How to Hide a Shed in a Small Garden Creatively [UPDATED]

Nothing is as beautiful or astonishing as nature, and the garden is the perfect place to enjoy its delights daily.

However, an attractive garden requires a lot of practical effort and the tools to keep it in tip-top shape. Therefore, you will more than likely have a shed stuck somewhere in your garden.

Even if a shed is shiny and new, we don't want it to be the main feature of the garden. So, we need to hide it somehow. From using trellis to nature, read this guide to learn how to hide a shed.

Five methods of how to hide a shed in a small garden

Here are four key methods you can use to hide your shed: concealment, distraction, improvement, and replacement.

Editor’s Note [14.12.23]:

Our article about how to hide a shed in a small garden was originally published in December 2017. Today, we have given the article a major upgrade. Many sections have received enhancements, whilst new sections have been added for trees and shrubs to hide a garden shed, trellis to hide a shed and surrounding your garden shed with fencing.

1)    Concealing a Shed

There are a few ways to screen your shed, such as planting trees, shrubs, and trellis. Assuming you don't want to fence your shed in, trellis panels, adorned with climbing plants, are perhaps the speediest garden screen. A few fence posts, some trellis fencing, and a season or two for the climbing plants to grow... the sight of that shed will soon be a distant memory.

Trees and Shrubs to Hide a Shed

If you are looking to disguise a garden shed discretely into the landscape, certain trees and shrubs can make all the difference. Below is a list of ten popular trees and shrubs, each with their unique characteristics, these are perfect for naturally concealing your shed while enhancing your garden's overall aesthetic:

#

Tree/Shrub

Description

1

Arborvitae

With a narrow, columnar growth habit, the Arborvitae is a great option for shed screening. The foliage adds to the overall beauty of your landscape because it is vibrant green in colour and feels soft to the touch

2

Bamboo

A hardy perennial, bamboo is fast growing and will hide even the largest of sheds. If you are looking for a dense, natural wall then bamboo will give you the privacy you desire

3

Boxwood

The dark green foliage up to 1” can be shaped into a perfect low hedge. Ideal for hiding your garden shed this evergreen has leaves, which may turn yellow or brown in colder climates

4

Forsythia

Are dynamic shrubs with vibrant yellow blossoms in the early spring and provide a bright and leafy screen. Featuring rapid growth and vigour, these deciduous shrubs can reach heights of 8' to 10 feet' and spread out 10' to 12', making them ideal to hide a shed

5

Hydrangea

Well known for their sizable stunning blooms, hydrangeas are also an excellent way to provide cover for a shed or other garden building

6

Lilac bush

Attractive bees and butterflies with lilac bushes, that have an amazing unmistakeable scent. They add colour (which varies depending on the variety) and as a bonus are great for hiding sheds

7

Rhododendron

An attractive evergreen with beautiful foliage and flowers. Choose rhododendrons as a dense screen to surround your shed

8

Viburnum

A striking shrub bearing beautiful pink or white flowers and attractive berries. These reach a height of roughly 6', they bloom in both full and partial shade and are ideal for hiding a shed

9

Star jasmine

This is a fragrant and simple-to-grow plant that yields blooms in the summer and year-round evergreen colour

10.

Pittosporum

During the summer, these stunning shrubs bloom and release a strong scent like orange blossoms. Evergreen foliage will aid in hiding the shed's base

Bougainvillea climbing a fenceBougainvillea climbing a fence
Pink clematis climbing garden trellisPink clematis climbing garden trellis
RosesRoses

Trellis to Hide a Shed

Choosing the right trellis to hide a shed offers both traditional and contemporary design options. Listed below are eight trellis options, which will improve your garden’s aesthetic appeal, whilst also hiding your shed:

  1. Arched trellis panels - add a trellis panel with an arch for a decorative touch, these panels provide an elegant archway effect
  2. Diamond trellis - this geometric diamond-shaped design suits modern and contemporary garden designs and a smart way to obscure your garden shed
  3. Decorative trellis – if you are looking for a contemporary décor this trellis is for you, choose this to add a stunning visual way of hiding a shed
  4. Lattice trellis – the well-known crisscross style pattern supports climbing plants growth, which in turn leads to effective shed screening
  5. Planter trellis - enjoy plant foliage, flowers and privacy with this trellis which enables planters to be incorporated
  6. Square trellis - choose a square-shaped trellis as a classic/traditional design feature, although simple this trellis fits snugly into a range of garden designs
  7. Wall trellis - this is perfect for attaching directly to your garden shed to cover it up, this is especially suited to smaller sheds
  8. Wooden trellis - offers a traditional look, blending seamlessly with most garden landscapes while providing ample cover

2)    Distracting from a Shed

Distraction is an interesting one. Consider using a sense other than sight.

