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Adding a garden room to your outdoor set-up is a big upgrade, bringing the outdoors in. There are loads of garden room design ideas online, but we’ve rounded up our top 50 favourites, plus anything else we could think of that’s doable, into one long list. Have a look below for some inspiration:
1. Indoor-outdoor concept
This design gives you shelter from the weather while still keeping you connected to your garden. It’s a modern take on an “open but still covered” garden room, with a solid or glass roof and open sides or large openings, like sliding doors. It’s perfect for housing your inflatable hot tub or creating a chilled-out lounge—all under one roof.
2. Outdoor living space extension
Put up a garden room, like a summer house, to extend your living space. It could be a spot for lounging, small get-togethers, or other occasions. No more worrying about not having enough space at home to host all your guests.
3. Corner garden kitchen
For this concept, think of natural materials like stone for the kitchen structure, with posts supporting a roof—possibly an extension of your patio. Tucked into a corner or designed in an L-shape, you could kit it out with a stovetop, sink, mini fridge, and a built-in gas BBQ if the space allows.
4. Your work-from-home 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.
Take the BillyOh Mia Log Cabin, for instance—designed with the WFH lifestyle in mind. It’s ideal as a small home office with enough space for storage, a desk, and a chair.
And just like that, swapping the daily commute for a garden office makes complete sense!
5. The Muji hut
The term Muji can be synonymous with the brand’s philosophy: minimalist. Keep things simple with your garden room concept, even if you’re working with a shed. Here are some unique ways to use a shed interior.
6. Private garden gym
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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. The best part? It’s only a few steps away. You can spend as little or as long as you like working out and switch up your equipment whenever you fancy.
Check out these best exercises for your garden gym – you might find something new to add to your routine!
7. Go thatched
Treat yourself to an entertaining outdoor spot with a real sense of a vacation. A thatched roof gives you that summer and Hawaii getaway experience. Make the garden room open, like a wooden gazebo, and add a lounging or dining area, and a corner bar.
8. Modular design
If you’ve got a long garden, a modular design is a great way to make the most of the space. You can go for an L-shaped or P-shaped layout to create separate zones, or keep it long and narrow if you want something sleek and unobtrusive.
Position openings exactly where you need them, whether that’s for maximising light, creating access, or framing the best garden views.
9. 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 bigger, more functional, and way more fun.
Make the space ideal for a night of fun while enjoying a drink or two or more. Add a bar counter with shelves for bottles and glassware, and consider a mini fridge or even a kegerator to keep drinks chilled.
Check our guide on “Garden Bar Ideas for a Shed & the Best Outdoor Furniture” to learn more.
10. A shepherd’s hut
This is a charming, wheel-based hut with a curved roof and timber frame. It’s perfect for rural settings and makes for a characterful garden retreat. You can use it as an Airbnb rental/accommodation—though be warned, they might not want to leave!
A fold-out bed and some clever storage will keep it practical; a comfy bed and soft lighting will make it extra inviting.
11. Garden pod
This one’s for you if you want to go the extra mile than 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.
Have this bespoke, whether with built-in seating inside or a blank canvas, so you can use it however you want.
12. 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
13. Combine the design into the garden
Add a small landscaping to make your garden room feel like a natural part of the space. Adding plants, shrubs, or climbing vines around the structure does the trick. You could also use matching materials, like timber or stone, to tie it in with your garden’s design.
14. Make your summer house octagonal
Summer houses are quintessentially British, but we want yours to be unique with an octagonal shape. The shape makes the most of natural light and views from all angles. The design also helps it sit neatly in a corner or stand out as a centrepiece in the garden.
A small garden furniture set would fit, perfect for afternoon tea or a quiet escape.
15. Storage solution
When it comes to garden solutions, garden storage 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’.
16. Pool house getaway
A pool house 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.
17. A treehouse
If you want something a bit different, a treehouse is a great way to go. It makes a brilliant hideaway, workspace, or play area for the kids.
Keep it minimal with floor cushions and maybe a telescope in the corner. Add a rope bridge, slide, or lookout window to make it even more fun!
18. Hobby room
If you want a permanent setup for your hobbies, a garden workshop is the best job for this. Furnish it with all the materials, equipment, and furniture you need without the hassle of packing everything away when you’re finished.
For instance, you could set up your painting supplies by the window and display your finished artwork on the opposite wall. A few track lights above them would draw attention to your pieces.
