Cottage Sheds: 5 Awesome Styles

With the possibility of being turned into a backyard room, an office for your remote job, or even a lawnmower shed, cottage garden sheds are the talk of the town when it comes to backyard additions.

These versatile and stylish structures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a little something to offer everyone. While they may be small in stature, don’t let that fool you – these cottage-style sheds pack a big punch when it comes to curb appeal and functionality.

In this article, we gather five of our favorite backyard cottage shed styles to give you some inspiration for your own backyard oasis. And the best part? We have them all here at Esh’s Utility Buildings; so, you can easily find the perfect one for your yard when you know what you want.

Cottage Shed #1: Ranch-Style with a Dormer

The first of the five cottage shed styles we’ll be discussing is this ranch-style with a dormer. This shed is the perfect size for those who want to use it as an office or a playroom for the kids.

The dormer adds extra headroom and natural light, making it a bright and airy space to work or play in. While the ranch-style shed keeps the footprint small, the added loft space is perfect for storing those seldom-used items. This way, you can keep your backyard cottage shed tidy and organized without having to sacrifice any of the cute cottage charms.

And, if you decide you want to use this shed as a guest house or rental unit, the dormer provides extra air space for your guests. You can even add a small kitchenette and bathroom to make it a true guest cottage.

Why Add a Dormer to Your Cottage Shed?

Dormers are a great way to add extra light and headroom to any cottage-style shed, but they especially come in handy on cottage sheds. By adding a dormer, you can turn what would otherwise be a cramped and dark space into a bright and airy one.

It doesn’t hurt that golden hour is a real treat in a shed with a dormer. If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to watch the sunset as you lay in your indoor-outdoor hammock, this is the shed for you.

Cottage Shed #2: Ranch-Style with a Porch

The next style on our list is the ranch-style shed with a porch. This is an excellent option for those who want to use their shed as a relaxation spot or an extra entertaining space.

If you’ve ever seen a guest house or pool house, this cottage shed with a porch is a similar setup. The porch gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors, without being in the direct sun or rain. And, if you add some comfy furniture and some string lights, you’ve got yourself a perfect spot for an outdoor movie night or summer party.

Just make sure to invite us over, okay?

Why Choose the Cottage Shed with Porch?

Porches are incredibly charming, as they display all the coziness of indoor space with the beauty of the outdoors. This is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while you watch the birds at the feeder or to relax with a good book in the evening. The sleek lines and simple design of the ranch-style shed are elevated with the addition of a porch.

If you’ve got a green thumb, this cottage shed with a porch is also a great option for you. You can use the porch to house your potted plants, giving them a safe place to thrive away from any pests or harsh weather conditions.

Sheds with porches are so amazing, that we dedicated an entire article to them. You can check it out here: Sheds With Porches: Best Upgrade? or here Shed Porch Ideas and Inspiration.

Cottage Shed #3: Ranch-Style with a Garage Door

This unique take on the ranch-style shed is perfect for those who want to use their shed as a workshop or hobby space. The garage door gives you easy access to large items, like motorcycles, lawnmowers, and power tools, allowing you to work on your hobbies with ease.

You can roll all of your tools and gear right into the hut and then close up the garage door when you’re done for the day.

Not to mention, this style is great for those who want to use their shed as a home gym. You can easily store all of your equipment inside, which means no more excuses for skipping a workout!

Esh’s Utility Buildings offers a wide range of sizes and styles for ranch-style sheds, including those that fit either one or multiple vehicles. You can even add extra features, like windows and skylights, to further customize your shed. Or, try and build your own from scratch with our 3D shed builder!

Cottage Shed #4: Barn-Style with a Loft

Traditionally known for their farmhouse charm, barn-style sheds make for an excellent storage solution.

This particular style is great for those who want a bit more space than the average shed. The loft area is perfect for storing seasonal items, like holiday decorations and winter clothing. At the same time, the downstairs can be revamped into paradise with the addition of a comfy chair, some indoor plants, and your favorite books.

This option is also ideal if you need a place to house your animals. The loft can be used as a chicken coop or a place for your rabbits to play. The downstairs can be transformed into a stable for your horse. Just add some hay, and you’re all set!

If you’re considering a barn-style shed for your property, be sure to check out our wide selection of sizes and styles. We even have a few that come with porches, so you can enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from the elements.

At Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer two types of second-level lofts:

• One-sided Loft: This type can cover more than 50% of the upper area’s front, back, or even both sides while preserving at least one liberated area in the middle.

• “U” Shaped Lofts: This type simultaneously covers the upper area’s front, back, and side (left or right). These lofts cover most of the superior headroom and provide the most significant extra space.

Cottage Shed #5: Barn-Style with a Porch

This is the perfect option for those who want to use their shed as a workspace. The barn-style roof provides plenty of headroom, while the porch gives you a place to take breaks and enjoy the fresh air.

The little cottage shed with a porch will transport you back to the days of cowboys and pioneers where life was a little bit simpler: work.

After a long day of working in your garden or on your latest project, you can sit back and relax on the porch, enjoying the fruits of your labor. What a way to enjoy the great outdoors!

If you’re interested in this shed style, be sure to check out our wide selection of sizes and styles. You can browse some beautiful low and high barn sheds here.

How Do I Choose a Style Over Another?

Whether you’re looking for a traditional, modern, or rustic shed, there’s sure to be a style that fits your needs. But how do you choose the right one for your property?

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

• The size of your property: If you have a small yard, you’ll want to choose a little cottage shed that doesn’t take up too much space. Conversely, if you have a large property, you’ll have more room to work with and can choose a larger cottage storage shed.

• The climate: If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to choose a shed that can withstand the elements. For example, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you’ll want to choose a cottage storage shed that’s made of hurricane-resistant materials.

• Your budget: Sheds can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Decide whether you’re getting a large shed or small shed. Setting a budget before you start shopping is crucial; that way you don’t get overwhelmed by the options.

• Your needs: What will you be using your shed for? Storage? A workspace? A place to house your animals? A cottage-style garden shed? Keep your needs in mind when choosing a style so you can be sure to get the most out of your shed.

As everyone has their preferences, we’ve created a 3D design builder platform to enable people to virtually build the cottage shed of their dreams. This platform will give you an accurate representation of how your shed will look once it’s built; plus, it’s a lot of fun to play around with!

Final Thoughts

Before today, you may have never given much thought to the different types of cottage sheds available. But now that you know more about the options, we hope you’ll be able to find the perfect shed for your needs. If you’re looking to build a cottage shed yourself, check out this article. Or, read our story about how we built a 392 sq. ft. office shed in Kentucky!

Here at Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer a wide variety of styles and sizes of cottage sheds to choose from. Download our catalog today to see all of the different options available. And, if you need any help, our team of experts is always here to answer your questions.

If you’re looking for a cottage shed that’s not too big but not too small, you could learn more about our 14×20 sheds.

Happy Cottage Shed hunting!