Many people first buy a backyard shed to organize tools and store other miscellaneous items, but over time, it becomes a storage space holding a bunch of clutter and cobwebs. Rather than ignoring the shed (and its mess) until it’s time to move out of your home, consider converting your shed into a personal getaway space, such as your home office, a game room, a man cave, or a she-shed! Or start from scratch and order a custom shed from Better Built Barns, so you can fully customize, design, and build the shed of your dreams.

Climate Control Your Shed

If you plan to spend a lot of time in your converted shed, you’ll want it to be as comfortable as possible. To withstand hot summers and cold winters, you’ll want to insulate your shed with either loose fill, rolls, or rigid boards. Depending on your budget and how extreme your summers and winters are, you may opt for one insulation form over the other.

Another way to create climate control in your shed is by installing an HVAC unit to heat or cool the space as you wish. For those with a lower budget, you might want to consider a window-unit, a portable AC unit, or even a ceiling fan. If you have some room to spare on costs, consider a ductless mini split system. Though it can be pricey up front, a ductless mini split system is an extremely energy efficient AC and heater, which could end up saving you money in the long run.

Upgrade Shed Lighting

Depending on what you’ll be using your converted shed for, you’ll want to make sure the lighting creates the perfect ambience. If you’ll be using this space for your home office, and there’s not enough natural light, you’ll want to create as much artificial lighting as possible. A lampshade can diffuse harsh lighting while still illuminating much of the room. If you want to use your shed as a zen space, to wind down and relax, you may consider installing several windows, on every wall and on the ceiling, to let in natural light. For night time, it could be ideal to have dimmable track lights, so you can always change the ambience depending on your mood.

Add Comfortable Furniture

Although the brand new leather couch with reclining seats might look like the modern upgrade you need to spruce up your shed, sometimes a second-hand fabric sofa with a pile of throw blankets is what you need to create a comfortable, livable space. Sheds don’t come with much room, so be sure to choose furniture pieces that coordinate well together and don’t take up much floor space. Keep in mind that lighter shades and cooler tones tend to open up a space more.

It’s also a good idea to use shelves and look for furniture pieces that can double up as one, such as a sofa-bed, a storage bench, or a table that folds up flat against the wall when not in use. Choose furniture that fits the space, and you’ll feel as if you’re living large.

Add Plants and Decoration

Adding a little greenery to your space could be the finishing touch you need to turn your shed into a private oasis. Plants not only liven up a space, but they can also help boost your mood, increase productivity, clean indoor air, and reduce signs of stress and fatigue. If your shed is by a garden, you should consider planting a vine outside your shed, so it can climb up the walls and roof of your shed to look like a cottage in a fairytale. For indoor plants, consider lower-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or potted ferns so you don’t have to worry about watering them or adjusting the temperature or lighting everyday.

Don’t leave your walls bare either. Add one or two wall-hanging pieces in the shed to make it feel like home. Hang up a tapestry, a painting, or place a couple large crystals in the corners of the room. Go light and go big on decorations — adding several small pieces could make your shed feel cluttered.

Add an Awning for Shade

For summer days, you may want to consider installing a retractable awning on the side of your shed. Place a few outdoor chairs and a patio table underneath the shade, so you and your guests can enjoy a refreshing pitcher of lemonade outside. You can also use this space for a quick lunch break during the work day.

Better Built Barns wants to help you fulfill your backyard dreams with a custom shed you can be proud of. Our sheds are fully customizable with the ability to add on accessories such as skylights or full glass doors, so that your shed includes all the features you need. You can even use our 3D Shed Builder to create a virtual configuration of your dream shed!

We offer flexible terms, fast approval, and low fixed rates. Plus, we offer 100% financing so you can get the building of your dreams without breaking the bank. And, for added peace of mind, our barns come with a 10-year warranty. To get started on building your relaxing getaway space, contact Better Built Barns today!

Have questions, we encourage you to speak with our team today, call us at 1-800-941-2417 (Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm).