Installing a summerhouse in your outdoor space is both a functional and stylish way of utilising your garden, but deciding on a style isn’t something you want to rush.
Summer houses are a garden investment that, once you’ve committed to, can be hard to turn back on. But don’t fret, because we’ve taken the time to put this inspiration guide together for you, to ensure that whatever summer house you choose, it’s the right one for you.
From rustic cabins to sleek, futuristic fun houses, we’ve compiled 30 of the most spectacular summer house ideas to help you create a beautiful (yet functional) outdoor living space for both you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Comfortable, stylish and functional, these ideas will make you the talk of the neighbourhood, so don’t delay! Read on to find your dream summer house today.
Our Top Picks:
1. For the Nature Lover
2. For the Keen Gardener
3. For the Picturesque Garden
How to Choose the Best Summer House Idea for You?
First and foremost, when it comes to deciding on ideas for a summerhouse, you’ll want to consider the size of your garden and what will best suit the style of your outdoor space.
You’ll also need to think about the level of maintenance you’re willing to undertake, so be sure to choose durable materials that are weather-resistant and easy to maintain. Take into account what you plan to use the summer house for as this will determine how much natural light you will need (and whether it requires insulating).
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a style of summerhouse that meets both your practical and aesthetic requirements, leaving you with an outdoor space that offers relaxation and enjoyment when you spend time outside.
30 Garden Summer House Ideas
1. Rustic Retreat Summer House
Create the ultimate rustic-style summer house using wood panelling and natural materials; you could even use recycled materials, like pallets or logs, for an eco-touch. Keep your cabin comfortable and cosy, and take inspiration from the great outdoors, by incorporating greenery and fresh flowers inside for an inviting aesthetic.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can look tired and dishevelled
2. Mediterranean Oasis Summer House
Make the most of your garden sun trap with a Mediterranean-style summer house. Use pink and orange colour pops on your soft furnishings combined with terracotta accents through tiles and plant pots. Paint your exterior in a fresh blue shade for a holiday escape in your back garden.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Adds a colour pop
- Holiday feel
Cons
- Won’t suit more traditional gardens
3. Coastal Cottage Summer House
For a relaxing and tranquil environment, give your summer house a nautical feel using natural materials such as wood and wicker, as well as seaside accents like shells and driftwood, inside. This calming style of summer house gives you the perfect place to escape, and offers a peaceful haven just outside your back door.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Relaxing
- Evokes feelings of nature and the seaside
Cons
- Nautical feel won’t suit all garden styles
4. Industrial Chic Summer House
Add a modern rustic style to your outdoor space with an industrial aesthetic. This contemporary summer house will require plenty of light because of the dark tones (such as grey and black) that you’re going to be using to paint it with. For decorative touches, use concrete planters and flashes of metal to add to the unpolished, utilitarian look. This look is perfect for a design studio summer house.
Pros
- Edgy
- Modern
Cons
- Wouldn’t suit cottage style gardens
- Expensive style to create
5. Treehouse
Take to the sky with a treehouse style summer house; perfect if you don’t want large summer house ideas due to limited garden floor space. Use LED string lights to create an inviting ambience and use plenty of soft furnishings, such as cushions and a rug, to create a cosy, welcoming feel.
Some would even argue that treehouses are the ultimate summer house, and whilst some will agree (and others disagree) with this idea, there’s no doubting that these elevated structures certainly make an impact on any garden space.
Pros
- Rustic
- Unique
Cons
- Expensive
- Time consuming to install
6. Minimalist, Modern Summer House Idea
For the minimalists among us, keep things sleek with clean lines, plenty of natural light and a palette of white, grey and black for the ultimate in sophisticated simplicity. Use simple furniture and clever storage solutions inside to maintain an uncluttered look that lends itself perfectly to minimalistic style.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Won’t detract from the garden
- Sophisticated
Cons
- Can look boring
7. Bohemian Bliss Summer House
Keep things laid back and relaxed with a bohemian-style summer house; rules are limited with this theme, so feel free to compile an eclectic mix of accessories, patterns and colours to create the ultimate hippy hideaway. Add natural wood furniture, string lights, macrame hangings and windchimes to complete this carefree, calm look.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Easy to style
- Relaxed
Cons
- Can look cluttered
8. Tropical Paradise Summer House
Bring a playful paradise to your outdoor space with a touch of tropical that’ll help transform your summer house into a bright, vibrant space. Keep things energetic with bold accessories and colour, as well, of course, as the odd flamingo.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Colourful
- Statement
Cons
- Can be too overwhelming for some gardens
- Runs the risk of appearing tacky
9. Country Charm Summer House
For more traditional- or farmhouse-style homes, bring a touch of countryside charm to your summer house. Feature quaint details such as a rocking chair, linen fabrics, and apple crates for storage, and add ditsy floral prints for some flashes of delicate colour. Picturesque, bucolic and evocative, this summer house idea is perfect for rural properties.
