How to turn your dusty old garden shed into a backyard bar

Finding new and inventive ways to convert garages, garden sheds and backyard space (we’re looking at you “she sheds” and granny pods!) may be the best trend of the century, and the latest take on this trend is bar sheds, in which outdoor storage spaces are turned into tiny, private backyard hubs for relaxing with an adult beverage.

In 2017, London-based realtor Michael Graham tweeted about the bar shed trend, complete with a photo of a handsome shed-to-bar renovation:

Sheds are great for storage, obviously, but with a bar shed, you won’t be storing garden hoses and wheelbarrows. Oh, no. You’ll be storing beer glasses, dart boards and that old tennis trophy. Yeah, you know the one.

Turning your backyard into the neighborhood watering hole can be easier than you might imagine, too. All you really need is a shelf to store your booze, some coasters and — if you’re handy — make sure to install a cool bar top and add some barstools.

Installing a bar top could be a fun weekend project, and it’ll take your shed-drinking to a whole other level. Add some lighting and decor and you’re all ready to relax in your own private pub.

Bar sheds became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when so many bars, restaurants and other hot spots closed down, and most people were forced to entertain themselves at home. Building a bar shed served as a great way to pass the time while also creating a functional outdoor hangout.

Now, there’s plenty of bar shed inspiration to be found on social media. For example, TikTokker @tmacpherson1023 spent the 2020 holiday season enjoying her own festive backyard drinking nook:

And @dadlife360 created a whole backyard oasis for himself, complete with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs out front, and a cozy bar inside the shed:

Another spin on this concept is the wine shed, where the backyard storage space is transformed into a classy spot for unwinding with a glass of vino. This video from TikTok user @the_popped_cork shows an elegant little wine shed that looks like it could be a miniature tasting room at a winery:

Now granted, the concept of an at-home bar isn’t new, and some folks have been drinking in their backyard pub sheds for years. Still, it’s a trend that’s gaining steam because, really, who wouldn’t want to kick their clutter to the curb and create their own customized at-home outdoor drinking establishment?