One of the first questions we hear from anyone thinking about a garden room is simple but important: how big should it be?
Garden rooms aren’t just a trend anymore, they’re becoming an essential for creating space, and a staple for modern homes. Whether you want a cosy space to work, a vibrant art studio, a gym, or somewhere to relax with friends, the size you choose will shape how you use it every day. There’s no perfect size that fits everyone. It all comes down to what you want to do with your space, the garden you have, and your budget. To make it easier, we’ve pulled together advice, real examples, and practical tips so you can work out the perfect fit for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Size of Your Garden Room
Before you decide on your garden room, think about these key factors:
- Purpose of the room - Will it be a home office, gym, art studio, therapy room, entertaining space, or hobby room?
- Number of users - Will it be for one person, a family, or groups?
- Furniture & storage requirements - Desks, beds, seating and shelving all need space.
- Future use - Will your needs change over time?
- Planning permissions & regulations - The size may impact whether you require approval.
Small VS Large Garden Rooms
Small Garden Rooms
- Quicker to build
- Lower cost
- Minimal impact on garden space
- Ideal for a single purpose, like a compact office
Large Garden Rooms
- Greater flexibility in use
- Can incorporate multiple zones
- Better suited for entertaining or family use
- Requires more planning and investment
Real Customer Examples: How Size Matches Purpose
One of the best ways to decide on the size of your garden room is to see what other customers have chosen and why. Every cabin we build is bespoke, which means it’s designed around real people’s needs, not “off-the-shelf” dimensions. Here are some examples:
Anita’s garden therapy room
4.1m x 3.0m
Anita needed a calm, private environment to host one-to-one therapy sessions from home. Her 4.1m x 3.0m garden room sits neatly at the edge of her garden, surrounded by plants and soft lighting that instantly put clients at ease. Inside, there’s space for two comfortable chairs, a storage cabinet, and soft decor that creates a soothing atmosphere. The compact footprint means it feels intimate and peaceful, while still leaving plenty of outdoor space.
'It's just such a safe space for myself and I can forget that it's actually a work environment because it's just so comfortable and cosy. It's just everything, this space to me.' - Anita.
This size is ideal if you’re looking for a dedicated therapy, beauty or consultation room where comfort and privacy are key.
Rick & Gill’s artist’s studio
3.8m x 2.3m
Rick & Gill wanted a light-filled space for painting and drawing. At 3.8m by 2.3m, their studio proves you don’t need a huge footprint to create a functional creative space. This size works perfectly if you want a dedicated hobby room without taking up too much of your garden.
Yusuf & Rubina’s garden office & snug
5m x 3m
This couple wanted a versatile cabin that could double as a professional office during the day and a cosy snug in the evenings. Their 5m x 3m cabin includes a sleek desk setup on one side, with a sofa, cabinet, and feature lighting on the other. The contemporary design connects beautifully with the house.
5m x 3m is a good mid-size option if you want a multipurpose space, somewhere you can blend work, relaxation, and social use.
Emma’s photography studio
7m x 4m
Emma runs a photography business, so she needed a large garden room with space for multiple backdrops and props. At 7m x 4m, her studio allows her to host families, set up a beanbag area for newborn shoots, and even use a roller system for interchangeable coloured backdrops. This example shows how larger cabins are ideal when your work requires flexibility and dedicated zones.
For anyone running a home business or creative studio like Emma, a larger cabin like this can provide a truly professional setup without the overheads of renting a workspace. But of course, all businesses are different, so it's best to talk to our garden building experts if you're unsure!
Tony’s man cave
7m x 4m
Tony wanted a fun retreat where he could relax and entertain friends. His 7m x 4m garden room has space for a pool table, retro gaming machines, and a built-in bar area. A cabin of this size transforms into a true extension of your home, giving you a social hub without needing an extension or conversion.
Tony wanted a space where he could unwind and entertain friends without disturbing the rest of the house. His 7m x 4m cabin includes a pool table, retro gaming machines, and a custom-built bar, all finished with ambient lighting and bold wall art. The large windows make it bright during the day, while the insulation and air source climate control make it a comfortable year-round retreat.
A cabin of this size transforms your garden into a true extension of your home, perfect for family gatherings, movie nights or entertaining guests.
John & Stephanie’s garden dining room
8m x 3.5m
For John and Stephanie, entertaining was the priority. Their 8m x 3.5m dining cabin is designed around a long dining table, perfect for hosting family gatherings and dinner parties. This example shows that when hospitality is the focus, going slightly larger makes sure you have plenty of room to seat everyone comfortably.
'We use the garden room as a large dining room and seating area. It is a lovely, happy place to eat with friends and sit to relax. It has also been used as a conference room for work friends to meet for somewhere different/quiet for a work meeting for a nice change!' - Stephanie.
Bespoke Garden Rooms Designed Around You
At Cabin Master, we don’t just offer standard sizes, we create truly bespoke garden rooms designed to fit your exact needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact home office, a cosy reading nook, a creative studio, or a large multi-purpose space, we’ll work with you to design a garden room that’s perfect for your lifestyle, garden layout, and budget.
The “right” size depends on a range of factors:
- Your intended use - Will it be a home office, guest room, gym, or something else entirely?
- Available garden space - We’ll take into account your garden’s shape, layout, and access points.
- Planning requirements - Our team will advise you on local regulations to ensure your build complies.
- Design preferences - From the style of your cabin to the interior layout, lighting, and finishes, every detail is tailored to you.
Our process begins with a free site survey, where one of our experts visits your property to discuss your requirements. We combine your ideas with our knowledge of design and construction to produce a garden room that’s uniquely yours. This bespoke approach means your garden room won’t just be the perfect size, it will be a perfect fit too.
Whether you choose a compact corner cabin or a spacious multi-zone garden building, every cabin we create is built with craftsmanship, durability, and your personal needs in mind. If you’re unsure what size you need, think about how you want to use your space day-to-day and whether you might want to adapt it in the future. Our team can help guide you so your garden room works for years to come.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Garden Room?
Whether it’s a compact corner office or a large multi-zone building, every cabin we create is built with craftsmanship, durability, and your personal needs in mind. Request a free garden room pricing guide to start the process immediately, or visit one of our Midlands show sites to see our huge range of garden buildings on display. Come and experience the quality and craftsmanship first hand, and visualise what a Cabin Master garden room could mean for yourself and your loved ones.
FAQs:
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How much of my garden can I use for a garden room?
Generally, you shouldn’t use more than 50% of your garden for a building. This helps maintain space for outdoor living and ensures your project complies with planning regulations. -
Do I need planning permission for a garden room?
In most cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, but size, height, and location matter. It’s best to check with your local council before you begin. -
How long does it take to install?
Depending on size and complexity, installations usually take between 2–5 days. -
How much does a garden room cost?
Prices vary depending on size, specification, and bespoke requirements. Contact us for a free design consultation and quote.
