10 Sources for midcentury modern sheds

Our recent story about Backyard Eichlers generated tips from readers reporting more sources for modern style sheds and outbuildings. Since we suspect that deep down, everyone would love to have one of these tiny midcentury modern sheds to use for storage, an art or music studio, home office or just a getaway in your own back yard, the search was on to find more options on the market.

1. Backyard Eichlers:

We’ve already profiled Backyard Eichlers, a modern shed company based out of San Rafael, California, that was started by Scott Balser, a designer, builder and remodeler in the business for more than 35 years. Scott, a fan of the work of Joseph Eichler, wanted a modern shed design that paid homage to Eichler’s style of home design. 

2. Modern Shed:

Based out of Seattle, Washington, but with 59 dealers in states across the US and Canada Modern Shed was founded in 2005 after Ryan Grey Smith and Ahna Holder, a husband and wife team of architects, constructed their own stylish Modern Shed to supplement the living and storage space in their 1940s era Seattle home. The couple claims to be the original Modern Shed builders, who began the movement of adding aesthetically pleasing, modern outbuildings for extra storage, work or relaxation space to back yards across the country.

3. Kanga Room Systems:

Kanga Room Systems is based out of Waco, Texas, and offers modern sheds in sizes from 6′ x 8′ to 12′ x 14′, as well as studios and cabins — which are basically pre-fab houses. Kanga will install your shed, studio or cabin if you live within a 60 mile radius of the manufacturing plant, otherwise you can purchase a kit to construct your own that can be shipped anywhere across the country.

4. Modern Spaces and Sheds:

Modern Spaces and Sheds is based in Chico, California, and began in 2008 when owner Eric Enns, a general contractor by trade, noticed a niche he could fill building small modern outbuildings to be used as extra rooms, studios and offices. The company has six different designs. 

5. Studio Shed:

Studio Shed began in 2008 in Boulder, Colorado, after Mike Koening and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski — two friends who shared a love of mountain biking and modern design — needed storage space. The pair tried to find a pre-made shed that could both store their bikes while looking sleek and modern, but when they came up empty handed, they decided to create a better option. You can also get one of their models from Costco. Studio Shed had a helpful shed configurator tool to help you see how different sizes and customization options will affect the overall price.

6. Tuff Shed:

Tuff Shed, a company known for their traditional style sheds, now offers a Premier Pro Studio shed with a modern look. Tuff Shed has factories and showrooms across the country, making it possible for them to build and deliver sheds locally, possibly reducing shipping costs, depending on where you live. Though they are new to building modern style sheds, the company has been in the traditional style shed business since 1981.

7. Keter Artisan shed:

Available at Home Depot and other retailers, the Keter Artisan shed comes in Baby Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear sizes. Its walls are made of resin that is embossed to look like wood. You can also paint the resin.

8. Sheds Unlimited:

Check out Sheds Unlimited — looks like they have two midcentury modern style shed design.

9. Summerwood Products:

Summerwood Products has a nice selection of garden sheds, including a few mid century modern styles. Also check out their other categories — garages, cabins, etc. — for mid mod designs.

10. Build your own midcentury style shed:

If you are handy, building your own modern shed is always an option. With time, patience, and hard work, building your own modern shed can save you oodles of money like homeowner David van Alphen did when he built his own modern style shed for less than $3,000.

You may also remember one of our readers who built his own midcentury modern style playhouse and chicken coop to complement his 1955 home:

• • • Luke designs and builds a midcentury modern retro playhouse
    • Midcentury modern chicken coop

Personally, if I ever decide that I must have a modern shed, studio, or playhouse in my backyard, I will be building my own to save cost, have a custom design — and because I really enjoy tackling home improvement projects. For those who are not as handy or ambitious, it is great to know that so many great modern style shed options exist.