To be honest, nobody likes to lounge, drink, or watch movies in an uncomfortable atmosphere. However, one of the best places you can get optimum outdoor entertainment is in a garden shed. Surprising, isn’t it?
Of course, the functions of a garden shed transcend storage. A garden shed can also be turned into an entertainment space, where you can relax, watch movies, listen to music, host guests, and play your favourite games.
People often consider a garden shed for outdoor entertainment for various reasons. First and foremost, it enhances privacy. If you intend to use your garden shed for entertainment, and you don’t know how to go about it, read on.
Here are some tips on how to turn your shed into a garden pub or bar and make it the ideal entertainment space:
- Choose the right shed. Not all garden sheds are created equal. When choosing a shed for entertainment, you’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to accommodate your needs. You’ll also want to choose a shed with good ventilation and insulation.
- Add some comfort. Once you’ve chosen the right shed, it’s time to add some comfort. This could include things like comfortable seating, a rug, and some plants.
- Install some entertainment equipment. If you want to use your shed for watching movies or listening to music, you’ll need to install some entertainment equipment. This could include a TV, a sound system, or a projector.
- Add some personal touches. Once you’ve added the basics, it’s time to add some personal touches. This could include things like photos, artwork, or souvenirs.
With a little planning, you can easily turn your garden shed into an entertainment space that you’ll love to use.
Unleashing the Charm of Garden Sheds
Sheds are becoming increasingly popular in households in the UK today. Research even shows that over 14 million Brits have a garden shed in their backyard. This is no surprise, as garden sheds are no longer just used for storage. They can now be used for a variety of purposes, including outdoor entertainment.
The Evolution of Garden Sheds: From Storage to Lifestyle
Garden sheds have been around since the 20th century. In the early days, they were primarily used for storing garden tools. They were also very simple and cheap to build. However, early shed owners often faced the challenge of constant damage.
As science and technology have advanced, the way garden sheds are built has also improved. This has made them more sturdy, durable, and versatile than ever before. Today, garden sheds can be used for a variety of purposes, including storage, bar, and kitchen.
Benefits of Using Garden Sheds for Outdoor Entertainment
There are many benefits to using a garden shed for outdoor entertainment. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved general well-being: Spending time outdoors is beneficial for the body. Outdoors has more natural and fresh air than indoors, so you tend to breathe better outdoors. Research has also shown that sunlight exposure can induce better sleep.
- Increased passion for entertainment: Garden sheds have features that can definitely improve your partying experience. For instance, some garden sheds come with windows, an air conditioning unit, an air vent, and a bar storage unit. These alone are enough to improve your partying experience.
- Beautifies your space: Garden sheds come in different designs. Some are minimalist while some are made with a contemporary design. Some garden sheds can even be customised to match your existing outdoor décor.
- Eliminates prying eyes: Unlike other entertainment units at home, a garden shed will keep you safe from intruders while drinking or relaxing. It is made of a door with a lock. And since it is usually located in the backyard, it will be difficult for any prying eyes to access it.
Yes, a garden shed can be converted into an entertainment space. And there are several ways to do that. You can turn it into an outdoor bar or kitchen. You can even transform it into a place where you can sit comfortably and read your best novel.
Transforming Garden Sheds into Outdoor Entertainment Spaces
Yes, a garden shed can be converted into an entertainment space. And there are several ways to do that. You can turn it into an outdoor bar or kitchen. You can even transform it into a place where you can sit comfortably and read your best novel.
Garden Sheds as Outdoor Bars
A garden shed can be turned into an outdoor bar, where you can lounge, relax and have a taste of your wine without any hitch. In fact, this is one of the fastest-growing ways of using a shed. Turning your shed into a bar is easy. Just ensure there is a paved patio in front of your shed. This will provide more space for you and your guest to drink.
Ideal Features for a Shed Bar
Before you turn your shed into a garden bar, you must ensure some bar essentials are available. These essentials will make your bar the cynosure of every eye. They will even make your bar comfortable to stay in. Below are the ideal shed bar accessories you need right now.
