Discover Space-Saving Charm: The Ultimate Guide to Narrow House Floor Plans

Narrow house floor plans are a type of home design that is characterized by its narrow width, typically ranging from 12 to 20 feet. These floor plans are often chosen for lots that are constrained in size or to maximize space on narrow or irregularly shaped lots. Narrow house floor plans can be found in a variety of architectural styles, including traditional, modern, and contemporary.

One of the main advantages of a narrow house floor plan is that it can provide a sense of coziness and intimacy. The close proximity of rooms can also make it easier to move around the house, especially for those with mobility issues. Additionally, narrow house floor plans can be more energy-efficient than wider homes, as they have less exterior surface area to heat or cool.

In the following sections, we will explore the different types of narrow house floor plans, their benefits and drawbacks, and provide tips for designing a narrow house that is both functional and stylish. We will also provide examples of real-world narrow house floor plans to help you get started on your own design.

Here are 8 important points about narrow house floor plans:

Maximize space on narrow or irregularly shaped lots
Provide a sense of coziness and intimacy
Easier to move around, especially for those with mobility issues
More energy-efficient than wider homes
Can be challenging to design
May require specialized furniture and fixtures
Can be more difficult to sell than wider homes
Not suitable for everyone

Narrow house floor plans can be a great option for those who are looking to maximize space on a narrow lot or who want a more intimate and cozy home. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges of designing and living in a narrow house before making a decision.

Maximize space on narrow or irregularly shaped lots

One of the main advantages of a narrow house floor plan is that it can help to maximize space on narrow or irregularly shaped lots. This is because the narrow width of the house means that there is more space available for other purposes, such as a yard, a garden, or a driveway.

Use vertical space. One way to maximize space in a narrow house is to use vertical space. This can be done by adding a second story or by building a loft. A second story can provide additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or living space, while a loft can be used for storage or as a guest room.
Use built-in furniture. Another way to maximize space in a narrow house is to use built-in furniture. Built-in furniture is furniture that is fixed to the walls or floor, such as a built-in bookcase or a built-in desk. Built-in furniture can help to save space because it does not take up any floor space.
Use multi-purpose furniture. Multi-purpose furniture is furniture that can be used for more than one purpose, such as a coffee table that can also be used as a storage ottoman. Multi-purpose furniture can help to save space because it eliminates the need for multiple pieces of furniture.
Use outdoor space. If you have a narrow lot, you can maximize space by using your outdoor space. This can be done by adding a deck or a patio, or by simply creating a seating area in your yard. Outdoor space can be used for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

By using these tips, you can maximize space on a narrow or irregularly shaped lot and create a home that is both functional and stylish.

Provide a sense of coziness and intimacy

Another advantage of a narrow house floor plan is that it can provide a sense of coziness and intimacy. This is because the close proximity of rooms can create a feeling of warmth and togetherness. Narrow house floor plans are also often designed with open floor plans, which can further enhance the sense of coziness and intimacy.

There are a number of ways to design a narrow house floor plan to create a sense of coziness and intimacy. One way is to use warm colors and materials. Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, can create a feeling of warmth and coziness. Natural materials, such as wood and stone, can also create a sense of coziness and intimacy.

Another way to create a sense of coziness and intimacy in a narrow house floor plan is to use soft lighting. Soft lighting can create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. You can use a variety of lighting fixtures to create soft lighting, such as lamps, sconces, and recessed lighting.

Finally, you can use furniture and accessories to create a sense of coziness and intimacy in a narrow house floor plan. Comfortable furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, can create a welcoming and inviting space. Accessories, such as throw pillows, blankets, and artwork, can also add to the sense of coziness and intimacy.

By following these tips, you can design a narrow house floor plan that is both cozy and intimate.

Easier to move around, especially for those with mobility issues

Another advantage of a narrow house floor plan is that it can be easier to move around, especially for those with mobility issues. This is because the close proximity of rooms means that there is less distance to travel between different parts of the house. Additionally, narrow house floor plans are often designed with open floor plans, which can further reduce the distance that needs to be traveled.

