match, or having a drink, it’s all about making it work for you. Sort out seating, entertainment, and maybe a fridge for drinks.
Get more man cave shed ideas here.
15. Writer’s retreat
For many writers, having a private space to focus is essential. A summer house or log cabin can be the perfect writer’s retreat, giving you a quiet spot away from home life. If that sounds like you, it might be time to have your own writing space.
Include bookshelves for your references and a pinboard to organise ideas. A small table will do for coffee or short breaks, on top of your main writing space, of course.
16. Cabin theatre room
This one’s for movie lovers but with an outdoor twist. A garden room theatre is like a home movie theatre, but set in your outdoor space. Enjoy a movie marathon inside a log cabin or a similar setup, rather than out in the open.
If you’re thinking about creating your dream log cabin cinema, we’ve got a few tips to help you get started.
17. Astronomy room
On cold winter nights, stargazing out in the garden isn’t exactly ideal. Having a dedicated room means you can stay warm and sheltered as you watch the night sky.
This might take a bit of planning if you’re adding a skylight, but worth it for an unobstructed view of the stars. A large window can work, too, though the view will depend on its position.
You’ll find more ideas here: Stargazing Sheds – Advice for a Garden Telescope Setup
18. Garden library
This garden room idea is perfect if your book collection has outgrown your home. Perhaps you want a more relaxing place to enjoy literature, or having one has always been your dream. Or all of the above! A corner summerhouse can give you a blank canvas for all these.
19. Christmas cabin retreat
An insulated garden room makes a brilliant winter retreat, especially during Christmas. You could also turn it into a Santa’s Grotto Shed to bring some festive magic to your garden. Kids can meet Santa without going to busy shopping centre grottos.
20. Garden golf simulator room
If you don’t have space indoors, setting up a golf simulator in a garden room is a brilliant alternative. A shed or cabin should work, but you’ll need enough length to take a full swing properly.
You’ll also want plenty of room for the ball to travel before hitting an impact screen or net. Another tip is to make sure the ceiling is high enough so you can move without your club hitting anything.
21. Gaming and entertainment garden room
True gamers agree that a gaming chair alone isn’t enough. They need a dedicated space for their hobby or pastime, and a garden room gives them that. These log cabin games room ideas prove it.
22. Something for the ladies
With man caves, it’s only fair for the women to have their own garden retreat. A ‘she shed’, as it’s called, is a space to unwind and escape stress.
If you’re after a personal spot for creative pursuits or some much-needed me time, this could be perfect. Have a look at these she-shed ideas for inspiration.
Garden Room Ideas: Round-up
Sometimes, having a little extra space away from the main house can make all the difference. That’s where garden rooms come in, where you can turn that empty space into something special. Hopefully, our garden room ideas have given you some inspiration.
Still deciding on the right garden room? Check out our buying guide next for incredible options.
