The best garden pods to bring luxury to your home

Treat yourself to an outdoor hideout with these garden globes and budget summer houses.

Grande Deluxe Chic

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Live a life of luxury with these glazed globes. Whether you are looking to create a romantic dining setting, a cosy lounge, or an alfresco hideout, then these luxury garden pods are a near-instant way to get valuable extra living space and enjoy time outdoors too.

These rounded structures are mostly made from tinted but transparent polycarbonate and will also create a centre stage feature in your garden. So if you are looking for the ultimate place to relax inside, sheltered from the season while enjoying a 360-degree view of your gorgeous garden, then garden pods may be just the thing you’re looking for.

More stylish and luxurious than sheds, gazebos or garden studios, these mini escapes come equipped with lighting, heating and sometimes USB points, so they can be made into a home office in addition to a chill area. Inside, most pods feature a curved built-in seating area with a table that can be removed or lowered to create a flat, furnished lounging zone.

Related: The best garden sheds for outdoor storage

What sizes do garden pods come in?

Whether you are looking for a snug den or a larger oval design to fit a party of 12, pods come in a range of sizes. The average pod takes up no more room than a typical circular patio table and chairs set and, being largely transparent, can sit comfortably in the smallest of areas.

Garden pods don’t need to be hidden away in the corner of your property as they are a feature as well as an outdoor building. Pods are also quicker, slightly cheaper and less hassle to install than building an extension, so they offer an easy solution to wanting an extra living space without all the planning.

Best garden pods for your outdoor space

These will no doubt add a touch of luxury to your garden space, whether you want to use it as a spot to find your zen, or to entertain your guests.

This rotating sphere seater can accommodate seven people with curvy walls in stainless-steel and acrylic, bound by timber ribs, making this compact pod as striking as it is functional. The front canopy protects you from any unwanted chills or rain. Review: "We've just had ours installed. It looks fantastic, comfy to sit in, and our son loves the lounger option. With the door on and candlelit, it is lovely and warm on a chilly day. Being able to use our garden when the weather isn't so nice is lovely. I recommend anyone sit in this option and the slightly more expensive model 'lounger' we were surprised that this model felt more spacious and with a larger table. The footprint is small and doesn't take up much room at all. Excellent quality and well made. The seat covers are made of the same fabric you would find in a boat, so no need to keep the door on all year round. Highly recommended."

Dimensions: 2.2m x 2.4m, base diameter of 1.3 meters

Installation: Assembled by the supplier.

This oval garden pod summer house is not only an architectural feature but will provide you with a panoramic view of your garden all year round. With an adjustable coffee-to-dining table, heater, electric socket, and lighting, this fully waterproof capsule can be an alfresco getaway all year. The garden pod is made with stainless steel, plastic, fabric, FSC-certified wood. Like most pods, you have a choice of upholstery colourways so you can match the hues to your preference.

Dimensions: 2.2m x 2.9m x 2.4m, base diameter of 2.1m

Installation: The product will be delivered and assembled by the supplier.

This stylish multi-purpose dome means you can easily create extra outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round, in all weathers. The Astreea Igloo 360 Dome with PVC Weatherproof Cover is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminium. The frame is extremely sturdy yet lightweight, allowing you to easily move the Igloo once assembled. So if you're looking to host a private dinner party or even a wedding in your back garden this could be ideal.

Dimensions: Diameter 3.03m, Base diameter 2.5m, Height: 2.3m

Installation: Self assembly

Not quite a garden pod but the same aesthetic. This beautiful geodesic garden dome from Not on the High street is made from natural Hazelwood. It is a great architectural feature that can be used as a gazebo or garden room. The pod comes ready to build, the sticks snap into the hubs, and the frame can be built in 30 minutes. The hazel is sustainably sourced and hand-cut from a traditional British hazel coppice. You can choose from 3 or 5 shade sails, in either light blue or light grey.

Dimensions: The pod measures 3.2m in diameter and 2.35m in height.

