Creative Uses for Your Outdoor Shed

Many homeowners look to their backyard sheds solely as a storage space to house tools, gardening instruments, old appliances and products that are no longer in use. However, a shed can be a valuable and useful piece of real estate and a creative extension of one's home if individuals take the time to fix it up.

So before hauling old boxes and clothing bags into a shed and forgetting about them, consider other ways to make it a functional space.

Home office

Working at home can be distracting when there are chores to be done or children have friends over. However, converting an outdoor shed into a quaint office space can give individuals the quiet and privacy they need to work, research, read and complete projects, according to the Seattle magazine, Sunset. Many sheds are already equipped with lights and outlets, so adding tables, filing cabinets and office decor is the only task left for workers who want to create a space that is all their own.

Children's playroom

Homeowners who lack the space to accommodate piles of toys, children's books and activity stations should consider using their shed as an outdoor playhouse. Painting the shed bright colors, hanging fun pictures, setting up a small snack bar and refrigerator and moving toys to the shed can create an exciting tree house effect for young children. This can also be a great place to host birthday parties, camping trips, play dates and children's sleepovers.

Studio

A shed can make a great space for indulging in hobbies, such as painting, sketching, jewelry-making and other activities. Because the space is detached from the house, it can bring a calming and more serene effect on homeowners and help them avoid indoor distractions. In addition to a space for hobbies, sheds can make good exercise rooms. They generally provide enough space for one or two large machines, such as treadmills, spinning bikes or elliptical, as well as enough room for a weight or yoga station.

Spare bedroom

Homeowners with a large shed may consider converting it into a small bedroom space, especially if it's already equipped with windows and outlets. This can be a good place for guests or adult children to stay when homeowners lack the indoor space.

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Photo Credit: Benjamin Chun  Creative Commons License