Whether it’s the cool, solitary refuge of a painter’s studio, the cluttered chaos of a writer’s lair, or the pristine simplicity of a sculptor’s workshop, an art studio is more than just a room—it’s a place where ideas come to life. In fact, some of the most iconic works in history were born in unassuming spaces. From Roald Dahl to Damien Hurst, artists across disciplines seem to enjoy the solitary time in natural light at the back end of their garden, and these spaces can spark anything from an entirely new movement to radical contemporary art.
One of the great joys of an art studio, whether it’s a high-end converted loft in Chelsea or a backyard shed, is its potential for transformation. It can be a blank canvas that, with the right vision, becomes a temple of creativity. And here’s the thing: you can make that part affordable. Often, all you need is a shed, some paint, a few tools, and a whole lot of imagination... and inspiration, which we hope to offer you in this guide.
Start by asking yourself:
What sort of art studio do you need?
Followed by:
What sort of art studio do you want?
An art studio can take on many forms depending on the artist’s medium and personal needs. The true beauty of creating a studio out of a wooden shed is that it allows you to personalise the space to fit your style and goals. Here are some examples:
The Painter’s Paradise
Painting studios need space for large canvases, plenty of natural light, and room for the chaos that inevitably comes with splashes of gambose here and a stroke of chartreuse there. It might have large windows for ample sunlight, like the Goodwood Norfolk shed or an apex roof alternative, like the Woodlands Cabin Shiplap shed. You could even add skylights for that extra bit of heavenly illumination for when your masterpiece is finally done!
What you need:
Easel: A sturdy and professional easel, like one of these from Norfolk Art Supplies, is a must for any painter, just like a good desk is necessary for any writer!
Storage: When it comes to paint, organisation is a must, so that you don’t get your acrylic primers mixed up with your watercolours. Organise your paint supplies with shelves or a dedicated storage unit for easy access to brushes, paint tubes, and palettes.
Lighting: Great lighting is essential for any visual artist. Look for Daylight LED bulbs that try to mimic natural light as closely as possible so that your art is as true to your muse as possible as well.
The Sculptor’s Studio
Sculptors require a different setup entirely. They need ample space for larger sculptures, sturdy tables for chiselling and molding, and plenty of storage for tools and materials. A shed can become a wonderful sculptor's sanctuary, with the added bonus of being a safe distance from the main house (read: messy but productive chaos is confined!).
What you need:
Workbenches: A solid workbench, like the Bosch PWB 600 is a great addition for handling heavy materials, but if you are looking to save some money, you could also try looking for a heavy-duty stainless steel industrial workbench from a local hardwire shop.
Tools: Don’t forget your tools—chisels, hammers, and mallets, all of which can be stored neatly in a tool chest for easy access and organisation.
Ventilation: Sculpting often involves dust and debris. Consider adding a ventilation fan or small air purifier to ensure you’re breathing easy.
The Writer’s Retreat
For writers, an art studio might not require much in the way of physical tools. But a quiet space away from the main house, free of distractions, can be the perfect haven for creativity to flow. A writer’s studio in a shed can be as simple as a desk, a comfortable chair, and some well-organised bookshelves. Keyword being-DESK!
What you need:
Desk: Look for a spacious writing desk, preferably with drawers for storing notebooks and pens and something that makes you feel inspired. Some may prefer a hardwood desk, while others prefer a softwood, but wood holds stories of its own, so this is an important choice when it's made by a writer! IKEA has a number of different writing desks to choose from here.
Lighting: Don’t skimp on a good desk lamp; lighting is as important to writers as it is to painters, just in a different sense. Ask yourself if you want something that sheds a large pool of light all around or a more old-fashioned lamp that focuses your attention on your work. .
Storage: Simple shelves, either built into your desk or placed around the shed strategically based on your space, can house your favourite books and writing materials.
The Mixed-Media or Digital Studio
In today’s world, artists are combining traditional methods with digital media. Whether it’s a graphic designer or a digital painter, a shed can easily be adapted into a space for high-tech work, complete with a computer station, digital art tools, and ample storage for both physical and digital materials.
What you need:
A good desk: Consider a sturdy desk, which offers ample space for your computer setup and storage for external hard drives or sketchbooks.
Monitor and Graphics Tablet: A high-quality tablet based on your needs and resources can take your digital artwork to the next level. Pair it with a 4K monitor for precise editing.
Sound system: A studio setup is not complete without some background ambiance. High-quality Bluetooth speakers will help set the right mood as you work.
Once you have figured out what sort of shed you need, we can take a step back and address those nagging concerns. Is it really possible? Can you use a shed as a studio?
