5 garden room ideas to maximise your space

A garden room instantly unlocks extra living space for you and your family – whether you need a place to stay focused and productive, or a quiet spot to relax.

Expanding your property without the steep cost of a full extension is a real benefit, but it’s worth making sure your garden room is set up to suit your lifestyle and needs. You’ll also need to check whether or not you'll need planning permission.

Read on for garden room ideas that will help you make the most of the extra space.

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1. Garden office pods

If your home office setup is cramped and uninspiring, a garden office pod might be the ideal solution.

They’re generally smaller structures, so you don’t need a large garden to accommodate one, and you likely won’t need planning permission (but it's always prudent to double-check – find out more in our guide to planning permission for garden rooms).

If you want to use it all year round, opt for a garden office pod with structural insulated panels (SIPs) and double glazing to help keep the space warm in winter and cool in summer. Just be aware that these will be more expensive to buy.

Both B&Q and Wickes stock insulated and un-insulated garden office pods that measure approximately 2.5 x 2.5m:

2. Garden room with shed

Combining garden storage with a separate area for work or relaxation can save you from building two structures, making it a more cost-effective and space-efficient solution. The storage space is accessed via a separate door, and you could use it to store bikes, a lawnmower, or your barbecue and garden furniture during the winter months. 

For example, Screwfix offers the Mercia Maine, which costs around £1,400 and is described as a contemporary summerhouse with an integrated side shed. Robert Dyas, The Range, Wickes and B&Q also have their own alternatives.

Of course, garden rooms with sheds are generally large structures, and can be expensive. If you don't have the space but do need extra storage for gardening tools, consider a standalone plastic storage box, such as the Keter Store-it-out.

If you have the budget to build a garden room with its own storage area, consider the following:

For more storage solutions, explore our expert advice on how to buy the best garden storage

3. Garden bar

A garden bar is a great way to bring that summer holiday feeling home, and will really boost your barbecues. Small garden bars are reasonably budget-friendly – we've spotted structures starting at around £200.

Note that you'll likely need to buy bar stools separately. Consider investing in some loungers or an outdoor dining set too – read our guide on how to save money on garden furniture. 

You may also wish to stock your bar with the best premium gin or best sparkling wines, and discover the fastest way to chill a beer should the sun make an unexpected appearance. 

To help inspire your garden bar setup, we've picked out a range of options to suit various budgets:

If you love to host al fresco, discover the best gas BBQs and best pizza ovens according to our tests, and browse our food and drink advice

4. Cinema and games room

Parents craving some peace and quiet might appreciate a dedicated spot for teenagers to hang out. A garden room could be a great fit – but if you’re planning to fill it with gadgets, you’ll need power, heating, and a reliable wi-fi signal.

When planning how you'll enhance the space, consider dividing the games room into different zones. You could have a sofa or bean bags for the cinema area at one end, and a pool table or snack station at the other. To help you kit it out, we've tested frozen drink makers and popcorn makers.

If you suspect it might be on the noisy side, some sound insulation could be a smart investment. You could try adding acoustic foam panels or incorporating an acoustic slat wall to help absorb sound and reduce echo. 

Just be mindful that, if you’re thinking about hosting a sleepover, or installing a loo, you’ll need planning permission – find out more in our guide to planning permission for garden rooms.

The following garden rooms could serve as your starting point if you want to build a dedicated entertainment space:

Kit out your cinema and games room with the best TVs and best home projectors

5. Home gym

A home gym offers the luxury of working out whenever you like, without having to travel or pay for a gym membership. Instead, you can invest in the equipment that you find the most enjoyable or effective.

When building your home gym, flooring is key. You'll likely want to install a non-slip surface (or mats) that reduce noise and protect the floor from heavy equipment. If you're on a budget, interlocking foam tiles, such as these Nicomnan EVA panels are an easy-to-lay option. You could also consider rubber floor tiles instead.

For a space with around 4 x 3 metres of usable floor area, you’ll likely only be able to fit one large piece of cardio equipment comfortably. If you need some assistance picking the right apparatus, see our guide to the best exercise bikes, or how to buy the best rowing machine and cross trainer.  

A wall-mounted rack is a brilliant addition to any home gym. It frees up floor space and allows you to organise weights, yoga mats and resistance bands. 

Start thinking about your home gym setup with these garden rooms:

For more advice on creating your workout space, see our guide on how to set up a home gym 

Create your garden room with a Which? Trusted Trader

Just like our well-known Best Buy logo, the Which? Trusted Trader logo is a mark of reputation and trust. It's awarded only to traders who successfully pass an assessment carried out by our trading standards professionals.

If you need help putting up your garden room, visit Which? Trusted Traders or use the search tool to find a garden room specialist near you: