Fresh garden shed ideas from the House & Garden archive

From small wooden storage sheds to large garden studios that function as guest rooms and offices, here are our favourite ideas for garden sheds

The roof on a wooden shed will generally be constructed of a timber layer with roof felt on top to protect from the elements. Roofs come in various configurations, the most common being a traditional apex roof or a pent roof, which just has one angle to it and is used for sheds that are positioned against a wall or hedge, making the space particularly efficient.

Metal and plastic sheds

Metal and plastic sheds can be an affordable option if you just need some storage space, but they have disadvantages if the shed is intended for more intensive use. Plastic sheds are light and need anchoring to the ground, while metal sheds heat up quickly in the summer and are therefore not ideal if you're spending a good deal of time in there.

Positioning a shed

Sheds should be positioned on a flat surface, preferably something sturdy like concrete or paving. If you're placing it on grass you will need a shed base which can be driven into the ground. Some sheds might be available with metal bases that you can fill with concrete, creating a permanent floor for the shed as well as a base. If you plan to use your shed very frequently (as opposed to just visiting it occasionally to extract the lawnmower or a bicycle), make sure that you have a proper path in place so that you can get to the door without repeatedly trampling the same piece of lawn. You may also want to think about a ramp if you are dragging heavy tools out of the shed on a regular basis.

Where to buy a shed

For some seriously stylish sheds, try John Lewis, who stock a range by Crane Garden Buildings, made in collaboration with the National Trust. Painted in a range of heritage colours, these sheds are attractive, versatile, and beautiful quality. For simpler timber options, there's always Amazon, but Wayfair has a considerable range of sheds in all shapes and sizes. Online retailer Primrose also stocks a wide range, including metal lean-to sheds in dark green that are both smart and functional. For aesthetically pleasing sheds with endless options for customisation, we recommend The Posh Shed Company, whose charming designs, including the lovely ‘Gothic’ shed, come in a range of sizes and colours.

Once you’ve got your shed in place, the fun part is figuring out what to do with it. There’s a whole world of storage out there, from tool hanging rails to fitted cabinets and shelving. Make sure there’s some security in place too in the form of a lock or door bar. We have plenty of design ideas from our archive, as well as inspiration for using a shed as a home office or studio.

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Garden shed ideas