28 garden room ideas to embrace outdoor living

If you happen to have the space in your garden, you might have considered adding a garden room at some point. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing haven to escape to or simply want somewhere to enjoy the warmer weather from in the summer, this is one garden idea that can make a big difference to the way you use your exterior and interior spaces.

A garden room can be a great way to celebrate and house your creative passions, from a crafting or musical haven, to a space to work out, work from home or read in peace and quiet, the possibilities are endless. 

But it’s important to give your garden room a purpose, otherwise it can easily become a dumping ground for clutter or even sit unused for most of the year. So, if you’re looking to make your outdoor space work harder for you all year round, it might be time to think about what type of garden room would be the most beneficial for you and your family.

And not only that, the addition of a garden room, could even add value to your property. According to Samuel Marlow from Garden Buildings Direct, ‘one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost property value is through adding a summerhouse garden building.’ 

Garden room ideas

Here are some of our favourite garden room design ideas for you to make your outdoor space work even better for you.

1. Express yourself in a cosy cabin

If you're hankering for a home office but have run out of space (and major funds) try squeezing a cosy cabin into your garden as a place to express yourself and your creativity. This one came from BillyOh and starts from just £2375, making it a more affordable garden office than most.

'Garden cabins can be a great excuse to have little fun and be adventurous with your design styles and tastes,' says Joanna Thornhill, Interior Stylist and Writer says.

Use colours and wallpapers you might be a little nervous to use in the house and fill your space with your personality- after all, it's a place just for you so you do you!

2. Give WFH a whole new meaning

Why not put your garden shed to best use and conduct your own business from it? From hair salon, to pilates studio, you might even be able to work towards covering the cost of your garden building through money earned working. 

Of course, you'll need permission from your local council to operate any business from your property, so it's best to do your research first, but if you get the green light, you could be working from home permanently! 

3. Ensure the party never stops with a home bar

If you love to entertain friends and family, then garden bar ideas are sure to tickle your fancy, but how about making them a more permanent feature with a dedicated home bar garden room. 

Get set up with a place for 'punters' to perch, a bar for preparing your tipples and even a fridge or two for keeping drinks cool on hot days. Pop a sofa and perhaps a projector inside your garden room too and you'll be all set for hosting movie nights and private screenings.

4. Embrace the music

If you happen to have any budding musicians in your house or have neglected the hobby because you don’t want to disturb the rest of your family, having a music room at the end of your garden can be a brilliant solution.

‘It can be a great way to allow you or a loved one to practise an instrument freely without feeling self-conscious or being distracted,’ MyJobQuote.co.uk’s Interior Design Expert, Ryan McDonough, explains. ‘You can also put a music system in there so everyone can enjoy listening to their music in a comfortable and relaxing space.’

5. Get arty

Another hobby that can take up quite a bit of space is painting and drawing, so why not dedicate a proper space and have your very own studio. Imagine having a separate space where you can keep your easel up, without it being disturbed, as well as having all of your essentials such as paints, pencils, paper, canvases, paintbrushes and more all within reach.

Even the humblest shed can be repurposed as an artist’s studio, you just need to discover how to paint a shed before getting started. ‘Fresh colour can transform a plain outbuilding quickly and inexpensively,’ says Becky Rackstraw, colour expert at Protek.

‘A little imagination, alongside a suitable colour palette, will create a haven for hobbies, and adding a door matt or extended front patio will help keep the interior clean.’

6. Create a meditation space

Life can get pretty hectic, so why not make a space that will allow you to relax and unwind. Whether you need somewhere to do your yoga stretches or want somewhere to meditate and calm your mind, your garden room can become a calm, minimalist meditation space for doing exactly that.

‘By filling the air with calming, seasonal fragrances and subdued lighting, you can create a proper meditation sanctuary right in your back garden,’ according to Andy Jones, Marketing Director at ULTRA LEDS. And you could even consider installing ‘soothing elements like a water feature,’ says BoConcept’s Marketing Manager, Emma Cottrell.

7. Work out at home with your own gym space

A garden room also gives you the opportunity to add a home gym. People who love to work out but prefer to do it at home are always on the lookout for a space to exercise in and inside can be quite constrictive. Creating a bespoke garden room home gym keeps all the equipment in one place and gives you the freedom to design the perfect workout space for you and your needs.

