Last year, I became the proud owner of a small courtyard garden in South London, but one corner of it was dominated by an ugly old shed. While inheriting a shed is useful, even small gardens have their storage needs. But this was shrinking over a small space, and garden gloves and plant pots seemed to disappear into it.
There has to be better Small shed ideaAnd it turns out that there is, but it is not a shade at all. Enter the ‘garden wardrobe’.
Article continues below
‘I downsized in the autumn, and when I was cleaning out our huge garden shed in the old house, I realized I didn’t need to keep what was in it – the old colorTwo old ones barbecuePond kit (no pond in the new garden!). So, I packed the essentials to take with me,’ explains Lucy.
Wayfair Garden Clothes in Lucy’s Garden
(Image credit: Future / Lucy Searle)
‘My new, much smaller garden had a dilapidated shed that dominated the sunniest corner of the space. I thought about replacing it with a smaller shed, but realized that, especially in a small garden like mine, it would still be an unsightly focal point that I would eventually fill up unnecessarily. Then I saw something completely new Get a garden collection I’ve never seen one before: outdoor clothing! Large enough to store essentials and sitting on a small footprint, they’re perfect for tucking away in a corner. Plus, they look better than the classic shade,’ she adds.
‘I bought this Paint Tool Storage Shed from Wayfair – It’s too small, but big enough for everything I need in my new garden: tools, an umbrella, two paddling pools and gardening gloves. I removed the upper shelf from mine and added some tool hooks because it suited the way I wanted to use it. And it looks great, even after a very wet winter.’
Inside the garden wardrobe
(Image credit: Future / Lucy Searle)
Lucy is so sold on the garden cloth that she is now considering buying another for the front of her house.
‘I’m going to buy another one, this time for the passage to the front of my house, to store the broom I keep for the driveway, fuel for the wood burner and my bike accessories. It’s slim enough to sit on its side, and it’s more attractive than the bike shed I was going to buy (my bike is doing with a waterproof cover instead).’
After being convinced of how effective garden clothes can be to reclaim space in a small garden, without losing any storage, I went on a mission to find one for my small patio.
Wayfair is a slimline shed and garden wardrobe treasure, but I’ve got a number here too Argos and B&Q. Here are some of those that made the shortlist for my garden.
Argos
Forest Shiplap Apex Tall Garden Store – 750 Litres
If you need space to store a lawnmower or a large garden wardrobe without shelves will do the trick.
B&Q
Outdoor bideford garden wooden storage cabinet tool shed
If you like the classic look of a shed, but want a smaller footprint of garden clothes? This pretty number from B&Q has a slim profile, but a pitched roof for rustic charm.
Wayfair.co.uk
Dakota Fields Amir Solid + Manufactured Wood Single Storage Cabinet
The corner of my garden where I have room for a shed is under a set of black metal steps, so I’m considering this more muted colorway of Lucy’s garden clothes.
This weekend I’m sorting out my old shed and upgrading to a garden shed. will you join me
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up for Ideal Home Newsletter All the latest home decor trends and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox
