18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (2024)

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (1)

Whether you plan to live off the grid, monetize a rental property, or simply need extra space, tiny houses can do it all. Our obsession with the miniature dwellings is well-founded, in large part due to all the versatile floor plans out there. Tiny house plans aren't limited by square footage; in fact, that limitation can inspire the most creative layouts. The best tiny homes offer more than one bedroom, office space, and porches, decks, and pergolas—some can even go on your rooftop. A floor plan can be pricey if you opt for a custom one or use an architectural firm, but more affordable stock tiny house floor plans abound online and at retailers like Wayfair and Amazon. And cost isn't the only smart reason to go the stock route.

Using a stock tiny house plan is one of the most reliable and fastest ways to build one. (Buying a prefab tiny house to plop down in your yard is easier, but it's also less customizable.) Why? For starters, you know it'll work. "Stock plans have often been used before," says Hubert Miles, a certified master home inspector and founder of the website Home Inspection Insider. "You can see how they work in real-life situations rather than just a rendering." A stock tiny house floor plan can also help you avoid unnecessary delays, adds Miles: "You don't have to wait on a lengthy drafting process. Stock plans are ready to be printed and given to your contractor."

Before you buy a tiny house plan, double check all the dimensions and compare them with your lot size. (You might be tempted to assume it will fit in your yard because, after all, it's tiny, but that's not always the case.) Miles also recommends taking into consideration any special needs you may have now or in the future, such as ADA accessibility or extra storage space, and ensuring the tiny house floor plan you pick accommodates them. Ahead, 18 tiny house floor plans with features you'll love, from walk-in closets and lofts to the ultimate roof deck.

1

Tiny Modern House Plan

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (2)

1

Tiny Modern House Plan

Ideal for extra office space or a guest home, this larger, 688-sq.-ft. tiny house floor plan features a miniature kitchen with space for an undercounter fridge and a gas stove, a laundry closet, and two bedrooms separated by a partition. Its main selling point, though, is the great light. Three walls of windows offer the ultimate sun exposure.

2

Cabin-Style House Plan

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (3)

2

Cabin-Style House Plan

This 480-sq.-ft. one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin has a homey covered front porch and slanted ceilings. It also carves out space for a full-size kitchen, a tiny house rarity.

3

Cottage-Style House Plan

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (4)

3

Cottage-Style House Plan

Now 15% Off

This 624-sq.-ft. home features a bathtub, laundry-slash-mudroom, and corner kitchen with an island. Unlike many traditional tiny house exteriors, this one can fit right into any neighborhood with its quaint shingles and front porch.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

PLAN 23-2290

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (5)

This tiny home with a coastal twist prioritizes gathering space over everything else. There's a sizable front porch and (relatively) large living-room-slash-kitchen, which gets extra light from the unique clerestory windows up top. In the back of the 480-sq.-ft. unit, a full bath is easily accessible from the family room and two bedrooms.

A true tiny home at just 288 sq. ft., this home is for the minimalist. The studio layout features an essentials-only kitchen and full bath. Two closets provide ample storage for the less-is-more type.

6

PLAN 1016-72

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (7)

With double French doors and a pergola made for climbing roses, this 322-sq.-ft. guest house looks like something out of a storybook. It has a big main room, a walk-in closet, and a full bathroom, but no kitchen—though you could add one with a bit of customization.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

PLAN 124-1199

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (8)

This 460-sq.-ft. one-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny house squeezes in a full galley kitchen and queen-size bedroom. Unique vaulted ceilings in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom soar an airy eight to 10 feet high from edge to center for an open feel.

8

Cottage Plan 23-2287

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (9)

8

Cottage Plan 23-2287

At 320 square feet, this tiny home is laid out like a cozy alcove studio. The full kitchen and spacious living space lead out onto a small, partially covered porch just the right size for a swing.

