We totally get the obsession with tiny house designs. They’re so versatile and full of potential that they’re practically irresistible. A tiny home is an accessible reality for many first-time home buyers, whether it’s a prefab tiny house or one built from a floor plan. They make sustainable living easier because they can run on clean energy and reduce your environmental footprint. And, of course, they can serve as an extra office space, a guest house, or a fully separate rental in your own backyard. Given all that, many designers and rental hosts build in innovative small space design ideas to make their tiny houses as well equipped and stylish as a full-size home.
Whether you want to elevate your own backyard property or are considering downsizing, we’ve got all the inspiration you need, including treehouses, A-frames, English garden cottages, and ultra-modern tiny houses—even one that’s in a windmill. And they’re all tiny house rentals, so you book one to test out bite-size living. Keep scrolling for 70 tiny house designs you can share with your contractor or architect or simply scope out for a life-changing vacation.
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Slanted Exterior
Ask any architect: Walls don’t have to be straight. The off-kilter style of this pro-built tiny house in the Catskills adds visual interest and makes space for a lofted bedroom, built-in shelves and cabinets, and a breakfast nook with a window seat. It also illustrates how much you can do without electricity or running water.
Baby Blue
This New Paltz, New York, tiny home’s interior design is fairly standard, but its showstopping two-tone exterior paint job makes it a standout. The platform it’s built on creates a wide deck for eating and hanging out—a simple way to sneak in a few extra square feet.
Coastal Views
Set directly on the coastline of Quebec, Canada, this ’70s-inspired tiny house has vast square windows along the front for assessing the surf conditions and taking in the views each morning. Don’t miss the natural wood built-in storage (including the queen beds’ headboards) and ceilings and clever recessed lighting throughout.
Best All Around
Soft canvas walls give this tiny house in the West Texas hill country a tent-like feel; all the comforts of home, like HVAC and plumbing, elevate its luxury level. Outside, a cedar soaking tub is for unwinding after a day of winery hopping and antiquing. The rustic privacy fencing, elevated deck, and private fire pit, and beautiful landscaping belong on your mood board too.
Hillside A-Frame
The Malbec Cabin, nestled in the mountains of Brazil, is in-ground A-frame structure with expansive windows and a working wood-burning fireplace. If they’re not enough to grab your attention (or would-be renters’), the rope swing and cozy fire pit definitely are.
Essentials Only
The Shepard’s Hut on England’s Cornish coast is no-nonsense in the best way possible. There’s a quaint kitchen, fireplace, and Murphy bed, with double doors and farmhouse-style lighting adding to its friendly vibe. Its selling point, however, is the lakefront view and outdoor dining setup. You might want to copy their clever rope-and-post fencing and graveled terrace ideas.
Festive Container
Your tiny house’s interior isn’t the only place you can express your design personality. This wagon-style spot on England’s North Cornish coast has a cheerful two-tone exterior and sports party bunting year round. You’ll love the brilliant under-bed storage, floral curtains, and green-painted trim inside, too.
The Greenhouse
Those not opposed to a lack of privacy can opt for glass walls like this greenhouse-esque home’s in South Africa. Not traveling soon? Head over for inspiration from its luxury tile, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and sleek, modern deck. It shows how much life and beauty plants can bring to any tiny house too.
Looking Glass
Tucked away in the middle of the Catskills forest, this storybook-ready A-frame home is a small but mighty fortress. The view feels twice as special thanks to a full glass front wall.
The Bubble
Designed by Roderick James, this Scottish insulated aluminum pod offers breathtaking views from dragonfly windows. The futuristic interior is warmed up by wood accents and cozy textiles.
The Family Home
With two bedrooms (including a walk-in closet!), this tiny home is just right for a small family. The fully-equipped chef’s kitchen can whip up alfresco meals for warm summer nights. Not to mention, the industrial-meets-cabin aesthetic is sleek and inviting.
Geometric Wonder
Located in Rhinebeck, New York, this eco-friendly retreat is a geometric gem. There are tons of intriguing architectural details—from the curves of the ceiling to the shapes of the windows—that take center stage thanks to the minimal decor.
