What is a shed?
The world of sheds is not usually a hotbed of controversy, but this weeks “Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year” programme on Channel 4 has got “Sheddies” stirred up. If you asked your average punter to describe a shed, no doubt they would describe a spider infested wooden hut at the bottom of the garden containing some rusty garden furniture and a few tools.
However we sheddies (yes I’m one too) realise the shed is far more than that. In reality a shed can be used for anything your imagination can conjure up and can be any colour and any shape. I’ve seen sheds up trees, sheds on boats, Pub sheds, Workshop sheds and of course “Tardis Sheds” ;-)….The sky is the limit. One thing they all have in common is that that they are wooden structures of varying sizes usually in peoples gardens (occasionally elsewhere) In fact the Oxford Dictionary describes a shed as ” A simple roofed structure used for garden storage, to shelter animals, or as a workshop: a bicycle shed or a garden shed” So what’s the big controversy? I hear you say.
Well on this weeks Shed of the year episode amongst the entrants in the “Historic” category was an underground concrete cold war bunker and a rebuilt 1000 yr old long house. Neither of these would fit the traditional understanding of what a shed is.. Ironically the “huge” Long house won that category thus inflaming a frenzied (but good natured) debate on social media as to whether it could be called a shed, considering it was the size of a large four bedroomed house.
Does it matter though??? Of course not. What matters is the passion these people have for their “sheds” and how it effects their everyday lives.
We built our Tardis shed for my two children and it cost a few hundred quid, but the impact its had on their lives is priceless for a parent. I’ve had the great pleasure in talking to many of these shed builders and each of them had their own reasons for building them. Each and everyone of them were inspiring to talk to and from all walks of life. So as you look out of your window at that forlorn shack at the bottom of the garden, why not let your imagination run freely as to what you could turn it into and maybe next year we’ll see a “Shed” made of drinks cans and belly button fluff gracing the screens of our telly boxes… ….. Have fun Sheddies.
About the author
Mark Beresford is a shed and campervan enthusiast. He turned a worn-out shed into a Dr Who themed play space for his children which was shown on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces in 2014.
Posted in: Shed
Metal sculpture in brass, mounted on an 1800s French Coin
This is good for outside as well.
Thanks for pointing out that the Oxford Dictionary describes sheds as a simple roof structure for garden storage, animal shelter, or even a workshop. I am actually going to invest in a custom shed this year to use it as storage for our family. It will be a huge help to reduce the clutter in the garage, since the gardening tools and the vehicle accessories are all stored there at the moment.
Could also be thought of shedding items from my garage and putting them in my new shed.
As the owner of Sunview Builders, I appreciate the diverse interpretations of what constitutes a “shed” and how these interpretations reflect individual creativity and functionality. The recent debate about what qualifies as a shed in the “Shed of the Year” competition highlights an evolving perspective on these structures. While traditional definitions often describe sheds as simple, utilitarian spaces, it’s clear that the modern shed can be much more, encompassing innovative designs and uses that challenge conventional boundaries. For those looking to explore beyond the traditional shed, I recommend focusing on aspects like structural integrity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s a quaint garden retreat or a more elaborate custom build, ensuring that the shed meets practical needs while reflecting personal style will always yield rewarding results.
I couldn’t agree more with how personal and imaginative these spaces can be. While many see sheds as simple storage spaces, I’ve seen clients transform them into everything from cozy home offices to vibrant art studios. One key tip I’d add is to always plan the foundation and structure with the shed’s purpose in mind. For example, if you’re turning it into a home office or workshop, you might need to insulate it well or run power lines for heating and lighting. It’s these early decisions that can make all the difference in creating a functional space.
The debate over what truly qualifies as a shed, like the longhouse in Shed of the Year, is an interesting one. Regardless of its size or material, what really matters is how much thought and love goes into it. Have you ever considered adding custom touches like skylights or a unique paint job to…
Nice blog. Thank you