9

Plan 48-953

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (10)

Conceived as an office-slash-studio, this 312-sq.-ft. contemporary floor plan could be a tiny home thanks to its washer and dryer hookups and full bath. The sparse kitchen has only a sink and open shelves, but an induction cooktop might be all you need to add.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Plan 60-105

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (11)

If you love the great outdoors, this unique 576-sq.-ft. setup is for you. A-frame structures on either side of a central deck hold the living/eat and sleep/bathe spaces, but we bet you'll spend most of your time in the middle. Alternatively, you could customize the floor plan to house two spacious studios.

11

The Cool House Plans Company One Story Style Home

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (12)

11

The Cool House Plans Company One Story Style Home

You can live in your favorite fairy tale. This whimsical Tudor-style tiny home is a real-life version of Snow White's cottage with all the trimmings, including charming stone walls and a working fireplace. Even though it's only 300 square feet, it has a walk-in closet and an oversize shower.

12

Plan 062H-0376

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (13)

From the front, this unit might look like an ordinary garage. But there's a fully outfitted tiny home inside—and a big, swanky roof deck up top. The galley kitchen has room for full-size appliances, and the living space has French doors in the back. You could use the latter primarily as a primary suite; the roof deck, accessed by a narrow exterior staircase, is the perfect lounge for entertaining.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Bowman Small Farm House Style House Plan 7236

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (14)

13

Bowman Small Farm House Style House Plan 7236

Now 22% Off

Equipped with a miniature kitchen, full bathroom, and high vaulted ceilings, this home is small but more than sufficient, not to mention stylish. The tiny house floor plans include ample built-in storage: shelving, a wardrobe, and a pantry. Other unique features include a fold-down dining table and sliding glass door for a second entrance.

14

Cabin Plan 25-4565

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (15)

14

Cabin Plan 25-4565

This bite-sized cabin's chimney isn't just for show. A working fireplace is the focal point of the living room in this 384-sq.-ft. floor plan, which also includes a bedroom, bathroom and full kitchen.

15

Design House One-Bedroom Cottage

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (16)

15

Design House One-Bedroom Cottage

There's actually space for your stuff in this tiny cottage. It prioritizes storage with a walk-in wardrobe in the bedroom, a coat closet by the front door, a laundry closet, and a full wall of kitchen cabinets.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

New American Backyard ADU

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (17)

16

New American Backyard ADU

Ideal for a studio space or guest home, this 400-sq.-ft. ADU (that's accessory dwelling unit for the uninitiated) floor plan features washer and dryer hookups and space for a dishwasher. The large windowed sliding door panels below and clerestory windows up top let in maximum light.

17

Alpine-Style Garage with Loft Apartment

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (18)

17

Alpine-Style Garage with Loft Apartment

Now 45% Off

Taking inspiration from mountain cabins and ski towns, this tiny home has a one-car garage on the ground floor and a loft-style apartment up top. It even manages to squeeze an elevated porch and covered patio (both optional) into its 393 square feet.

18

Studio-Style Tiny Cottage with Patio

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (19)

18

Studio-Style Tiny Cottage with Patio

Ideal for the modernist, this plan features clean, straight lines and an abundance of windows. The stucco-and-glass exterior is yours to customize, and a 14-by-8-ft. concrete patio adds an outdoor room those in warmer climates can enjoy all year.

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (20)

Kate McGregor

SEO Editor

Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's SEO Editor, writing in-depth home renovation cost guides, design inspiration stories while overseeing gardening content through routine plant care guides. With over five years in the shelter industry creating content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor, where she identified top products and brands in the industry as well as interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest interior design trends. Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.

18 "Tiny House" Floor Plans That Don't Require an Architect (2024)

FAQs

Can I draw my own floor plans? ›

Yes, you can create your own floor plan using software or online tools. Many of the free options mentioned above are user-friendly and don't require any special skills or training.

What is the simplest floor plan? ›

Open floor plans are simpler to build as they require fewer materials and are more energy efficient than traditional closed floor plans. Many Modern styles such as Modern Farmhouse, Ranch, and Barndominium typically have open floor plans.

How many square feet does a house have to be to be considered a tiny house? ›

CNBC states that tiny homes are those under 600 square feet, while Quicken Loans defines a tiny home as one that is 500 square feet or less. Most would consider a house up to 600 square feet a tiny home. Tiny homes can be built on permanent foundations or trailers so that they may be moved from one location to another.

