Garden rooms are fast becoming a popular way for homeowners to expand their living space without the hassle of a full home extension.
From homes offices to wellness retreats and more flexible space to enjoy the garden more, these versatile structures offer a range of possibilities. So what exactly are good uses of a garden room?
12 garden room ideas
A garden room can add true benefits to your home and become a place you love to visit.
We’ll take you through 12 creative and inspiring garden room ideas, as well as a few expert tips on how to make the most of each functional space.
1. Home office
Using a garden room as a home office is one of the most common and practical options. It offers a quiet, distraction-free environment, allowing you to separate work from home life.
With the right design, such as good furniture, proper lighting and a good office Wifi connection, you can create a space a garden office that boosts productivity and well-being.
Adding insulation makes sure you can use the space across the whole year and not just when the weather is good – something you can’t rely on in the UK! Check out these further insulated garden office benefits.
Design tips:
- Install ergonomic furniture to promote comfort and productivity
- Get the lighting right with a combination of natural and artificial sources
- Add insulation for year-round comfort and energy efficiency
- Include storage space to keep your workspace organised
2. Guest accommodation
Do you have regular visitors? Maybe you’ve got family abroad?
Transforming your garden room into a guest bedroom is an excellent way to offer visitors a private and comfortable space. With some thoughtful design elements, such as a foldable bed or built-in storage, you can make a small space functional without sacrificing comfort.
Adding insulation, heating and electricity will make it suitable for guests in any season. Check out our post on insulated vs non insulated garden rooms.
Design tips:
- Go for multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed
- Include built-in storage to maximise space
- Add insulation, heating and proper ventilation for year-round comfort
- Consider installing a small en-suite bathroom for added convenience
3. Creative studio
A garden room can serve as an inspiring creative studio for artists, writers, musicians and more!
With plenty of natural light and a peaceful setting, it’s the perfect place to get creative and let your brain do its thing.
You can even soundproof the room for musical activities or equip it with custom storage for art supplies, making it a productive, inspiring workspace.
Design tips:
- Maximize natural light and inspiration with large windows or skylights
- Install adjustable lighting for different times of day and projects
- Consider soundproofing for music practice or recording
- Include good storage solutions for art supplies or instruments
4. Relaxation space
If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a garden room designed for full relaxation can be the perfect answer.
Fill it with comfortable furniture, soft lighting and calming decor to create a sanctuary where you can unwind after a busy day. Whether it’s for meditation, reading or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, an insulated garden room offers comfort in every season, giving you a tranquil getaway right outside your door – it’s one of our favourite garden room ideas.
Design tips:
- Choose calming colours and natural materials for a soothing atmosphere
- Include comfortable seating and/or floor cushions
- Add soft lighting options such as dimmable lamps or string lights
5. Fitness area
Turning your garden room into a fitness area is a great way to stay active at home.
With space for yoga, cardio equipment or lifting weights, you can create a dedicated workout zone just for you.
You can even add mirrors, non-slip flooring and proper ventilation for a safe and effective exercise space. A garden gym allows for privacy and convenience, helping you stay on track with your fitness goals without leaving home.
Why not pair it with an outdoor sauna room or ice bath for the full health experience?
Design tips:
- Install mirrors to check form and make the space feel larger
- Use durable, non-slip flooring suitable for various exercises – thick matting may be needed for weights
- Ensure good ventilation with windows or a small HVAC system
- Adequate storage for exercise equipment and accessories – put your weights back!
6. Bar and entertainment space
Ever dreamed of having your own bar? A garden room can easily become your favourite bar or entertainment space that’s perfect for hosting friends or family!
With cosy seating, a minibar and good lighting, your garden room will be transformed into an inviting space for social gatherings. You could even include a sound system, making it a versatile hub for fun and relaxation. This is a brilliant idea for a garden room!
Design tips:
- Install a small bar area with a mini-fridge and storage for glasses
- Include comfortable seating options
- Use your favourite holiday places for interior design inspiration
- Consider a sound system
7. Home cinema
Transform your garden room into a home cinema for the ultimate movie night experience. With a projector, surround sound and blackout curtains, you can enjoy a cinema-like atmosphere in your garden.
Add comfortable seating like recliners or bean bags, and you’ll have a dedicated space to relax and enjoy your favourite films. Insulation will help keep the room quiet and cosy so you can use the space all year round.
Design tips:
- Blackout curtains or blinds to control light
- Add soundproofing
- Include reclining chairs for comfort
8. Games room
For those who love gaming, pool or darts, turning your garden room into a games room is an exciting option.
Whether it’s for a pool table, board games or video gaming setup, a garden room can accommodate various entertainment needs that’s separate from the main house.