This stunning garden building seats up to seven people. The central table can be lowered to the same height as the seats to create a relaxing daybed. It comes with a rotating lounger with a rechargeable light that provides 8-10 hours of light before recharging. It requires an area of 250cm diameter is needed for the lounger to rotate freely. Review: "Very comfortable and very well made."

Dimensions: 250cm x 244cm x 140cm

Installation: A member of the installation team.

Other features: You can make personal modifications to your garden pod, including fabric and interior colours and upgrades.

With the ability to rotate 360 degrees into the sun, shade or out of the wind, this outdoor escape fits up to eight people and can fit into the smallest of garden plots. It comes fitted with a front canopy and set clips over the front of the sphere to enclose the pod and to give it a tent-style entrance. The pod can be used in all seasons and is made with sustainable spruce timber arcs and stainless steel. It has ambient interior lighting and a footprint of no more than a typical garden patio set.

Dimensions: 250cm x 244cm x 244cm, base diameter 140cm

Installation: The fitting team will install the pod

Versatile and beautiful this garden pod will suit whatever style of garden. With a sophisticated and timeless design, this pod will act as an eye-catching garden feature and hideout. The Rotating Seater comes with a luxurious water-resistant interior and atmospheric lighting and seats up to seven guests.

Installation: The supplier's team will assemble the pod

A great alternative to summer houses, this high-spec pod boasts a heater, Bluetooth audio system, PowerPoint, soft LED downlights, as well as a dining table and two sofas that will comfortably sit up to ten people. With a slick sliding door, stainless steel roof and tinted windows, this outdoor pod is private, water-resistant and luxurious. An area of 310 cm diameter is required to fit this garden pod.

Dimensions: 230cm x 299cm x 200cm

Installation: Installed by the fitting team.

Looking to impress? Then this elongated pod has two seating areas, wide double doors and five upward sliding windows. This pod is made from sustainable spruce timber and can provide you with a living space for up to 14 people with a spacious and versatile interior. It comes equipped with an ambient interior, coloured mood and LED lighting, electrical power, and Bluetooth facilities.

Dimensions: A base area of 360cm x 170cm is required to fit this pod on your plot and measures 220cm x 460cm x 240cm.

Installation: The fitting team will install the garden pod.

If you can't fork out on a structured garden pod then a garden dome might be the next best thing. You can build this without tools thanks to a clever connector system and is totally portable and easy to move even when assembled, so you can transfer it for winter storage. It has two window vents and to make sure it doesn't get too hot in the summer there is also a weatherproof cover for extra shade. Review: "This is awesome. Big enough to house our Lay-Z Spa , two garden chairs and coffee table. Very clear instructions on how to assemble it and very sturdy. We are very happy."

Dimensions: Diameter 3.6m x Height 2.1m

Installation: Self-assembly

This pod is safe and secure with locking French doors and sliding windows. Made from sustainable treated spruce timber arcs, it comes equipped with two sofas that can provide seating for twelve guests and can be doubled as an office pod. It boasts an adjustable table, heating, ambient lighting, and USB slot; this really is a first-class pod.

Dimensions: It has a base area of 250cm in diameter, a. height of 260cm and a width of 380cm at the widest point.

Installation: The supplier will fit the deluxe pod.

Budget alternatives to garden pods: summer houses

This outdoor sanctuary summer house boasts many fantastic features such as glazed double doors, an overlapping roof to deter rain and is watertight. This budget option uses timber that has been pressure treated to give a 15-year guarantee against rot and fungal damage. This summer house is 7 x 5 ft. Review: "Great delivery well happy with the item brilliant just the right size for us thanks."

If you are looking to create a peaceful spot in the garden then this Waltons 7 x 5 Bournemouth Summerhouse could be the one for you. It comes with two fixed windows and double doors, and the glazing is made using strong and shatterproof styrene, a safer alternative to traditional glass glazing. The walls of this summerhouse are manufactured using 12mm Shiplap tongue and groove cladding. This method of construction is hard-wearing, robust and weather-resistant.

