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These summer house ceiling ideas open up new ways to use your garden room. They give you different ways to finish the inside and make it more useful. Let’s go through the ones that are simple and doable.
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Summer House Ceiling Ideas You Can Try
You can fit lights, hang plants, install panels, or hang a boxing bag, to name a few. Here’s a look at what you can do:
Install lighting to light up the space
There’s no point having a ceiling that feels bare when it could bring the whole place to life with lighting. Spotlights are a good place to start; they spread light across the entire room. They also give the illusion that the overhead space is higher than it actually is.
Pendant lights are also good where you want a single light that doubles as decoration. For instance, hang one lower into the room, such as over a desk or reading chair. Or keep the setup simple with a single central fitting, like a flush mount or a small chandelier.
Tip: Use outdoor-rated fittings if the building isn’t fully insulated. Read this guide to learn more: What Is the Best IP Rating for Outdoor Lighting
Fix hanging decorations
For this summer house ceiling idea, hooks in the overhead frame are the best way to do it. Small plant baskets would look lovely suspended above for that greenery.
Paper lanterns are one of our favourites, too. They give off a softer, diffused glow compared to standard bulbs, giving the room a moon-like vibe at night. Ropes or driftwood can also be fixed across the rafters, perfect for a coastal summer house theme. Tie on shells or small ornaments to finish off the look.
Whatever you put up, fix it to the purlins because they can take the weight. Don’t screw into the roof boards, or you could pierce the felt and cause leaks.
Make it a garden gym with hanging fitness equipment
The frame above can take more than lights and decorations—cue a boxing bag. Such an addition is helpful if you want a training space, even if your summer house isn’t used as a full gym. Use a heavy-duty hook fixed into a purlin to handle the weight and swing.
The middle of the room works best. But if space is limited, put it near a corner and clear that area so the bag won’t bump into walls or furniture.
A pull-up bar is also a good idea which doesn’t intrude on the room as much. You’ll want to make sure it has braces which can press against the sides of your roof supports or against your wall, to hold your weight.
Paint the rafters
Don’t let your summer house rafters stay bare, aka the part of the roof frame you see inside. Paint them with light colours like white or grey to brighten the room, which helps if it doesn’t get much sunlight. Or go for black or a darker shade to frame the space and add contrast with a modern edge.
The bonus is that paint also adds protection to the wood, so it’s not only about style.
Add an inner roof lining
Most summer house kits leave the inside roof looking bare, with visible boards or rafters. You can line this with tongue-and-groove panels or plywood sheets if you want fewer cuts. Either way, it covers gaps and joints and helps cut down on draughts.
Consider this ceiling idea as an upgrade that you can tackle yourself or hire a pro to do. Roof lining also works when paired with insulation.
Hang a fabric canopy
Not only does a fabric canopy add flair, but it also interests without any major work. Stretch it across the rafters using hooks or eyelets, and it instantly brings texture.
We recommend light fabrics so the frame doesn’t take any unnecessary weight. Feel free to change them with the seasons, and refresh your summer house in minutes!
Mount a ceiling fan
A ceiling fan is a must for the summer to make your stay comfortable instead of feeling hot and stuffy. Even a small one gives the room a fresher atmosphere.
Fix it to a solid part of the ceiling and get the wiring right, just like with your lights. Voila – the air moves around, the room feels lighter, and it’s way easier to spend time there.
Use the summer house ceiling for storage
High rafters give you an extra dimension to the room that’s often overlooked. For one, you can fit shelving or a netted loft section between the purlins to store slim items.
Plan what you’d store up there, e.g. seasonal cushions, garden equipment, or hobby kits. Fasten everything to the purlins so it won’t fall. If the storage is visible, hang a light fabric or canvas in front of the rafters to hide it.
Round-up
These summer house ceiling ideas prove that yours doesn’t have to stay plain or unused. Pick one or two that suit your space and needs. Even small changes overhead can transform how you use and enjoy your garden retreat.
If you haven’t put it up, read this next: Everything You Need to Plan to Install A Garden Summer House
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