Design tips:
- Include proper lighting for different gaming needs
- Add built-in storage for board games, video games or equipment
- Consider different types of seating and a mini-fridge
9. Playroom for the kids
A garden room makes an excellent playroom for kids, giving them their own dedicated space to play and store toys.
Childproofing the area and adding playful decor, such as colourful furniture or a chalkboard wall, can create a fun environment where they can let their imaginations run wild.
It might not be for your exactly, but a garden playroom helps keep the main house clutter-free (as far as that is possible!) while providing a safe, enjoyable space for children to explore.
Design tips:
- Use bright, engaging colours and playful decor
- Install soft flooring or play mats for safety
- Include plenty of storage for toys and craft supplies
10. Hobby room
If you have a hobby that requires its own space – such as crafting, sewing or woodworking – turning your garden room into a hobby area can be ideal.
A garden room gives you the space to spread out and store your tools and materials without interruptions. Add shelves or drawers for easy organisation and a large worktable to make it a functional area where you can enjoy your favourite pastimes in peace.
Design tips:
- Install task lighting for detailed work
- Include a large work surface or adjustable tables
- Add plenty of storage options for materials and tools
11. Wellness and spa room retreat
A wellness or spa garden room is a perfect way to create a calming space dedicated to relaxation and self-care – we love the thought of this idea!
With soft lighting and calming colours, you can design a space focused on well-being. Adding insulation and proper ventilation ensures the room is comfortable for use throughout the year. You can add elements like yoga mats, meditation cushions or even a sauna space for a true retreat experience.
Design tips:
- Use calming colours and natural materials
- Install a small sauna, hot tub or ice plunge pool for ultimate relaxation retreat experience
- Include storage for yoga mats, towels and wellness equipment
- Add a sound system for soothing music or guided meditations
12. Reading room
Creating a home library or reading room in your garden room for a quiet escape is a fantastic idea.
This dedicated space allows you to organise and display your book collection while providing a peaceful retreat for reading. With comfortable seating, good lighting, soundproofing and some indoor plants, you can create the perfect environment for losing yourself in a good book, away from the distractions of the main house.
Design tips:
- Install floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for maximum storage
- Include comfortable seating like a cosy armchair or a window seat
- Add a small desk or writing nook for note-taking or writing
- Incorporate a small coffee or tea station for a complete reading experience
How much does an insulated garden room cost?
The cost of an insulated garden room can vary depending on its size, materials used and the customisation you require. On average, prices start around £10,000-£15,000 and can go up to £30,000 or more for larger, bespoke garden rooms.
The cost increases if you’re adding features like electricity, plumbing or extra materials. For example, using the room as a home office may require additional wiring and Wifi technology, while a gym might need reinforced flooring if you’re using weights.
See our detailed post on garden room costs for more information.
Do you need planning permission for a garden room?
In most cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won’t need planning permission if certain conditions are met. These include height restrictions (usually no more than 2.5 metres high for a structure close to the boundary) and limits on the overall size of the room.
However, if you plan to use the garden room as a permanent residence or attach it to your home, planning permission may be required. Always check with your local authority to be sure.
Learn more in our guide to garden room planning permission.
Next steps for your garden room
Has that list got the garden room ideas flowing? We love these spaces and there’s so much use for them!
So, how do you turn these ideas into reality? First of all, take a look at our garden room gallery to see examples of our previous projects. This can help you visualise the potential of your own garden room and spark ideas for your design.
You can also learn about our process of working and why you might choose Lux for your garden room. We include our standard design features to make sure all of our builds are to the highest quality but we can tailor any space for your exact needs.
Get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team of experts will be happy to discuss your ideas, answer any questions and provide a customised estimate for your garden room project.
FAQs
Can a garden room be used year-round?
Yes, an insulated garden room can be used all year round, as it provides temperature control, keeping the room warm in winter and cool in summer. Non-insulated rooms may only be comfortable in milder weather. Learn more on insulated vs non-insulated garden rooms.
Do garden rooms add value to a property?
Yes, garden rooms can add value to your home, especially if they are well-built, insulated and serve a functional purpose. It’s thought they can add 5-10% to the value.
Can I use a garden room as a home office?
Absolutely, it’s one of the main garden room ideas! Garden offices are great as they offer a quiet, dedicated space for work that is separate from the distractions of home life. They can be insulated, wired for electricity, set up with Wifi and designed for maximum productivity. Read more on the benefits of a garden office.
How long does it take to build a garden room?
The timeline for building a garden room can vary depending on the complexity of the project. On average, construction can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size, design and any additional features like plumbing or electricity. Here at Lux, our process makes in an average of 3 weeks from start to finish of the build.
Can I turn my garden room into a gym or fitness space?
Yes, garden rooms are perfect for use as a home gym. With proper ventilation, reinforced flooring and space for equipment, you can create a functional and private workout space.