She Shed Ideas Offer A Feminine Backyard Escape

She shed ideas are a response to the man cave. The premise of a she shed and man cave are the same. However, the spaces are different.

She Shed

A she shed is a private sanctuary. It’s a place that offers an escape from daily life. If you’re thinking about creating your own backyard getaway, you like the she shed ideas featured here. 

What is a she shed you might ask?

It’s one of the latest home trends, the female gender-equivalent of the man cave

Erika Katie, who wrote the book on she sheds, said, “this is a place they’ve designed that is just theirs, that they can do with it whatever they want, and I think that really is a modern woman’s prerogative.”

She Shed Ideas For 2022

Here are the latest cutting edge she shed ideas handpicked by our team of professional designers.

Repurposed She Shed

Repurposed She Shed Ideas

This storage building went from boring to exhilarating. The owner cleaned it out and had insulation and drywall installed. She cut a space for a window, which a friend gave her for free.

French doors replaced the large single door. The concrete floors were painted. And rugs and furniture were added to round out the decor. 

Multipurpose She Sheds

Multipurpose She Shed Ideas

Cute as a fairy tale house, this she shed is both a gardening storage shed and playhouse for the owner’s grandchildren. It was built from a kit purchased at the Jamaica Cottage Shop in Vermont.

She Shed Interior

She Shed Ideas Inside

When it comes to she shed ideas inside, it’s all about making it your own. The exterior shell of a your she shed might look a little utilitarian, but the big difference comes when you transform the interior to your dream space.

Plant-Based She Shed Ideas

Plant-Based She Shed Ideas

We’ve said that you can convert an old potting shed into a she shed, but what if potting plants is your hobby? Take your plant-based she shed ideas and turn them into a space that is a relaxing refuge where you can commune with your greenery.

Danielle Driscoll She Sed

Cottage she shed design
The light blue accent color carries the seaside theme to the exterior.

A hobby or a place you really love can be a great theme for decorating your she shed. Here’s an example of a coastal-themed shed from the Home Depot blog. While this one is in a backyard that is near the beach, there is no rule that you can’t do the same thing in your own shed.

Beach House She Shed

Cottage she shed design
The accessories highlight the beach theme, including a potted palm, and stick to shoes of blue.

This she shed idea by blogger Danielle Driscoll is as cute on the outside as the inside. It features window boxes with plants and a chip stone patio, where she can enjoy the outdoors. This particular wooden garden shed is from a kit that can be installed for you. 

Driscoll has painted the interior totally white to serve as a bright and light background for her casual seaside decor. 

Upscale She Shed 

Cottage she shed design
The pathway is not centered to the shed and is a first-class detail.

A similar color palette was applied to this she shed by Ella Claire Inspired. She teamed up with Home Depot to build a small garden shed and transform it into her own she-shed reading haven. The clerestory windows above the front door are a  stylish touch.

Outdoor Weatherproof Curtain

Cottage she shed design
Stacked vintage suitcases used as a table add to the relaxed atmosphere.

The she shed entrance is protected by weatherproof curtains. 

Rustic She Shed Ideas 

Cottage she shed design
Even in the absence of snow, it’s a wonderful fireside retreat for all seasons.

A. she she doesn’t have to be feminine. Today, there isn’t much of a difference between feminine and masculine Some, like this Adirondack-style hot cocoa bar, are examples of a themed wooden garden shed she shed idea that is creative, selective and costs much less.

Built by the owners to serve as hang-out spot by the fire in the winter, the shed is outfitted with rough sawn pine and tree branches. Much of the charming decor is DIY and features stencils and rustic items.

Shabby Chic She Shed 

Cottage she shed design
The owner of the she shed used creativity and bargain items to make her getaway.

Somewhere in between is this little garden shed that has been transformed into a welcoming little cottage.  White walls, pale pastels colors and a shabby chic decor style combine to make an easy, relaxing setting for reading, chatting with a friend, or other activity. The front gable offers a classy touch.

Cottage she shed design
Antique plates and a vintage rocker are small touches that make the space special.

Designer Denise Sabia took a small structure and renovated it into a garden shed getaway.  This fun she shed was once a little barn garage that Sabia cleaned out and styled up as her own place to escape. 

Cottage she shed design
Everything from aprons to old chairs and a red wagon get new life in this design.

The whole vibe is eclectic, creative and upcycled. It’s chock full of inspiration for ways that a she-shed can be decorated with items from around the house or from flea markets and vintage shops.

Cottage she shed design
A couple of Adirondack chairs outside the shed extend the space available for relaxing.
Cottage she shed design
An unused twin bed can be gussied up and serve as a spot for napping or reading.
Cottage she shed design
Old drawers serve as accent shelving and string lights add nighttime charm.

French Country Farmhouse She Shed 

Cottage she shed design
The unassuming outside belies the chic and stylish interior.

Another remodel, albeit far more involved, is this converted greenhouse. The owner’s husband rebuilt an empty greenhouse with salvaged windows and recycyled materials. The plants surrounding the small garden shed are vegetables and herbs. One side of the path is  raised bed.

The interior features decoration features feminine fabrics. Flower patterns adorn the walls. An open shelving system serves as an antique glassware display. As a focal point, the chandelier provides charm and character. 

French Farmhouse She Shed

Cottage she shed design
The little portico and porch help protect the entryway in bad weather.

Many she-sheds ideas are for crafters who want to escape and spend time being creative without having to pack everything away all the time. The blogger behind Flower Patch Farmhouse built her own she shed — with her husband — which has all the storage and workspace she needs for crafting.

She Shed Interior Spaces

Cottage she shed design
The interior is custom designed for the owner with storage and multiple work surfaces.

Another crafting haven is this cute little wooden garden shed that the owner and her husband built. The outside features a deck around two sides, which has allowed her to add a covered potting table for gardening pursuits. 

She Shed Dollhouse

Cottage she shed design
This she shed packs lots of uses into a small wooden garden shed.

She Shed Ideas Inside for Organization

Cottage she shed design
Storage doesn’t have to be closed — it can showcase your materials as a decor accent.

Since crafting is one of the more popular she shed ideas, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to creating stylish organization, for your get-away space. 

Boho Chic She Shed

Cottage she shed design
Grouping items together, like the frames in the photo on the right, turns them into a decor element.

The empty frames say all there is to say about the interior decor of this she shed example. Again, these examples rely on upcycled and repurposed items to make the environment interesting as well as budget-friendly. 

She Sheds For Relaxation

Cottage she shed design
This revamped garden shed features brighter colors than the average design.

Of course, not everyone wants to get away to “work,” no matter how creative the endeavor.  Reading and relaxing are probably the top reasons for wanting a she shed. Kloter Farms has turned a standard garden shed into a personal reading space filled with books and relaxing furniture.  

Studio She Shed Ideas

Cottage she shed design
This gorgeous garden shed falls at the luxe end of the spectrum.

Not every she-shed is just a retreat for harried moms to escape. This she shed idea is actually an artist’s studio where the owner goes to be inspired and create — of course, that doesn’t mean that we don’t think it’s an absolutely fantastic and relaxing space. 

Cottage she shed design
The artful arrangement of vintage pieces makes for an atmosphere you will never want to leave.

Feminine She Shed Ideas Inside

Cottage she shed design
The bungalow style is different and exceptionally cute.

Then again, the she shed is the ultimate “mom cave” and designer Toni Roberts created a cute little bungalow for the Salt Lake Home Show in Utah, using a structure from Wright’s Shed Company. Roberts kept the decor and accents soft and feminine, focusing on a color palette that included shades of cream, pink, white and tan.

She Shed Rustic Farmhouse Interior

Cottage she shed design
The interior is a shabby chic style that sticks to a soft and neutral color palette.

Sometimes, the interior is secondary to the location of the she shed, as in this dreamy vintage retreat that is situated in the woods and right next to a pond. 

She Shed Farmhouse Design

Cottage she shed design
The rustic exterior is a perfect choice for the location as is the simple decor inside.
Cottage she shed design
The magical retreat has plenty of space for reading, writing, relaxing and contemplation.

This is definitely a big she shed idea that is beautiful and a dream come true for any gardener. Garden designer Suzanne Hudson has this all-glass garden shed  — it is almost a crime to call it a shed.  

Cottage she shed design
The high-end potting shed is dramatic but fits naturally into its surroundings.

The interior decor rightly follows a garden theme, with plenty of plants, gardening accessories, and even a grand antique birdcage.  relaxed furnishings include a daybed made from the exposed spring base of a twin bed are accented with bright pillows. 

Cottage she shed design
Upcycled and vintage items work best in this type of a structure.

One of the she shed ideas inside that really adds charm is the creative use of materials as accessories and this one has plenty of good examples. 

Cottage she shed design
This is a great spot for having a cup of tea or sketching out a new garden bed.
Cottage she shed design
Architectural elements combined with garden tools make for a unique display.

Tiny She Sheds 

Cottage she shed design
It just goes to show that you don’t need a big space or have to spend a lot of money to create a she shed.

At the opposite end of the size spectrum is this truly tiny 4 x 6-foot shed that has been converted into a space dedicated to sewing and weaving

Cottagecore She Sheds

Why take your fantasy to the next level? The following she sheds offer a cottagecore aesthetic.

Cottagecore Treehouse She Shed

Cottage she shed design
An overnight – or just a nap — in a shed like this is far better than camping.

Those lucky enough to live in or by the woods can create really special she shed like this one. Almost like a treehouse, this one is by Peter Bahouth. Photographed by Lindsay Appel, the two parts are connected with a wood and rope bridge, adding to the treehouse feeling.

Cottage she shed design
There’s something about string lights that really makes everything appealing.
Cottage she shed design
Vintage finds and a guitar for strumming are the perfect accessories.
Cottage she shed design
Building part of your shed around a tree is a great idea.

Cottagecore Rustic Farmhouse

Cottage she shed design
An imperfect brick porch works with the aged appearance of the shed.

A rustic home adheres to the cottagecore aesthetic. 

She Shed Cabins

Cottage she shed design
The look of this shed just oozes charm.

From Living Vintage, this structure is an old-style farmhouse retreat. Made with distressed wood to the porch, complete with creeping vine and rocking chairs. 

She Shed Vaulted Ceiling

Cottage she shed design
The brick floor is easy care and durable, no matter how you use the shed.

A-frame homes aren’t the only outdoor structures that have vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. With such a rustic exterior, the interior has to match. 

Cottage she shed design
This shed has enough space for multiple purposes.

Gardening She Shed Ideas

Cottage she shed design
The park-like setting of this backyard is ideal for the glass potting shed.

Rustic charm characterizes this glass potting shed, but in a different way. It looks elegant more than rustic thanks to all the glass, especially the two marvelous windows on the front. The purpose and the appearance fit very well with the spacious backyard surroundings, which are well cared for and relaxing.

She Shed Arbor

Cottage she shed design
The exterior of the she shed includes a sitting area.

This she shed takes its cue from arbor designs. The interior of the chic potting shed includes all the tools a gardener needs as well as a really special feature. 

Cottage she shed design
We love the worn and distressed finish on the back wall and window frame.
Cottage she shed design
Simple garden tools well organized add to the decor.

Upscale Artist She Shed Ideas

Cottage she shed design
The lines of the shed are clean and basic with an interior that is smartly finished.

Sometimes the simplest things are the most complex, as is this little wooden garden shed. It might look basic but it is actually far from it. Chock full of impressive details, this she shed serves as a painting studio for artist Rachel Roe.

According to St. Louis magazine, the little space features a loft, floors made from reclaimed 100-year-old wood beams, a terra cotta chimney, as well as front and side porches. 

Cottage she shed design
Minimal furnishings with maximum utility are the name of the game.

Painting is not the only kind of studio you can have in a she shed. Jewelry designer Tippy Stockton has her workshop in a she shed. 

The outside is a basic tan color, accented with turquoise and a bright brick red. A paving stone walkway and a few plants and accessories add a dose of extra charm.

Cottage she shed design
This small garden shed is extra cute.

The interior is dominated by the turquoise walls, nicely accented by the white shelving and trim. There’s plenty of storage and a very organized workspace. This is key for a relaxing she shed that is used for crafting because there’s nothing more stressful than wasting time searching for items and dealing with a messy space.

Cottage she shed design
This craft-centered space includes just enough accessories to make the space comfortable and stylish.

Whimsical She Sheds

For those who like to think outside of the box, here are a few examples that push the design limits of she sheds.

She Shed Gable

Cottage she shed design
This shed is simply placed in the yard without extra landscaping or frills.

This wooden garden shed has been transformed for no other purpose than having fun. The little barn, made from a kit available from Home Depot, is about as cute as they come. While the outside sports a blue exterior with green trim, the interior is done in a patriotic theme. 

Cottage she shed design
A farm-style fire pit and wood stash add to the charm of this garden shed.

The interior includes a loft with a mattress for napping. The unfinished walls make it easy-care and inexpensive. The decor is rustic and follows the patriotic theme set by the American flag on the back wall. 

Cottage she shed design
There’s enough storage space to stash anything you might need like hats, sunscreen or blankets for a chilly night by the fire.

People who don’t live in an open space can still make the most of a she shed by transforming any basic little shed into a special space. 

Traditional Home Design

Cottage she shed design

The red doors and black shutters, combined with the interesting roof line draw you in and make you want to come inside. Double doors are popular with she sheds.

Cottage she shed design
The well-manicured gardens make this wooden garden shed more appealing.

Ultimately, a she shed is also about reflecting a woman’s style. If you like purple, go for it, like this chic garden blogger’s shed does. It’s plush and stylish on the inside and the purple color is a perfect match for the tree when it’s in bloom like this. 

Cottage she shed design
This is stylish and refined on the inside, but fits with the country setting on the outside.

A fantastic, vintage garden she shed like this one, found outside of London, makes the most of its green surroundings with plenty of glass. 

Cottage she shed design
Vintage accents like the bench and wheelbarrow planter match the structure.
Cottage she shed design
Little details like the pennants in the window catch the eye.
Cottage she shed design
More plants, all the tools needed, and a display of accessories round out the look.

As you can see from all these inspiring examples, she shed ideas can be as fancy, rustic, casual, or glitzy as your heart desires. When designing and planning your space, it doesn’t have to please anyone but you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is a she shed an actual shed?

She sheds started out as garden or outdoor storage sheds that were repurposed for women to use as a studio or separate space for hobbies, reading or just private time away from the house. That said, they don’t have to start with an actual shed. 

What exactly is a she shed?

The most basic explanation is that a she shed is a woman’s version of the man cave. In today’s homes, the basement or other spare space has been dedicated as a place where the guys in the house can gather with their friends to hang out, watch sports, play cards – whatever they want to do. 

What does a she shed cost?

The cheapest route would require $600 if you built the she shed yourself. Starting with a shed kit from a home supply store is a typical route and these start from about $1500 and go up from there. It will also depend on how many frills and details you want in your she shed and if you need any specialized storage or furnishings. The mid-range prices go up as high as $8,000.

What are she sheds used for?

The beauty of she sheds is that they can be used for anything. She shed ideas are usually planned with a purpose: to escape for quiet reading or writing time, to provide a place to pursue a hobby, or just to hang out and have tea with a friend.

Does a she shed add value to a home?

The answer to this is yes…and no. Most real estate professionals agree that a she shed can increase the marketability of your home if it is attractive and functional. Of course, the added benefit to your home is simply because a shed – any shed – offers extra storage space.