What Is a Tiny Home?
A tiny home is a housing structure that's typically less than 400 square feet. They're intentionally built to a small size and come with all the comforts of conventionally sized homes. These comforts are proportionately downsized to a much smaller scale, allowing residents to make efficient use of their space.
Why Are Tiny Homes So Popular?
The concept of a tiny home originated from the tiny home movement. This movement is spearheaded by individuals who want affordable and space-efficient housing that's also eco-friendly and minimalistic.
Tiny homes are crafted with maximum functionality in mind. They have more efficient storage options and are sometimes able to be transported to a different geographic location.
Not only that, but they can be built by homeowners who aren't expert home builders. If you don't want to build one from scratch or from a kit, you can create a tiny home by renovating an old space instead.
Popular Tiny Home Styles
If you're contemplating the purchase of a tiny home, the design will be important.
Some of the most popular styles include:
- A minimalist look with Japandi or Scandanavian influence. Think clean lines, light oak floors, neutral fabrics and light wood furniture.
- An A-frame tiny home is a classic. Use ceiling to floor windows on one side to keep things light and bright inside.
- If you're in a rural or mountainous area, a tiny home that feels like a rustic cabin is a good idea. Pine floors, beams, log interior walls and a darker color palette are typically seen in cabins.
- Classic cottage style is always a cheerful look. Add traditional or vintage furniture, floral or striped fabrics and a soft color palette. Use a bright or pastel-colored door and shutters, as well as window boxes filled with flowers for a tiny home you'll love.
- Modern and modern farmhouse tiny homes are popular right now. They can often be found with a black and white exterior, light wood interiors, loft beds and smart storage elements.
No matter what style you choose, storage is at a premium in a tiny home, so be thoughtful about your choices.
Try using furniture that serves duel purposes, such as a coffee table that turns into a dining room table or a dining table that can double as a desk. Purchase a Murphy bed or one that has storage underneath.
Types of Tiny Homes
There are several types of tiny homes to suit your style and needs. Explore these tiny home ideas.
Tiny Home on Wheels
If you want to roam, but live comfortably while you're doing it, consider a tiny home on wheels. They offer all the creature comforts, including a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. When you're ready to move on to the next locale, you'll need a powerful truck and a hitch to safely transport it.
Glass Cabin
To make a small space feel even roomier, focus on turning your home into a glass cabin. You don't need all-glass walls, but bordering expansive skylight ceilings with glass walls adds a noble touch. If you'd like privacy, install curtains to provide all the seclusion you need. On clear nights you can pull them back and enjoy some wondrous stargazing.
Cob House
Looking for more rustic tiny home plans instead of sleek modern designs? Then consider blueprinting your tiny home to become a cob house, which is built out of clay and straw instead of the conventional wood frame. These houses have a striking and whimsical appearance, perfect for those who desire a residence with more natural conditions. The clay will insulate your home's indoor temperature, which will reduce your need to crank up your HVAC system. That is, not only will you enjoy the benefits of a magical home, but you'll also save money in the long run.
Renovate an Old Shed
Instead of building your modern tiny house panel by panel, find a space that can be converted. An easy candidate is an old shed on your property. Or you can buy a used shed and make it your project. This will slash building costs even further, allowing you to save as you work towards more affordable housing.
Other Uses
For those that are ready to downsize, a tiny home is a great solution. But tiny homes can be used for numerous purposes. If you have enough space in your backyard, a tiny home can be used for the following:
- Guest House
- Greenhouse
- Pool House
- Art or Music Studio
- Backyard Office
- She Shed
- Man Cave
- Home Gym or Yoga Studio
Accessories & Add-Ons
Once you've decided on the type of tiny home that you want, it's time to consider accessories and interior elements that save space and energy.
Spiral Staircases
Spiral staircases are far more space-efficient than modular staircases. While modular staircases are still stunning additions for most homes, spiral staircases are more practical for tiny homes since they take up less space. They also come in diverse designs, look stylish and are easier to install. With a spiral staircase, you can head up to higher floors without cluttering horizontal space with steps.
Solar Power
Tiny homes can help reduce residents' carbon footprint as a result of their spatial efficiency. However, powering your home with solar power can lower utility costs and lets you use renewable energy. You can prop up solar panels in an area close to your home or install them directly onto your roof. No matter how they're integrated, utilizing solar panels will help modernize your home's functionality.
Patios & Porches
You don't have to limit your home's space to the inside. By extending the exterior of your house with a porch, you can lounge outdoors and make greater use of your property. There are also many porch designs to choose from, including the popular wraparound porch that offers plenty of leisure space for you and your guests.
Don't forget the finishing touches. Add a bistro set or a small loveseat, planters with flowers and a doormat.
Staircase Storage
As mentioned before, spiral staircases are generally better options for tiny homes. However, if you do opt for modular staircases, it's important to take advantage of every square foot. Use the underside of your steps as storage or usable space. In this image, built-in drawers and cabinets have been built underneath the stairs and can hold clothes, shoes, linens and more. If the space is open underneath, try adding a small office space using a floating desk and folding chair.
Shop these products when looking for tiny home storage ideas and tiny home furniture ideas.
Let Lowe's Install It
Are you ready to start building your tiny home? Lowe's is partnering with Studio Shed to make the design and installation process even easier. A contractor will visit your home and prepare a site and floor plan for you. They'll also handle the permit process and the construction documents needed. Once your tiny home is delivered, they'll install it for you.
Learn more and see if this service is available in your area.
Let's Get Started
A tiny home is a structure that's typically less than 400 square feet. The tiny home trend has become popular as consumers search for more affordable housing with a smaller footprint. But you don't have to sacrifice style, utility or comfort when limiting your square footage. By incorporating elements such as spiral staircases, solar panels, good outdoor space and smart storage ideas, you can live big in a small space.
If you're not ready to downsize, use a tiny home in your backyard as a guest house, home office, pool house, she shed, man cave, art studio and much more.