3 Best Ways to Heat a Shed in Winter 

Sheds are no longer just for storing garden tools or boxes of old school books. These days, they double as offices, art studios, gyms—or just somewhere quiet to get things done. 

But come winter, spending any real time out there can be a challenge. 

No insulation, bare floors, and thin walls mean one thing: the cold gets in fast, and it hangs around.

So how do you warm up a shed in winter, without racking up massive energy bills or turning it into a fire hazard? The good news is—you’ve got options. 

Below are three of the best ways to keep your shed comfortable during the colder months, along with a few practical tips that make a big difference.

1. Wall-Mounted Electric Panel Heaters (For Small-to-Medium Sheds)

If your shed’s connected to mains power—or if you’ve had it wired up by an electrician—then a panel heater might be all you need. These slim, silent heaters attach to the wall and gently warm the room over time. 

Unlike a fan heater, they don’t blast hot air at you, and they’re much better at maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature.

Many models include built-in timers and thermostats, so you can schedule them to switch on before you arrive and off when you’re done. 

That means no more leaving heaters on overnight, which helps reduce energy waste and improves safety—especially in uninsulated or semi-sealed sheds.

They’re particularly well-suited for sheds used as home offices, studios, or hobby rooms—where quiet, low-maintenance heating is key.

Keep in mind:

• They’re more effective in insulated sheds—otherwise, heat just escapes too quickly.

• Best installed by a qualified electrician if you don’t already have power set up.

2. LPG Gas Heaters (For Bigger Sheds or No Mains Power)

For those with larger sheds—or those not wired for electricity—gas heaters are a solid option. Portable LPG heaters can churn out a good amount of heat, fast. They’re commonly used in garages, workshops, and on worksites for a reason: they work.

But they do come with some serious safety considerations. Because they release carbon monoxide, you need to make sure your shed is very well-ventilated. 

That means windows or doors should stay open while the heater’s running. It’s also crucial to keep the heater away from flammable materials.

If you’re using your shed for woodworking, painting, or anything involving chemicals, a gas heater might not be the best match. But for occasional use in an open, airy space—it can be a real game changer.

What to watch:

• Never use it in a sealed shed without airflow.

• Stick to models with built-in safety shut-offs and follow the guidelines closely.

3. Infrared Heaters with Solar Power (Low-Running Cost, High-Efficiency)

Want something eco-friendly or just keen to keep running costs as low as possible? Pairing an infrared heater with a small solar setup could be the way to go.

Infrared heaters work a bit differently from standard models. Instead of heating the air, they warm up surfaces—like your chair, your desk, or you. It’s the same kind of warmth you feel when the winter sun hits your skin, even on a cold day. That makes them especially effective for spot-heating in draughty or unsealed spaces.

If you’ve got solar panels powering your shed (or even just charging a battery pack during the day), you can run these heaters with minimal ongoing cost. They’re silent, low maintenance, and don’t dry out the air like some electric heaters do.

Good to know:

• They work best when positioned close to where you’re sitting or working.

• Not ideal for heating large areas, but great for focused warmth.

Bonus Tips: Getting the Most Out of Any Heater

No matter what heating method you choose, it won’t do much good if all the warmth leaks out as fast as you create it. These small changes can make a big impact:

• Insulate the roof and walls if you haven’t already. Even basic foam panels or lining boards can help. According to government data, roof and ceiling insulation alone can cut winter heat loss by up to 35%, and reduce heating costs by over 45%.

• Seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows. Self-adhesive weather strips are cheap and easy to install.

• Use rugs if you’ve got a concrete or timber floor—bare floors lose heat quickly.

• Block off unused space. If you only use one half of the shed, hang a heavy curtain or install a divider to keep heat where you need it.

• Add thermal curtains to any windows. They make a noticeable difference in how long warmth sticks around.

Warm Up Your Shed Smartly

A shed doesn’t have to be a no-go zone in winter. Whether it’s a workspace, a gym, or just somewhere to tinker with your hobbies, a bit of smart heating can turn it into a genuinely useful year-round space.

Panel heaters are great for those with electricity and insulation sorted. Gas heaters work well in larger or off-grid setups—so long as safety’s the top priority. And for something low-impact and long-term, infrared with solar gives you warmth without the ongoing bills.

Whatever option you go with, the key is to heat smart, not hard. Keep the warmth in, target the space you actually use, and make your shed work for you—even when the temperature drops.