- Power and water source: Of course, you need electricity to power the electronics and electrical appliances in your bar. You also need water to keep your bar running efficiently.
- Ventilation: Imagine drinking a glass of wine in a hot environment. You need something to keep your head cool while drinking. You should have an air conditioner or fan to complement the windows in the shed.
- Light fixtures: These will add colour to your space.
- Availability of other essential accessories: Your bar must have all the important accessories like a goblet, bar stools, wine rack, cocktail trees, mini-fridge, bottle opener, bar blender, serving trays, and mopping stick and bucket.
Design Ideas for an Inviting Outdoor Bar
Once you’ve got all the ideal essentials in your bar shed, the next thing you should think of is how to make your shed bar look stunning and ravishing. Here are design ideas for an inviting outdoor bar.
- Locate it by your pool: While your swimming pool is for relaxation, it would make your shed bar more impactful if drinks are just a stretch of the hand away.
- Light it up: Do you want your shed bar to look attractive at night? Then choose colourful lights to convey the right mood and give a fantastic atmosphere for hanging out with your pals.
- Use split hanging shelves: Split shelves fixed to the walls are perfect for maximising space and sectioning your drinks. Plus, it allows you to display choice memorabilia and other wall hangings.
- Shipping containers are cool: Consider converting one of these storage apparatuses to an outdoor shelf bar. There are limitless arrangements it affords. Who knows? You could add stairs and have a few friends on the rooftop for a barbecue.
- Make it dual purpose: If there is sufficient space, consider sectioning the shed to give room for extras. A game room won’t be off. A snooker table and dart board can spice things up. If you aren’t a gamer, you’ll surely have something to interest you that you can include in your shelve bar.
- Outside seats are fine: Picture European cafes. If you like what you see, who says you can’t have a replica? A few chairs, tables, and flowers would make the perfect outdoor setting for your shed bar. You may want to include a mini-board to write out your specials.
- Tell a story with your decor: Whichever type of shed bar you choose to have, making yours unique and personal should be a priority. Be it rustic, modern, brutalist, minimalist, or your pride is in art decor, make a bold statement and let everyone know what you love.
Image Credit: Flickr – Nicolás Boullosa
Turning Sheds into Outdoor Kitchens
A shed can easily be turned into a kitchen, where you can cook and enjoy your favourite cuisines.
Essential Elements of an Outdoor Kitchen Shed
If you wish to have an inviting and efficient outdoor kitchen shed, the following elements must be present there:
- Ventilation: You need to constantly remove stale oxygen from your kitchen. This will ensure your kitchen remains refreshing all day.
- Power source: You need electricity to power some of your kitchen appliances like blender, stand mixers, and so on.
- Insulation: This will keep your kitchen from unwanted heat or cold.
- Water system: Your kitchen shed must have a functional water system and plumbing accessories like a sink, and basin.
- Waterproof vinyl plank flooring: This kind of flooring is better for a kitchen shed. It prevents your shed from emergency damage.
- Light fixtures: Of course, you need light for night cooking and to improve the visual appeal of your kitchen.
Other key elements you need are:
- Kitchen cabinets: Kitchen cabinets are essential for storing your cooking utensils and ingredients.
- Countertops: Countertops are where you will do most of your cooking. They should be durable and easy to clean.
- Tables: Tables are where you will eat your food. They should be comfortable and spacious.
- Storage unit: A storage unit is essential for storing your outdoor kitchen equipment. It should be weatherproof and secure.
With these essential elements in place, you can easily turn your shed into a functional and inviting outdoor kitchen.
Inspiring Outdoor Kitchen Shed Designs
Not all kitchen shed designs are worth considering. So, if you want your kitchen shed to be envied by all and sundry, consider the following design ideas:
- The stony design is perfect: If you want something classy with a touch of traditional appearance, go for the stone kitchen. Here, some of the kitchen decorations are made of sleek stone.
