Backyard shed ideas are a versatile way to create a cozy garden retreat. Whether you want to relax with a calming meditation space or convert your shed into a home office, the prefab structures offer plenty of functionality and value.
A backyard studio instantly feels cozy with a centralized seating area, like this one from blogger Brit Arnesen. Layer in a few traditional light fixtures to brighten the space and enhance the rustic feel.
1. Add a Shed
A shed can be the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Keep the space cozy by adding a futon or lounge chair, some calming music and scented candles, and a few yoga or meditation cushions. You can even add a pet heater or cooling pad for your furry friends.
If you enjoy painting, draw, or craft, turn your shed into a studio and tap into your creative side. Decorate the space with your favorite materials and paint the walls a soothing hue like white for an ethereal, romantic feel or opt for a contemporary style with shiplap or board and batten walls.
For the music lovers, a backyard shed can be an ideal space for jamming! Soundproof the shed and fill it with instruments and a recording setup to create a custom musical retreat. Hang music-themed wall art to keep the room inspired.
As bars close during the pandemic, some resourceful people are turning sheds into bars. Build a bar in your shed by adding a sink, refrigerator, a few barstools, and all the bartending tools you need to make drinks. Add a few high-top tables for seating, along with a dart board and mood lighting to transform the shed into an entertaining space. Shed Living has beautiful selections of garden studios, visit their website to check them out!
3. Add a Garden Bench
If you live in a backyard that doesn’t have room for a shed, make use of existing elements to create an outdoor studio. A trellis topped with climbing roses is an easy and beautiful way to dress up your yard and create a natural barrier for a cozy backyard studio. For a more casual option, simply wrap your favorite tree with twine and hang string lights to create a DIY screen that doubles as an at-home movie theater.
Backyard studios are the latest trend in home expansion, offering a quiet space to work, read or pursue a hobby. These detached structures are ideal for a work-from-home office, creative retreat, she shed, man cave or teen hangout. Unlike converting a spare bedroom to an extra living space, these custom-detached additions add value to your property without the cost and logistical challenges of a full-fledged home remodel.
Transform your backyard into a zen retreat with a comfy garden bench, a few large pillows and a table for incense. If your backyard is covered, bring in a day bed or lounge chair that can be stowed away between uses. For an added touch, add a few rugs to keep feet warm and add pops of color with decorative cushions in the backyard studio’s colors.
4. Add Lighting
Even if your backyard studio is just a simple seating area or a fire pit, you can dress up the space with a few key accessories. Ambient lighting is a must, and string lights are an easy way to add charm and warmth. A few lanterns can up the cozy factor even more, and a well-placed bird feeder is a great way to keep the birds coming, too. This light-filled studio in Corpus Christi, Texas is just steps from the house but feels like a tranquil retreat thanks to a thoughtful design that lets natural light flood in and highlights elements of interest, such as exposed rafter tails. This backyard is ready for cozy evenings with friends and family or a quiet evening alone. Photo by Whitney Leigh Morris for The Tiny Canal Cottage.