Absolutely! Despite this being a frequently googled question, sheds are often the perfect canvas for transformation into an art studio. Many professional artists started in small spaces like sheds or garages, where the cost was minimal and the atmosphere was conducive to creativity. Think of the iconic studios of famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, who spent hours in his makeshift “studio” at the Yellow House in Arles, or the revered sculptor Henry Moore, who worked in a humble shed for many years.
A shed’s size and structure may be just what you need for an affordable and inspirational workspace. The beauty of using a shed as an art studio is that you can customise it to suit your needs! Plus, you’ll likely have fewer distractions than if you were working in the house.
Ok, but how do you turn a shed, something that seems so intrinsically outdoor, into a room?
Turning a shed into a room requires some basic upgrades and personal touches, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. The first step is assessing the condition of your shed. Make sure it’s structurally sound—check for any leaks, cracks, or signs of rot. Once that’s sorted, you can begin transforming the space into a cosy, functional art studio that will give you more inspiration than it will issues.
Start by:
Cleaning and Clearing the Space
Start by clearing out any clutter or debris. This includes removing anything that doesn’t serve your studio’s purpose, and also never forget to check those gutters!
Insulating the Walls
If you plan to use the shed year-round, insulation is essential to keep the temperature regulated. You can use foam board insulation or fiberglass batts to line the walls.
Installing Flooring
Depending on your shed’s current floor, you might want to add some solid flooring. Consider vinyl, carpet tiles, or even polished concrete if you want an industrial feel.
Adding Electricity and Lighting
If your shed doesn’t already have electrical outlets, you’ll need to hire an electrician to install them. Then, add lighting that suits your work, whether that’s ambient light or task lighting for specific projects.
Personalising the Space
Add furniture, art supplies, and tools. Create zones for different activities, such as a painting area with an easel, a writing corner, or a sculpting bench.
Making It Comfortable
Comfort is key for long working hours. Add some cushions, throw rugs, and maybe a chair for when you need a break or for entertaining guests... or gallery curators?
Ok…ok, but how much does it cost to convert a shed into a room?
The cost of converting a shed into an art studio depends on several factors, such as the size of the shed, the materials used, and whether you’re hiring professionals or doing the work yourself. But we’ve broken it down for you below to give you an approximate sense of the budget you should be looking at:
Basic: A simple DIY shed conversion—adding insulation, lighting, and flooring—can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,500.
Mid-Range: If you want to include more advanced features like electricity, plumbing, or custom shelving, the cost may increase to £2,000 to £4,000.
High-End: For those looking to fully customise their shed, the cost can easily exceed £5,000, especially if you need significant structural changes or professional labour.
Keep in mind that the cost can be offset by the fact that you won’t be paying rent or utility bills for a studio in a separate location. It’s an investment that offers long-term benefits.
Now that that’s covered, you may find yourself wondering if this is the right future for your shed. Perhaps you want a more multifunctional space, like a workshop? In which case the question of the hour is:
How do I turn my shed into a workshop?
The primary difference between turning a shed into a workshop vs an art studio lies in the types of tools and equipment you plan to use. Here’s what you need to consider:
Storage: For a workshop, you’ll need to add heavy-duty shelves and cabinets to store your tools.
Workbench: A sturdy workbench is crucial for handling woodworking or other hands-on tasks. This shouldn’t be too different from the sculptors workbench suggested above.
Safety: Workshops require safety measures, like ventilation or a dust extraction system. Consider adding a simple air purifier or dust collector for a safer working environment.
Alright, but you don’t even have a shed? These are just premature dreams?
Nonsense, we’ve got you covered, at Norfolk Sheds we offer a diverse range of high-quality wooden sheds that are perfect for conversion into a studio space. Whether you’re an artist, a sculptor, a writer, or undecided there’s a shed to suit your needs.
Here are a few options to consider:
The Tongue and Groove Apex Shed
This classic shed features a high apex roof that provides extra headroom—perfect for artists who need ample space for standing work, such as large canvas painting or sculpting. Its solid tongue and groove construction ensures durability, while the design allows for plenty of customization.
The Shiplap Garden Shed
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller space but still want something versatile, the Shiplap Garden Shed is a great choice. Its sleek design and excellent insulation properties make it a fantastic option for turning into a well-lit, quiet art retreat. The natural timber exterior also gives it a rustic charm.
The Goodwood Bison Workshop Shed
For those who need space for large sculptures, woodworking, or even a home office, the Goodwood Workshop Shed might be your best option. With its extra-large dimensions and solid foundation, this shed can accommodate all the necessary equipment for a fully functional workshop or studio.
So, there you have it, transforming a wooden shed into an art studio offers you endless creative possibilities without the hefty price tag. By using a bit of imagination and some basic materials, your shed can become a functional, inspirational space where you can pour your heart into your craft. From painting to writing to sculpting, the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, with the right accessories, tools, and equipment, you’ll have a space that’s tailored perfectly to your artistic needs. Happy creating!