- Add a transitioning patio: This design usually consists of a patio located in front of a shed. The patio provides a space for guests and decor like a dining table and outdoor plants.
- Go rustic: Do you love a kitchen with a natural feel? If yes, then go for the rustic design. This gives your kitchen space the best natural feel. In this design, your shed is located among shady trees. For more stunning appeal, you can add lounging chairs and a pizza oven within the surrounding of the shed.
- These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can design an outdoor kitchen shed that is perfect for your needs and style.
Here are some additional tips for designing an outdoor kitchen shed:
- Consider the size of your space. If you have a small backyard, you may want to choose a smaller shed.
- Think about the type of cooking you will be doing. If you plan on grilling a lot, you will need a shed with a built-in grill.
- Choose the right materials. The materials you choose will affect the look and durability of your shed.
- Add some personality. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch to your shed. This could include things like colourful paint, unique decorations, or plants.
With a little planning and effort, you can create an outdoor kitchen shed that you will love for years to come.
Crafting Comfortable Seating Areas in Garden Sheds
Outdoor entertainment goes beyond partying or grilling. It also involves relaxing and lounging. Interestingly, you can craft a comfortable seating area in your garden shed.
Considerations for Creating a Relaxing Shed Lounge
A shed provides the best lounging experience. But, to get optimum comfort while relaxing, there are things you must consider before creating a shed lounge. Some of them are:
- Location: The location of your shed can determine the level of comfort you’ll get while relaxing. If positioned wrongly, you will miss out on the luxury of peace that comes with lounging. So, when positioning your shed for lounging, ensure you position it close to the boundary (preferably, an unoccupied boundary). Also, you should cite it in an area with little or no direct sunlight. This will eliminate heat in your shed.
- Ventilation: Ventilation is another crucial factor to consider when creating a lounge shed. The amount of air that penetrates depends on so many factors including the location of the shed, size, or number of vents. For instance, a shed located around trees or in the direction of wind tends to be cooler than the one situated under direct sunlight.
- Budget: The price of a garden shed is not fixed. While some cost around £200, some are sold for around £20,000. However, shed price depends on the type, size, and materials used in making them.
- Shed Size and Materials: Shed size is very important for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it determines the number of lounging accessories the shed can accommodate. Sheds come in different sizes. So, when stocking for a lounging shed, choose the one that will allow you to use some of your lounging accessories. The shed material is also very crucial. For instance, metal and non-insulated sheds will be warmer than insulated ones.
Creating a Comfortable Shed Lounge
Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you can start creating your comfortable shed lounge. Here are a few tips:
- Choose comfortable seating: The most important part of a shed lounge is the seating. Choose comfortable chairs, sofas, or beanbags that you can relax in.
- Add some décor: Add some décor to your shed lounge to make it more inviting. This could include things like plants, rugs, or pictures.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere: Use lighting and music to create a relaxing atmosphere in your shed lounge.
- Make it your own: Add your own personal touch to your shed lounge to make it a space that you love to relax in.
With a little planning and effort, you can create a comfortable shed lounge that you’ll love to spend time in.
Seating Area Design Concepts to Enhance Your Garden Shed
Your seating space must always be comfortable and appealing to all eyes. Here are four design concepts to enhance your garden shed:
- Spice the surroundings with amazing landscaping: Decorating the surrounding of your shed with excellent landscaping invigorates a dreamy comfort in the shed. Examples of landscaping to add are: fountains, ponds, and window boxes with blends of flowers.
- Add excellent light fixtures: You can’t be sitting in a dark and lacklustre shed. So, spoil both the exterior and interior of your shed with amazing light fixtures.
- Add a storage unit: Of course, you will be sitting and lounging there. But that doesn’t mean your shed must lack organisation. Get a desk or side table with a drawer to neatly store your lounging accessories.
- Add splashes of rustic and vintage accent: Rustic and vintage accent gives your shed a cosy yet sparkling look. Let your decor have that stunning vintage and rustic appearance.
With these design concepts, you can create a seating area in your garden shed that is both comfortable and inviting.