Pros
- Suits more traditional gardens
- Soft, delicate design
Cons
- Won’t suit modern styles
10. Garden Retreat Summer House
Choose a peaceful, tucked away part of your outdoor space to install a garden retreat that can allow you to escape whilst surrounded by nature. Use lush greenery and colourful flowers to add some colour to the space, and add warm, cosy fleece throws on to rustic wood furniture to maintain that inviting feel. Complete the look with some gardening coffee table books and nature-inspired artwork.
Pros
- Good space to admire garden
Cons
- Lacks contemporary feel
11. Cabana Club Summer House
If you’re looking for an open summer house idea, then opting for a cabana style could be the perfect choice for you. Keep things light and airy, with lightly draped fabrics and hanging plants. Add a comfy garden sofa, well-stocked bookshelf and a mini bar, and you’ve got all you need for a day of sunbathing and relaxation.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Good shelter from sun
- Casual
Cons
- Lacks privacy
12. Pool House
If you have a large garden space complete with a pool, turning your summer house into a dedicated pool room offers the perfect solution for storage, as well as somewhere to take a break from all the water play. Incorporate stripes into your summerhouse, as these help add a touch of the nautical, as well as helping to break up large spaces for a more visually-interesting, balanced look.
Budget: £££
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Pros
- Convenient for getting changed
- Handy for storage
Cons
- Will need more protection from damp
13. Safari Summer House
Take yourself away to the heart of the African savanna with a safari-style summer house. Use plenty of green and neutral tones and natural materials, such as canvas, woven grass and untreated wood, to create a warm, inviting space.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Striking theme
- Can use lots of natural materials for texture
Cons
- Can look out of place in some gardens
14. Victorian Villa Summer House
For period homes, create a classic Victorian-style summer house that celebrates delicate flowers and foliage. Keep colours muted with tones such as soft lavender, sage green and delicate blues, and use intricate details on woodwork to add dimension and further interest.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Good for period homes
- Muted colours
Cons
- Can feel dated
15. Modern Glass House
Embrace the beauty of the outdoors with a modern glass house summer house. Perfect for making the most of natural light, keep the interior clean and clutter-free with simple fabrics and colours.
Budget: £££
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Pros
- Bright
- Airy
Cons
- Can get hot in summer months
- Expensive
16. Scandinavian Sensibility
Scandi style continues to be popular in 2023, and it isn’t just for interiors. Incorporate pared-back, natural wood, clean lines, neutral colour and minimal style for this contemporary summer house aesthetic.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Simple
- Minimal
Cons
- Lacks depth
17. Gothic Getaway Summer House
If you’re looking for a more dramatic and unusual summer house, then why not try a gothic style? Ornate furniture, stained glass windows and deep, moody tones are perfect for adding this mysterious twist to your outdoor space.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Impressive
- Statement style
Cons
- Can be overwhelming
- Not to everybody’s taste
18. Nature Lover’s Nest Summer House
Embrace nature with a naturalist-inspired summer house featuring wooden beams, stone, and earthy hues. Take some empty barrels and create wildflower beds for a further rustic touch that works well with the naturalist theme.
Pros
- Be at one with nature
- Rustic
Cons
- Can lack cosy feel
19. Rustic-Luxury Lodge Summer House
Blend rustic charm with luxury amenities in a lodge-style summer house. Use luxurious fabrics, such as silk and feather-filled pillows, to create a sumptuous setting that feels special every time you sit in it. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, then you could even consider adding a hot tub outside for a more premium finish still.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Gives the feeling of a holiday/chalet retreat
- Luxury feel
Cons
- Can be expensive to run hot tubs
20. Arts and Crafts Cottage Summer House
Gardens are the perfect place to shut yourself away from the world and let your creative juices flow, and your garden summer house provides the ideal space for crafting. Keep natural light flowing with large doors, windows, and skylights, using LED lights to support tasking when the weather isn’t quite on your side. If the easel is your escape in life, then look no further than this creative summer house idea.
Pros
- Handy space for creatively-minded individuals
- Useful for storage
Cons
- Sacrifices a space for in the garden you could otherwise use for planting or relaxing
21. Mid-Century Modern Summer House
The use of wood, stone, and glass in mid-century modern design makes it an ideal style for a summer house in your garden. Introduce geometric shapes, plenty of natural light and the occasional colour pop to create a space that’s both warm and inviting.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Classic style
Cons
- Doesn’t always suit more contemporary properties
22. Futuristic Fun Summer House
Combine ultra-modern, sleek designs with cutting-edge technology for a futuristic style summer house. Using metal, glass and acrylic with a colour palette of silver, black and – along with plenty of outdoor lighting – will create a contemporary feel and have all of your guests talking.
Budget: £££
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Pros
- Contemporary
- Can be used to showcase innovative technology
Cons
- Won’t suit older homes
23. Japanese-Inspired Summer House
Incorporate Japanese design elements (like bamboo and tatami mats) into your summer house for a tranquil outdoor space. Keep colours neutral with the odd splash of pastel pink and yellow for an elegant space that maintains a peace-inducing aesthetic. Consider buying Japanese maples and cherry blossoms to plant around your summer house to continue the theme further.
Pros
- Natural feel
- Gentle colour splashes
Cons
- Bamboo doesn’t always wear well
24. Moroccan Retreat Summer House
Get transported to Morocco with a summer house featuring bright colours, intricate patterns, and rich textiles. Use mosaic tiles and coloured glass lanterns for an even more beautiful aesthetic.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Warm
- Unusual
Cons
- Can be hard to source decor for this style
25. Chic and Shabby Summer House
Shabby chic summer houses are popular for their relaxed and casual feel. Distressed furniture and delicately-patterned fabrics paired with neutral walls and furniture will keep this small summer house idea looking playful but pretty at the same time.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Pretty
- A great way to incorporate thrift finds and antiques
Cons
- More suited to cottage homes
26. Rustic Ranch Summer House
For a warm, welcoming western ranch-style summer house, use natural materials and earthy tones. Introduce some western accents such as a cowhide rug, horseshoes and a wagon wheel to provide character, texture and depth.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Warm and inviting
- Adds texture
Cons
- Can feel too rustic for some
27. A-Frame Abode Summer House
For a quirky summer house style, consider an A-frame design. Using this striking triangle shape summer house will help to maximise light and space, as well as being visually impactful. It also introduces the option (as shown in the image above) of planting your summer house’s roof with turf or plants for a more eco-feel.
Budget: ££
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Pros
- Natural
- Maximises space and light
Cons
- Exposed, open space lacks cover
28. Provençal Paradise Summer House
Use the southern French countryside to inspire your summer house. Pretty Provençal-style incorporates delicate neutrals and rustic floral prints that perfectly suit outdoor space. Use botanical elements to create a cohesive room that ties in with your garden.
Budget: £
Shop the Look:
Pros
- Rustic charm
- You can use cheap, distressed items and antiques (in fact, it’s preferable)
Cons
- Can feel cluttered if you’re not careful
29. Urban Oasis Summer House
Recreate this corner summer house idea that offers the perfect urban escape. The sleek furnishings and modern design are ideally suited to a city garden, helping you escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Make the most of your small garden using this summer house idea that acts as an extension of your outdoor space with large open doors, plenty of greenery and lighting.
Pros
- Green space in urban area
- Calming
Cons
- Urban areas can lack space for summer houses
30. Greenhouse Getaway Summer House
If you’re a green-fingered individual, use your summer house as an extension of your greenhouse where you can sit and make gardening notes, as well as sit back and enjoy a cup of tea whilst admiring your outdoor space. Add rustic wood chairs and pretty flowers for a relaxed feel.
Budget: £
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Pros
- Sit indoors with nature
- Relaxed
Cons
- Can get dirty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do You Stop Damp in a Summer House?
To prevent damp in a summer house, waterproof the building and keep the space properly ventilated by regularly opening doors or windows as well as installing vents. Adding insulation to the roof, walls, and floor can also help to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce condensation.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Summer House?
In most countries, planning permission for summer houses is required if they’re over a certain size as well as certain locations and uses. This will vary depending on local regulations, so it’s best to check with your local planning authority. Smaller summer houses can be exempt in some locations.
What Do You Put Inside a Summer House?
Decorate your summer house with items that will help to make the space comfortable but functional, such as chairs, tables, sofas or even a day bed if you want a summer house with a bedroom. Add accessories, such as lights, rugs and plants for added ambience and a more personal touch.
How to Decorate the Interior of a Summer House?
To decorate the interior of a summer house, start by applying a primer and then use either water-based or oil-based paint. Water-based paint is easier to clean and dries faster, but oil-based paint provides a more durable finish.
What is the Best Size Summer House?
The size you choose for your summer house will depend on your own personal preference as well as the space you have in your garden. A commonly-selected size for smaller summer houses is 6×8 feet compared to 20×20 feet for a larger one.
Can You Put Normal Furniture in a Summer House?
Yes, you can put normal furniture in a summer house. Choose durable, weather-resistant items that also suit the overall aesthetic of the summer house. Avoid bulky furniture and opt for pieces that maximise the limited space.
Summary
Don’t commit to a summer house design that you don’t love. With our list of summer house ideas, we’ve shown you that there is a style that suits everyone. Use our inspiration to create a stylish but comfortable space that you’ll want to make the most of, whatever the weather!