Not only that but it should save you from shelling out on gym membership fees and ‘with a home gym at the bottom of the garden, it may encourage other family members to get active and have a go,’ Ryan proffers. 

8. Create a cosy reading nook

We can’t think of anything cosier than a reading nook and thankfully you don’t need too much to transform your garden room into one. All you really need is a comfortable chair or seating, along with space for all your favourite books and a side table to house your tea or coffee – or even a refreshing drink in the warmer months.

If you love to read or are trying to carve out more time to switch off and pick up a book, having your very own reading nook could be the perfect idea for your garden room.

9. Build a craft room to unleash your creativity

Fancy a quiet space to retreat to, where you can pursue a crafting hobby or explore other creative outlets? Maybe you just fancy an escape from the bustle of family life, where you can catch up with a friend in peace?

A timber garden room makes a great space for a craft workshop or peaceful retreat. It could double up as a home office too, whichever is most important for your situation.

According to a survey by Forest Garden and Fine & Country Estate Agents, a garden room can increase the saleability of your home by 50%.

'This certainly confirms what we’ve been seeing in sales over the last couple of years,' says Forest Garden marketing manager, Jenny Davis. 'People working from home has increased the sale of garden buildings and, whilst this was seen as a temporary solution initially, it’s interesting to see that many Estate Agents said they are seeing a growing trend towards requests for outdoor rooms when it comes to buying a new home.'

10. Add a 'lean to' for a sunny dining spot

If a full architect designed extension is too big an outlay, why not go for an old school 'lean to'. These (usually glass) structures are more like a conservatory and often don't need planning permission (although obviously check with your local authority).

They're generally less expensive than extension ideas and make a great combination between a lovely light-filled garden room and extra living space.

11. Entertain kids with a life-size Wendy house

Turn a shed into a cute Wendy house or playroom for little ones with a lick of pale paint and some power tools to put up shelves. It's easy to insulate a shed and line the inside with plywood too. Then kids can use the playroom beyond the summer and they're toys won't get damp or damaged by water ingress.

Fill it with their favourite things and let their imaginations run riot. You can then keep a watchful eye from your garden seating area.

12. Lay a green roof to help wildlife

While it's great to extend our living spaces outside, it means we lose grass, shrubs and green space. This has a knock-on effect for nature and wildlife as birds and bugs lose space to feed.

A way to help remedy this and replace the lost greenery is with a 'living' or 'green' roof on your garden room or conservatory. According to the RHS, a green roof will save energy through insulation too.

There are various types, however extensive green roofs usually consist of ready-grown mats of sedum and should not require watering or weeding. So check which is best for your situation.

13. Create a garden cinema for movie nights

Turn watching a family film at home into an event with a big screen in an outdoor cinema room at the end of the garden.

'Taking the whole family to a cinema room outside to enjoy their favourite film, surrounded by greenery with the bifold doors wide open is a perfect way to relax on a summer’s evening,' says interior designer Rudolph Diesel.

'Add dimmable spot lights into the space. And if the room is big enough include a ceiling-mounted projector and a bar for drinks and snacks. Soft seating is important too, so go for a mix of sofas and beanbags.'

14. Perfect your shot with a golf simulator

‘Whether you want to refine that swing or simply host friendly competitions you can achieve a year-round escape to the green fields,’ by transforming a garden room into a golf simulator, says Andy. This is great if the weather often prohibits you from playing golf as often as you’d like to.

10. Decorate your shed's exterior

Even if your 'garden room' is a traditional shed idea, where you store outdoor equipment and plant paraphernalia, it needn't be an eyesore.

Paint the exterior in a similar shade to your fence and add a window box filled with evergreens or perennials, so the structure blends easily with your back garden. This works especially well in a small spot, as instead of standing out, your eye will see the shed as part of the space.

15. Set up an office away from the house

Garden rooms have never been so popular. We homeowners look for the most affordable way to extend our homes – seeking extra space, without blowing the budget. Modern conservatory ideas offer extra space but giving up a portion of the patio to house a home office is the biggest trend in recent years.

A garden office idea is a dream scenario. Freedom from commuting while maintaining a safe distance from domestic temptations such as dishwasher-emptying or fridge-raiding. For comfortable year-round use, the building should be fully wired, insulated and heated, with access to wi-fi. This is due to home workers looking for a way to work outside of the home.

