Best Summer House Ideas for All Garden Sizes: A UK Buyers' Guide
Thinking of adding a summer house to your garden? You’re in the right place. Summer houses are one of the UK's most popular ways to create an inspiring retreat, a calm office, or even a party hideaway, no matter your garden size. They’re more than just sheds. With so many styles and sizes now available, there is the perfect summer house for any outdoor space.
This guide breaks down the different types of summer houses for small, medium, and large gardens, and offers up realistic tips for choosing and styling yours. Along the way, I’ll point out some favourite models available at our store to help spark your imagination.
Understanding Different Types of Summer Houses
What is a Summer House?
A summer house is a standalone garden building designed for comfort, use, and style. Unlike a standard shed, a summerhouse is intended as a light-filled space to actually spend time in, think reading, family games, summer dining or even remote working. With big windows and welcoming doors, summer houses really do bring indoor comfort outdoors.
Why Choose a Summer House?
Summer houses are a practical way to add valuable space to your property. Some customers use one as a peaceful writing room beside their flower beds. Others want an entertaining spot for barbecues or weekend drinks out of the wind. And there’s always a demand for home office garden rooms now, as flexible working is the norm.
Here’s what you get when you add a summerhouse:
- A new space to unwind that isn’t the lounge or conservatory
- Visual interest, summerhouses are usually much prettier than a toolshed
- A sense of seclusion, even in a modestly sized garden
- A subtle boost to your property’s value
Best Summer House Ideas for Small Gardens
Shire 8x4 Lela Small Summerhouse with 7ft Height
Don’t let a small plot hold you back. The Shire 8x4 Lela fits neatly into compact gardens but still has enough room for a comfy chair, a low table, and even a couple of potted plants. Its double doors and high ceiling mean you won’t feel boxed in, and the two fixed windows let in loads of daylight. Several customers with terraced homes have shared photos of this summerhouse doubling as both a reading nook and a coffee spot.
Shire 7x7 Hampton Corner Summerhouse
Struggling to find somewhere for a summer house? Corners are the answer. The Shire 7x7 Hampton slots perfectly into a corner, making the most of what’s usually wasted space. With its distinctive design, this garden building creates a lovely spot for painting, quiet work, or a glass of white wine after dinner. The double doors swing open wide, giving you a real sense of the outdoors, even if your garden is on the modest side.
Best Summer House Ideas for Medium Gardens
Shire 8x6 Lela Small Summerhouse with 7ft Height
This Shire 8x6 Lela is the sweet spot for most gardens, it’s big enough for a couple of armchairs or even a small dining set, but not so big it overwhelms your lawn. It’s well suited to families wanting an extra play den or those looking to create a craft studio or home office in the garden. We’ve had feedback from several teachers and artists who now use this garden room for prepping lessons or getting creative, away from the busy house.
Shire 7x10 Buckingham Summerhouse with Veranda
For those who love spending time outdoors but also want practical shelter, the Buckingham summerhouse, with its charming covered veranda, is a real winner. The structure features plenty of space inside for lounging and a lovely veranda outside, so you can sit out with a cuppa even if there’s a light shower. This model is frequently picked for classic British gardens and works brilliantly as a hobby space or for summer afternoon tea.
Best Summer House Ideas for Large Gardens
Shire 12x8 Lela Summerhouse with 7ft Height
The 12x8 Lela is a spacious, beautifully finished summerhouse that really works as a garden room. It suits families who want a bit of extra living space for anything from movie nights to kids’ sleepovers. Its airy feel makes it brilliant for entertaining large groups or setting up a serious home office. One of our customers showed us how she furnished it as a yoga retreat that doubles as a home gym.
Shire 20x8 Mayfield Large Summerhouse with Fully Glazed Front
If you want to create something spectacular, this fully-glazed Mayfield model brings the wow factor. Wall-to-wall front glazing lets in loads of natural light and opens your garden building right out to its surroundings. Those who love to host, display artwork, or enjoy panoramic garden views will love this one. Customers have used this as everything from garden studios to party spaces.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Summer House
Size and Space
Measure your garden space carefully before you order. Think about where your summer house will sit in relation to fences, trees, and the main house. Remember to check if you’ll need any extra space to open doors or add a small deck. For corner summerhouses, make sure your chosen design fits the available angles.
Purpose and Functionality
Ask yourself: What do you want to use your summer house for? Garden buildings that double as home offices ideally need more windows for light and ventilation, while a hobby room might benefit from shelving or plug sockets. If it’s mainly for socialising and dining, focus on open interiors you can rearrange as needed.
Consider insulation if you’ll want to use it year round, especially for work or hobbies that require comfort outside the summer months.
Bringing Summer House Inspiration to Your Garden
Adding a summer house is one of the smartest ways to maximise your outdoor space, whether you have a tiny urban plot or a grand lawn. From the compact and stylish Shire 8x4 Lela to the spectacular Mayfield fully-glazed design, there’s a summerhouse for every taste and need.
The best part? A garden room isn't just for summer. Decorate with fairy lights, soft furnishings, or even a heater for cooler months. Many of our customers tell us their summer house quickly becomes the most used spot in the garden.
Ready to find yours? Explore our full collection of summerhouses to discover the right one for your garden. Don’t forget to look at the customer photos for some real life inspiration, they show just how versatile and enjoyable a summer house can be.
