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She Sheds: A Complete Guide

Jared Reiff - July 18, 2023

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In the world of busy schedules and hectic life, many women can find themselves with little time to do what they actually enjoy. Even if they can carve out a bit of time in their schedules, it’s hard to actually find a place to get away for some peace and quiet. She sheds are an answer to this problem. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a she-shed is, some great ideas for creating a she-shed, and answer some questions you may have about she sheds.

Contents

What is a She Shed?

A she shed is a small outbuilding, typically located in a backyard, that serves as a retreat and sanctuary exclusively for women. It provides a dedicated space where they can enjoy activities that bring them joy, peace, and rejuvenation. A she shed is a versatile space that can be customized to suit individual preferences and interests. In many ways, a she shed is similar to a man cave, only it’s intended for women. Often, she sheds are created by taking a standard storage shed and finishing out the interior with drywall, paint, decor, and lighting. 

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Top 5 Ways to Use a She Shed

If you’re looking for some ideas for a she shed, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few popular ways to use a she shed. Keep in mind that a she shed can reflect any interest or hobby you’re into, so feel free to dream!

1. Gardening Haven

Many women find gardening to be a great way to destress, and a she shed can serve as the perfect gardening haven. It can house gardening tools, supplies, and a potting bench, allowing you to nurture plants, create beautiful landscapes, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. You could even create a lounge area to enjoy your beautiful plants.

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2. Creative Studio or Hobby Area

 For women who love to create, a she shed can be transformed into a creative studio or hobby area. Whether it’s painting, crafting, sewing, or any other artistic pursuit, the she shed provides a dedicated space where women can let their creativity flourish. Add in some inspiring decor and great lighting, and a she shed is just the environment to let creativity thrive.

3. Reading Nook

She shed can become a tranquil reading nook, offering an escape into the world of literature. Comfortable seating, shelves filled with books, and cozy lighting can create a serene atmosphere where women can immerse themselves in their favorite stories.

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4.Home Office

With the rise of remote work and entrepreneurship, having a home office is becoming increasingly important. She sheds can be transformed into a functional and inspiring workspace, providing a quiet, distraction-free environment to focus on professional pursuits. 

5. Home Gym  

Having trouble sticking with a workout routine? The effort it takes to simply go to the gym is enough to keep many of us from a consistent workout habit. To solve this problem, a she shed can be made into a home gym, allowing you to engage in workouts in a private and dedicated space. Add some speakers and some motivational posters, and you’ll soon be looking forward to your daily workout session. Still not convinced? Here are 10 great reasons to own a home gym. 

she shed gym

Top 5 She Shed Design Ideas

1. Modern and Minimalist

Clean lines, sleek furniture, and a neutral color palette characterize the modern and minimalist she shed design. This style focuses on simplicity and functionality, creating a peaceful and uncluttered space for relaxation.

2. Garden Theme

Embracing the beauty of nature, a garden-themed she shed incorporates floral patterns, vibrant colors, and natural elements. It brings the outdoors inside, creating a space that is stress-free and promotes relaxation.

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4. Rustic Theme

A rustic-themed she shed embraces the charm of vintage elements and natural materials. Exposed wood beams, distressed furniture, and warm earth tones create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.

3. Beachside Getaway

Love the beach but don’t live anywhere near the ocean? Transform your she shed into a beach-inspired oasis, inspiring the calm and soothing ambiance of the seaside. Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and nautical accents create a coastal retreat where you can unwind and recharge. 

 

beach she shed

5. Farmhouse Style

This popular design aesthetic emphasizes comfort and simplicity. Utilizing reclaimed wood, vintage accessories, and cozy textiles, this design evokes a sense of rustic charm and warmth. 

Combining this style with a more modern theme is also very popular. With this combination, you get the warmth of the traditional farmhouse design and the minimalism of the modern theme. It’s the perfect design style for she sheds. 

For more great design theme ideas, check out this article on she shed style themes.

farmhouse she shed

5 Things Your She Shed Needs to be Great

Choosing a use and a theme for your she shed is only part of the process. After you make these decisions, it’s important to spend some time on the details. Here are a few things that could elevate your she shed from good to great. 

1. Natural Light and Color

If you’re buying a new shed to make into a she shed, make sure you prioritize natural lighting if that fits into your design aesthetic. This could come in the form of extra windows, a roof dormer, or a skylight. If you’d like to design a shed with lots of windows, check out our 3D Builder tool.

Choosing a great color scheme is also an important step in the design process. A lighter-colored paint scheme goes a long way in creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. 

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2. Comfortable Furniture

Invest in comfortable seating options like plush chairs, cozy sofas, or even a hammock. Select furniture pieces that align with your she shed’s intended purpose, ensuring comfort and relaxation.

3. Decor 

Personalize your she shed with meaningful décor items that reflect your personality and interests. Display artwork, photographs, or inspirational quotes to create a space that is uniquely yours.

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4. Lighting 

It’s important to plan your lighting according to your intended use and design aesthetic. If your she shed will be used as an artists’ studio or hobby shed, bright lighting should be a priority. On the other hand, the ambiance of your she shed should be a priority as well. String lights are a great way to create a shed that has a welcoming environment, plus they’re easy to install. 

If you’d like options, you can wire your shed with 2 different switches, with each switch controlling different lights depending on how you plan to use your she shed. 

5. Accessories

Complete your she shed with carefully selected accessories. Add cushions, throws, rugs, and curtains to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate storage solutions like shelves and built-in cabinets to keep your space organized and clutter-free. 

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She Shed FAQs

1. What is the best size for a she shed?

The size of the shed you need depends on the intended use and the amount of space available to you. A 10×12 shed (120 square feet) is a popular shed size, and would be a great choice for a reading nook or home office. If you’re looking for a shed for a home gym or hobby workshop, you may need to get a shed that’s a little bigger.

A great way to visualize your needed shed size is to measure a room in your home and calculate the square footage by multiplying the length by the width. After you have the measurement, see how the room is laid out and what fits in the room. This will give you a rough idea of the size of shed you may need.

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2. Can I live in a she shed

She sheds are typically designed as personal retreats rather than permanent living spaces. Local regulations and building codes may prohibit using she sheds as a living spaces, like a guest quarters or a tiny house short-term rental. It’s always best to check with the local permitting office for specific regulations.

3. Do I need a permit for a she shed?

If you’re converting an existing shed into a she shed, you don’t have to worry about getting a permit, unless you’re adding plumbing or electrical work. Even then, some places won’t require you to get a permit, but it’s always good to check with your local government.

If you’re buying a new shed, you likely will need to get a permit if your shed is over 120 square feet. Again, it’s always best to check your local regulations. For more information on shed permits, check out our guide to shed permits in Georgia.

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Sheds from DuraStor Structures

  • The Garden Shed Max: These sheds are a great choice for she sheds, with it’s beautiful design profile and the optional extras. Some great add-ons for this style include the optional front porch, additional windows, and a transom dormer.
  • The Utility Shed:If you’re looking for a simple, reliable shed, this is the one for you. It’s built to stand up to years of hard use and harsh weather, but doesn’t have all of the features as our other models. It’s a great, economical solution to your storage needs.
  • The Lofted Barn Max: If you love a barn style shed, or simply need extra interior space, this is the shed for you. The arched trusses give it a barn like profile and lots of interior space. This model comes equipped with 1 or 2 lofts, depending on the size.
  • The Garage Shed: If you want something even bigger, take a look at the garage shed. This model is big enough for vehicle storage and other large items. It’s also a great choice for workshop, with optional add-ons like a work bench and shelving.

 

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Conclusion

Your personal getaway is closer than you think! With a little DIY ingenuity and inspiration, you could create a she shed that will help you find the peace you’ve been looking for, or give you the ability to stick to that hobby or workout routine! If you have any questions about recommended shed sizes, styles, or other questions, feel free to reach out!

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