Think your garden room's just for storage? Think again. With a splash of colour, clever lighting, and a few leafy friends, it can become your favourite room in (or just outside) the house.
Short answer: Decorate your garden room by maximising light, adding plants, and blending indoor comfort with outdoor charm.
Read on for budget-friendly ideas, style tips, and year-round inspiration!
Step 1: Define Your Garden Room's Purpose and Style
What Will Your Garden Room Be Used For? (Function Dictates Form)
Before the paint swatches and Pinterest boards come out, ask yourself: what will I actually do in here?
Garden Office: For remote workers and Zoom call warriors, prioritise ergonomics. Think height-adjustable desks, proper lighting, and storage that keeps clutter at bay. Soft hues and calming décor help keep stress at arm’s length.
Garden Gym: A growing trend for good reason. A garden gym needs robust flooring (think rubber matting or LVT), excellent ventilation, and a motivating vibe. Add full-length mirrors for form-checking and maybe a speaker for your go-to playlists.
Art Studio/Hobby Room: Creative spaces thrive on good light and open layouts. Add pegboards, stackable storage, and an easel-friendly layout. Bonus points for a sink if you're messy with paint or clay.
Extra Living Space/Snug: Ideal for cosy evenings with a book or your favourite boxset. Plush rugs, throws, and mood lighting are your best mates here.
Guest Annexe: This is where practicality meets hospitality. A fold-out bed, blackout blinds, and some thoughtful touches (like a mini kettle or reading lamp) go a long way.
Bar/Entertainment Zone: Your own little party pad? Go bold with lighting, durable furniture, and maybe even a mini fridge or bar trolley. Think fun, but functional.
Choosing Your Garden Room's Interior Design Style
The way your garden room looks should feel like a natural extension of both your home and your personality.
Modern & Minimalist: Clean lines, smooth finishes, and a less-is-more approach. Great for focus or meditation spaces.
Rustic & Natural: Wooden panelling, earthy textiles, and tones that echo nature. Perfect for those who want to feel grounded and calm.
Bohemian & Eclectic: Mix patterns, layer rugs, and go big on personality. Great for creative souls or wellness lovers who want a sensory haven.
Scandi (Scandinavian): Think light woods, functional pieces, and neutral colours. Minimal but warm, and great for small spaces.
Industrial: Exposed beams, metal finishes, and a hint of urban edge. Pair with bold lighting for maximum effect.
Matching Your Home's Aesthetic: If your garden room connects closely to your house, echo the colour palette, trim, or finishes for a cohesive feel.
Step 2: Foundation Elements – Walls, Floor, and Ceiling
Garden Room Flooring Ideas
Your floor needs to be stylish—but also practical.
Laminate Flooring: Affordable, easy to clean, and comes in loads of finishes. Great for most general-use rooms.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): A top pick for home gyms or high-traffic spaces. Durable, waterproof, and looks great.
Engineered Wood Flooring: Warm underfoot and full of character, but it can be a tad sensitive to moisture swings.
Carpet or Carpet Tiles: Cosy underfoot and brilliant for offices or snugs. Tiles make it easier to swap out stained sections.
Rubber Matting: Must-have for gym setups—protects the floor and absorbs shock from weights.
Polished Concrete (if applicable): Sleek, contemporary, and brilliant for radiant heating setups.
Wall Treatment for Garden Rooms
Walls can make or break the atmosphere.
Paint: The simplest route. Go for calming neutrals or make a bold statement with a feature wall.
Timber Cladding/Panelling: Adds texture and warmth—brilliant for rustic or Scandi styles.
Wallpaper: Great for an accent wall. Go botanical for a nature-themed space.
Mirrors: A smart choice for gym rooms or compact spaces—they bounce light and make the room feel bigger.
Storage Solutions: Wall-mounted shelves or built-in cupboards keep floors clear and clutter hidden.
Ceiling Considerations
Don't forget to look up!
Paint Colour: Lighter shades help rooms feel taller and airier.
Integrated Lighting: Spotlights or recessed LED strips work a treat, especially in multipurpose rooms.
Exposed Beams: If you’ve got them, flaunt them. They add a tonne of character.
Step 3: Furnishing Your Garden Room
Smart Furniture Choices for Smaller Spaces
Garden rooms aren't usually palatial—so every inch counts.
