How to choose the right size of garden room

How to Choose the Right Size of Garden Room for Your Outdoor Space

So, you've decided to add a garden room to your outdoor space—fantastic choice! Maybe you’re dreaming of a home office where no one can find you, a studio where you’ll finally start that long-awaited novel, or a cosy corner just for relaxation. But before you jump in with a measuring tape and a vision board, let’s chat about size. Choosing the right size of garden room can feel a bit like picking the perfect pair of shoes: go too small, and you’ll be cramming things in; too large, and you may feel a bit lost in your space. So, let’s talk sizes, uses, and all the little details you’ll want to consider before investing in your own little outdoor haven.

1. What's the Purpose?

First things first, how do you plan to use this space? This is probably the most important part. Just like when you’re choosing a suitcase (carry-on for a weekend or a trunk for a month-long adventure?), size matters. If you’re planning on a cosy one-person office, you’ll want something compact that doesn’t hog your entire garden. But if you’re eyeing it as an all-weather retreat for family movie nights, you’ll need a bit more room for comfort.

Here’s a quick rundown of typical garden room uses and the size recommendations for each:

Office for One:

An 8-10 square metre room is perfect for a desk, chair, and some shelving. Great for focusing without feeling boxed in.

Hobby/Art Studio:

A 10-15 square metre room gives you plenty of workspace, storage for supplies, and maybe even a seating area to invite in the occasional guest.

Family Room / Entertainment Hub:

For something where a few friends or family can gather, consider 15 square metres or more. Add a sofa, TV, and you’ve got a mini-cinema experience ready to roll.

Multi-Purpose Space:

If you want a space that can serve as an office during the week and an escape on weekends, a larger room (15-20 square metres) will give you the flexibility you need.

Something else entirely:

The luxury we have of being able to design the garden room around you, and what you want, is that we can adapt and adust sizes as needed. Want a totally sectioned off area? We can do that. It is worth taking a little while to work this part out, and then you will have a great footing onto the size part.

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2. Consider the Size of Your Garden (and Your Garden Room’s Impact)

A garden room should be a feature of your outdoor space, not the only feature. Before getting starry-eyed over a room fit for a garden party, think about how much of your garden you’re happy to give up.

Small Gardens (Under 100 sqm):

For small gardens, compact rooms in the 8-12 sqm range are ideal. They’ll give you functionality without leaving you with nothing but a narrow path around the garden room.

Medium Gardens (100-300 sqm):

Here, you’ve got a bit more freedom. A 12-18 sqm room can fit comfortably without taking over your outdoor area. It’s enough space for a lounge setup, maybe even a small kitchenette.

Large Gardens (Over 300 sqm):

With a large garden, the world’s your oyster (or at least your lawn is). Go big if you want, up to 20 sqm or more, but remember, even a large garden benefits from a thoughtful layout. Leave enough open space for greenery, seating, and walkways around the garden room.

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3. Planning for Your Furniture and Layout

Imagine ordering your dream garden room, stepping inside, and realising it’s a bit snug with that oversized armchair and bookshelf you’d mentally placed there. Measure everything you intend to include, and picture the room with furniture, shelving, or any storage you’ll need.

For example:

Minimalist Office:

Desk, chair, small storage unit = around 2-4 sqm for furniture. So an 8 sqm room should be plenty.

Cosy Lounge:

Sofa, coffee table, maybe a small bookshelf or media stand = around 4-6 sqm for furniture, so plan for a 12 sqm room.

Guest Room / Multi-use Space:

If you’re adding a fold-out bed or larger furniture, go for 15 sqm or more, so you can fit everything without bumping into corners.

For a foolproof way to visualise, measure your furniture and sketch a layout. Or better yet, come down to see us in Abernethy. We’ve got show models where you can get a feel for how much fits where—and, crucially, see if you still have enough space to move comfortably around your garden room.

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4. Future-Proofing: Think Long-Term

If you’re thinking of using the garden room purely as an office now, but may later transform it into a yoga retreat, craft room, or even a small home gym, consider a bit of extra room. We’d hate to see you outgrow your garden room just as quickly as you set it up!

Consider Family Growth:

Got kids who might want their own hangout space in a few years? Or maybe you’re an empty-nester who anticipates grandchildren? Going up a size now could save you from adding on or starting again later.

Multi-Functional Needs:

Spaces that serve dual purposes (like an office that’s also a guest room) benefit from a bit more room. A 15 sqm garden room can transition easily, whereas a smaller one might struggle to serve more than one purpose.

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5. Climate Considerations: Insulation and Comfort

Scotland’s seasons bring everything from crisp winter mornings to summer days where, let’s face it, it could be summer or it could rain. Opt for a well-insulated garden room that’ll keep you cosy year-round. When you visit us in Abernethy, you can feel the difference of our insulated rooms—and learn about the finishes that best suit Scotland’s climate, like Redwood or Cedar for a rustic feel or Cedral for a no-maintenance option. We can show you how cosy the rooms are with no heating on at all, and how quickly they heat up.

You’ll want to ensure there’s enough space for the heating system if you’re planning to install one. Even if the room is large, make sure it’s well laid out and energy-efficient. A larger, poorly insulated room can become chilly quickly, while a slightly smaller, well-insulated one can feel perfect all year round.

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6. Considering the Local Landscape and Views

This one’s about aesthetic, but it matters: your garden room should enhance, not obstruct, your garden’s natural beauty. For instance:

A Small Garden Room Tucked in the Corner:

This allows you to keep the room’s footprint subtle and leaves you with open space to appreciate.

Larger Garden Rooms in Larger Spaces:

These can be positioned to maximise views or take advantage of the landscape. A room with windows or even double doors can create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

Think about whether you’ll want to frame any particular views or have easy access to garden pathways. When you pop over to Abernethy, we’ll show you just how easy it is to integrate these rooms into the landscape. Sometimes it’s not always about size, but placement.

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7. Check Out the Site and Test Rooms for Size

Garden rooms are an investment, so don’t leave things to imagination. Visiting a showroom like ours in Abernethy can give you a much clearer idea of the space each garden room offers. Sit down, picture yourself working, relaxing, or hosting guests. You might find the space feels bigger (or cosier) than you imagined, and it can help you make the right choice.

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8. Budget: Getting the Most Room for Your Money

Naturally, the larger the garden room, the higher the price. But remember, choosing the right size is about balance. Spending a bit more for a room that will comfortably serve your needs for years to come is often worth it in the long run.

Our team at Abernethy can also walk you through customisation options that add versatility without inflating the price, so don’t be shy about telling us what you need. We can help you get creative with layouts, finishes, and interior touches to make your budget go further.

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Final Thoughts: Drop By for a Trial Run!

So there you have it—the essentials for choosing the perfect garden room size. It’s all about balancing your current needs with a bit of future planning, making sure it fits your space and your lifestyle without taking over your garden.

And remember, the only real way to know if a garden room feels just right? Try it on for size! Pop down to Abernethy, where you can step inside our show models, wander through the options, and get a feel for what each space has to offer. You might just find that your ideal garden room is waiting here, ready to turn your outdoor space into a place you’ll love for years to come.

See you soon in Abernethy—we’ll have the kettle on!

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