10 Creative Ideas for Old Barns

Do you dream of upgrading your old barn from something rustic to remarkable? If you don’t own large animals or live on a farm, you might be wondering what to do with an empty barn. The good news is there are many other uses for large structures, so skip the tractors and livestock and explore these ten creative ideas for old barns. 

1. Guest House

If hosting runs in your genes, then this idea for old barns is for you! With a large family or active friend group, consider repurposing your barn into a detached guest house. This will give your visitors a quiet, comfortable, and private area to retreat to during their stay. Need help converting your barn into a living space? Read our guide all about it. 

If you live in an area with heavy tourist traffic, you can also earn extra income from your barn by listing it on vacation rental sites like Airbnb or VRBO. 

2. Home Office

Do you have a dedicated office space in your house? (And no, shoving a desk in the corner of your bedroom doesn’t count). If you’re searching for what to do with an empty barn on your property, then create a home office. This is perfect for work-from-home employees who like the feeling of “going” to work each day. 

It provides some separation between your job and home life, but it’s still close enough that you enjoy the perks of remote work. For small-business owners, you can move your operations into your old barn, which will offer plenty of space to run your business without feeling cramped. 

3. Wedding Venue & Event Space

There’s nothing like a rustic, barn-inspired wedding. There are lots of options for how to make a business in an empty barn, but a wedding venue is one of our favorites. You can hold the ceremony or reception in the building and utilize the rest of your property for any outdoor elements. 

However, the events industry isn’t for everyone. Before you get carried away, make sure your property is the right size to accommodate large groups of people. You should also research which permits, licenses, and upgrades are needed to launch your business. 

4. Extra Storage

Storage may not seem like a groundbreaking idea for old barns, but trust us. Whether you want to store classic cars, antique furniture, ATVs, boats, or other large items, ditching your storage unit and moving your collection back home is the way to go. You can also rent out space to others for a little extra cash! 

Make sure to store your collection in a dark, dry location that’s warm enough to prevent freezing temperatures. And if you don’t have concrete flooring, place carpet squares or plywood under the items. 

5. Start a Business

If you want to learn how to make a business in an empty barn, you’ve come to the right place. Empty barns are full of retail potential, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, artist, or gardener. With a little remodeling, you can turn your empty barn into one of the following: 

• Yoga studio 
• Fitness center
• Farmer’s market
• Art gallery 
• Antique store 
• Craft market

6. Playroom

Children’s toys can quickly clutter up your house. Instead, transform an old barn into your child’s dream playroom, complete with toys, bean bags, a playhouse, and kid-friendly flooring. Safety is important, so make sure your old barn is cleaned up and weatherproofed so it is comfortable all year. 

Separate the interior into various zones for your child! Include a creative corner with art supplies and a craft table. Add a quiet zone and reading nook. You could also include an imaginative play area with dress-up clothes and a child-sized stage. 

7. Indoor Garden

Are you a plant-lover that’s running out of space in your house? We’ve all been there. Instead, turn your barn into an indoor garden! Utilize the natural light and add more with glass panels. Also incorporate grow lights, raised beds and containers, humidity controls, a propagation station, a composting bin, and all your gardening supplies. 

8. Art Studio

Whether it’s a hobby or you’re running a small business, barns can easily be turned into a studio space for any of the following: 

• Woodworking 
• Photography 
• Arts and crafts 
• Music rehearsal space 
• Voice, instrument, or dance lessons   

Make sure you have enough space for your artistic endeavor, along with the necessary supplies and storage for your craft. Certain hobbies (like music) will require specific acoustics, so budget for a few barn upgrades to get that ideal sound. 

9. Rescuing Animals

If animals are your passion, then another idea for an old barn is to turn it into a rescue haven. Whether you run an official rescue organization or you foster animals, a barn will give them a safe, warm, and spacious home. You’ll not only have room to rescue cats and dogs, but also bigger farm animals like horses, goats, and sheep. 

10. Reading Retreat

Bookworms know that no library is ever big enough (our overflowing book collection speaks to that). The best solution for what to do with an empty barn is to fill it with your passions. Design the ultimate relaxation retreat outfitted with bookshelves, comfy chairs, cozy blankets, reading lamps, and more. Getting lost in a good book has never felt more luxurious. 

Upgrade Ideas for Old Barns

Building access — Most barns are set back away from your home. For easy access, you’ll need to add a path that leads from your street to the barn. You can also extend your driveway, so people can drive right up to the building. This is especially important if you’re turning your barn into a business or hosting out-of-town guests. 

Climate control — Now that you’ll be spending more time in your barn, you need to create a comfortable environment all year round. Keep your barn warm in the Winter by adding insulation and drywall. In the Summer, stay cool with fans or AC units. 

Utilities — Depending on how you plan to use your structure, you’ll need to add utility connections. Electric outlets and plumbing will be necessary for almost every use. Phone and internet access are also good ideas, along with implementing security measures. 

Aesthetics — An empty barn on your property probably isn’t in the best shape. Consider repainting the exterior, adding decor, installing carpeting, or updating the windows and doors. These upgrade ideas for old barns will spark new life into your old structure. 

Permits — Any business like a wedding venue, Airbnb, yoga studio, or storage unit will need proper permits and insurance. You’ll need to explore the following: 

• Zoning permit
• Building permit
• Health department permit
• Business license
• Liability insurance 
• Property insurance 

Check with your local government to see what licenses and permits you need to start a business.  

Buying a New Barn

If you don’t have an empty barn on your property, but you’re interested in one of these ideas, don’t worry! We offer wood or vinyl backyard barns to make room for all of life’s projects. These customizable structures make it easy to start a business or transform them into the space of your dreams.