24 tips for turning a shed into a tiny hideaway

If you have a storage shed in your backyard, it can be converted into a usable, liveable space where you can work on craft projects, grow things, or create a she-shed, card/cigar room, music room, study area, or just a place to hang out and read. Consider these tips for converting your shed from a place to store garden tools to a place where you’ll want to spend all of your free time.

Make a shed into a new space with interior and exterior paint. Since most sheds are small, this is a quick painting job you can finish over a weekend with the proper preparation. If the shed is distant from the house, you can choose its own colour scheme (warm pastels and flower-like shades are popular). Otherwise, try to match your house colour scheme so they don’t clash.

Find out more about how to choose exterior paint colours.

Garden sheds, particularly stand-alone sheds used for storing equipment, often need to be sealed to prevent drafts, bugs, dust and other problems. After cleaning out the shed, be prepared to break out the caulk and weatherstripping to help make the shed as airtight as possible. A very rickety shed may need to have walls replaced.

Follow these tips for perfect sealant results every time. 

Install a skylight window in your shed so that you can get some much-needed sunlight (and moonlight in the evenings). It will brighten up your shed to make it a more liveable and relaxing space. Some skylight windows can be opened to allow fresh air in, so you can close the door and enjoy some privacy for a couple of hours.

Learn how to install a bathroom skylight. 

Your shed needs to be comfortable inside if you’ll be spending time there. Add insulation and, if necessary, drywall to turn your shed into a real room.

Here is insulation made easy. 

In mild climates you may only need insulation on your new shed room. But more extreme temperatures require extra features. A small air conditioner and/or heater may be a necessary device for your shed, so make sure you have the space to install one. If your shed doesn’t have access to electricity yet, then it’s time for a wiring project first!

Garden and liveable sheds typically make do with a single bulb or bench light, but you’ll need more lighting if you’re going to spend time there. Install both overhead lights and lamps to help illuminate the room for hobbies, reading, studying. You may also want to install an outdoor light if you plan on using the space during the evening.

Follow this guide to green lighting. 

Many storage sheds and (hopefully) liveable sheds will have leftover storage space like shelves, hooks and bins – and that’s a good thing! Convert this utility storage space for other purposes, such as holding books, organising hobby paraphernalia and displaying décor. Think twice before tearing out any shelves or storage spaces if you can still put them to good use!

Here are some workout storage solutions you never would have thought of. 

Chances are good that your current shed doesn’t have many windows, if any at all. This needs to change, especially if you want to make a shed into a sunroom. Without windows, the room will feel cramped and unpleasant. So try to install new windows on as many sides of the shed as possible.

A workbench is a common shed amenity. If there’s room, we suggest you keep it. This bench can be handy storage for games or movies, and may serve as a hobby. However, the current bench may be a little too rough, so think about sanding it down and giving it a fresh coat of paint or polyurethane while keeping its rustic style.

Check out these 4 DIY workbenches.