Creating an office space at home can be difficult, especially if you live with roommates or significant others. It can be just as difficult if you live alone in a small apartment without much space for a desk, let alone a dedicated space to get work done. Instead of trying to focus with other people around or cramming your desk into a corner, what if you could make a shed your office? Some people are doing exactly that with the “she shed” trend. Below are 16 exterior and interior she shed office ideas you can try.
What can a she shed be used for?
Think of a she shed as a “man cave” for someone who isn’t a man. It’s a space where you can enjoy some peace, quiet, relaxation, or concentration. You can use this private space as an art studio, meditation room, reading nook, a home office – the possibilities are endless. As long as your she shed feels like your own personal sanctuary, you’re doing it right.
Can I use a shed as a home office?
Turning your storage shed into a home office is a great way to work from home but also away from your home. This separate space can help you minimize the distractions that might come with working from your kitchen or bedroom. You can also design your office however you’d like – your only true limit is the size of your shed. You can even hire someone to add extra windows for more natural light or otherwise enhance your shed design.
8 interior design tips for your she shed
Here are some helpful interior design tips bound to make spending time in your she shed feel equally productive and fulfilling.
1. Pick a theme
A themed she shed unifies your experience and more deeply immerses you in your environment. A cohesive design can also make your workspace feel more organized and comfortable. Consistent colors in a clear design style can eliminate clutter, distractions, and other things you don’t want in a workspace. Choose between a rustic boho, shabby chic, or a modern glam aesthetic – it’s your shed, your way.
2. Allow for more natural light
Natural light is among the best types of light for studying or working. That’s because its color temperature is, by definition, in the “daylight” range, which is associated with focus and productivity. Plus, a standalone shed in your backyard probably gets plenty of sun, so it only makes sense to lean into natural light.
To brighten up your space with natural light, swap out your regular door for a windowed door. You could even go the extra mile and add skylights or floor-to-ceiling windows.
3. Buy furniture with storage space
Since sheds are only so big, you should make your space as multifunctional as possible. Furniture that includes storage space or built-in shelving is a great way to do so. This way, you can still fill your she shed with all your necessities without cluttering your space. Plus, eye-catching furniture can bring life and comfort to your she shed. That sort of vibrant, familiar environment can quickly put your mind at ease.
4. Create a kitchenette or mini bar
Staying in the zone at work can sometimes mean another cup of coffee or a quick snack. Instead of walking back to your house every time the urge strikes, you can create your own kitchenette in your she shed. Stock it with a coffee maker to start your day, a bar cart for happy hour, and a mini-fridge and microwave for quick lunches. You’ll have everything you need right in your cozy little abode – and that will only make it comfier.
5. Choose decor that doesn't take up space
Most sheds are on the smaller side, so huge furniture and decor pieces can make things feel claustrophobic. That includes your lighting fixtures – instead of that oversized floor lamp, try LED strips for the most compact light possible. Just peel off the adhesive backing, then stick it right onto your desk or along your ceiling edges. The soft, multicolor glow can invite you in – and keep you grounded as you hit your stride.
6. Set up a faux fireplace
Adding a faux fireplace into your shed can give it a familiar, familial appeal that can inspire creativity and comfort. It’s an easy she shed tweak too – just set up an array of electric candles to transform your ordinary shed into a cozier space. You’ll set just the right mood without taking up precious space in a small place.
6. Add ambient mood lighting
A large chandelier is always glamorous, but in a shed, it’s always too big. You’re better off setting the mood with a more compact light that works for every scenario – concentration, relaxation, creativity. The BlissRadia can set these moods and more. This desktop orb can seamlessly transition from any color on the rainbow to another and dazzle with moving patterns and gradients. You can control it from your phone for a she shed experience as seamless as it is soothing.
BlissRadia Smart LED Mood Light
$39.99
From desktop to bedside, light the way to concentration, stimulation, or relaxation.
7. Create a comfortable nook
A cozy nook is perfect for curling up with a good book after a long day of working in your she shed. Set aside a small corner of your she shed and style it with soft, plush items – fuzzy blankets, cozy pillows, a small reading chair. Then, add a bit of mood lighting with scented candles, LED strips, twinkling lights, or the BlissRadia.
8 exterior design tips for your she shed
Adding exterior decor to your she shed can make it feel like your own little house in your backyard. These eight she shed exterior design tips can point you in the right direction.
1. Add a stone path
Turn your she shed into a home away from home with a stone path that guides you to the entryway. It’s a fancy but subtle touch that can elevate your she shed and leave you feeling more excited to walk toward it each morning. Plus, it can make a great first impression if you’re welcoming friends and family into your sanctuary.
2. DIY your landscaping
You can transform a rundown old shed into an astonishing she shed all by yourself. For starters, surrounding your she shed with greenery can make it look more alive. Set up some gardens around the periphery of your she shed and plant between bright florals, tall bushes, or small trees. The more greenery you grow, the more you can bring your she shed to life.
3. Set up a bird feeder
Verdant plants, chirping birds – this soothing natural scene can be yours if you couple your landscaping with a bird feeder. Hang your bird feeder from the part of your roof that sticks out ever so slightly from the roof. Fill it with birdseed and watch as fluttering friends come by to eat. You’ll feel immersed deep in nature right from your own backyard.
4. Create an outdoor lounge
Add a small deck behind your she shed to create your own charming patio space. This space can be a great escape if you need a quick break from work – fresh air can always help you clear your mental slate. To create it, stock up on hammocks and small outdoor couches and chairs. Hire someone to lay stones or wood that make your deck official. Then, complete your outdoor lounge with twinkling lights to create a soft, elegant glow.
5. Include entrance signs
Entrance signs can personalize your she shed and give it character. These signs can be anything from your name to a silly quote above your door. To really infuse your space with a dose of personality, get crafty and create your own entrance signs with wood and paint.
6. Decorate your entryway
Adding signs to your shed is a great start, but your entryway isn’t quite complete without a bit more. A doormat with a nice message, a colorful outdoor rug, or a few planters around your entryway can elevate it into a blissful portal elsewhere. You’ll walk through the door to your office always inspired to do your best work.
7. Add outdoor lights
If you work late into the night, you’ll be walking back from your she shed to your house in the dark. It’s a short trek, but it can be dangerous without outdoor bulbs to clearly guide you back home. You can set up lanterns along your stone path or add twinkling lights up in the trees. The idea is to illuminate and decorate outside your she shed – a short walk home can be magical too.
8. Paint your shed
Maybe when you think of a shed, you think of old, brown structures – but that’s a narrow perspective. A shed can be any color, and a new coat of paint can make your shed look like you built it yesterday. You can paint a clean white base onto your shed, then add a pop of color onto the door, such as blue or red. At that point, it’s basically a mini-home – and home is truly where the heart is.
Decorate your she shed with BlissLights
A she shed should be full of color and life, starting with the outside and continuing on the inside. With BlissLights’ color-changing LED strips and mood lights, your she shed can become a glowing office space that brings out your best creativity and focus. Browse the BlissLights collection now to transform your shed into a home office, a sanctuary, and so much more.
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