Customizing a Shed
Storage sheds aren’t just for tools and lawn equipment anymore. These days they can be easily upgraded to serve as an extension of your home, including as an office and a workout area. High-end, designer storage sheds are best for this type of project and provide the best layout. They’re also easier to upgrade and run power to.
When planning your gym or shed office conversion, don’t assume that an outdoor shed can’t have a style or theme. You can use many of the same design elements that you would in any other area of your home in a shed converted to an office or gym. Below are a few ideas that can really glam up your project.
Wall Planks and Panels
A great way to dress up the interior walls of a shed and give them a more finished look is to add wall planks or panels. Installation is simple and there are a lot of stylish varieties to choose from, including reclaimed wood, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyurethane and shiplap. For more ideas, see Wall Planks and Panels FAQ, and How to Install a Shiplap Accent Wall.
Flooring
Add finished flooring to your shed to make it feel like just another room in your home. Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring, laminate flooring and carpeting are all excellent options if you’re looking for durability and easy installation. You can also add more color and visual interest to your shed interior and offset the flooring with area rugs. See How to Choose the Right Flooring for more tips.
Lighting
No office shed or gym shed is complete without beautiful lighting. Depending on the ceiling height, you can opt for flush mount lighting or recessed lighting, or even a small chandelier if space allows. A ceiling fan with a light will keep the air circulating and double as a décor piece, as many ceiling fans can be quite stylish on their own. How to Choose the Right Lights can provide more ideas.
Window Treatments
It’s amazing what a difference window treatments can make in any home office or gym. Curtains and drapes are always a classic option, but blinds and window shades can add character as well. Cellular shades are a good choice for heat efficiency. They keep the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Bamboo shades also lend an eco-friendly, natural look. For more ideas, see our Window Treatments Buying Guide.
Shed Home Office Ideas
Working from home is convenient and saves both fuel and time by eliminating a daily commute, but noise from family members can be distracting if you don’t have your own space. You can easily get the extra quiet and privacy you need to concentrate or participate in video conferencing if you use a shed as an office.
When weighing design options, you’ll need plenty of natural light for an office, so consider a shed with large windows, glass doors or French doors. Of course, you’ll also need office furniture like a desk, a file cabinet and an office chair (vinyl flooring provides the perfect platform for your office chair to roll around on). And don’t neglect the small touches. Be sure to include wall art, bookshelves and lamps if you want to use a shed for an office.
Gym Shed Ideas
Exercise equipment can take up a lot of room in your home, and limiting your workouts to times that won’t disturb other members of your household can make it a challenge to keep up with your routine. A backyard shed gym provides a designated place to burn some calories and store exercise equipment so you don’t trip over it.
Whatever type of exercise you prefer, there’s a gym shed for you. If you’re a cardio enthusiast, an elliptical, treadmill or exercise bike will be perfect for your space. (See Choose the Best Elliptical, Treadmill and Fitness Equipment for help.) If a calming private yoga studio is what you’re after, you’ll definitely need yoga mats and padded flooring. For toning up, weight training equipment is always a great investment. To stay cool and safe while working out, consider a portable air conditioner to make sure you don’t get overheated.
Other Shed Upgrade Ideas
With the right amount of creativity, you can easily transform a shed into a personal sanctuary for virtually any need. For more ideas, see 4 Stylish She Shed Looks and Build Your Own She Shed.