10 Best Ideas for the Inside of Your She Shed {+ Pics & Pro Tips!}

Are you looking for ideas for your she shed? What to use it for? How to decorate the interior? Tips for creating your perfect space? Keep reading! I cover all that and more in this article!

She Shed Ideas: Inside Design Inspiration

With all the hustle and bustle in your home, it’s only natural to want to get away from it all for a little while.

Creating your own she shed is an easy way to give yourself a dedicated space outside your home to focus on your favorite projects, hobbies, and activities. Sort of like a girl version of a man cave.

Whether you’re looking to craft a stay-at-home yoga studio or a home office to enjoy working from home in peace, a she shed is the ultimate solution – a small space all to yourself.

And, creating livable spaces in a she shed don’t have to cost a lot of money.

A neglected tool or garden shed – even an old potting shed – can be easily transformed into a much-needed getaway with some creative rearranging and redecorating.

I’ve been dreaming of this myself, so I’m filing all of this away for when my she-shed dreams come true!

Evaluating The Purpose and Spatial Needs for She-Shed

The first step in designing a she-shed is figuring out how much space you have to work with.

The shape and size of your layout will help determine what furniture, decorations, and accessories you can use for your she shed, as well as what you can actually use your she-shed for.

You also want to consider the space you have in your backyard, if you need to build some kind of platform or deck and where it will fit with the rest of your summer backyard decor and furniture.

If you’re purchasing a shed instead of using your own shed, keep in mind your function (don’t worry, we’ll get to that in the next section!), as that will help you determine what type to purchase.

For example, if you know ahead of time you want to use it for your professional work assignments or as a home office, your best option might be to buy brand new rather than repurpose an old shed.

You can easily buy a prefabricated shed at Home Depot for a reasonable price, in just the right size to suit your needs.

You can also consider buying a shed kit that you build yourself (be sure you have to some DIY skills to take this on – or a willing husband! Ask me how I know! lol).

The style and size a standalone structure will depend on your preferences and budget.

A traditional shed may come with windows, have large double doors, and an array of other build options that can amp up the aesthetic value.

You should also consider if you’ll need extra space on the inside or are planning to use the shed to include some extra storage.

Or you can also use a repurposed shed that is on your property already.

If this is the case, you’ll need to assess the square feet of the existing structure to see how it can suit your purpose, which might be a little more limiting (but more budget-friendly).

But even a small unit can be transformed into something personal and amazing.

You can also repurpose a kid’s playhouse that your children have outgrown!

If you are using an existing backyard shed, clearing out the clutter in your shed is the best starting point for your she shed makeover.

While you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your shed, taking baby steps to declutter your space will get you moving in the right direction.

An old shed, even one that you’ve used as a storage shed, can still be your own retreat, giving you the personal space you need.

Top 10 Ways You Can Use the Interior of a She-Shed

If you love the idea of a she shed but aren’t sure of the specific purpose of what you’d use it for, here are the 10 top ideas that women love for this little nook off the main house.

1| Greenhouse and Gardening Shed

If you’re an avid gardener, you can use your she shed as a home base for all your gardening and outdoor projects.

It’s the perfect spot to organize garden tools, planters, seeds, and soil in the shed or install some window boxes to grow herbs and flowers.

A rustic potting table and some rustic shelves would help create the vibe for a garden room, with all kinds of vintage tools and decor.

Photo Credit: @wmdesignhouse, blog post

Photo Credit: Canva

My dad actually made a shed like this for my mom using windows that he found in the trash!

Here’s Dad’s finished product!

2| Art Studio

A she shed is the perfect place to work on art projects or artistic endeavors in peace.

Use your shed as a studio to keep your supplies together and set up easels, looms, and other equipment that often take up a lot of space.

A shed with large windows and plenty of natural light would be idea for painting as well.

Photo Credit: @fiercebirdstudio, website

Photo Credit: @aplacetogrow_slo, website

3| Home Office

If you’re trying to create an outdoor office setup that allows you to get things done, your she shed is the ideal location.

