8 Ways To Use A Backyard Greenhouse When You Aren't Growing Plants

Love the idea of building a greenhouse in your backyard, but not the time and dedication that comes with it? If you're rethinking a year-round plant nursery, it's totally fine to repurpose the space for something else. What's great about greenhouses is that the space is just as versatile as it is functional. Since they're designed for climate control, you can adjust the temperature inside to enjoy the space any time of the year. Contrary to popular belief, greenhouses aren't just for plants. In fact, the very concept of their benefits for plant care influenced the use of one for human health benefits too, leading to what we now have as sunrooms. With that in mind, a multipurpose greenhouse allows you to reap those same benefits for other activities, regardless of the outdoor climate.

Whether you need a quiet workspace, a cozy reading nook, or a place to indulge in your hobbies, your greenhouse is the perfect spot. In a well-designed greenhouse, you have more than just control over the temperature. Like any other enclosed living space, it helps keep out bugs and pests, as well as control the indoor moisture levels. Best of all, greenhouses are portable, so you can move them anywhere in the yard you see fit. So, if you're ready to transform your backyard into a multifunctional retreat, here are eight ways to use your greenhouse, with or without plants.

Imagine transforming your greenhouse into a serene haven that sparks your creativity. With a greenhouse, you can do just that. The abundant natural light, cozy temperature, and surrounding nature views make it the perfect studio for painting, writing, or crafting. You can add a desk, shelves, and plenty of storage bins to keep and organize your projects and supplies. An outdoor studio also comes in handy if your hobby spaces tend to get messy, or if you use toxic or flammable supplies and prefer keeping them away from the house.

Do the kiddos enjoy camping? Bring the great outdoors "indoors." You can pitch a tent in your greenhouse for the ultimate backyard glamping experience. The controlled environment keeps you all from bugs, rain, and extreme weather, while still offering that connection to nature you love. The best part? Your little ones are just a few yards away (safe where you can see them). In a greenhouse, you can add plush seating, string lights, and even a movie projector for entertainment. It's the perfect place for a cozy night under the stars, no matter the season.

When the kids are away at school, or enjoying their own playtime, the greenhouse can also be a relaxing retreat for parents. Add comfortable lounge seating, soft lighting, outdoor speakers, and a few of your favorite plants for a pop of greenery. The greenhouse's protective enclosure provides a peaceful ambiance, and with a curtain or two, you can make it the perfect private spot to unwind and recharge. Whether you need a serene space for reading, or simply an area to enjoy nature and take a nap, a tranquil oasis is just a few steps away.

We love our pets, but sometimes, they leave messes behind that are a headache to clean. Also, depending on your house size and layout, it can be too cramped for your furry friends to run and play freely. When running around the yard isn't ideal (such as after a recent trip to the groomers or while hosting guests), the greenhouse is a convenient solution. It'll create a safe and comfortable pet space for them to play, nap, and get plenty of sun. Plus, your pets will have protection from fleas, ticks, and any stormy weather. It's a win-win.

If your idea for a home gym is spacious with great views, consider turning your greenhouse into a personal fitness haven. The ample space and natural light provide a great environment for yoga, pilates, and other workouts. The controlled temperature will keep you comfortable, and as a location outside of the main living area, you can focus on your fitness goals without distractions. Plus, you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money renovating a room in the house, or noisy gym equipment disturbing the household. A backyard greenhouse is the dedicated space you never knew you needed.

An evening al fresco dinner sounds lovely, but rain and pesky mosquitoes can definitely ruin those plans. Fortunately, there's a way you can enjoy the tranquil surround sounds of rain, as well as a beautiful view of your backyard landscape. Elevate your outdoor dining experience by hosting meals in your greenhouse. The natural light and fresh air create a delightful ambiance, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal with the family. The greenhouse's protective enclosure shields you from insects and unpredictable weather, so you'll never need to reschedule plans.

Working from home is almost a requirement in today's remote-first employer goals. That said, some people feel more productive in an environment that's not close to their bedroom or kitchen. If that's you, why not turn your greenhouse into your ideal workspace? Important factors like a desk, chair, and shelves are easy additions, and depending on the proximity to your house, you may still have access to your home's Wi-Fi. With a greenhouse, you get the ultimate convenience of a short commute, and can feel more empowered in your work/life balance when you're done for the day.

Ironically enough, since there are endless ways to use a shed, many people convert their shed into a greenhouse. If you're not housing plants in it, who says you can't revert its purpose back to a storage space? It's definitely a budget-friendly alternative to renting a storage unit. The perks of it still being a semi-greenhouse is the climate control, so you can regulate the temperature as needed for items you need to store. Best of all, it's in your backyard, a convenient walking distance to access your stored items when needed.