16. Invest in a living wall that won't detract from your home

If your house is quite traditional looking, you may be put off by investing in a modern garden room. The outdoor studios that eDEN Garden Rooms offer can include an exterior living wall idea to soften the linear design of the contemporary structure. This makes it blend into the surroundings beautifully.

Inside they can be designed to your requirements with storage, power sockets and lighting fitted and ready for use.

17. Create a glamorous 'she shed'

Keep the exterior of your garden room simple and chic with a coat of dark paint. However, the interior can be as colourful and glamorous as you wish. A thoughtful she shed idea can create an idyllic garden retreat, perfect for use as an art studio or outdoor snug.

This room has been turned into a luxurious craft and sewing room, brimming with inspiration for future projects.

18. Organise the shed as a gardener's retreat

It's easy for the shed to become an outdoor junk room, filled with the lawn mower, wheelbarrow and other gardening equipment.

Prevent that from happening by getting organised from the off with a separate storage area. Shelves for plant pots and hanging pegs for tools will keep things tidy and in order. While a potting bench, book shelf and place to sit will give you space to plan want to plant for the coming season.

19. Organise the shed as a gardener's retreat

We may not have as much sunshine as Morocco but you can still rock Riad style in a back garden room. Particularly if yours happens to be a sun trap.

To create this popular courtyard style, encourage lush foliage to cover your walls and paint a garden pavilion in fuschia pink or another favourite bold shade.

Hang Moroccan lanterns and lay a berber rug with plenty of brightly coloured cushions for an exotic oasis, where you can relax on sunny days.

20. Add a cute cabin for summer get-togethers

Make use of your pizza oven for longer with an entertaining space at the foot of the garden. Having a cute cabin to retreat to when the weather turns or to cosy up in afterwards with French doors lets you enjoy your garden even when it gets a bit chilly.

As well as a kitchen counter for serving snacks, have an electrical supply installed and you can kit your cabin with a beer fridge and space to store pizza toppings, or whatever else you fancy firing up.

21. Put up a pergola

A pergola is a fantastic alternative if your outdoor space is limited and an enclosed building would impose too much.

These open structures can zone an area for cooking, dining and entertaining in the summer months. This creates the feel of a garden room, while still being open to the elements with space for growing climbing plants for shade.

Garden designer, Charlotte Rowe suggests putting a pergola in the garden, rather than on a patio, to avoid shading your home in winter.

22. Don't be afraid to go big in a small garden

A large garden room can open up the uses of a small garden rather than dwarfing it. If you're not a keen gardener, turning the bottom of the garden into an extra living space, complete with desk for working from home is the perfect way to get the most out of the space that can be used all year round.

23. Take shelter in a hidden pod that blends into the garden

The lived-in look of this cosy seating pod makes it look like it’s been in your garden for years. It's made from reclaimed rusted metal sheeting and rough-sawn reclaimed timber and planted with wildflower and a grass-filled roof.

Inside, it features wraparound bench seats with lift-up lids for stashing cushions and throws. While the vertical log stores either side of the entrance are ideal for storing a winter’s worth of stove fuel.

24. Avoid commitment with a glamorous tent

Not just for weddings and garden parties, a garden tent is a great option if you want some shade in the summertime, with the option of taking it down when the weather changes.

The Raj Tent Club has a wide range of easy-to-erect garden tents covered in cotton canvas. They offer shade from the sunshine, refuge from a rain shower and even double as a guest bedroom in high summer.

25. Keep it traditional with a posh potting shed

From an elegant potting shed to your own space to escape to, a Gothic shed, from The Posh Shed Company is a stylish step up from your run-of-the-mill sheds sold at hardware stores. They're built to last using a painted or pressure treated timber frame and with three roof options.

The Gothic comes with a variety of added extras including exterior finishes, insulation and internal shelving. Prices can vary for a 6’x4’ shed but include delivery and installation.

26. Prepare for future moves with a portable shepherd's hut

Because it’s on wheels, a country-style shepherd’s hut is a great option if you see yourself moving home in the near future as you can take it with you. Priced from £19,800, Plankbridge’s huts come fully insulated and with optional extras like wired electrics, bunk beds, kitchenettes, wood-burning stoves and even shower rooms.

Planning permission isn’t usually required for shepherd’s huts provided they’re in your garden and is for personal use only. However, with any big investment, it’s always advisable to check with your local council first.