A traditional desk and chair are totally acceptable, as is substituting some cozy budget-friendly patio furniture to get your work done in style and comfort.

For office spaces, you’ll probably want to see if you can at least have electric run to the shed if you need a computer, printer, etc.

You can also really fancy this up to include a couch, coffee tables, and chairs to meet with clients, if that’s your kind of business!

Photo Credit: @lumbergypsy

Photo Credit: Cotton Stem

4| Yoga Studio/Home Gym

Looking for a space to get in a killer workout without leaving your home?

Try filling your she shed with weights and fitness equipment, or simply roll out a yoga mat to take on some new poses.

This is especially ideal for a mom with kids at home, where you don’t have to include travel time to the gym to get your workout in.

You can even invite friends to come workout with you, making it even more fun.

Photo Credit: Lowe’s

Photo Credit: Backyard Buildings and More

5| Hobby Shed

If you’re a creative, this is for you!

Whether you’re a crafter and love scrapbooking, working with a Cricut or Silhouette, making wreaths, decoupage, sewing. art projects – a she-shed dedicated as a passion project or craft room is just what you need.

A perfect space away from the distraction in the house, a place where you can store all of your supplies and spread them all out (and leave them there, without having to clear off the table to eat dinner) is a crafter’s dream.

And being that close to nature can also provide so much inspiration, too!

Whatever is your craft of preference, a she-shed of your own will certainly boost your creativity and productivity!

Photo Credit: @thejuniperseed

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: @gingerfit_89, Emberbeth Treasures Etsy Shop

6| Loungey Escape

Sometimes you just need a quiet place to escape to – an outdoor space where you can lay on a sofa, sit in a rocker with a good book, just decompress from the stress of the outside world.

You can run the gamut of style options for a lounge – a comfy couch, a reclining chair, antique furniture, a boho or shabby chic vibe.

Set it up as a personal library, fill it up with your favorite things… totally up to you!

Here, you can decorate it almost as if it’s an indoor space… cozy, comfortable – even have a friend over for a cup of coffee here.

This is an extension of your home life, yours to make create just for yourself.

Photo Credit: @obrienandmuse, website

Photo Credit: Ella Claire & Co.

7| Business Venture

Don’t rule out making a little money from your she-shed!

Lots of entrepreneurial-minded people rent out their she-sheds for special occasions.

With the right decorative items, they’re just darling to offer to photographers who are always looking for charming backdrops.

Some even rent their space for tea parties and small, cozy events on the front porch of a she-shed!

You can even consider adding a shed bar set-up!

You can also offer your own service in your shed and make it your own business venture: for example, a dance studio, a place for tutoring or music lessons, your own photography studio, a garden shop or boutique… endless ideas for the work-at-home mom.

Both have the potential to bring in a little side cash (or maybe even a lot!).

Photo Credit: @bobbincottage

Photo Credit: Canva

8| Girlfriends’ Gathering

If you’re part of any type of women’s group – a book club, a Bible study, a monthly mom meet-up, a she-shed is a great place to host it!

Almost like a grown-up version or female equivalent of a kid’s clubhouse, this little space can be a perfect place for all kinds of conversation, bonding, and growing with your tribe of friends.

Add some comfortable seating, a cozy rug, and a few side tables, and you’re all set.

Or, you can also add a dining table with chair so you can sit around the table, discuss, share, and eat.

(And if you have room for an eating table, it can also be used as extra seating for backyard dinner parties, graduation parties, showers, etc.)

Photo Credit: @bakewells_and_baskets

Photo Credit: House Beautiful

9| DIY/Furniture Restoration Workshop

If you’re a furniture restorer or take on larger DIY home projects, a she shed is a perfect place to do it.

Here, you don’t have to worry about your kids getting into your supplies, or your husband using your tools instead of his.

This is the not the fanciest or neatest of she sheds – it’s where real work happens!

But you’ll love having your own space to create and store all your favorite DIY projects.

Using a separate, outdoor space is also good idea if you’re doing any kind of painting that requires good ventilation.

