Our show site and office is closed for Christmas and will reopen on 3rd January
Our show site and office is closed for Christmas and will reopen on 3rd January
Our show site and office is closed for Christmas and will reopen on 3rd January

Create a Functional Office in Your Shed with These Tips

The ordinary office environment is usually one or more of the following: busy, cold, confined, and compartmentalised. It’s easy to see why so many office workers get stir-crazy. To combat this, many of those who work at home are transforming their environments.

The solution is to incorporate more life in the form of plants (or animals, if you prefer pets). Bringing the outdoors into the workplace provides amazing benefits. You can do this in several ways, but the easiest is via a small garden office shed.

The ordinary office environment is usually one or more of the following: busy, cold, confined, and compartmentalised. It’s easy to see why so many office workers get stir-crazy. To combat this, many of those who work at home are transforming their environments.

Outdoor office sheds are perfect vessels for life and work to coexist. You get the best of both worlds: nature and a controlled environment. For more information on how to combine these two, keep reading!

Best Types of Sheds To Use As An Office

When deciding on which type of garden shed to use as an office, you have several options. Most traditional metal or plastic rooms aren’t going to cut it because they don’t provide a safe, sound, and insulated space. You should be aiming for more premium, wooden rooms.

Log cabins are worth the consideration if you’re leaning more towards spacious and permanent structures. Log cabins require more space, of course, but the trade-off is a very sound and warm workspace for you. Even if you settle for a standard wooden building, make sure you get one with plenty of windows.

Natural light is important if you want plants to thrive and your space to feel alive.

Transforming Your Garden: Perfect Sizes & Designs for Garden Rooms

You should plan the layout and size so you know that everything you want to include is going to fit. First, consider the size of your garden and how much space an outdoor office building is going to take up. Garden rooms come in a range of sizes, so depending on how big your garden is, you can find a garden office as small or large as you like.

You don’t have to own a large shed to convert it into an office. If you only need a small space to work from or have a small garden, a small shed is enough to store a desk and your office essentials. There are many wooden sheds equipped for use as a garden office and this ranges upwards in sizes 4×6.

You can also choose a corner building designed to maximize the space in a garden by fitting into a corner of your garden.

Striking the Balance: Comfortable and Professional Medium Office Spaces

A medium-sized shed office is perfect if you need somewhere to keep a fair amount of office equipment, including multiple desks and bookcases. A multi-room garden office will offer you a place to work as well as a room for office storage or a place to keep the printer and files.

You should choose a wooden shed with windows. This will allow plenty of natural light to enter the building and make the office comfortable to spend time in.

Boost Efficiency and Cost Savings with Large Insulated Offices

If you need a large office or garden room, you can sometimes save on costs by owning a log cabin. When starting up your own business, this is a perfect office solution. It provides you with a spacious garden building to work from home at a fraction of the cost.

There are many designs and styles available to suit your garden. Contemporary pent styles are perfect for modern gardens and traditional apex and reverse apex designs complement a traditional garden.

From Drab to Fab: Renovating Your Shed for a Modern Look

Before transforming your current shed into an garden room office, you should first see if you have to make any changes. Also, make sure the building is completely weather-proof. Check for any tears in the rooftop and that it is safely connected. Additionally, test the entrance and windows to see that they are snug when closed.

Clear out your shed and search for any indications of mildew, rust, animal droppings or wood decay. Take care of these problems before changing your shed into an office. The improvements ought to be straightforward, although you shouldn’t take on anything you feel unsure about.

If you feel uncertain about the strength of your shed, you ought to request that an expert investigate it or buy another shed that is already prepped as a garden office.

Furnishing Your Small Garden Office

It’s time to plan out your lighting, insulating, protection, and power. These are what will change your shed into a genuine office so you can work without distractions.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere with Garden Room Lighting

This is important, but you may want to save your lighting choices for after you get your layout squared away. For a comfortable small garden office, you’ll want a combination of ambient light and directional light. Ambient light for when it’s not completely dark out and LED spotlights for working into the wee hours.

We like the bendy office desk lights and the overhead lights that can move either on a track or articulated arm. Some low-powered fairy lights are awesome for keeping your plants illuminated when the natural light gets low.

Improve Garden Room Insulation: Boost Comfort and Energy Efficiency

How well your outdoor garden office is insulated can prevent distracting noises and damaging humidity. Nothing can be worse for a home office idea than to finish constructing your new garden room only to experience yellowing, damp papers or fried electronics. On the flip side, poor heating can make working outside a gamble with the cold.

