{"id":353027,"date":"2021-03-18T15:05:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T19:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=353027"},"modified":"2021-12-15T05:31:25","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T10:31:25","slug":"backyard-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/backyard-office\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Tips for Turning a Shed into the Perfect Backyard Office"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Photo via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Because of the pandemic, more and more of us are working remotely. And that shift has spurred a desire for better home offices<\/a>. But dedicating a room in the house to that purpose is not always possible. And it can be difficult to concentrate with family members around, not to mention the distractions presented by the kitchen, living room or bedroom. As a result, the backyard office has seen a surge in popularity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A backyard office is a separate structure, such as a shed, pod, garage or pool house<\/strong>, repurposed for working from home.<\/strong> Just a short walk\u2019s commute from the house, it provides a distraction-free getaway that helps separate work life from home life and promotes focus and productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we walk you through how to design the ultimate backyard office shed for creative and effective work. To help you choose the perfect decor, we also include four mood boards<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How to Design a Backyard Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re converting an old outbuilding, purchasing a prefab she shed or building a structure from scratch, the following design tips will help you craft a comfortable and efficient workspace. With a well-thought-out setup, even the humblest garden shed can become a posh home office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider the Logistics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you jump into designing your backyard office, there are some practical factors to look into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A backyard office can be housed in a shed, patio, garage or cabin. The structure you choose must include enough space to fit everything you want and need to get your work done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to electricity and the Internet is important. So is comfort, regardless of the season. If summers where you live are sweltering hot, will you need to invest in air conditioning, or will a floor fan be enough?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there’s noise. Spend a little time in your structure before making design decisions or adding furniture. Will neighbors\u2019 lawn mowers, leaf blowers or barking dogs prevent you from getting work done? If so, consider installing sound-absorbing panels or soundproof walls. Or you can just get a pair of noise-canceling headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve sorted out these fundamental factors and you\u2019re sure the space is right for you, it\u2019s time to start designing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a Floor Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For any design project, a floor plan is a necessary first step. Measure the space to create a scaled diagram. Think about what you\u2019ll use it for. This will help you decide on your furniture<\/a> layout as well as your lighting and electronics setup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t enlisted an interior designer, there are lots of great interior design apps<\/a> that can help you envision different layouts and items in your backyard office pod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick Your Aesthetic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What furniture style<\/a> do you want for your office? Is your preferred look sleek and minimalist? Or are you leaning more toward cozy and ornamental? Are you drawn to the latest design trends<\/a>? Or does classic elegance fit your personality best? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good place to start is to decide whether you favor modern or traditional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like rich colors, patterns and lots of details, a traditional office design may be for you. If your personal working style is more suited to clean lines, open space and muted colors, you may be better off with a modern design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring in the Light <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to maximize natural light in your office, since sunshine can boost your mood and decrease headaches and eye strain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you\u2019ll also need to add light fixtures, especially if your shed doesn\u2019t have windows or you regularly work late. So, what types of light fixtures<\/a> are best for a backyard office shed? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can install fixtures on the ceiling, consider pendant or track lighting for a directional glow. If that\u2019s not doable, floor lamps<\/a> are a perfect choice. Not only will a good floor lamp illuminate the space, but it can also serve as a sleek statement piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, add a table lamp<\/a> or desk lamp<\/a> to beam light directly on your workstation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Space Effectively<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a small backyard office, it can be difficult to keep things open and orderly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be limited in what you can fit in a shed, so multifunctional furniture is a must. For example, if you have room for a sofa, find one that has storage space underneath. Bookcases<\/a>, cubbies, boxes and baskets all provide compact storage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re working with a very small structure, consider hanging a wall mirror<\/a> and painting the floor white to make it feel bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Select a Suitable Desk and Chair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your workstation is the most important part of your home office, so it\u2019s important to pick the right desk and chair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a multitude of desk styles<\/a> to choose from. For a gracefully minimalist look, consider a Scandinavian or mid-century modern piece. If you prefer a rustic, functional aesthetic, an industrial desk with a worn surface could be the perfect fit. For a more shapely, ornate worktable, think about a Victorian<\/a> or Louis XV<\/a> writing desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your desk chair<\/a> should certainly match your desk, but make sure that it also provides the back support and comfort you need. For a complete list of seating options, read our guide to types of chairs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add Personality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A backyard office shouldn\u2019t feel like a cubicle. Personalize yours with artwork, family photos and memorabilia, as well as fun desk accessories to make it a place where you love to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decorative pillows with pop of colors on your desk chair or other seating will make your office more lively and homey. Calming paint colors, like blue or green, add charm and provide a pleasing background during virtual meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve covered design considerations, the following themes may help you envision your own backyard office project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Create an Artist\u2019s Studio <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turn a garage or cabin into the ultimate creative getaway. With a studio-style backyard office, you\u2019ll have a private, inspirational space. Here are our ideas for designing a backyard art studio:<\/p>\n\n\n\n