Space Saving Architectural Designs for Tiny House on Wheels

Choosing space-saving architectural designs for tiny houses on wheels is essential. They can help maximize living space in a tiny home on wheels (THOW).

One’s size is less than 8 x 20 feet (2.4 z 6.1 meters). It also has a living space of 120 square feet to promote ease of towing. Also, this size can exempt a THOW from building permit requirements.

This is why precise tiny house plans are essential when designing your compact home on wheels. Talk to your architect about ideal and creative storage solutions. You will have to discuss countertops, and compact furniture. You can also ask about a minimalist loft design, space to dine and sleep, and others. 

Without even saying, you’ll have to take into consideration a lot of things. These also include energy-efficient appliances for a sustainable way of living. You must also think about materials. They should have less environmental impact and be suitable for a limited space.

Nevertheless, a space-saving floor plan of tiny houses is of utmost importance. That’s what we’re discussing today.  Other information about tiny house design and space optimization that people seek online.

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• Low-Cost Small House Design

Space-Saving Architectural Designs For Tiny Houses On Wheels Furniture Ideas & Design Tips

Focus on maximizing the limited space. This is for a functional and comfortable tiny house on wheels with a bedroom, bathroom, and living area. This is paramount to get the most out of the space that may be limited in a tiny home on wheels. 

You don’t only have to understand zoning laws and building codes, You also need to know great furniture ideas. Check out the following for creative ideas.

Convertible Sofa Bed

For a comfortable lifestyle and optimum space functionality, consider convertible sofa beds. One converts into a bed or seating as needed. Many sofa beds have creative storage solutions, such as compartments beneath their cushions. These can provide suitable space for clothing, linen, and miscellaneous items. 

In a good tiny house design, you can also consider convertible furniture. One is with a backrest that folds down to create a larger sleeping surface. 

Many tiny house plans may include a lift-up bed with storage space, such as an under-bed. Others are also foldaway beds. Some also have a hydraulic lift, making accessing their storage space easy.  

Fold-Down Tables

In the tiny home design, consider more than the exterior or interior finishes, an amenity, or architecture. You must also consider more space-saving ideas, such as fold-down tables.

One choice is the wall-mounted drop-leaf table, which you can fold down or extend for work or dining. Expandable designs (e.g., with extra sections) are also available to accommodate your needs.

Extendable Kitchen Countertops

Indeed, tiny houses on wheels offer mobility, unlike a traditional cabin. For the most comfortable life while traveling, space for the kitchen must be maximized. Consider pull-out counters or a fold-down section for extended cooking space. Such can also be stowed away when not in use.

Multi-use islands are another great idea. They can be a bar area or extra counter space or moved when needed. Hidden appliances, such as toaster, are also great. You can integrate or connect them into the island for the best use of space.

Built-In Seating with Storage

• L-shaped seating with storage for a well-thought and designed dining nook. It can also function as a workspace.

• Pull-out seating for an extended sleeping area or additional seating.

• Bench seats you can build along the walls will have underneath storage for linens and pillows.

Storage Stairs

Are you joining the tiny house movement? If you live a minimalist life, consider different ways to save space. One idea is storage stairs that can include hidden shelves or compartments. 

Some tiny homes on wheels have stairs leading to a loft, which can double as a cabinet or drawers. These can store books, shoes, and other material possessions. Other stairs can also incorporate multi-level storage, where every step becomes a unit.

We’ve also included a detailed guide on Staircases for Saving Space in Tiny Homes on Wheels for you to review.

Foldable Desks and Workstations

Minimize bulky workstations if you choose a simpler life in a cozy small home on a trailer, RV, or mobile home. This also applies to desks to maximize the floor layout. For efficient use of space, think about wall-mounted desks. You can fold these out from a built-in cabinet or wall. 

Another idea is a convertible workstation. Consider desks that can double as an extra countertop space or a dining table. You’ll also have a choice of integrated shelving/storage solutions for your office supplies and books. 

Multi-Functional Ottomans

Every inch of space in a wheeled home is important. Consider multi-functional storage ottomans for storing magazines, books, and other smaller items.

There are also those with convertible footrests. They can serve as an additional coffee table with a removable tray. You’ll also find folding ottomans to offer extra functionality. You can use them as temporary seating or a bed. 

Murphy Desk or Craft Station

Another space-saving idea is to install a Murphy desk that folds out from a cabinet in your small residence. It can work as a sewing or crafting station. Some durable Murphy desks also have integrated lighting or electrical outlets. 

Sliding or Pocket Doors

A bulky door, like in traditional homes, may restrict easy movement in a tiny housing option. Aside from considering a door’s placement, consider saving space with pocket or sliding doors. They are designed for a minimalist space and are a preference of many homeowners. 

Pocket or sliding doors do not require a swing space, which is their main difference from a typical door. Their adaptability allows them to blend seamlessly with the minimalist lifestyle in a compact home on wheels. You can ask your architect to curate sliding/pocket doors for closets, bedrooms, and small bathrooms. Combine integrated storage in sliding doors. 

Meanwhile, pocket doors can add more design functionality. They can also enhance privacy for you or a guest without extra dimension size requirements or sq ft consumption. But, remember not to place them where plumbing or electrical will run.

Lofted Beds with Multi-Function Areas

Lofting can add floor space beneath the bed for office, living area, or storage use. You can opt for a flexible, multi-purpose loft space for guests, more storage, or a reading nook.

Collapsible and Stowable Furniture

You can store folding tables and chairs when not used. Stackable tables and chairs are also a good solution. Stowaway or foldable furniture is another choice. It can fold flat behind doors, under the bed, or in closets to adapt to the limited space in the a small house on wheels. 

Space Saving Architectural Designs For Tiny Houses On Wheels: Lofted Sleeping Areas

Plan the lofted sleeping area to use the space wisely and improve functionality and comfort. Check out the following for some strategies.

Maximizing Vertical Space

Ceiling Height

The loft should have sufficient headroom to sit up with ease. We recommend at least three feet of clearance. Low-profile furniture is also essential. When buying, opt for a platform bed or low-profile mattress. 

A Japanese-style futon can also be a sound idea. You can roll or fold it up when not in use. In addition, recessed lighting in the ceiling is good to save headspace.

Meanwhile, we recommend using the loft for other purposes.  If it’s large enough, use it for other things, not only sleeping. You can use it as a meditation space, a reading nook, or a small office with a fold-out desk.

Incorporate convertible furniture, such as a storage ottoman, a fold-out desk, or a small bookshelf. 

Space Saving & Efficiency

Install built-in shelving along the loft walls for other items. This will utilize the vertical space available wisely. You can use these shelves for material possessions, decoration, and books.

Another excellent idea would be an under-bed storage, such as rolling bins, pull-out drawers, or a lift-up bed frame. Or do you want a minimalist design? Choose minimal decoration and furniture to avoid cluttering the small space. 

Accessibility for All Ages

If you have older family members or children, consider wide ladders or stairs in the tiny home plans for easier access. Other access solutions include a slide-out platform bed or a motorized lift. 

Conclusion 

Every inch of space in tiny homes matters. That’s why it would be wise to consider space-saving architectural designs for tiny houses on wheels.

One is your choice of multi-purpose furniture. Then, you also have to know space-saving design strategies for lofted sleeping areas. Remember to also consider creative storage solutions to maximize the limited space.

Need more help? Contact Tiny House Builders California at (213) 320-4079 today!