The garden shed has officially had its glow-up. No longer just a place to stash tools and bikes, today’s sheds are design statements in their own right—and colour is key.
For years, the shed was treated as a purely functional outbuilding—often stained a dark brown or left to weather in place. Today, the garden shed has become something else entirely: a feature. A focal point. A small but expressive piece of outdoor architecture.
Gone are the days when a clear varnish or basic brown would do. Homeowners now expect their shed to align with the tone and texture of their overall garden design.
The UK’s Most Popular Colours for Sheds
In a recent survey, The Posh Shed Company found that 28% chose Sage Green as their preferred shed colour, with Warm Grey (13.4%) and Smokey Blue (12.6%) following behind.
Pale Pink was the nation’s least favourite shed colour.
It’s a shift that reflects a broader trend: as interiors become more curated, homeowners are bringing the same attention to detail outside.
So why the shift away from varnish?
Varnish once signalled practicality, a low-maintenance option that blended into the background. But homeowners are increasingly treating their outdoor spaces as curated extensions of their interiors.
“Gone are the days when a quick lick of varnish was the finish of choice for shed owners,” says Jenny Davis from The Posh Shed Company.
“As homeowners have become more adventurous with their interior schemes, they are using the same approach when it comes to styling the garden, and the shed is no exception.
“Today’s discerning shed owners are looking for buildings that not only serve their functional needs but meet their exacting aesthetic standards too,” says Jenny Davis of The Posh Shed Company.
Traditional varnishes and stains are increasingly seen as dated. They tend to deepen with time and can appear patchy or orange-toned, especially on cheaper woods. They lack the depth and design intention that painted finishes offer.
Painting your shed not only allows for greater visual cohesion in your outdoor space—it’s also an opportunity to express personal style. Whether you match your shed to painted fencing, garden furniture, or house trim, a tonal, layered approach creates a more considered look.
Why Sage Green?
Soft, organic, and endlessly versatile, Sage Green sits beautifully within both rural and urban settings. It complements materials like brick, timber, stone, and Corten steel while balancing beautifully with warm neutrals and soft blues. It’s a colour that doesn’t shout but still draws attention in all the right ways.
How to Style a Sage Green Shed
- Pair with off-black or bronze hardware for a more architectural feel.
- Surround with structured planting—think box balls, ornamental grasses, or espaliered fruit trees.
- Use vertical cladding or tongue-and-groove paneling to elevate the overall look.
Whether your shed serves as a potting retreat, home office or garden bar, a Sage Green finish offers quiet sophistication that endures beyond seasonal trends.
Sheds have moved beyond utility. In 2025, they are an extension of how we live—and increasingly, how we design.
So if your shed is still coated in gloss varnish or hidden behind overgrown borders, it might be time to rethink. This summer, Sage Green is leading the way—and it’s here to stay.
Love Sage Green as much as we do? Explore how this versatile hue works indoors too with our favourite sage green kitchen ideas—from cabinetry to paint palettes, it’s a colour that brings calm wherever it’s used.