7 garden shed paint colour ideas to add a pinch of whimsy to your outdoor space

The global market for garden sheds, summer houses and other outdoor buildings is booming. And who is surprised? That post-pandemic desire to get out there and switch things up still has us in its clutches. Whether you’re after a cosy space to escape to with a glass of wine and a book or a garden office that meets your unique needs for comfort and productivity, a fitting aesthetic can work wonders. This is when shed colours come into play.

A good lick of paint is the antidote to a tired-looking or cramped exterior, and it’s an accessible way to level up your shed without extensive improvements. Say goodbye to peeling paint, stains or algae-clad wood as we share our 7 favourite garden shed paints and colour ideas to revamp this handy outbuilding.

7 garden shed paint colour ideas for every style and aesthetic

1.     Get funky with warm yellow tones

Turn your shed into a canvas for expression with a bold yellow paint like Brimstone No. 476 or Babouche No.223. These sunny shades are a quirky addition to a chic garden design and will draw the eye in the best possible way. People who wear yellow project confidence and joy, so why not project that onto your garden shed colours?

2.     Opt for contemporary coolness with sage green tones

Lift your shed’s aesthetic to contemporary coolness by choosing the serene and refreshing tones of Sir Lutyens’ Sage No.302. This heritage paint, thoughtfully designed to mirror the meadow at Castle Drogo, infuses your outdoor space with a timeless nostalgia and natural charm. The soothing sage green hue creates a tranquil ambience, making it a perfect choice for your shed.

3.     Live the coastal life with naval blues and white

Embrace the coastal allure with the timeless combination of naval blues and crisp whites using the exquisite paint & paper library shades. Btwn Dog & Wolf No. 693, the infamous French mid-tone blue, effortlessly pairs with soft greys and neutrals, creating a classic and sophisticated palette reminiscent of coastal aesthetics. Complementing this, Cotton I No. 131 offers a lighter variation of Cotton III No.133, an Architectural colour known for its subtle differentiations in shades.

4.     Emulate Barbie’s dreamhouse with a hot pink

This bold and energetic colour choice brings a sense of fun and exuberance to your outdoor space, creating a statement that is both eye-catching and trendy. The vivid hot pink not only adds a pop of colour but also infuses a youthful and lively spirit into the surroundings. Whether you envision a chic retreat or a creative space, this daring shade is sure to make your shed a standout feature in any back garden that channels the Barbie spirit.

5.     Become an icon with a red carpet shade

Elevate your shed to iconic status by adorning it in a red carpet-worthy shade. This attention-grabbing hue brings a touch of luxury and timeless elegance to your shed, not only adding a sense of drama but also creating a focal point that demands attention. Perfect if your garden’s feeling a bit washed out.

6.      Stay understated with Blue Grey and Elephant’s Breath

When painting your shed, Blue Gray No.91 and Elephant’s Breath No.299 are a power couple that promise to create a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere. Blue Gray, a soft and understated shade while Elephant’s Breath, slightly more lilac in tone, adds a contemporary touch to the overall aesthetic. Applying these shades in a matte finish, such as Exterior Eggshell, will enhance the modern yet relaxed feel of your outbuilding.

7.     Ground yourself with earthen hues

Au naturelle will always be in and with a rising collective longing to connect with nature these earthy tones really do us some good. Whether you opt for an autumn gold, red earth shade or a deeper, confident brown like Little Greene’s Attic ii No.144, these colours will provide a rustic aesthetic befitting of a traditional garden and a cosy place to curl up.

How to pick out a beautiful shed paint

If you were worried about having to replace your shed, we hope you’re feeling more reassured. Luckily, giving your shed a bit of TLC with a wood treatment and paint job can keep its life going for years longer – and that’s years in style.

Before you get to time blocking a weekend for this chore, it’s a good idea to see what products are on the market and build a good understanding of which ones will work best for you. Here are some qualities you should look out for in a good shed paint and some recommendations by price.

On selecting the type of shed paint

When browsing for a suitable product to recolour your shed, here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• Is it compatible with exterior wood?
• Is its formula water-based and low VOC?
• Does it provide strong weather resistance?
• Is it quick drying?
• Is it resistant to chipping, peeling and scratches?
• Does it come in your desired finish?

If you hit multiple of these in the affirmative, congrats, you found yourself a high-quality paint!

Paint, varnish or stain

As you might expect, shed paints come in a variety of forms, and this covers exterior wood paint, varnish or stains.

• Paint – provides a solid, opaque colour finish that entirely conceals the wood’s grain, providing a sleek and unified appearance.
• Varnish – envelops the exterior of wood, crafting a shielding layer that is typically transparent, preserving the wood’s natural beauty.
• Stain – permeates the wood, keeping on display its natural grain pattern, and is available in an array of hues for a personalised touch.

Your choice here will depend on the desired finish and look. Now more on traditional shed paint…

Standard shed paints

These paints are the most budget-friendly whilst doing a solid job. Standard shed paints such as Cuprinol’s Shades or Ducksback provide a gorgeous natural colour from forest green to rich cedar brown along with the protection necessary to keep your shed safe from rot and decay.

Sadolin Superdec is another stand-out choice. It offers a high-performing solution with its 10 years of protection, adeptly concealing timber blemishes through its opaque solid colour, and showcasing a highly flexible formulation that is not only self-priming but also eliminates the need for an undercoat.

Professional shed paints

Trade paints aren’t just your run-of-the-mill products. No, they’re designed to meet high standards that should be up to par with any professional job. As such, they’re a little more expensive. But, trust us, the price tag is well worth the cost; trade paints offer added longevity and a professional finish – Bradite is an excellent choice here!

Designer shed paints

If you really want to dress your shed to impress, designer paints are also an option. Generally, these are high-performance, multi-surface and offer a wealth of pigmented colours and finishes. We love F&B, Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library – they’re certainly a powerhouse trio!

On matching shed style with your colour mood board

The next consideration on your list should be how your shed paint complements the style and design of the outbuilding. A traditional shed might look cutesy and fun with a burst of pink and clotted cream accents, but on a veranda-lined summer house, it might look cheap or gaudy.  A garden office, however, may suit a more pared-back look to enable a clean and organised vibe to help you get motivated on the job.

What your shed colours reflect about your personality

Another thing to mull over – how do you want people to think about you? While, true, shed colours aren’t a powerful testament to who you are, they aren’t inconsequential.

Colour psychologists have conducted studies that find that certain colours map onto different personality traits like conscientiousness or emotional stability. And we all know that old adage, fake it ‘til you make it. So, fancy feeling a bit more friendly? Then why not add more light blue or yellow into your life?

While there could be additional considerations influencing your new shed colour – perhaps you’re mindful of your surroundings or aiming for a burst of colour to revitalise a jaded scene – these decisions can also serve as a window into your character.

The final brushstroke on our garden shed colour suggestions

Your garden shed is your personal haven, so why settle for the ordinary? Dive into a world of vibrant possibilities with our extensive range of shed paint colours. Browse our designer paint collection, showcasing premium Farrow and Ball shades, from a refreshing blast of lime to beguiling neutrals.

Picture this: a shed that’s not just a shed but a statement piece in a wider décor scheme. Our eco-friendly paints, tougher than the standard fare, promise a lasting allure for your shed. They’re water-resistant, breathable, and even stand guard against algae and fungi – because why should your garden shed settle for anything less than fabulous?

Ready to layer on the personality? Unleash your creativity with a fresh coat of colour today! And for more tips and tricks, hop over to the rest of our DIY blog.