Having a powerful, self-regulating ceramic-plate heater will provide you with plenty of heating while keeping moisture levels down. As for keeping your office cool? Well, you can find plenty of portable AC units, as well, if opening the windows in your office doesn’t suffice.

Maximise Comfort and Productivity: Power Solutions for Garden Rooms

Most workplaces will require–at a minimum–a laptop, telephone, and lighting. For this, you’ll require power. If what you do doesn’t require a PC/TV/Sewing Machine, etc. in your office, you could run a line from your house for lights. It’s critical to hire an expert to complete any electrical work for you.

Tell them what number of attachments and light switches you need and all the hardware you’ll be running electric. If something goes haywire, then your expensive electronics will be safe.

Purchasing a Garden Shed Room

There’s a lot of work that goes into building a small garden office, but the rewards are worth it. Having your little slice of workplace zen is underrated. You’ll experience fewer burnouts and more work productivity if you’re happy where you work.

With that said, we know that most people don’t have the time or patience to put together a solid garden room – office on their own. The good news is that there are plenty of great garden offices out there that you can buy, ready to outfit and customise. Tear down the walls and renew your relationship with nature today!

Conclusion About Helping You Choose

In conclusion, converting a shed into a small garden room or office in the UK is a practical and cost-effective solution for creating additional space. By following the necessary steps, such as insulation, lighting, and ventilation, you can transform your shed into a comfortable and functional workspace or leisure area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful garden retreat or a productive home office, this conversion project offers endless possibilities. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy the benefits of a versatile and charming garden room or office right in your backyard. Start your conversion today and unlock the full potential of your shed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How to Convert a Shed to a Small Garden Room

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  • Do I Need Planning Permission To Convert My Shed?
    Planning permission requirements for converting a shed vary depending on size, location, and intended use. In many cases, converting a shed for personal use, such as a home office or gym, may not require planning permission as long as the changes are internal and do not significantly alter the property's appearance. However, if the shed conversion involves structural changes, such as adding windows or doors, or if the shed is located in a designated area with strict planning regulations, then obtaining planning permission may be necessary. It is advisable to consult with local planning authorities to determine whether planning permission is needed for your specific shed conversion project.
  • How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Shed Into A Room In The UK?
    Converting a shed into a garden room in the UK can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on the size of the shed, the extent of the conversion required, and the quality of materials and finishes chosen. Factors such as insulation, wiring, plumbing, and decorating all contribute to the overall cost. Hiring professionals for the job will increase the expenses, but it ensures a high-quality result. It is essential to obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to compare costs and services before the conversion project.
  • How to Convert a Shed to a Small Garden Room
    To convert a shed to a small garden room, start by clearing out the space and decluttering any unnecessary items. Insulate the shed walls and ceiling to ensure proper temperature control. Install windows for natural light and ventilation. For comfort, add a cosy flooring option, such as laminate or rugs. Paint the interior with light, neutral colours to make the space feel open and inviting. Bring furniture like a table, chairs, and storage solutions to keep the room organised. Lastly, decorate with plants and personal touches to create a peaceful garden retreat.
  • How To Turn A Shed Into A Summerhouse?
    To turn a shed into a summerhouse, start by clearing out the existing items and giving it a thorough clean. Insulate the proposed summerhouse shed to regulate temperature, then add interior panelling for a cosy feel. Install windows to bring in natural light and ventilation. Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls, preferably in light and airy colours. Lay down suitable flooring such as laminate or decking. Furnish the space with comfortable seating, tables, and decor to create a relaxing summer retreat. Lastly, enhance the exterior with potted plants, outdoor lighting, and a small patio area for outdoor enjoyment.

About Author:

Robin Antill is an established authority in the field of quality garden building manufacturing, boasting over four decades of experience. Having founded Titan Garden Buildings in 1979, he demonstrated a commitment to excellence from the outset by moving away from sub par materials and embarking on crafting buildings of superior quality.


His lineage of craftsmanship, traced back to his father and grandfather's business in Cleethorpes, underscores his dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Robin's son, Craig, who joined the business in 1990, brings additional expertise, having honed his skills at Guildford College in joinery.


Together, they elevated Titan Garden Buildings, which eventually evolved into 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. Their enduring focus on premium materials, top-notch manufacturing, and unparalleled customer service, along with Craig's digital acumen in creating the company's online presence, showcase their expertise and reliability in the industry.


Robin's expertise was featured in Realtor.com, Homes&Gardens, The London Economic, and dozens other publications.


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1st Choice Leisure Buildings
Woking Garden Buildings Show Site
Sutton Green Garden Centre,
Whitmoor Ln, Sutton Green,
Guildford,
GU4 7QA
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