The Complete Guide to She Sheds

She sheds. What are they? How can I build one or make one out of a preexisting shed? The reading ahead will answer these and many more design-focused she-shed questions. She sheds have grown in popularity over the last few years as women have desired a space outside their everyday lives and working environments. With so many ways to create and inspire, let’s get started!

What are She Sheds?

Custom Grey Brown Quaker She-shed

She sheds are personalized spaces that are usually converted, prefab, or fully DIY sheds. They create additional living or working environments outside everyday living spaces, where women, in particular, can have a place all their own. These sanctuaries range from a home office and design or art studios to cozy, casual environments such as repurposed greenhouses and spaces for restful reading or meditation retreats. They are a safe third space that isn’t work or home, or the perfect place to launch a new enterprise.

Is it Cheaper to Buy a She Shed or Build One?

lightly grey shed with shaker roofing shingles and a white door sounded with plants

Many factors determine the cost of a shed. These include custom design features, the number of windows and doors, chosen materials, and whether the shed will be partially or fully finished inside upon delivery. All these and more will be discussed below!

DIY She Shed

framed out shed in the corner of a yard. leaves are scattered inside and out the partially built shed

Building a she shed from scratch is usually the cheapest option if you have the time, tools, and easy access to materials ahead of time. This option allows you to fully customize the structure to your needs and desires, which is great when crafting unique and specialized reading nooks or workspaces. When building from scratch, anything and everything is on the table if you can build it! But if you aren’t as handy, or don’t have someone who is, converting or buying a finished she shed outright could be more affordable if there is flexibility on the design requirements.

Converting A Shed

interior of a large flat roofed facing the back of the main door and front of the shed.

Converting or finishing out a shed is one of the most affordable options in the long and short term. This option is a great way to create a custom space on a smaller budget and with fewer specialized tools. A single individual can also complete these projects, though having an extra hand always helps speed things up.
Knowledge needed in this case includes properly sealing and insulating the structure if the space will be used year-round. Depending on the building and the builder, having the shed wired before delivery may also be available. However, these options may not be available for some prefab sheds or may only be available with more custom building types.

One consideration is that this option requires more creativity with floorplan options and available budgets than building your own setup. The upside is that most builders offer rent-to-own and financing options when purchasing a prefab she shed, making larger, more custom structures more attainable. Keep a keen eye on any sale or special offer pages, as this is another way to save some money if you’re flexible with what you may find.

Finished She Sheds

photo of a small white square studio shed with a center split door being fully open. shed sits in front of a hedge row

Buying a finished shed will be the most expensive option since all the work will be done before delivery. Not all builders offer fully or partially finished interiors, so it’s important to check with your local builder for all available options. But if your builder does offer fully finished shed options, it allows for an insulated and, most often, fully wired and electrified building to be delivered directly, meaning no time is wasted in setting up your special place.

Customizable options will be the additional expense here, but again, they can help create focused areas for work, leisure, or relaxation. It’s important to note that most builders will only offer some interior finishes but will not offer buildings with built-in cabinets, benches, etc., as these will still need to be placed after the building is delivered. Knowledge needed in this case includes properly sealing and insulating the structure if the space will be used year-round. Depending on the building and the builder, having the shed wired before delivery may also be available. However, these options may not be available for some prefab sheds or may only be available with more custom building types.

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How To Decorate The Inside of A She Shed

Regardless of how your she shed comes into existence, the fun part is making the space your own. Below, we will look at some of the most practical and easily accessible options for interior decorating your she shed.

Home Office

interior shot of a desk table in front of a window. with a laptop, mug, tablet notebook and two plants on it.

Looking for a place where you can focus and dive into deep work? She sheds are a great option as they can be easily customized and insulated from outside distractions. Making them perfect for hosting clients locally in person or chatting over video calls to keep everything separate from the rest of your busy life.

She shed home offices can be set up just like any other home office, but it’s important to focus the spaces around what kind of work you will do, such as spending frequent time on video calls. Make sure to visualize where your desk will be compared to the rest of the space. Do you want to shelve any office tools or awards behind you? What kind of natural lighting will you have to work around? Will you need blinds so there is less screen glare?

If you host in-person clients or client meetings, it’s usually best to set up your she shed so that your desk is on one side and the other side as an entryway. This arrangement includes casual seating options for less structured, more conversational meetings. It also allows both ends to include shelves for plants, books, or any other personalized touches.

Rectangular rugs can help tie together longer spaces between office and casual seating areas. However, circular rugs can help pull the room or sections of a room together, depending on the size. The smaller the home office, the more a circular rug will work. For longer she sheds circular rugs can connect individual seating environments, such as a couch with two chairs across from it.

Finally, if you are looking to create comfortable spaces to work in, spacing multiple seating options around windows is a great way to work in and around the natural environment, bringing nature indoors while staying comfortable.

Restful Getaway

complete grey shed in front of a patio with lounge chairs and a table all surrounded by plants and flowers

She sheds are ideal for creating restful getaways, whether you envision an open, indoor-outdoor green space or a warm, softly lit retreat tucked away from the world. Choosing a structure with ample windows and natural light supports thriving plants and helps ground the space in nature, encouraging calm and serenity.

A mix of seating—chairs, benches, or even a chaise lounge—invites flexible arrangements for relaxation. Soft throws and pillows enhance each seating area, offering comfort tailored to every guest.

Natural colors and textures further deepen the sense of tranquility, fostering a stronger connection to the earth. Bookshelves add function and personality, providing versatile storage for avid readers or a place to display cherished trinkets and memories.

To complete the cozy atmosphere, soft, warm string lighting gently illuminates the space, perfect for early evening transitions or adding a comforting glow on rainy, overcast days.