Have a look at this guide to learn more: Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
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19. House a hot tub
Keep your outdoor hot tub accessible year-round with a covered setup. A freestanding gazebo-style shelter works well, with an open-sided design to keep the space feeling airy. Take a cue from this timber gazebo idea by adding outdoor lighting to set the ambience for the evening.
20. The Hobbit house inspo
If you’re a fan of The Hobbit or The Lords of the Rings, you’re going to love this garden room idea! Fulfil your childhood dream and invite Gandalf for some tea at your own Hobbit house.
A garden pod works best, but a log cabin with a curved doorway and rustic details can also do the trick.
21. Walls of charred cedar
This traditional Japanese technique, known as Shou Sugi Ban, burns the surface of the wood to make it more durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance. It’s perfect if you’re after something rustic with a deep, dark finish.
Note: If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll need a blowtorch and, ideally, some woodworking experience. For larger projects, it might be worth buying pre-charred cedar boards to save time and effort.
22. Include secret storage
If you’re short on space, hidden storage is a great solution. For instance, a side partition or a small enclosed section for bikes to keep them organised and out of the way.
A built-in cupboard or under-seat storage works well for garden tools or even space-saving outdoor furniture. And if security is a concern, install sturdy shed door locks.
23. House-like garden room
This is the way to go if you want a garden room that feels more like part of your home. Instead of a basic structure, this means insulated walls, solid doors and windows, and a proper roof for year-round access.
Run electricity and even plumbing to make it fully functional. You might find this guide useful: Top 5 Questions to Consider Before Installing Garden Building Electricity
24. Woodworking workshop
Having a dedicated workshop makes a huge difference if you’re into wood crafting. Convert an existing garden building into one, and you’ll have a space to work without worrying about the mess. Plus, as mentioned before, keeping everything in one spot means less setup and pack-down time—always a bonus!
25. Tiny pond house
This concept places your small garden room right by the water—sounds good, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a natural pond or a man-made one, it creates a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the view, listen to the water, and watch the wildlife.
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.
26. A touch of Marrakech
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.
27. 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.
28. Particular space for potting
If you’re used to sowing seeds and potting up plants on makeshift tables, a proper 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 and good lighting if there aren’t enough windows. If you want to take it further, adding a cold frame or greenhouse attachment could help with plant growth, too.
29. Cabin salon
Owning a salon is a dream for many entrepreneurs with a passion for beauty and wellness. A cabin-style garden room could be the perfect way to make it happen.
Take the BillyOh Studi Insulated Garden Room, for instance. It’s fully insulated, so you can run it year-round, thanks to its insulated panels and high-performance EPS insulation.
This guide has all the details: How to Create Your Own Log Cabin Beauty Salon
30. The ultimate 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.
Here’s a handy guide for more ideas: How to Turn a Shed Into a Man Cave
31. Writer’s retreat
For many writers, having a private space to focus is essential. A log cabin or an insulated garden room 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.
32. The guest room
If you’ve got people staying over often, a garden room can make things easier. It gives them their own space and frees up a room in the house.
A simple setup, like a bed, some storage, and decent lighting, will do the job. Decorate the space with anything that makes it feel comfortable without being cluttered.
33. 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—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.
34. Astrology room
On cold winter nights, stargazing out in the garden isn’t exactly ideal. Having a dedicated room means you can stay warm while enjoying the night sky—and it also gives you a safe spot to keep your telescope.
This project might take a bit of planning, especially if you’re thinking about adding a skylight. But it’s worth it for an unobstructed view of the stars. A large window can work, too, though the view will depend on its position.
35. Personal library
Turning a garden room into a mini library gives you a quiet spot to read in peace. A small shed, log cabin, or corner summerhouse can make a great reading nook.
This is perfect if your book collection has outgrown your home, if you’re looking for a more relaxing place to enjoy literature, or if having one has always been your dream.
Here’s a guide for more details: Garden Library – Why You Should Build One and How to Do It
36. Multi-purpose garden room
Make the most of your garden room by turning it into a flexible space that works for you! One of our favourites is a garden office that also doubles as a cinema or gaming room. You can mix and match ideas to suit your needs.
The trick is to use a partition wall system to create separate spaces without them getting in the way of each other.
37. Christmas cabin retreat
An insulated garden room makes a brilliant winter retreat, especially at Christmas. It gives you a cosy space to relax away from the main house without cracking up huge heating bills.
You could also turn it into a Santa’s Grotto Shed to bring some festive magic to your garden. It’s a fun alternative to busy shopping centre grottos, letting the kids meet Santa in a more relaxed and personal setting – right at home.
38. Meditating space
A summer house is a perfect fit for what a Zen garden needs in a meditation space. Its fully enclosed design and timber structure help block out external noise, lending itself to contemplation and peace. Most also come with large windows, often floor-to-ceiling, which let you practice mindfulness while still enjoying the view outside.
A fitting example is the BillyOh Switch Pressure Treated Pent Summerhouse, with its tall windows that wrap around the building. They span around two walls, filling the room with natural light, a must in a Zen space.
This guide should point you in the right direction: Zen Garden Ideas for Home Meditation
39. The BBQ room
If you love hosting barbecue parties, nothing beats having your own room or gazebo where you and your guests can make the most out of it! Use them as a BBQ shelter, placing the grill in one corner to make room for more furniture. Remember, having your BBQ under the structure provides protection from the weather.
Tip: Install a grill screen or a windbreak around the BBQ area. This will help block the wind and guide the smoke in a different direction, away from where people are seated.
Use our guide, ‘BBQ Shelter Ideas to Keep Your Grill Safe,’ to get more inspiration.
40. 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 works well, 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 height allows for an unrestricted swing and go for a screen setup that fits your space.
41. For gaming and entertainment alike
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. With large windows or bi-fold doors, you can bring in plenty of natural light and fresh air while keeping your setup protected.
42. 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.
43. Outdoor shower and toilet
If you’ve got a backyard pool or live near the beach, an outdoor shower and toilet can be a game changer. A small shed works well as a toilet and changing area, while the shower can go in the corner, either freestanding or fixed to an exterior wall.
Go for slatted panels or frosted glass instead of solid walls to keep it open. A non-slip surface is a good idea, too, especially for wet feet!
44. Storm shelter
If you plan to use a garden room as a shelter for bad weather, make sure it’s built solidly and properly anchored. It won’t stand up to extreme storms, but it can handle heavy rain and strong winds if reinforced. Go for a sturdy design with secure doors and as few windows as possible for better protection.
45. Dog house
You can take your pooch to their dog house during the day and bring them inside at night so they can sleep with you. After playing and rolling around in the yard, they can enjoy their meal or treats in their own little space.
Here are a few ways to make it work: Garden Shed Retreat for Pets: Considerations + Tips
46. For storing chemicals
A small garden room can be a handy storage space for chemicals, especially flammable or toxic ones. It’s a smart move to keep them out of the house and away from kids or pets while making use of your outbuilding.
With shelves for organisation, clear labels, and good ventilation, it’s a simple but effective setup. Make sure to install shed door locks for security.
47. Sewing studio
Move the clutter out of the house and into your own sewing studio in a garden room. Storage is key, so a sewing kit organiser will help keep small tools and materials tidy.
Treat yourself to a lovely table and a comfortable chair so long sewing sessions are a lot easier. Plus, good lighting—whether natural or from a bright lamp—will help with detailed work.
48. Wood boiler housing
Keep your wood boiler in a garden room to protect it from the weather and keep your outdoor space tidy. This also makes maintenance easier, with everything in one place rather than exposed to wind and rain.
Storing firewood nearby keeps it dry and ready to use, so you’re not dealing with damp logs in colder months.
49. Pottery atelier
This garden room idea is great for both beginners and experienced potters. It gives you a dedicated space to work without making a mess at home or taking over the garage.
Depending on the size of your outbuilding, there should be plenty of room for a pottery wheel, a work table, and shelves to store tools, clay, and finished pieces. That’s all you need to get started!
50. Backyard coffee shop
Have you ever wanted to run your own little café business? Skip the massive overheads of renting a shop with a well-designed garden room.
An insulated log cabin or summer house, for instance, is perfect. All you need is a good coffee machine, a simple counter, and some seating outside for customers. Add a menu board, and you’re all set to serve great coffee right from your garden!
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. And hopefully, our garden room ideas have given you some inspiration.
Not sure if a garden room is right for you? This guide might help: Garden Room vs Home Extension: A Comprehensive Comparison
If you’re looking at buying a garden room but you’re not sure which one yet, our buying guide can help.
FAQs
Do you need planning permission for a garden room attached to the house?
No. A detached garden room usually doesn't require any planning permission. For Permitted Development, the garden room is designated as a detached outbuilding.
Can you have a toilet in a garden room?
Yes, a toilet can be installed in a garden room as long as it meets building regulations approval.
Can you sleep in a log cabin in your garden?
Of course, so long as your log cabin isn't being used for permanent residence. You're more than within your rights to sleep in your cabin without requiring planning permission.
