From a traditional wooden summer house with an apex roof to a sleek modern summer house with decking, the possibilities are endless.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best summer house ideas to help you decide on the right style, décor, and function for your home.
Why Invest in a Summer House?
Adding a summer house to your garden creates extra space without the disruption of an extension. With a range of summerhouse designs available, you can choose a building that blends seamlessly with your property.
Some of the main benefits include:
Additional living space that can be enjoyed year round.
A great place for hobbies, relaxation, or working from home.
Flexible design options including corner summer house builds, insulated summer houses, or even a summer house for small garden layouts.
The chance to enjoy natural light and views of your garden all year long.
For many households, summer houses or garden rooms provide the perfect fit between style and practicality, giving you an attractive garden building that can evolve with your needs.
Types of Summer House
Traditional Summer House
A traditional summer house often features wooden frames, double doors, and classic windows. These garden buildings add timeless character to your space and are perfect if you want a homely, rustic feel.
Modern Summer House
For those with a minimalist aesthetic, modern garden houses offer clean lines, large windows, and a bright, spacious interior. With insulated summer houses, you can use them as a proper garden room in winter as well as summer.
Corner Summer House
A corner summer house is ideal if you’re limited on space. It maximises your available space by fitting neatly into the garden’s edge while still giving you a functional and stylish building.
Garden Summer House
A garden summer house can double as a relaxing retreat, a workspace, or even a hobby room. With so many sizes and styles available, it’s easy to find one that complements your garden design.
Summer House Interior and Décor Ideas
When it comes to interiors, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Many people ask what to put in a summer house to make it both functional and beautiful. Below are some of the best approaches to summer house interior ideas:
Small summer house interior design: If your building is compact, opt for space-saving furniture, foldable tables, and plenty of light colours to keep the room feeling spacious.
Summerhouse and Garden Room interior ideas: Incorporate rugs, cushions, and wall art to make the interior inviting.
Summer house interior ideas UK: Consider practical heating and insulation so your summerhouse is usable throughout the year.
Small summer house interior ideas: Add built-in storage and compact seating to keep the room uncluttered.
Cosy summer house interior ideas UK: Soft lighting, warm throws, and comfortable chairs create a relaxing environment.
Summerhouse decor ideas: From plants to hanging lights, accessories help complete the look.
Summer house with decking ideas: Extending the living space outdoors with decking makes your summerhouse feel larger and connects it with your garden.
Inside summer house decor: Paint your summer house interior walls in light shades to reflect natural light.
Modern summer house interior ideas: Pair minimalist furniture with clean, modern finishes.
Summerhouse designs interior: Mix and match textures to suit your taste.
Whether you prefer a rustic wooden summerhouse interior or a sleek modern style, the focus should be on creating a space that reflects your lifestyle.
Functional Uses for Your Summer House
Garden Office
With more people working remotely, a summer house office is a practical solution. Insulated summer houses make excellent workspaces that are separate from the main house yet close to home.
Guest Accommodation
Large summer house ideas include using the building as a guest room. With the right interior design, your summerhouse can be transformed into a comfortable retreat for visitors.
Hobby Space or Studio
From painting to yoga, a garden summer house makes a great place to focus on hobbies. The natural light from large windows helps create an inspiring atmosphere.
Entertainment Hub
A summer house bar or games room is a fun addition. Small summer house bar ideas include adding a compact counter, stools, and shelving. A modern summer house bar design works well with decking and outdoor seating.
Fitness and Wellbeing
Turn your summerhouse into a small garden gym or meditation room. The connection to your garden creates a calming environment for exercise or relaxation.
Garden Integration
Summer House with Decking
Decking extends your living space outdoors and is one of the most popular summer house with decking ideas. It’s perfect for alfresco dining, adding garden furniture, or simply enjoying the weather.
Garden Design with Summer House
Positioning your summerhouse within your garden is key. Think about views, natural light, and accessibility from your main house. Garden ideas with summer house layouts often include surrounding planting schemes or pathways that tie the building into your garden design.
Small Garden Summer House Ideas
Even the smallest gardens can accommodate a summerhouse. A corner summer house or a compact wooden summer house is a practical way to create extra space without overwhelming your garden.
Practical Considerations
Before you start, it’s worth considering the practical elements of summer house construction:
Planning permission: Most summerhouses won’t need it, but always check local regulations.
Wall thickness: The thicker the walls, the better the insulation and durability.
Foundations: A stable base ensures your summerhouse remains secure.
Windows and double doors: Choose styles that allow maximum light while maintaining security.
Weatherproofing: Ensure the building can withstand rain and winter conditions.
Summer House Inspiration
There’s no shortage of summer house inspiration out there. From images of summer houses with traditional apex roof designs to modern garden houses with minimalist finishes, you’ll find plenty of ideas to suit your taste. Browse collections online, visit show house ideas, or even look at homemade summer house builds for budget-friendly options.
Whether you’re creating a luxury summer house UK design with premium materials or simply want a best value summer house for your garden, the range is extensive.
Does a Summer House Add Value?
One of the most common questions is whether a summer house adds value to your property. The answer is yes — a well-designed summerhouse provides extra living space and enhances your garden, which can be very appealing to potential buyers.
Why Build Your Summer House with DGR?
Choosing the right partner to design and build your summer house makes all the difference. At DGR, we don’t just supply garden buildings — we create tailored spaces that suit your lifestyle, property, and budget.
Here’s why homeowners across the UK trust us:
Expert advice from start to finish – from planning permission checks to interior summer house ideas, we guide you through every stage.
Quality construction – our wooden summer houses and modern designs are built to last, with the right wall thickness, windows, and finishes for year round use.
Custom design options – whether you want a small summerhouse for a compact garden or a large summer house with decking, we’ll help create the perfect fit.
Interior inspiration – we work with you on interior design summer house interior ideas, helping you turn your building into a true extension of your home.
Local knowledge – as UK-based specialists, we understand garden sizes, weather conditions, and regulations, meaning your summer house is both practical and beautiful.
A summer house is an investment in your home and lifestyle. By working with DGR, you get peace of mind that your building is designed with care, constructed with precision, and styled to suit your taste.
Conclusion
A summer house is one of the most practical and stylish ways to create extra space in your garden. Whether you prefer a traditional wooden summerhouse, a modern design with decking, or a compact corner summer house, the options are endless. With the right summer house interior ideas, you can transform it into a space that reflects your lifestyle and enhances your garden.
For more information on what a summer house is and how it can benefit your home, visit our detailed guide on what is a summer house?
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Houses
What to put in a summer house?
A summer house can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Many people include comfortable seating such as a sofa for summer house relaxation, side tables, and soft furnishings. For practical use, consider storage solutions like shelving or built-in cupboards. If you want your building to double as a workspace, a desk and ergonomic chair are ideal. For a more social atmosphere, small summer house bar ideas like a counter and stools can be a fun addition. Ultimately, what to put in a summer house depends on whether you want it to serve as a hobby space, an office, or a retreat.
How to decorate a summer house?
Decoration transforms your garden building into a true extension of your home. Summer house decorating ideas include rugs, throws, artwork, and clever lighting. Hanging fairy lights or adding wall-mounted lamps can make the interior cosy, especially in winter. If you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, keep furniture to a minimum and focus on neutral colours. For a rustic look, wooden furniture and natural fabrics work well. Don’t forget the outside — a summer house with decking ideas might include potted plants, outdoor seating, or even a canopy for shade.
Does a summer house need planning permission?
In most cases, small garden summer house ideas can be carried out without planning permission. Rules usually state that the building must not exceed a certain height and should not take up more than half of your garden. However, if you’re planning a large summerhouse or one very close to your neighbour’s boundary, it’s always best to check with your local council. If you want to use the building as a summerhouse bedroom or for overnight stays, different rules may apply.
Does a summer house add value to a property?
Yes, adding a summer house can increase your home’s value. Buyers often see a summerhouse as an extra room, especially if it’s insulated and well-designed. Large summer house ideas, or those with practical features like double doors and proper wall thickness, can make the building more appealing. Even a small summerhouse for garden use adds charm and demonstrates good use of outdoor space.
How to build an insulated summer house?
An insulated summer house ensures year round usability. Focus on wall thickness, insulated roof panels, and double-glazed windows. Seal all gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts. Adding internal cladding helps with insulation and gives the interior a polished finish. If you’re building from scratch, plans to build a summer house should include foundations that can handle the extra weight of insulation.
What are the best summerhouse interiors?
The best summerhouse interiors reflect your lifestyle. If you need a workspace, interior summer house ideas might include a desk, filing cabinets, and plenty of natural light. For relaxation, cosy summer house interior ideas UK homeowners favour include armchairs, rugs, and layered lighting. For social uses, consider a bar or games setup. Many people look for inspiration in modern summer house interior ideas with sleek furniture and clean lines, while others prefer traditional touches.
Can you put a hot tub in a summer house?
Yes, summer houses for hot tubs are increasingly popular. They offer privacy and protection from the weather. You’ll need to consider ventilation, water-resistant materials, and safe electrics. Many homeowners build an open summer house or fit wide double doors so the hot tub is partly inside and partly out. This is a great way to combine luxury with practicality.
How to maintain a summer house?
Wooden summer houses need regular maintenance to keep them weatherproof. Apply a protective stain or paint every couple of years. Check the roof for leaks, especially if you have an apex roof, and clear gutters if fitted. Inspect windows and doors to ensure they’re sealed properly against rain. With regular upkeep, even a homemade summer house can last for decades.
Can you live in a summer house?
While summer houses to live in do exist, most garden buildings are not designed for full-time living unless they meet building regulations. A luxury summer house UK design could potentially be adapted, but for most people, a summerhouse works best as an occasional retreat, office, or guest space rather than permanent accommodation.
What are some names for summer houses?
Some people like to personalise their garden building with unique names. Common names for summer houses include “The Cabin,” “The Hideaway,” “The Lodge,” or “The Retreat.” Giving your building a name adds character and makes it feel like a true part of your home life.
What is the cost of a summer house?
The cost of a summer house varies depending on size, wall thickness, style, and features. A small out house or simple shed-style summerhouse may be affordable, while a large insulated summer house with modern summerhouse interiors can be a bigger investment. Remember to factor in accessories such as decking, lighting, and furniture.
How to light the inside of a summer house?
Inside summer house lighting is important for creating atmosphere. Options include ceiling lights, floor lamps, and wall-mounted fittings. Solar-powered lights are practical if you don’t want to run electrics. For a cosy feel, string lights or lanterns make excellent accessories.
What’s the difference between a summer house and a garden room?
A summer house is often seen as a lighter garden building for relaxation, while a garden room tends to be more insulated and designed as a year round living space. Both offer extra space, natural light, and a connection to your garden, but a garden room usually requires higher wall thickness and may cost more to build.
