What is a She Shed?

You’ve heard of a man cave, no doubt. Now welcome the ‘she shed’ – the feminine alternative to the male version of a garden building (or should we say retreat) that women can enjoy.

Make no mistake – this is a rising trend and one that has inspired women all over the country. Could you take the opportunity to do something with a shed that makes it entirely your own?

Which garden buildings can be transformed into she sheds?

If you already have a shed that needs some TLC, this could be the ideal project to tackle. On the other hand, why not invest in a new one you can put your stamp on right from the start?

See how much room you have for a garden building before you make your choice. If you are going to opt for a shed, a wooden one is probably your best bet. It can be personalised far more easily than a plastic or metal shed, especially if you want to paint or stain the exterior (we’ll talk more about that in a moment).

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit special that really feels like a secret haven, a summer house could provide the solution. The Chelsea 7’ by 7’ corner summer house from Adley is a good example. It’s cosy and yet still has plenty of light flooding in thanks to the long windows built into the design.

Of course, if space doesn’t give you any restrictions, a log cabin or garden room might be the perfect option for a she shed with more space on offer. If you plan on sharing it with your friends, you should definitely consider one.

Ideas for transforming the exterior of your she shed

If you want a natural retreat to go to, think about the wood stains you can get to protect your she shed and ensure it looks the part. Soften it up with flowers too – think window boxes, plant pots and assorted other containers to plant up outside it. Why not add trellis to the side of your shed to grow roses or some other climbing plants too? Soon, you’ll only have a hint of a door that leads into your own haven.

On the other hand, if you want to be proud of your shed and show it to the world, you can get creative with external décor. Crack open a paint tin and choose whatever colour best fits your mood. Bright pink? Pure white? A subtler pale green? The choice is yours.

Ideas for transforming the interior of your she shed

The sky is the limit here, and it very much depends on your own likes and desires as to what you do with it. For some women, a minimalist haven is the ideal space to escape to. In contrast, you might have a dream of a small cottage, both inside and out, with lace curtains, soft furnishings and a real feeling of cosiness.

The great thing is you can be inspired in lots of different ways. Searching online for she sheds turns up all kinds of results that show what other women have done in the past. The main thing is to think about what you want to do with yours, and then create some plans on how to make it happen.

For example, you may want to make it a practical space. You might write, or paint or tackle arts and crafts projects in there. On the other hand, you may simply want an armchair and a bookshelf packed with your favourite books. A she shed is often a space to escape to and relax in, and this is your chance to turn it into exactly what you want it to be.

Size will have a bearing on how you approach the interior design of your she shed, but even the smallest garden building needn’t prevent you from creating just the look you want. Don’t be afraid to paint the interior of your shed, or to add bookshelves, furniture and other options if you wish.

Share your projects with us today!

We’ve heard from many customers who have created man caves in their gardens. Now we want to hear from you too. Have you already created a she shed you absolutely love? What did you do to create it? Are you creating one now?

Whatever the situation might be, make sure you let us know about it! Which shed, summer house or log cabin did you buy, and what does it look like now? Take some photos and send them along to us with your story. We’ll add the best ones to our website. You never know – you could end up inspiring other women to take control of their own she shed as well!