This article looks at the steps you can take to create a ‘she-shed’ – the perfect female garden retreat for relaxing, working or a bit of precious me-time.
We also cover a run-down of the types of businesses you can run from a shed, as well as the steps you should take to ensure that it’s safe to use (including avoiding any legal issues).
This article is a three-minute read.
Everyone is familiar with the idea of a ‘man-cave’ – a garden shed which has been customised for the man in the family to escape to and enjoy some precious quiet time away from the noise of the family home. The female equivalent, known as the ‘she-shed’ has many similar uses, as well as providing a space for quiet working, reading, meditating or yoga. In fact the possibilities for use are almost endless.
Finding Your Quality Wooden Shed in Ipswich at Lumberjacks
Lumberjacks stock a variety of types of shed at our Ipswich base; these include Apex and Pent sheds, corner/potting sheds, heavy duty structures, and adaptable buildings.
Here we look at the key elements that your she-shed should contain, whether it’s for personal use or as a source of income.
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right spot for your she-shed is crucial – are you going to rely on natural light as far as possible, or will you need internal lighting? Given the options having an electrical supply to your she-shed will give you, it will probably be the latter.
There are also local planning regulations over height to be factored in which will determine where you can put it and whether you need permission. In the UK you aren’t allowed to erect a new shed less than 2metres from the boundary of your property if the shed is 2.5metres high (or taller). This will help avoid any overlooking or privacy concerns from neighbours.
Provided you stick to these rules, you don’t need planning permission to put up a new shed, provided it isn’t a self-contained living space or the floorspace is less than 15square metres. This is because it falls within the category of ‘permitted development rights’.
You will also want good access to it – a pathway for instance – so you can easily reach your main home for anything you have forgotten. For more details about the other factors involved in finding the right spot for your shed, check out our previous blog post here.
Getting the Basics Right
You will need added insulation, or some sort of heating, if you want to use your she-shed all year round. At Lumberjacks we stock Black Double Ceiling/Wall Mountable Heaters which will keep you warm, even on colder winter evenings.
When it comes to the floor, laminate or vinyl flooring, or mats or carpets, will give the shed a more ‘lived-in’ feel. Or just add a rug for a more rustic feel.
You will also need to consider lighting and ventilation - do you need curtains, for more privacy, or do you want as much light as possible? In the case of the latter, think about facing towards the south, and situating your she-shed somewhere that has the ability to pop the door fully open in the summer months.
Customise It
Ideally you will want your she-shed to reflect your own personality and tastes, whether for hobbies, general relaxation or business use. You could leave the beautiful wood as it is, or paint it with a colour that energises your mood or helps you to focus, relax, or feel more creative.
For example, lighter colours on the walls will make the space feel larger and brighter; darker colours may make the space feel a bit cosier, but you may want to avoid them – particularly in smaller she-sheds, as this could make the space feel more restricted. A consistent palette for the walls, furniture, and decor will give it a more cohesive look.
If you are using it as a place of work, you will still need a comfortable chair or small sofa to relax, and a small table or surface to lay drinks or reading material on. Then possibly a desk, or massage table, chairs for seeing clients if consulting or providing therapeutic sessions, or a massage bed for complementary health treatments.
As A Workplace
Many women now work from home (as do men), following the pandemic but also especially for mothers who balance the demands of work and kids. Having as dedicated workspace, even a small one, allows you to lay out your work essentials and not have to continuously pack and unpack from the living room or dining table.
If you are leaving computers or files in your shed-shed workspace, you may want to invest in more security measures than the lock the shed comes with – for example, putting up window coverings such as screens of blinds once you have finished work for the day, and an alarm system.
Outdoor lighting is also crucial to deter any unwanted guests – and this will also make it easy for you to pop out to, if you need in the dark evenings of winter.
At Lumberjacks we stock the Ellumiere range which is easy to install and use, and which will provide plenty of light whenever your she-shed is unoccupied.
Types of Business Suitable for a She-Shed
Art studios – here you will need large windows for natural light, and plenty of storage space for your art supplies – And good ventilation as you don’t want a build-up of fumes etc from the paint and other materials. This applies whether you are a painter, illustrator, sculptor or photographer.
Allied to this is the idea of a craft workshop – you could use it as a small-scale production space – jewellery, or customised stationery or candles would all work well in a she-shed.
Office work – you could convert a she-shed into a space for running a remote business, such as book-keeping, virtual assistance, copywriting, or web design. Or it could be turned into a mini warehouse for storing stock, packing orders or managing an online shop.
One-to-one coaching – the shed could also be turned into a private space for offering one-on-one academic tutoring, business coaching, counselling or music lessons (although you may need additional soundproofing for the last idea, if your shed is close to the neighbour’s property).
Health and Beauty – there are a variety of ways of turning your she-shed into a health business. It could just be as a therapy room, suitable for one-to-one sessions. Nail technicians or beauticians could set up their practices here, although you would need to ensure you have good lighting and a clean, sanitary environment. This environment, being external to the house, will ensure you don’t have to clean your home from top to toe for every appointment and ensures privacy.
The shed can also be transformed into a massage room with, soothing music, and a relaxing ambiance; or you could turn it into a yoga or fitness studio. Here you would need durable flooring, and a plentiful supply of mats; additional mirrors could also help.
Sheds in Ipswich from Lumberjacks
As well as garden sheds, Lumberjacks also stock summerhouses, storage units and shelters, log cabins and playhouses; we stock them all. If you have any questions about which one is right for you, call us on 01473 461394 or follow this link and fill in the online form.
Remember you can use Lumberjacks as a ‘one-stop shop’ for any garden project, not just sheds. We stock a comprehensive range of landscaping and gardening materials including fencing, paving slabs, sleepers, and much more. So, if you're planning a larger garden project that involves more than just a shed, such as creating a new patio or raised beds, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of garden shed is most easily converted into a she-shed?
For a general she-shed conversion, a Pent shed is often considered the easier option. The consistent headroom along one wall and the ability to maximize storage space make it a highly functional and practical choice for most activities, from an office to a craft room.
However, if your main priority is to create an open, airy space with plenty of headroom for movement, such as for exercise or yoga, or if you prefer a more traditional aesthetic, an Apex shed might be the easier choice for you. The superior central height and better ventilation can make it a more comfortable space to be in for long periods.
What type of garden shed is most suitable for running a business from?
An Apex shed, with a traditional gable roof, has more open, central headroom for movement, and space for taller items so it's the best option for a workshop, a creative studio with an easel, or a tutoring space.
A Pent shed, with a single sloping roof, is better for shelving and storage, your business benefits from a sleek, modern aesthetic, or you need to place the shed in a confined space. It's often the better choice for a home office, a beauty salon, or a small e-commerce operation.
Do I need planning permission for a business run out of a garden shed?
The general rule is that you don't need planning permission to build a shed for a “purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house” (for example, for storage, a hobby, or a home office). However, if your business creates a “material change of use,” you will probably need permission.
Factors that could trigger the need for approval include the number of customer visits, any deliveries which are necessary, and the noise and smells it generates (if any). If in doubt, contact your local council.