Art Studios

photo of an artist placing paint on a pink board in front of a an art stand.

Art studio she sheds are excellent places to facilitate and bring to life what’s in your mind’s eye. Make sure to incorporate multiple working zones with clean and organized foregrounds and backgrounds, thus allowing for fewer distractions.

It is important to include custom-built-ins or shelving opportunities to store all paint, clay, charcoal, oil, and watercolor supplies. These shelves should be easily visible and identifiable for easy access. They don’t need to be deep, but they should be deep enough to house only one unit or bottle; thin drawer storage offers the same quick and easy identification method for pastels and pencils.

Outside the organizational structure, including windows or transoms, will boost natural lighting. One studio preference is keeping everything else clean and simple, while the other includes adding varying colors and textures throughout your space. The choice is yours when it comes to helping you create. Do you need clean lines to focus, or do the different textures and abstract patterns help you launch into those creative spaces?

Fitness Studio

photo of a women in teal athletic wear sitting in an empty room on a yoga mat waving to an open laptop

Prefab she sheds make the perfect setup for an at-home fitness studio. It creates a private space to work up a sweat or quietly progress through your forms. Adding soft decor and a comfortable mat transforms the shed into a warm, calming space.

You should be mindful not to hang too many things on the walls outside of equipment that will stay close to the walls. Any furniture should be used solely in a corner or multifunctional, as anything too big or bulky will be an obstacle during a session. It is recommended that any storage or functional spaces be kept in one specific area, allowing the rest of the space to remain open.

Floor pillows and thin rugs or tapestries can help bring character and color to these spaces. But all in all, fitness studios are one of the easiest types of she sheds to set up and personalize.

Craft Rooms

photo of a desk in front of a window with yarn and other craft supplies on the walls and desk

Similar to art studios, crafting rooms make the perfect she-shed. Whether you need a clean, organized room or shelves and cabinets to store or hang finished projects, it’s essential to have areas of storage. It is recommended to keep most of your spaces as open as possible so as not to create unnecessary friction while working.

If you need larger storage, it’s better to place those at the ends of your area. Smaller items like accessories, thread, paper, markers, and mixed media should be stored near your workspaces in vertical formats, or placed in thin drawers along the ends with the bulkier items.

Hanging pegboards are great for vertically storing thread and other smaller, frequently used items. Placing an adjustable table in the center of the room can be especially helpful for those working with large pieces of fabric. A desk along one wall or tucked into a corner typically provides enough workspace for most needs. Incorporating windows for natural light, along with string lights for a warm glow, makes the space feel welcoming and functional year-round.

Gardening She Shed Or Greenhouse

photo of the inside of a shed door which has been used as a shelf for flowers and cactus plants. flower photo sits behind them all

She sheds can also be turned into a greenhouse. With plenty of natural light, these structures don’t have to be just for your plant babies. They can also be set up to be specialized environments for you. Add string lights for the evenings; these spaces can be great spots for almost anything.

It’s important to note that since greenhouses are primarily windows, these spaces are more suited for reading and meeting with friends, since storage options are limited to free-standing furniture.

A greenhouse she shed can easily be warmed up with plenty of plants, soft chairs, and plush pillows. However, it’s essential to remember that textures and colors may fade faster due to prolonged sun exposure. Naturally textured rugs and chairs help ground the space, especially in a painted white greenhouse. These thoughtful touches add comfort and create a serene, sun-filled retreat that feels intentional and inviting.

What Is the Average Cost of a She Shed?

photo of a model house, featuring a pen and calculator on a balance sheet

The average cost of a she shed can vary greatly depending on the size of the building and how fully furnished and organized it is, as well as any added features or utilities. A common rule of thumb is that finishing out the interior typically doubles the cost of an unfinished shed. Finishing a shed includes wiring and insulating it to meet building code standards. The cost of finishing a building also depends on the extent of the interior design work. Additional features like internal organization, lighting, and plumbing will increase costs beyond the typical doubling rule.
We offer rent-to-own options, so call or contact us, and we will discuss all your options.

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What Option Is Right For You?

photo of a southern classic style dark tan with grey trimmed shed landscaped with gravel stones and a paver walkway to two white door entry way.

At the end of the day, creating your own custom space is well worth the effort. For many Americans, finishing a shed, either partially or fully, is often the most feasible option, especially when considering the time commitment and added costs of hiring a contractor for insulation and electrical work. That said, building it yourself can make the investment even more worthwhile.

Be sure to shop around and explore your options; finding a building on sale can offer great value if the timing and selection line up. It’s also important to check your local building regulations, as permits may be required and could add to the overall expense.

If you live in South Dakota and have questions, our team at Quality Storage Buildings would be happy to help. Give us a call, and don’t forget to browse our current inventory or explore our 3D Builder to start designing your perfect space.

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Let Us Help You Bring Your She Shed Vision to Life

photo of a blue workshop shed with a sliding garage door in the middle. stones and small decorative lights with a sunflower focus the space around the shed.

One of the best ways to transform a shed or garage into a she shed is to start with our side-door ranch sheds or quaker sheds. The Studio and Southern Classic styles are excellent options if you’re looking for more windows and natural lighting. We always recommend exploring our 3D Builder to see all the different building styles, types, and customization options available.
For finishing interiors, we offer four different flooring choices to help extend the life of your building, additional shelving units for larger items, and workbenches that can be installed along the walls. For a full breakdown of the standard and additional options, visit our shed features and options page.

We hope you found this blog helpful as you research and explore ideas for bringing your she shed to life. At Quality Storage Buildings, we take pride in being a local, family-owned and operated business, dedicated to providing high-quality sheds, garages, cabins, and more.
Browse our sheds below, visit one of our locations, or begin building your own in 3D to get started on your she shed!

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