How about sound? If one were to approach an ugly outdoor shed and hear the soothing sound of a water feature in the nearby corner of the garden, in which direction would your attention be drawn?

Or perhaps use scent and sight combined? An abundance of planters in front of the shed, all overflowing with beautiful scented plants will certainly steal the limelight from the shed.

Forest Venice Wooden Garden PlanterForest Venice Wooden Garden Planter
Forest Durham Rectangular Wooden Garden PlanterForest Durham Rectangular Wooden Garden Planter
Forest Wooden Garden Living Wall PlanterForest Wooden Garden Living Wall Planter

3)    Improving it with a Shed Makeover

When thinking of how to hide a shed in a small garden, thinking outside of the box can help. Why not transform your shed into a stylish garden feature, which will draw attention, with a makeover? Painting it can be a revelation. Choosing an interesting shed colour, perhaps something bold or in contrast to your garden's palette, can turn your shed from an unnoticed storage space into a focal point. The key is to select a shade that not only you love but also complements the surroundings.

Then, there is the practical side of the makeover. If the roofing felt on your shed is looking a bit worse for wear, consider replacing it. An innovative option like SkyGuard could be a smart investment. This advanced shed roof covering promises not to tear or rip, and with a guarantee to last for at least 20 years, it is a hassle-free choice. It is about making your shed robust while also boosting its appearance. Another form of shed roof covering would be a green roof, plant grasses, herbaceous perennials, moss, sedum, wildflowers, etc., to disguise a garden shed with an unusual garden landscape.

Finally, add some personal touches, such as wind chimes or hanging baskets filled with vibrant flowers or trailing plants, which will bring life to your shed's exterior. They create a charming and welcoming vibe, making the shed feel like an integral part of your garden. Think of it as not just a storage area, but a mini retreat that adds character and beauty to your outdoor space. With these simple changes, rather than hiding your shed, it will feel refreshed and new.

Paint your shed an interesting colourPaint your shed an interesting colour
Skyguard Roof membrane - the alternative to shed feltSkyguard Roof membrane - the alternative to shed felt
Add a hanging basketAdd a hanging basket

4)    Replacing a Shed

Ahh, replacement, you say - I wondered when they were going to try and sell us something expensive. It’s certainly true that Buy Sheds Direct boasts a superb range of garden sheds, but have you ever considered purchasing an outdoor store to replace your old shed instead of hiding it? These invaluable little garden storage facilities are spacious, and secure, but tend not to be as tall as traditional sheds, making them far less obtrusive.

Click on the images for more product details.

7x3 Forest Large Double Door Apex Wooden Garden Storage7x3 Forest Large Double Door Apex Wooden Garden Storage
4x2 Shire Wooden Garden Storage Unit4x2 Shire Wooden Garden Storage Unit
4x2 Forest Shiplap Pent Midi Wooden Garden Store4x2 Forest Shiplap Pent Midi Wooden Garden Store

6)    Fence it in

Building a fence around your shed can be a clever way to hide it, either partially or entirely. “Fencing it in” is a technique to hide your shed whilst blending in with the surrounding fencing in your garden. The fencing size you use can be between 3’ to 6’ high and will be largely determined by the size of your shed and the garden layout and design.

Typically, choose a smaller height for partial hiding of a shed and a 6’ high fence for full concealment. Ensure you comply with local fence height regulations before you choose to install a taller fence.

There are also many types of designs available, so you will not need to compromise on your chosen garden décor. Wooden fences provide a natural, rustic aesthetic appeal, particularly if you choose feather edge or closeboard styles. For a more contemporary look choose from slatted wooden fences or maybe even sleek metal panels.

A painted fence also brings new opportunities. Choose a colour that exactly matches your garden’s colour scheme as this will help to hide your shed with a kind of camouflage, whilst potentially applying a layer of timber treatment for preservation. A popular example of a painted fence would be a white picket fence, with blue also being popular with many homeowners.

Whichever fencing you choose there are plenty of options to preserve your privacy whilst also hiding your shed.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let that ugly, old outdoor shed spoil the view in your garden. Remember our best tips: conceal, distract, improve, replace, or fence in, and, if you have any further garden shed ideas, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment at the bottom of this article.

Contacting Buy Sheds Direct

Should you require assistance or guidance on how to hide a shed in a small garden or purchase some of our trellis to hide a shed why not get in touch? Contact us using these methods:

  • Phone - 0333 003 0514
  • E-mails – send them using our contact form
  • Text chat - use our live chat app, text chat in real-time