7 Backyard Greenhouse Ideas That Maximize the Space

Practice your sun salutations with actual sunbeams shining down in a small greenhouse. Spending time outdoors always brings more zen to your day, so coupled with your yoga practice it’s a great match. Not only can you fully decorate the greenhouse to your liking, it gives you a break from the hustle of your home, allowing you to turn off your brain and focus. Bring a cushioned mat for comfort or keep all your favorite yoga accessories stored in your greenhouse for more frequent use.

Dine al fresco with more protection from the elements in your greenhouse. Add chairs, a dining table and even a chandelier to beautify the space. Walking food from your grill to your greenhouse is easy and lets you serve guests family style. Add fresh cut florals, music and the natural elements of your backyard, it makes entertaining friends and family feel truly special. Hang white bistro style lights to cast a flattering glow over the whole scene. This is sure to be your favorite place to hang out when the weather is right — plus your furniture and accessories stay protected from wind and rain.

Get inspired by taking your painting or other craft projects outside. Set up a worktable, easel and rolling cart to keep supplies organized and you’ve created an idyllic escape to get creative. Depending on your favorite medium, installing temperature controls might be necessary to keep your art supplies fresh. The clear glass windows provide endless views and tons of bright light to energize you while you tune out the rest of the world.

If your pet needs a little more protection than a fenced-in backyard, a greenhouse could be a great spot for you and your pet to play. Since some animals, like cats, enjoy hanging out outside, a greenhouse gives them a chance to find a patch of sun without being exposed to predators and pests. Keep a pet bed, toys and water dishes readily available and enjoy the quality time with your favorite furry friend.

Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to change up your work location. Soak up a little vitamin D while you answer emails, take meetings or work on projects. It’s a nice change of pace from your home office or the perfect place to spend summer Fridays. Keep in mind that while you can absolutely keep a comfortable outdoor chair and worktable in your greenhouse, it’s smart to take your laptop with you when you come and go. You’ll also need to figure out an external power source for a light and a charge cord. Install a sunshade to keep yourself cool and comfortable while you work.

If a she shed feels too dimly lit for your favorite pastime, a greenhouse lets in enough light to curl up with your favorite book. Bring some of your comfiest outdoor furniture inside, from a cushioned chair to an outdoor rug, to create your very own outdoor room. It’s also a great spot to host your book club when the weather is right. Due to the potential for moisture it’s smart not to store your whole library outdoors. Just bring your books with you when you head out to your reading room for the day.

Keep your kids' outdoor toys ick free when you set up a play area inside your greenhouse. It lets them play outside even when the weather is less than ideal and keeps playthings corralled instead of sprawling all over your yard. Just make sure kids are attended while they enjoy the space. Set aside a small area where kids could even plant a few easy-to-grow veggies like cucumbers, zucchini or beans. It’s especially ideal for little kids who need more supervision and might benefit from a smaller play area.