How to layout a tiny house? ›

In a tiny house, every room and piece of furniture should be carefully planned. Make sure that every item has a purpose, and if possible, multiple purposes. For example, build or buy a platform bed with storage underneath, or choose a pull-down Murphy bed. Every side table should have drawers, a cabinet, or shelves.

Can I design my own house without an architect? ›

Unless your local building code absolutely requires an architect, most residential homes do not need to hire an architect. Part of the excitement of building a new home or doing a major retrofit is spending time creatively designing the space that you will inhabit.

What is the cheapest design to build a house? ›

The cheapest way to build a home is to design a simple floor plan. Sticking to a square or rectangular floor plan makes the building and design more straightforward. Plus, building up is generally cheaper than building a sprawling one-story home.

How can I draw floor plans for free? ›

How to create a floor plan
  1. Open Canva. Launch Canva and choose Whiteboards to get started on your floor plan design.
  2. Choose a floor plan template. Browse our collection of floor plan templates and choose your preferred style or theme. ...
  3. Customize your floor plan. ...
  4. Add the finishing touches. ...
  5. Save, share, or present.

What is the cheapest style home to build? ›

We compiled a list of the least expensive types below if you're looking to save the most money when building a new home.
  • Ranch-style homes.
  • Colonial homes.
  • Tiny homes.
  • Kit homes.
  • Off-grid homes.
  • Prefabricated homes.
  • Shipping container homes.
  • Barndominiums.
Mar 6, 2024

What are the 3 negative features of a tiny house? ›

Pros and Cons of Tiny House Living
  • Pro: You Can Travel With Your Home. ...
  • Con: Storage Space is Limited. ...
  • Con: You Sacrifice Full-Size Appliances. ...
  • Con: Your Home Layout May Not Be Ideal. ...
  • Con: You May Have to Compromise Bedroom Space. ...
  • Con: Traveling With a Tiny Home Can Require Extra Effort.

Is 900 sq ft considered a tiny house? ›

What are “Tiny” Homes? Any home that is 400 square feet or less is usually known as a tiny home; most tiny homes sit in the 100-250 sq ft range.

Where is the cheapest place to put a tiny house? ›

Tiny houses are most affordable in North Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Mississippi. It would cost more than the average salary to buy a tiny house in Hawaii or Montana.

How high off the ground should a tiny house be? ›

The height of a tiny house will provide you additional options if you're seeking one permanent fixed-to-land. However, the norm is a tiny house 162 inches or 13.5 feet tall.

How much does it cost to design a tiny house? ›

The cost you'll end up paying for tiny homes depends on the size, quality and details of the house you choose. A basic cabin kit can cost between $6,000 to $8,000, while a custom tiny house with custom features and build-ins can easily cost as much as $100,000 or more.

Can I design my own tiny home? ›

Draft Your Tiny Home Plans Using Free Home Design Software

The best part is all of this can be done virtually so you can finalize your vision and feel confident before you construct it. With a few simple steps, you can customize your tiny house floor plans, just as you wish.

Do you have to be an architect to make floor plans? ›

A draftsperson or designer who is not a licensed architect can also design floor plans. They often work under the supervision of engineers or architects, but many offer their services on a freelance basis. Voluntary certification is available, but academic and professional experience vary significantly.

Is there a free app for drawing floor plans? ›

With the RoomSketcher App, it's easy to draw home floor plans. The app works on Mac and Windows computers, iPad and Android tablets. Projects sync across devices so that you can access your floor plan drawing anywhere.

Can anyone do a floor plan? ›

Floor plans are an important part of architecture and design, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you're an architect, designer, or just someone interested in visualising a space, creating a floor plan can be a useful and rewarding experience.

Do I need an architect to draw house plans? ›

You typically can, that is, if you or your builder have a talent for design, if you have a clear idea what you want, and if you (or your builder, or someone you know) can produce plans that satisfy your local building authorities. In all these situations, you could get by without an architect.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6062

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.