You can assemble this summer house, workshop or storage space to the colour of your liking. The outdoor building is delivered with comprehensive fitting instructions and fixings provided to make your compact alfresco home. This summerhouse is 7 x 5 ft. Review: "I bought this a month ago for my crafts. It was really easy to put up, and when I painted it, it looked amazing! Delivery was quick and very helpful!"

If you are looking for a decorative, practical and cost-effective outdoor escape, then this summer house will suit your needs. At 7 x 5 ft, this building comes unpainted so that you can tailor it to your own style.

Make the most of your outdoor space with a practical, sturdy, and stylish garden structure. With glazed doors, FSC-approved timber, and a large canopy, this 6 x 6 ft summer house will provide an excellent outdoor getaway in any garden. Review: "Very pleased with the final result. Easy to construct, all pieces fitted together well. The only criticisms would be floor a little on the flimsy side could be thicker wood, roof tacks could have been longer, and I was expecting the doors to be glazed on delivery (this was a bit fiddly). Good value for money. The delivery driver was excellent although did have to wait longer than expected for delivery."

This outdoor summer house is designed primarily for a corner location. It will sit neatly in your garden and make an appealing feature. All fixings and instructions are included for this 7x7 ft building. Review: "I paid for assembly, and on arrival, the guys couldn't be nicer and assembled it with no trouble at all. I really couldn't be happier it's made a beautiful addition to the Garden, and the wood is such good quality that it's great value for money."

What to consider when choosing a garden pod

The shape

Not all garden pods are designed as a perfect sphere; some are designed with an oval shape. The smaller round models will usually fit around six or seven people around a central table. These models start at approximately £7,000. These pods have an enclosed but transparent polycarbonate and stainless-steel shell, with a 60- to 90-degree opening for easy entry.

Security and protection

Some of the compact models have no closing door, and, in its place, it will have a small overhanging canopy that has some protection from the occasional rain shower. If you want to close the pod entirely, many come with an outer canopy that will cover the clips over the front and have a full-length zip for access, much like a tent. Additionally, other models have an entire locking system to be used as a functional office.

Rotating features

Some spherical designs sit on a revolving base, which is ideal if you would like to change your view or escape the bright sun or cold wind. These pods usually seat up to seven or eight guests.

Capacity

If you are looking for a pod that will fit more people, then oval pods will be the most suitable. Due to their extra weight, they will not have a rotating base. These pods can fit as many as twelve people and sometimes more. The oval garden pods usually have closing doors such as conventional bifold, French-style doors or curved panels.

External features

The pod’s shell is designed to be curved with high-quality UV-protected polycarbonate or acrylic sheets. As a result, garden pods are durable and waterproof. In addition, the windows are crafted to flow around the rounded shape without unnecessary joins and to let the rain run off the curved side.

You can either choose a clear or bronze-tinted window glazing, which will reduce the glare from the sun. The stainless-steel roof controls the temperature by reflecting heat, while stainless-steel louvres above and windows offer cooling ventilation. The warm air heaters in the pods will allow you to control temperature, and the side-opening windows can help cool the capsule.

Simple installation

The best base for a garden pod would be a level paved patio or area of concrete. Additionally, it will need to be around 30cm deep and roughly 60cm wider on all sides to fit the diameter of the pod. Ensure you read the small print on the manufacturer’s product specifications as the base measurements of each model will vary.

Once you have established whether you have a good plot and sufficient space, installing the garden pod will usually take around four to five hours to complete, depending on its size.

What to read next:

The best garden sheds for outdoor storage

The best gas BBQs to buy for amazing al fresco cooking

The best patio heater for your outdoor seating area

6 of the best swimming pools to keep you cool in the summer

Ellen Kinsey is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer and Empire. She has a passion for cooking, media, and women’s health.

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