The history of the shed goes back longer than you might think.
In the same way all humans need a roof above our heads, we’ve also always had this intrinsic need for storage. Homes are used primarily to shelter people, and when that space isn’t enough to store our possessions, it’s only natural to build another smaller structure to store them in.
A glimpse throughout history shows that sheds were built with the same materials that were used to make man’s own shelters.
Archeological studies demonstrate that sheds gave a glimpse into what that civilization was like at a particular time period: what the population ate, which animals they domesticated or hunted, as well as what they grew or manufactured. For instance, Egyptians dug underground bunkers for storing reeds and other necessities, while Eskimos build igloos to protect them from snow and ice.
Getting a glimpse into today’s contemporary sheds speaks volumes about what matters to their owners.
Gone are the days when a garden shed would be strictly used to store all equipment and tools related to the maintenance and upkeep of a person’s lawn and backyard. Nowadays, garden sheds are not simply storage lockers. With a little creativity, they can also serve as a focal point on your garden, adding a defining element to your yard.
They can also serve as personal space: a crafting corner, a reading nook, a home office, or even a place to entertain guests. Some of the world’s most creative people, including Virginia Woolf and Rudyard Kipling, were said to have created their best work in their sheds.
The British, who own an estimated 11.5 million domestic sheds (the highest shed concentration in the world), have a week-long celebration dedicated to sheds. Introduced in 2007, the National Shed Week celebration culminates in awarding the Shed of the Year, which sees people using their garden sheds as smoking dens, temples, pubs, and even cinemas!
“Sheds are truly intimate spaces,” says designer Ken Smith, owner of Gardensheds.com. “That’s why we see people going to great lengths to personalize them, trick them out, and make them suit their individual needs”.
There are no limits to the possibilities of what a garden shed can be, but when you do decide on what to do with your garden shed, start with a focus on a couple of key features:
- At least one window to let light and air in
- Enough room to walk around and stand up without hitting your head on the roof
Beyond that, there’s no standard way of decorating your storage space. Let your imagination be your guide alongside these tips:
The Ultimate Guide to Garden Shed Decoration
Before you get the fun part of decorating your wooden shed, here are a few things to take note of:
Decide What You’re Going to Use Your Shed For
Whether you’re going to use it as a personal yoga corner, a mini home office or as an actual garden shed, being clear about the shed’s purpose will help you determine if you have enough space to put up a structure for the intended use, any modifications you may have to make (to the lot, and to the existing shed, if you already have one), as well as plan the design and gather any materials or products necessary to make the shed.
Consider Your Budget
The sky’s the limit when planning a creative decorative project such as this, but taking a look at your finances can quickly bring you back to earth.
Sheds can start in different forms, and price points can vary depending on the size and material used. Do-it-yourself (DIY) options include creating one from scratch or building one from a kit. Shed building kits can be made from either plastic or wood, and prices tend to start at $500 for a 4-by-7 foot plastic resin shed. You can also opt to have your shed custom-built.
Consider the DIY option if you’re a seasoned DIYer, or at least know your way around most major tools and/or have a limited budget
Otherwise, you’ll probably want to ask for help from an expert. Hire a pro and have your shed custom-built if you don’t want to wait or don’t have the DIY skills.
Note that prefabricated sheds can be delivered immediately to your house. You can choose your own design and floor layout, which can be customized according to property size. Countryside Barns allows you to build the shed of your dreams with a full 3D walkthrough preview before you order, using our Shed Designer tool.
Sheds built in a factory benefit from a level of consistency and quality control that’s hard to achieve on your own (or even with help) in the field. Just make sure to carefully measure the area available in your yard to ensure that your dream shed will fit. Additionally, pay attention to instructions to prepare the area before the shed arrives, and be sure to have an area wide enough that the shed can pass through.
7 Garden Shed Decorating Ideas
There are several facets of a shed that you can customize for your own needs and style preferences, including:
- Rooftops. Choose from different options such as gables (rooftop design with two sloping sides and a gable at each end), catslide (a slanted roof with one side longer than the other that allows you to have a greater depth of building) , gambrels (also known as a Dutch roof, gambrels are symmetrical two-sided roofs with two slopes on each side), shed roofs (which have one wall higher than the other wall, resulting in a single-sloped roof), or even a flat style (which is best for places with low precipitation).
- Doors. Decide upon the door size (single or double), placement, and materials (resin, metal or wood). Door material is usually the same as the one used to build the shed.
- Windows. Decide on the number of windows you want, as well as window placement, design, shape (rectangular, arched, circular) or type (bay, awning, case).
- Plants. Plants are always a welcome addition anywhere. You can have them in window boxes, place them outside, plant them directly in the soil, or even on the roof. You might also opt to grow vines along the walls of your shed.
- Extras. The way you decorate your shed depends entirely on you. You can buy new items or opt to repurpose items (ie: using watering cans as planters), which not only give off a rustic feel but can also contribute to sustainability.
- Color. It’s important to spend some time thinking about the colors you’ll use to paint your shed, both inside and out. Note that gimmicky colors can help your shed stand out, but also call unwanted attention to your property. In general, neutral colors always make the perfect blank canvass.
- Theme. For a temporary change, consider decorating your shed with themed decor depending on the occasion, such as Halloween or Easter.
Final Thoughts: Garden Shed Decorating Ideas
Garden sheds are no longer confined to simply acting as storage spaces; they can now function as personal spaces, as well. There is no limit to how you can decorate their garden shed — the most important thing is that the structure is spacious and sturdy enough for whatever use you decide on.
If you’re looking for help making your garden shed decorating ideas into a reality, contact the experts at Countryside Barns.