Multi-functional Furniture: Sofa beds, fold-down desks, or ottomans with storage. These pieces punch above their weight.
Proportion and Scale: Measure twice, buy once. Oversized furniture can quickly overwhelm a small space.
Vertical Storage: Shelves and wall units keep floor space open while boosting storage.
Specific Furniture for Different Uses
Garden Office: Get yourself an ergonomic chair, a sturdy desk, and proper filing or storage to avoid the dreaded ‘pile creep’.
Garden Gym: Stick to essentials—like a bench, a rack for dumbbells or kettlebells, and a corner for stretching.
Garden Living Space: A plush armchair or loveseat, a compact coffee table, and maybe a pouffe for putting your feet up.
Material Selection for Garden Room Furniture
Pick materials that can handle temperature shifts. Avoid ultra-soft woods or delicate fabrics if your room isn’t fully insulated. Wipe-clean fabrics, treated wood, and UV-resistant finishes work well all year round.
Step 4: Lighting Your Garden Room for Atmosphere and Function
Maximising Natural Light
The more daylight, the better.
Windows and Doors: Opt for large panes or bi-folds to open things up.
Sheer Curtains: They soften harsh sunlight without cutting it out entirely.
Artificial Lighting Strategies
Layer your lighting for maximum comfort and usability.
Ambient Lighting: Ceiling spots or a central pendant for overall illumination.
Task Lighting: Desk lamps, reading lights, or under-cabinet LEDs.
Accent Lighting: Highlight art, plants, or feature walls with soft uplighting.
Mood Lighting: Dimmer switches, colour-changing bulbs, or even fairy lights can shift the vibe instantly.
Exterior Lighting
A couple of warm LED path lights or wall sconces by the entrance make your garden room feel welcoming, even after dark.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches – Accessories and Styling
Bringing the Outdoors In: Plants and Greenery
Plants breathe life—literally and stylistically—into a space.
Go low-maintenance with succulents or snake plants.
Add hanging planters or a statement potted tree for height and drama.
Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Rugs: Soften hard floors and define zones.
Throws & Cushions: They’re not just for comfort—use them to bring in pops of colour and texture.
Curtains/Blinds: Choose thermal options for insulation, or linen for a breezier feel.
Art and Personalisation
This is your space—make it feel that way.
Frame photos, hang artwork, or install a pinboard for rotating inspiration.
Display personal items like your favourite reads, a guitar, or travel keepsakes.
Scent and Sound
Essential oil diffusers or soy candles can shift your mood instantly.
Add a compact speaker or radio for ambient background music or guided workouts.
Step 6: Seamlessly Connecting Your Garden Room to the Garden
Creating an Integrated Outdoor-Indoor Flow
The best garden rooms blur the line between indoors and out.
Match flooring materials, or use a similar tone, to make transitions feel natural.
Large sliding or bi-fold doors bring the outside in.
Landscaping Around the Garden Room
Use gravel, paving, or decking to create a defined path.
Plant shrubs or low-level greenery around the base to nestle the structure into its setting.
Extend a patio or build a small deck for alfresco lounging or post-gym stretches.
Exterior Decorating (Briefly)
Add outdoor furniture for tea breaks or cooldowns.
Install motion-sensitive lighting for added safety and ambiance.
Conclusion: Your Personalised Oasis Awaits
Recap the Power of Thoughtful Decoration
Whether it’s a gym sanctuary, serene snug, or stylish studio, decorating your garden room well is about more than looks—it’s about how you feel when you’re in it.
Encourage Personal Expression and Practicality
Let your style shine through, but don’t forget the practical bits. The best spaces are both beautiful and built to support your lifestyle.
Enjoy Your Beautiful and Functional Garden Room
With a clear purpose, thoughtful design, and a few finishing touches, your garden room can become your favourite part of the house—even if it’s just a few steps away from the back door.
Ready to Design Your Own Garden Room Gym?
Thinking of turning your garden room into a tailored wellness retreat or fitness haven? We offer a fully bespoke service—from connecting you with top-tier garden room builders to curating gym equipment from the best brands on the market.
📞 Call us today on 0330 0430 089
📧 Or drop us a line at support@totalgymstore.co.uk
Let’s build something uniquely yours—fit for your body, mind, and style.
