22 She Shed Ideas to Inspire a Relaxing Hideaway
Build a backyard sanctuary for crafting, gardening and more.
While the term "she shed" was originally coined as an alternative to "man cave," the structures aren't gender-specific. Imagine your garden shed as a space just for you — it can be a quiet home office, creative craft zone or cozy living space, and you don’t need much square footage to make it work.
"She sheds were an emerging trend in home design years ago, and they have remained incredibly popular, because they meet a fundamental need for personal space," shares Jeremy Nova, co-founder of StudioHome, a brand that designs and builds prefab sheds. "The appeal of these spaces lies in their versatility — the options for customization are endless."
Regardless of what kind of she shed you're dreaming up, we've rounded up she shed ideas that'll inspire your future oasis. There's outdoor decorating ideas, including landscaping advice and how to up your curb appeal, alongside interior decorating tips like storage solutions.
Make It Multipurpose
This greenhouse turned she shed has designated zones for relaxation and working. There's a table for crafting, a potting bench for gardening and a comfortable daybed for resting. Designer Whitney Leigh Morris brings in a checkerboard area rug to elevate the sun-filled interior.
Design a Creative Home Office
Designed to mimic an old cabin, this "writing she shed" is an inspiring workspace for an Atlanta-based author. Kate Duffy and Christy Scott Spearman, founders of Duffy Scott Interiors, fill the serene space with a mix of modern and vintage pieces. Beneath the bare wood is modern insulation, so the room stays warm year round.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin Photography
Dream Up a Greenhouse Garden Shed
A farmer in Montata, Alyson Dorr, built this inviting she shed using what she could salvage: bricks from a local house that had been burned down, large windows from an old church and furniture from yard sales.
Convert a Garage
Once a humble one-car garage, this charming she shed was turned into a garden studio and lofted bedroom. "The first floor is a magical haven that embraces the beauty of the gardens, while the second floor offers a serene retreat for afternoon naps or overflow guests," says designer Mar Jennings.
Photo by:Alan Barry Photography
Build a Guest House Upstairs
Give your she shed the same treatment as you would your home — wallpaper, carpeted floors and comfortable furniture — and it'll feel like a true extension. This two-story shed offers a private retreat for guests to stay. Not to mention, the extra space increases the home's resale value.
Photo by: Alan Barry Photography
Roll in a Potting Bench
Complete with built-in shelving and hooks for gardening hats, this sun-filled she shed prioritizes storage. A rolling bench filled with gardening tools allows the homeowner to work inside or move outdoors when the weather permits.
Add a Front Porch
Nestled in a lush landscape, this dark and dramatic she shed creates curb appeal in the backyard. Designer Nikki Poole installs batten boards along the exterior, then paints everything a moody black. Potted plants, simple furniture and string lights turn the front porch into an outdoor space fit for entertaining.
Consider a Prefab Style
Don't worry: You don't have to DIY your backyard she shed. It's easy to find and customize a pre-designed model. "Detached spaces can be designed online, ordered, delivered and installed quickly without the disruptions caused by a typical remodel," says Jeremy Nova, co-founder of StudioHome.
Build a Stylish Studio
For designer, realtor and TV host Mar Jennings, this chic she shed is a set for filming content, a chic place for entertaining and a cozy haven for family game night. Heated floors keep the interior warm in the winter, while a custom garage door allows for indoor-outdoor living when the weather permits.
Photo by: Alan Barry Photography
Prioritize Natural Light
On a nice day, a wall of windows allows fresh air to circulate around a she shed. It'll also fill the shed with natural light, so it can double as a potting shed or greenhouse. Take note from blogger Amy Manning and paint the whole structure a crisp white to keep it bright.
Create a Hobby Space
Organize a space just for your hobbies, whether it be painting, woodworking, gardening or crafting. Use a tall cabinet to tuck away storage, and don't forget to include comfortable chairs for lounging between projects.
Don't Skimp on Landscaping
Decorate your shed's exterior with hanging plants, potted trees and an ivy-covered trellis. Not only will the greens help the shed blend seamlessly with nature, but it'll up its charm instantly. Install sconces on each side of the door, so you can illuminate the area at night.
RELATED: 6 Easy Landscaping Moves That Will Add Thousands to Your Home's Value
Make It a Treehouse
This 150-square-foot house is suspended in a tree a few feet off the ground. One wall is made entirely of windows, allowing light to enter the space. On the other side is a wooden ladder that leads to a glass-paneled door.
Build in the Garden
If you're planning to use your shed for potting and gardening, build the structure near the garden, so all of your tools are within reach. Dress up the exterior by hanging wreaths on glass-paneled doors and sticking potted plants on either side.
Blend Indoor and Outdoor Living
Craft a charming oasis indoors and out. French doors at the back of this she shed lead to a wood deck covered by a trellis and decorated with string lights, an outdoor rug and a large sectional sofa.
Choose Nature-Inspired Colors
When creating a color palette for a she shed, draw inspiration from nature. Think calming greens, blues, grays and shades of white that blend with the backyard's natural landscape.
Set Up an Entertaining Area
Building a she shed is a great way to increase your square footage without remodeling your house. Instead of crafting a private oasis, design a comfortable area for entertaining friends and family. Here, a deck extends the space of the shed and promotes indoor-outdoor living.
Turn It Into a Tiny House
Decorate a she shed just as you would a house — shutters and all. There's even a pebble "front yard" with a metal bistro table to elevate the charm.
Try a Potting Shed
This sunny potting shed makes the most of upcycled pices, including a repainted potting stand and old milk crate that acts as a stool. A thrifted card catalog serves as a multi-drawer container for seed packets, plant markers and other gardening necessities.
Repurpose Old Windows
This 10 x 14-foot greenhouse is constructed using old windows, most of which had been thrown away, that are arranged like a puzzle. The front deck and surrounding landscape ups the curb appeal of this budget-friendly project.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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