Ah, the garden corner. Often overlooked. Sometimes a dumping ground for last year’s compost. Occasionally home to a cracked flowerpot and a football that’s definitely not yours. But what if we told you that same unassuming corner could become the heart of your garden?
That’s the beauty of the small corner summerhouse. It’s the sort of upgrade that doesn’t shout, but hums with quiet confidence. And trust us — once it’s there, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners unlock the full potential of their outdoor spaces. So, we thought it was high time we put together a proper guide to why corner summerhouses are quickly becoming the must-have garden feature of the year (if not the decade).
So, why a corner summerhouse?
It’s simple, really. Corners are criminally underused. And yet, they’re the most logical place to add structure without swallowing your lawn or blocking your beloved flowerbeds. A corner summerhouse tucks in so neatly, it feels like it was always meant to be there.
These clever little buildings offer something a square shed simply can’t... elegance. Efficiency. A touch of something that says, “Yes, I use my garden, thank you very much.”
Plus, you don’t have to go big to make a big impact. A tidy 7x5 summerhouse can do more than most people think. Office? Absolutely. Reading retreat? Of course. Somewhere to hide from the kids with a slice of Battenberg and a mug of tea? Yes please.
Our top picks (aka the ones we’d build in our own back gardens)
Let’s start with a real stunner: the Woodlands Full Pane Corner Summerhouse. Big glass, big charm, and just enough space to roll out a yoga mat or set up a watercolour station (don’t worry, we won’t judge). It’s a popular one for a reason.
Next up: the Barclay Corner Summerhouse 8x8. Bit more traditional in design, a bit roomier too. Think of it as the perfect balance between classic and current. Garden office? Tick. Craft cabin? Tick. Afternoon nap zone? Double tick.
And if you’ve only got a sliver of garden to play with — don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. The Lumley Summerhouse 7x5 is proof that small doesn’t mean scrappy. It’s compact, solid, and just waiting to become your new favourite place.
Real people, real garden escapes
We’ve seen some absolutely cracking transformations over the years. One chap converted his summerhouse into a model railway control room — complete with tea station, naturally. Another customer built a mini beauty salon in hers, lash bed and all. A young couple made theirs a shared art studio, with easels back-to-back like they were in an episode of The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Oh, and don’t get us started on the ‘gin huts’. There have been more than a few. String lights, stools, a tiny bar top, and suddenly it’s five o’clock in your garden every day.
What’s lovely is that each one reflects the person who owns it. That’s the real joy. It’s not just storage — it’s personality, painted in wood and glass.
Planning your garden layout like a pro (without needing to be one)
Right. So, you’ve got your eye on a summerhouse. Now let’s talk garden layout.
Think of the summerhouse as your anchor. Position it so it faces into the garden, ideally catching the evening light if you can. That way, you get the best of both worlds: shade when it’s scorching, and a sunset view to finish the day.
Add a path or stepping stones leading to the doors — trust us, it turns the whole setup into a destination. Border it with lavender, tall grasses, or wildflowers and it becomes a mini sanctuary.
Got limited space? Use it smartly. Raised beds or vertical planters help you stack your greenery upwards. And instead of a big lawn, try gravel or decking out front — it’ll feel more open, less cluttered.
What do you actually put in one of these?
Now, this is where things get exciting. You can keep it simple: a chair, a table, maybe a rug. Done.
Or you can go full Pinterest. We’ve seen summerhouses turned into sewing rooms, man caves, she sheds, garden bars (yes, really), and even meditation spaces.
The golden rule? Don’t overstuff it. Let the space breathe. Use foldable furniture if you need the room to flex. Add a shelf or two. Hang some fairy lights or a solar lantern. Pop a mirror on the back wall to bounce the light around. Suddenly, you’ve got a mini palace. But humble.
Elevate it with the right accessories (and paints that actually last)
A few small touches can take your summerhouse from “nice” to “can I move in here, please?”
Planters by the door, a little gravel patio with bistro chairs, maybe even a water feature. If you’re feeling brave, we’ve seen some folks hang a hammock outside theirs. Bold.
But the most transformative touch? Paint.
We can’t say this enough: a good exterior paint makes all the difference. At Norfolk Sheds, we stock Cuprinol Garden Shades and Sadolin Superdec — both known for rich colour, long life, and protection against our famously moody British weather.
Want ideas? Go warm and earthy with “Muted Clay.” Go classic and bright with “Seagrass.” Or go bold with navy or deep charcoal. We’ve even seen dusty rose work beautifully with light stone patios.
It’s your summerhouse. Make it look like yours.
How do you keep it looking lovely?
Glad you asked. It’s not hard, promise.
Give it a clean now and again. Treat or repaint it every couple of years. Keep an eye on the roof and make sure any seals or trims stay snug. That’s about it.
All our pressure-treated models come with extra protection, so you’ve already got a head start. But like anything in life, the more love you give it, the better it’ll treat you in return.
Planning permission? Probably not.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll need to call the council just to put a shed in your garden — breathe easy. In most cases, small corner summerhouses fall within permitted development.
That means if it’s under 2.5m tall, not used as a home (sorry, Airbnb hosts), and doesn’t take over half your garden, you’re golden. That said, if your home is listed or you're in a conservation area, it’s worth checking in with the local authority just to be sure.
And finally — why we love them
Small corner summerhouses are a bit of a secret weapon. They take up barely any room, but give back so much.
They’re charming. They’re practical. They’re the kind of upgrade that feels indulgent without being over the top. And best of all? They’re yours to shape into whatever you need — a garden office, a creative escape, a hideout with biscuits and books.
We’ve helped people turn these spaces into everything from home gyms to artist studios. And we’ve seen first-hand just how much joy they bring.
So, if you’ve got a lonely corner and a bit of imagination, maybe it’s time to bring it to life.
Have a browse through our corner summerhouses. If you’re not sure which one to choose, or need help figuring out which size works best for your garden, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat sheds.
And when you’re ready to give yours a lick of paint, we’ve got everything you need in our paint section. The good stuff. The weatherproof stuff. The “oh wow, that looks lovely” stuff.
We’ll leave you to it. But don’t leave that corner bare for too much longer, yeah?