With space at a premium and remote lifestyles here to stay, Brits are looking beyond their main homes and into their gardens for extra room to live, work and unwind. Enter: the garden room.
Whether it's a sleek home office, a hobby hideaway, or a stylish guest suite, garden rooms are on the rise across the UK. But where are they proving most popular — and what are homeowners using them for?
In this blog, we explore the growing trend of garden rooms, what regions are leading the charge, and how modular storage from Shelved can turn your garden room into a highly functional, beautifully designed space.
Why Garden Rooms Are Booming
The UK saw a dramatic rise in garden room installations post-2020, as working from home became the norm and people sought ways to create dedicated, peaceful zones away from the chaos of everyday life. But beyond home offices, garden rooms have evolved into all-purpose spaces: gyms, studios, lounges, libraries, and even garden bars.
Looking for furniture to fit a compact footprint? Explore our full range of modular shelving systems — perfect for garden rooms of all shapes and sizes.
Where in the UK Are Garden Rooms Most Popular?
According to recent search data and planning application trends:
- South East England — including counties like Surrey, Kent, and Sussex — is leading the way, thanks to larger garden plots and high work-from-home populations.
- Bristol and Bath are also hotspots, with homeowners prioritising wellness and creativity by turning outdoor rooms into art studios or reading nooks.
- Yorkshire and the North West are seeing a sharp rise in compact, insulated garden rooms — often used as hybrid work-play zones.
- Londoners are using their garden rooms for anything from music practice spaces to cosy retreats, helping make the most of limited square footage.
Wherever you are in the UK, one thing is clear: garden rooms are being embraced as a smart, flexible extension of the home.
What Are People Using Their Garden Rooms For?
1. Home Offices That Don’t Feel Like Work
Remote working is here to stay — and garden rooms make excellent offices. But function needs to meet form.
That’s where modular desks and shelving from Shelved come in. With our built-in desk units and space-saving storage modules, you can keep your workspace organised without sacrificing style.
Tip: Try a white frame with oak shelves for a light, calming office aesthetic.
2. Garden Gyms & Wellness Studios
From Pelotons to pilates, many garden rooms are being transformed into fitness sanctuaries. But all those weights, mats and towels need organising.
Opt for low-level closed cupboards from our modular range to tuck equipment away neatly. Add open shelving for plants, speakers, and yoga props to create a balanced, mindful vibe.
3. Creative Studios & Hobby Rooms
Whether you’re painting, writing, or building model railways, garden rooms offer a peaceful escape. Our corner shelving units are ideal for making use of every inch of wall space, while still displaying your most inspiring tools and materials.
Personalise your design with graphite panels or colour-pop fabric accents to create an energising creative corner.
4. Guest Bedrooms & Sleepover Spaces
Got relatives visiting or teens needing a hangout? Garden rooms are being reimagined as sleepover-friendly spaces.
Modular storage makes it easy to hide spare bedding and board games. Pair a Shelved low TV unit with closed cupboards and upper shelves for a stylish storage solution that still feels cosy and welcoming.
5. Garden Bars & Entertaining Areas
Social lives are increasingly home-centred — and what better place for a weekend cocktail than your own garden room bar?
Design your own drinks display using Shelved’s customisable configurations. Add glass shelving to showcase your spirits, and contrast with brass end pins or warm wood tones for that boutique-bar look.
Start building your dream bar setup with our Design Your Own tool.
Why Modular Furniture is Perfect for Garden Rooms
- Adaptability: Your garden room’s purpose might evolve — and so should your furniture. Our modular designs let you swap panels, extend shelving, or reconfigure as needed.
- Compact Footprint: Designed to maximise vertical space, our units work beautifully in smaller footprints.
- Style Options: From crisp white to bold anthracite and oak, Shelved units match any design scheme, from Scandi serenity to industrial edge.
- Durability: Built in the UK using high-quality materials, our shelving systems are made to last.
Final Thoughts: Designed for How You Actually Live
Garden rooms represent more than just extra square footage — they’re a lifestyle shift. They offer escape, purpose, and possibility. Whether you're creating a serene office, a stylish bar, or a multipurpose family zone, smart storage will make your space truly work.
At Shelved, our modular systems are designed to flex with your life, style and setup — no matter where your garden room is, or what it’s used for.
Ready to upgrade your garden room?
Explore our full collection or try our design configurator to plan your perfect fit.