27. Add a guest room to your house with a garden annexe

Go the whole hog and invest in an outdoor ‘granny flat’ for a space that doubles as a guesthouse for visiting friends and family, as well as a cool summer hangout, small home office or den. With sizes ranging from 5x3m to 14m x 3.5m, the Annex provides an end-to-end service, starting with applying for planning permission on your behalf (if required).

Then building and installing your studio complete with kitchen, electrics, plumbing, insulation, glazing… the lot.

28. Take inspiration from your home for the decor

Taking design inspiration from your home is a great way to ensure a new garden structure feels authentic. ‘A traditional summerhouse is perfect for a country setting as it is quintessentially English,’ says Kathryn Morris, summerhouse sales manager, Scotts of Thrapston.

‘Architectural features to look for include cedar shingle roofing and decorative leaded glass.’ Period features can also be practical. Some Scotts of Thrapston designs include a rotating base, a mechanism popularised by the Victorians, which can be turned to face the sun or change your view.

FAQs

How much do garden rooms cost in 2024?

As you might expect, the average cost of a garden room can vary significantly depending on the size, materials and design of it. But you can expect to pay at least £5000 for a basic garden room, according to the experts. ‘If you're looking at more bespoke or larger designs, the price can range anywhere from £13,550 to over £30,000, depending on the specifications and luxury features included,’ Emma explains.

You’ll also want to ‘consider additional costs that can impact the final price, including the foundation, electrical wiring, landscaping, delivery charges, and planning permission fees if applicable,’ Emma adds.

Do garden rooms add value to your house?

According to the experts, yes, a garden room can certainly add value to your house. ‘Estimates suggest that a garden room can potentially increase your home's value by about 5% to 15%,’ Emma admits. However, this does depend on the quality of the construction, the functionality it offers, as well as how well it integrates with the rest of the property.

Essentially ‘they provide extra living space that can be adapted to a variety of functions, which is an appealing selling point,’ Ryan rationalises. 

Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

Permitted Development allows you to add a single storey garden building to your property, provided it is under 2.5m in height (if within 2m from the property boundary), doesn’t exceed 50 per cent of the total land area around the house. Most importantly it must not be self-contained living accommodation.

You can install a bathroom, kitchen and/or bedrooms without requiring planning permission provided that the space is just for personal use, say a hobby room, art or yoga studio or even an occasional guest room for friends and family.

If you live in a listed building or you plan to use your garden room as an Air BnB, you will need planning permission. As a rule, it’s always safer to check with your council before taking the plunge.

Mike Head, Director at Atlas Ceramics advises, 'If you’re building your garden room away from the house and it takes up less than 50 per cent of the garden and is smaller than 15 sqm, or in some cases 30 sqm, luckily, you’re unlikely to need planning permission.' 

'However, you will need planning permission for certain instances. For example, if your garden room would be located in a conservation area, near a listed building and within a national park. Your garden room company should help you with this too, however always double-check to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.'

Do you need foundations for a garden room?

Without a strong and solid foundation, you risk damaging your garden building beyond repair once installed. If the company you’re buying from doesn’t include foundations in the price, you’ll need to hire a builder to do the job for you.

A flat and level surface of paving slabs or concrete, no less than 10am thick is ideal and remember to leave around 50cm clearance if you’re building near walls, fencing or trees.

Mike adds, 'Depending on the position of your garden room, different foundations may be needed to make sure your garden room is fully functional. For example, a lot of companies recommend concrete in order to erect the building. However, other companies may suggest avoiding a foundation, as this gives you more flexibility. It is also important to think of the sustainability and the materials of the foundation to make sure your garden room can last as long as possible.'

Can you sleep in a garden room?

While most garden rooms are covered by permitted development, different rules apply if you are simply using it to sleep in once in a while, compared to if it is a permanent bedroom. For example, ‘if you put a sofa bed in a garden room for when you have guests you don’t need planning permission. But if the room is going to be permanently used by someone to live in then you will have to apply to the local authority for permission,’ Ryan warns.

A garden room should be properly insulated, ventilated and heated before being suitable for sleeping on a permanent basis. 

Can you add connecting services to a garden room?

Adding electricity and plumbing to a garden room is an expensive outlay and in some cases, can require that you secure planning permission beforehand. If installing electrical sockets and switches, your building must be watertight and ideally insulated for safety.

Adding sinks, showers or washing machines require a plumber to install a fresh water pipe running from your house to the garden building and a separate waste pipe running out again.