It’s the ideal place to focus on your building passion projects.

Photo Credit: Country Design Style

Photo Credit: @kraftityourself2017

10| Summer Guest House/Sleepover & Campout Cabin

Yes, you can even use your she-shed as actual guest room for company!

If you have enough room, you can include a bed or a loft, a pull-out sofa, a dresser and side table. You may even have the room to make it a full-on studio with a couch, and TV.

Your guests will truly appreciate this cozy retreat while they are traveling.

If you want to mix it with a business venture, you can also level up and rent it out as an Air B&B or for glamping!

A summer house also can be a wonderful place to let the kids camp out.

Yes, it’s your she-shed, but letting the kids use it as a cute cabin for a backyard campout or sleepover with friends just might be easier for all involved and worth the sacrifice.

Photo Credit: @fancyfarmgirls

Photo Credit: @nataliecacao

Photo Credit: @lacasitacacao

How to Decorate a She Shed

Your she-shed should be a personal haven for you to get away from the stress and distractions you may encounter in the rest of your home.

With that in mind, you can decorate this sanctuary space in virtually any way you like as your own private retreat.

Make your shed a reflection of your unique tastes by incorporating your favorite things to help it stand out against the rest of your home.

Photo Credit: @belleofbramblecottage

Of course, the purpose of your she shed will largely dictate the decor, but the best thing is that this is your space! Here a few ideas:

Think about the kind of flooring you’ll need for the purpose of your she shed (this article can help!). There are a variety of floors you can put in your she shed, but your purpose (and budget) will dictate which one.

Consider more neutral decor in spaces where productivity is the focus, like stately white walls, a few elegant planters, and subdued decorative flair.

Or, opt for something a little more eclectic in your interior design if you want to stimulate your creativity.

Colorful patterned rugs, fun wall art, textured tapestries, cherished photos, and other curios help add vitality to your she shed. Even just a fresh coat of paint will make a huge different.

Antique shops are perfect to create a great space filled unique treasures. Even thrift stores and flea markets are wonderful for unique decor at a fabulous price.

For fresh and new ideas for how to decorate the inside of your she shed, be sure to check out my Pinterest Board, dedicated to she-shed inspiration!

Lighting Your She Shed

When it comes to lighting solutions for your she-shed, your access to electricity is a big factor.

If you have a few outlets you can have installed, your lighting options are virtually limitless.

Place a lamp or two in spaces where you need direct light, or establish an atmospheric mood with a hanging pendant light or fixture.

Hanging string lights is another simple and stylish option to illuminate your shed.

If you don’t have power in your she shed, you’ll have to get creative.

Natural light has been scientifically proven to offer a variety of mental and physical health benefits. Even adding one small window can give that natural outdoor feel.

It’s totally an added bonus if your shed already has windows.

Install French doors with lots of windows to allow more sunlight in, or simply keep your windows open to enhance your space with a calm, soothing glow.

You can even use repurposed old windows to replace a wall (or make the entire shed or even a glass roof!) to let it loads of light.

After dark, you can use solar-powered lamps, lanterns, and string lights to light your shed. Battery powered lamps or puck lights are also great options if you don’t have electricity.

The She Shed of Your Dreams is Totally Attainable

Designing your own space with a she shed is a great way to flex your imagination.

With the right decor and some useful furniture and accents, you can craft a layout that reflects your personality, the things you’re passionate about, as well as serve a useful function.

That’s the beauty of a shed.

Especially if you’re a busy mom, having a space of your own as well as a space to give yourself a creative outlet will do WONDERS for your headspace and emotional state as a mom.

Again, ask me how I know! lol.

And if you’re feeling guilty about any of this, I’ll just remind you that this is not selfish. A space like this can actually be a necessity sometimes.

Whether you’re seeking a workspace that lets you focus on important tasks or you just want a special place where you can relax in peace, a she shed offers everything you need.

What better place to have to have a lovely retreat than your own backyard? It truly checks off all the boxes.

I’d love to see what you come up with! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest.