A Storage Shed Can Be Pretty in the Backyard

How to change it from functional to charming

Storage sheds serve an important function. They are full of all your stuff, your kids’ stuff and maybe even a friend’s stuff! Most people don’t even bother to paint it. So there it sits, year after year doing its job, but not doing much of anything for the landscape. Eventually you’ll want to move it or get rid of it in order to free up more space for the yard or garden. Before you do that, read on!

Rather than sit on the sidelines, why not make that storage shed a star player? Although it may not look like much, with very little effort, that storage shed can become a cheerful focal point in your backyard or garden. All it needs is a little makeover.

Here are 3 basic DIY things that will take your storage shed from functional to charming:

• paint
• trim
• window

Give your storage shed a fresh coat of paint

Paint works miracles! Even if the only thing you do is paint it, you’ll love the difference it makes! If your shed is small–8×6 or 10×8– it should only take about 3 gallons and one person could finish it in a day. Although a little help for a few hours is better.

Be sure to check your HOA or other boards and organizations to see if there are any color restrictions. You don’t want to do all that work only to learn later you picked something “not approved.” But if the decision is freely up to you, here are a few things to consider when choosing a color:

Choosing a color

First, think in terms of your overall plan for your backyard or garden. Is there a theme or certain style you wish to work towards? Are you going for an English cottage look? Beach? Or farm? If you’re in the beginning stages of a backyard transformation, think of the colors that will harmonize best in your setting. A natural wood paint or stain will give it a more rustic look.

It’s common to paint a backyard shed the same color as the house so that it blends in. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! But, should you want to experiment a bit without getting too wild, try a slightly different shade of the house color–go a bit lighter or a bit darker. It will still harmonize beautifully, while maintaining a personality of its own.

Or, really jazz it up with a bold, bright color and contrasting trim. If you want something that looks a bit more rustic, stay with earthy tones like browns and greens. Just a paint job, alone makes a huge difference. You’ll be amazed!

Add some exterior trim

Trim is a finish detail that just makes the shed look pretty. Save some bucks and use scrap wood left over from a construction project. You might end up finding some pretty nice stuff. Also, check to see if there is a “re-Store” center in your area. These are places that re-cycle residential building materials. They usually get all kinds of remnant lumber and you might find what you need for your trim at a bargain price.

Trim the corners and around the door and window (if you have one). If you want to get “fancy”, your local hardware store likely carries some fascia trim boards with a little more flair. It costs more, but can really add some charming character to your finished project.

Add a window to your storage shed

To go the extra mile on your shed makeover, consider adding a window or two. It’s quite nice to have some natural light beaming into dark corners when you are looking for something. Small windows best fit the scale of the building. Older, single pane “fixed” windows (one that doesn’t open) are perfectly suitable and it’s pretty easy to find a free one on Craig’s list. You can also look under “materials”, but those typically feature higher quality windows. While they look nice, its a bit over-kill for a backyard shed.

Retro-fitting a window will require some carpentry skills. If that’s not your thing, maybe a friend or family member can help. If not, then you’ll have to hire someone who does small jobs.

Great Window Alternatives

The creative ideas offered here are really what the “Make it a Garden” blog is all about There’s more than one way to accomplish something and sometimes, it’s even better!

Stained Glass Panels

Stained glass is not as costly as you might think because you’re buying just the material, and a small piece at that. You’ll still need to cut out an opening, but it’s considerably less technical. It won’t involve any special framing because you’re only cutting between the studs where you can spare a little inside wall space. Make sure that your cut leaves at least one inch on all sides for the glass pane to overlap.

Where to get stained glass The best place to get stained glass is from an Art Glass shop. These are the places that supply artisans that work with stained glass. If you wish, you can even purchase clear glass for your window openings. An art glass shop will have such a wide variety of enticing options, it may be hard to make a decision. Once you’ve made your selection, they can cut the panel to the dimension you need. The window should overlap the width of the cut-out by 1 inch. To install the pane, use an appropriate sealant/adhesive and glue it into place.

Faux garden shed window

Here’s a fun and whimsical way to have the effect of a window with no cutting involved. Old windows are popular for many projects and shouldn’t be too hard to find. Shop antique stores or salvage yards for a vintage window. The glass panes don’t even need to be intact. You can paint it, or just hang it up on the side of your shed in all its chippy glory. Be sure to add a window box for extra charm.

Even without a window, your shed can still be the center of attention by the decorations you hang on it. The back and side walls are terrific places to display vintage signage, antique tools, or any trinkets that match your style or motif. Be creative and have fun!

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Some extra ideas for your storage shed

While you’re at it, why not improve the function of your storage shed by paying some attention to the inside as well? It’s as good a time as any to tidy up and add some much needed shelving. Once everything is organized, you may be surprised by how much room there actually is.

As you work around the yard, it’s so nice to have the things you need on site. So designate a special section just for gardening tools, pots and fertilizer. You’ll love being able to access what you need and find what you are looking for quickly and safely.

Painting, adding some trim and possibly a window, too, is an investment of time and energy. If you are planning a backyard makeover, don’t forget the storage shed. It will still hold all your stuff and your kids’ stuff and your friends stuff. But it can be also be a shining focal point and a “destination” in your garden.

Later down the road, you can even add a little path or walkway leading to your shed. Put up some window boxes or plant some flowers around it. An old storage shed can be functional as well as completely charming.

Related Topics

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