The beauty of looking into new garden shelter ideas is that you can quickly and easily find a whole host of new sparks of inspiration to fit any budget. Look through our list of best garden shelters and you will be able to create a comfortable and functional garden space that is all about taking it easy outside. All you need to do then is find the best idea for your space and run with it!
So why not embark on a garden shelter project and explore our ideas, including tailored garden buildings and structures such as gazebos, pergolas and multi-functional rooms.
What are garden shelters?
All our garden shelter ideas are focused on giving you a contemporary shelter in the garden that allows you to get out of the sunshine. With the unpredictable British weather, all the best garden shelters are robust, stylish and designed to add an extra element of comfort from the moment you sit underneath them. This is ideal when you want to be able to get even more out of your outdoor space than ever before.
What are the best garden shelters for your outdoor space?
The list of Shedstore garden shelter ideas you are about to read combines functionality, style and robust build quality. This is what makes them the best of the best, all so you can shop with the peace of mind that makes the difference.
Gazebos
No list of the best garden shelters would be complete without a few words on gazebos, so that is where we are going to start! They are a lighter, breezier way to get shelter in the garden than our log cabins and dip-treated sheds, and they are perfect for the summer months.
Picture a tent with the walls removed and you will be heading in the right direction. They come in pop-up fabric, traditional wood and more contemporary metal varieties. This is ideal when you want to be able to hit the mark and find something that integrates smoothly with the overall style of your garden. Gazebos also enhance al fresco dining by creating a luxurious and protected space for outdoor eating.
Picking the right wooden gazebo is all about measuring up, making sure you have space on every side, and then choosing whether you want a permanent or collapsable style.
Pergolas
Pergolas are cheap garden shelter ideas have all the countryside charm of one of our wooden tower playhouses, but with the comfort and sophistication that the adults will genuinely appreciate. Pergolas serve as an attractive focal point, enhancing outdoor spaces by adding structure and visual appeal.
A pergola is a wooden frame with slats that form a roof, all so the sunshine can flow through but with the edge taken off. Some love the traditional style of wood while others opt for something a little more contemporary with expertly finished aluminium. Pergolas are also excellent for creating natural shade on sunny days, especially in gardens lacking shade from trees or tall plants.
One of the real plus points of a pergola is it offers a truly flexible approach to decoration. You can run lights on them, put a patio heater underneath, and even train climbing plants to add a little natural style to the garden’s latest addition.
Garden sheds
Next on our tour of the best garden shelters and cheap garden shelter ideas that always look the part are garden sheds. If you want something that goes alongside your choice from our range of mini greenhouses and small greenhouses, a wooden shed from our range is the way to go. Not only is it the perfect place to exercise those green fingers, but it will also allow you to keep the rest of your space neat and tidy. Additionally, garden sheds can be transformed into an outdoor kitchen, providing a defined cooking area that enhances your garden space and caters to outdoor dining experiences year-round.
You can use them to quickly and easily add some custom flair by decorating with a few vintage wooden or metal signs, outdoor lights and a lick of paint. Alternatively, you might want to really focus on custom storage with flexible racking and shelving systems that allow you to really maximise the space inside. No matter which way you go, make sure to ask about our white glove service which can help with the assembly of many of our models.
Other garden shelter ideas
Our best garden shelters also extend to some of the more weird and wonderful pieces so that you can quickly and easily add some real style to your space. This is perfect when you want to be able to make a house a home.
Awnings and canopies
The best garden shelters offer shelter in the garden that is flexible enough to cope with a wide array of weather conditions. Imagine matching the lines of your new set of fence posts to the supporting structure of an awning or canopy and you will be able to get shade and protection from the sunshine while also adding some real style.
Opting for a retractable awning will help you get the most out of your patio space, while a fixed awning is better suited when you want shade further away from the house. A patio awning provides excellent shade and shelter, enhancing outdoor enjoyment year-round.
Arbours and arches
If you have had your eye caught by one of our garden offices and want some garden shelter ideas that are perfect for your lunch break, you have come to the right place.
Arbours and arches can be used to break up a pathway or lawn area in the garden and are particularly well-suited when you want to train climbers. Combine them with a garden bench and you can enjoy some shade on your lunch break with ease. Creating a dedicated seating area in your garden enhances relaxation by providing a comfortable space to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Living shelters
The best garden shelters are the ones that quite literally come to life from the moment they arrive. Top of our list of cheap garden shelter ideas are living plants and greenery that serve natural shelters, namely hedges and green tunnels.
Not only do they create something with an attractive secondary use, but they also bring plenty of wildlife back into the garden. Ideal when you want to enjoy your morning coffee alongside the birds and their singing. Additionally, living shelters can enhance outdoor spaces by allowing natural light to flood in, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Portable shelters
The best garden shelters may be small summer houses if you ask the little ones, but the adults amongst you prefer something a little more spacious. Pop-up tents and gazebos are ideal when you want a temporary touch of shade that is quick and easy to make use of in time for a garden party.
Choosing a rip-resistant fabric or weatherproof material will ensure that sudden showers or gusts of wind do not cause havoc. You will also want to pay attention to the lawn anchoring, taking care to insert lawn pegs at a 45-degree angle for the most secure fit.
How to add comfort to a shelter in the garden
The best garden shelters invite you to come on in and put your feet up without a moment of hesitation. To make it happen, we have taken a closer look at how you can add real comfort to your shelter with the minimum of effort. Creating shaded areas to protect from the sun's rays is essential for ensuring a comfortable and relaxing outdoor retreat.
Furnishing your garden shelter
Shopping for comfortable and weather-resistant garden furniture will help you get your shelter off to the right start. Painted metal or treated wood is the name of the game here, which is why our range is full of options that fit into either category.
Arranging your furniture to maximise space in your outside space will add real comfort and make you feel like you can easily flow in and out of your space. Think about how you want the breeze to circulate and then leave large enough walkways so that you and your guests can follow the same path. This is a guaranteed way to make sure things do not feel too crowded.
Adding cushions, throws and outdoor rugs for a cosy feel is another bright idea that is surely worth a closer look. Calming beiges and faded pastels will go well with the luscious green of the garden and the clear blue sky you will be hoping to see overhead.
Adding lighting and heating
Our garden shelter ideas also cover lighting and heating so that you can get more use from your space as things move into the late evening. Heating any shelter in the garden is about choosing an electric heating element or an open fire, depending on what you feel comfortable with. Making sure to have adequate ventilation for an open fire is essential for safety reasons.
When it comes to lighting, how about keeping it simple with fairy lights and lanterns? By having everything activated with the push of a button, you can quickly and easily set the tone for an approach that will allow you to switch over to evening with ease. Adding proper lighting and heating ensures that your garden shelter can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile space for any season.
Personalising your garden shelter
Last but by no means least on our list of the best garden shelters and cheap garden shelter ideas comes the creative world of personalisation. You could go in a rustic direction with throwback metal signage and deliberately scuffed paint so that nothing looks pristine. Or if you want things to be a little more bohemian, fairy lights and a beautiful selection of annuals are the way to do it.
The key point here is that no matter how you want to tie everything together, you can quickly and easily set the tone in a way that will make you smile. Take your time to put your own stamp on things and you will find that your vision comes to life before your eyes so much faster than you might think. Creating personalised spaces for outdoor dining and relaxation can enhance your garden experience even further.
Conclusion
Is it possible to find refuge in your outdoor space? Well, we think so, and nature can help! We began by providing a definition for a garden shelter and discussed some of the best options in a gazebo, pergola or a garden shed. More tips for outdoor shelter ideas included awnings & canopies, arbours & arches, living shelters (which add visual interest with climbing plants (like climbing roses, wisteria, and hydrangeas, etc.)) and portable shelters.
Create extra comfort with furniture and add-ons such as cushions, throws and outdoor rugs. Focus on your outdoor seating area and entertaining space, which could equally be a perfect spot to hide from the rain and shield from the summer sun. A little light and heat is essential too in your dining area room, to complete your garden shelter.
Contact us
We hope you enjoyed our review of garden shelter ideas. If you need further information about shelter in the garden, why not contact us in the following ways:
- By phone – 0333 003 0518
- By email – complete our simple contact form to send us structured emails
- Live Chat – message us in real-time via our Live Chat app using the orange button