Garden Playhouse Ideas: The Best Playhouse Designs & Décor Ideas for Your Kids

6x5 Shire Pixie Kids Wooden Playhouse - Click HERE to View

Garden playhouses are increasingly popular among families with young children. These playhouse designs offer versatile options for various garden sizes and aesthetic styles, from compact city gardens to sprawling countryside spaces. There are garden playhouse ideas to fit every child's playtime dream. Creative décor ideas in and around your playhouse can transform these structures into imaginative, innovative spaces for children.

Playhouses come in all shapes and sizes, from compact playhouse designs for small gardens to multi-level playhouses for imaginative play. Our playhouses make playtime fun and encourage creativity.

Garden playhouse ideas for small gardens include integrated storage and the option to use your playhouse multi-functionally. Compact designs often have a vertical element to maximise space when the width of the building is limited. Look for playhouse designs with fitted benches or shelves for storage; this ensures toys and children’s furniture have a weatherproof home.

Some garden playhouse ideas feature fold-out tables or convertible seating that can double as storage areas. These design features are perfect for play and are a practical garden storage solution. Multi-functional sheds can double as playrooms and include a cosy reading nook for older children, making the most of every inch of your outside space. These playhouse designs ensure your small garden remains tidy and enjoyable for the entire family.

Children love active play, and a multi-level playhouse can elevate playtime to ensure they get lots of exercise while stimulating their imaginations and creativity. Garden playhouse designs include features like ladders and even a climbing wall, turning regular playhouse designs into multi-functional adventure zones.

These elements help children get active, develop physical skills and appreciate outside play. Dual-level designs offer various play and relaxation areas, keeping children engaged and entertained for hours. Incorporating these features into your playhouse choice means the space becomes more than an adventure playground. It becomes a hub for outdoor activity, making the most of your garden and sharing outside space.

When we think of garden playhouse ideas, we often think of alpine lodges or traditional wooden playhouses. The classic design blends well into most domestic garden surroundings, offering a children’s playhouse design that matches the domestic garden aesthetic.

Wooden playhouses exclude timeless charm, as the natural materials are easy on the eye and blend seamlessly into the greenery. Our traditional wooden playhouse designs often include details which enhance the play space’s overall look:

• Flower boxes
• Pitched roofs
• Planters
• Shutters

Take a look at the Shire Cubby Traditional Wooden Playhouse as the perfect example of wooden playhouse design.

Playhouse décor ideas open the door to creativity. We look at how to create themed playhouses for role-play and customised colourful interiors that inspire children’s imaginations to run free.

Playhouse décor ideas, such as coffee shop kitchens, fairy castles or pirate ships (complete with the plank), are fantastic for stimulating young children's imaginations and encouraging creative roleplay:

These themed playhouses provide hours of fun and help develop social skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity. Our garden playhouse ideas offer a fantastic way for children to explore different roles and scenarios in a safe, friendly and engaging environment.

These depend on the configuration and location of your garden and what you want to use the playhouse for. We sell wooden playhouses, plastic playhouses, garden toys and metal-framed playhouses.

Wooden playhouses are popular with our customers for their durability and natural appeal. They sell faster than any other playhouses. Our wooden playhouse designs are constructed from robust dip treated wood and blend seamlessly into UK garden settings, adding a charming country touch that does not take away from your garden's aesthetic.

While we love wooden playhouses, weatherproofing is paramount to ensure longevity. Even pressure treated wood requires a little help. Regularly treating your playhouse with weatherproof paints or sealants protects against rot and warping caused by moisture. Maintenance, such as checking for damage, and applying sealants keeps the playhouse safe and looking great. With proper care, a wooden playhouse can provide years of imaginative play and become a cherished part of your garden.

Plastic playhouses feature heavily in our garden playhouse ideas. We do not sell Plastic Playhouses but, they are light and easy to assemble and are perfect for younger children, so they are in demand. The downside is that they are not customisable, which is ideal if you want to just set up and play. Plastic playhouses are affordable and do not need regular maintenance.

Wood wins over plastic for aesthetic appeal, but plastic playhouses are the way to go for quick set-up and immediate availability. They offer a practical solution for busy parents and provide a safe, fun space for kids to enjoy immediately.

Plastic playhouses benefit from sitting on a stable base; it is better to place your plastic playhouse on a stable wooden base (decking) or slabbed area so it doesn’t sink into the grass or suffer from condensation.

We do not sell metal-framed playhouses, but we do sell wooden playhouses made of solid logs. The Palmako Felix Children’s/Kids Cabin is a perfect example of a heavy-duty playhouse that is solid enough to withstand any wear and tear.

It is possible to buy a metal-framed playhouse that incorporates swings and other playground features. Metal-frame playhouses can withstand heavy-duty weather situations. However, the industrial aesthetic of these playhouses may not suit domestic garden designs.

The following playhouse and swing set are our version of the metal-framed cabin or Wendy house:

• Palmako Harry Children’s Cabin Playhouse
• Trigano Oreka Kids Swing and Slide Set

Heavy-duty playhouses do not need to be ugly or bulky; they can be original, playful, multifunctional, dual-purpose, and practical.

If you are seeking customisation, you can add all kinds of features for extra fun, including chalkboards for homework and play, sandpits for younger children, and storage for all those toys and play aids that are cluttering up your garden.

There is no need to choose a new playhouse if you have the DIY skills to upcycle or adapt your shed, which may already be in situ. You can make a den out of wooden pallets or repurpose some furniture to create your own grotto. You can also consider covering an enclosed trampoline and turning it into a temporary hideout.

You could add a decked area with beanbags or soft seating around your shed to accommodate outdoor parties, teenage get-togethers, or messy toddler tea times. Add a canopy or awning, and you have a new play space for children of all ages.

Read more about playhouses here

Great garden playhouse ideas are formed when you consider a few factors. Always consider the size of your garden. A playhouse that is too big or too small will irritate you long-term. Our playhouses range from Shire 4’x4’ Bunny Traditional Kids Playhouse to the magnificent Palmako 6’x4’ Felix. The most popular size for an average UK garden is the Shire 6'x4' Stork Kids Playhouse.

If you want a larger playroom that can double up as a teenager's den, it is worth looking at our log cabins or summer houses as a well-chosen playhouse, Wendy houses or a games room should blend un-intrusively into your outdoor space, so consider your styling carefully.

Another point worth considering is the safety features. Safety features are crucial; look for sturdy construction and treated wood to ensure durability and protection against the weather and little people's rough and tumble.

Finally, consider your budget. Bankrupting yourself for a children's playhouse is not a good idea; kids are expensive enough. We have covered all the cost options and offer exciting playhouses at the lower end of the price scale right up to blowing the budget options.

To view the entire range, click here.

Playhouses are so much fun in any garden, with so many playhouse designs to fit different gardens and budgets. Whether you want a traditional Wendy house, a multi-level creative structure or something smaller, there is one for every family. Adding a covered front porch or decorative porch railings can add to the charm and practicality of your playhouse. These playhouse ideas will inspire creativity and provide a safe and fun space for your children to enjoy all year round.

Customisation is key, so you can turn a standard playhouse into a one-off with imaginative themes, snug interiors and playful exteriors. You can upcycle materials like reclaimed wood or give your playhouse a fresh coat of paint to make it your own. With thoughtful touches like working windows, soft furnishings or a fun loft area you can create a play space that’s both functional and fun. Let these playhouse décor ideas inspire your next outdoor project and create a magical retreat your children will love.

Discover how our fun playhouse designs can transform your garden into a fun and safe space for children. Whether you need helpful tips on choosing the perfect playhouse or detailed instructions for setting up a structure with working windows and a covered front porch, Shedstore has you covered. Contact us today for expert advice on creating a charming playhouse that suits your family, budget and outdoor space.