For those with mobility issues, a narrow house floor plan can provide a number of benefits. First, it can reduce the amount of energy that is required to move around the house. This is because there is less distance to travel between different parts of the house. Second, a narrow house floor plan can reduce the risk of falls. This is because there are fewer obstacles to navigate and less distance to travel between different parts of the house.

In addition to the benefits for those with mobility issues, a narrow house floor plan can also be beneficial for families with young children. This is because it can be easier to keep an eye on children in a narrow house floor plan. Additionally, a narrow house floor plan can be easier to clean and maintain.

Overall, a narrow house floor plan can be a good option for those who are looking for a home that is easy to move around in. This is especially true for those with mobility issues or for families with young children.

More energy-efficient than wider homes

Narrow house floor plans are more energy-efficient than wider homes because they have less exterior surface area. This means that there is less heat loss in the winter and less heat gain in the summer. Additionally, narrow house floor plans are often designed with open floor plans, which can further reduce energy consumption. Open floor plans allow for better air circulation, which can help to reduce the need for heating and cooling.

There are a number of ways to design a narrow house floor plan to be more energy-efficient. One way is to use energy-efficient windows and doors. Energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Another way to design a narrow house floor plan to be more energy-efficient is to use insulation. Insulation helps to keep the heat in during the winter and the heat out during the summer. It is important to insulate all of the exterior walls, the roof, and the floor of your home.

Finally, you can use energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce your energy consumption. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting use less energy than traditional appliances and lighting. You can find energy-efficient appliances and lighting at most home improvement stores.

By following these tips, you can design a narrow house floor plan that is both energy-efficient and comfortable.

Can be challenging to design

While narrow house floor plans offer a number of advantages, they can also be challenging to design. One of the main challenges is that it can be difficult to fit all of the necessary rooms and functions into a narrow space. This can be especially challenging if you want to include features such as a garage, a laundry room, or a home office.

Lack of natural light. One of the challenges of designing a narrow house is that it can be difficult to get enough natural light into the home. This is because the narrow width of the house means that there are fewer windows and doors to let in light. To overcome this challenge, you can use skylights, solar tubes, and other methods to bring natural light into the home.
Difficult to create a sense of flow. Another challenge of designing a narrow house is that it can be difficult to create a sense of flow. This is because the narrow width of the house can make it difficult to move from one room to another. To overcome this challenge, you can use open floor plans, wide doorways, and other design techniques to create a sense of flow.
Wasted space. Another challenge of designing a narrow house is that there can be a lot of wasted space. This is because the narrow width of the house can make it difficult to use all of the space efficiently. To overcome this challenge, you can use built-in furniture, multi-purpose furniture, and other space-saving techniques to minimize wasted space.
Difficult to sell. Another challenge of designing a narrow house is that it can be difficult to sell. This is because many people are not used to living in narrow houses and may be hesitant to buy one. To overcome this challenge, you can make sure that your narrow house is well-designed and has all of the features that buyers are looking for.

Despite these challenges, narrow house floor plans can be a great option for those who are looking for a home that is space-efficient, cozy, and easy to move around in. By working with a qualified architect or designer, you can overcome the challenges of designing a narrow house and create a home that you love.

May require specialized furniture and fixtures

Narrow house floor plans may require specialized furniture and fixtures in order to make the most of the space. This is because traditional furniture and fixtures may not be able to fit properly in a narrow space. For example, a traditional sofa may be too wide to fit comfortably in a narrow living room. Additionally, traditional furniture and fixtures may not be able to be arranged in a way that makes the most of the space.

There are a number of different types of specialized furniture and fixtures that are available for narrow house floor plans. These include:

Narrow furniture. Narrow furniture is designed to fit in tight spaces. This type of furniture is typically narrower than traditional furniture, and it may also be taller or shorter. Narrow furniture is available in a variety of styles, so you can find pieces that match your dcor.
Multi-purpose furniture. Multi-purpose furniture is furniture that can be used for more than one purpose. This type of furniture can help to save space in a narrow house floor plan. For example, a coffee table that can also be used as a storage ottoman can help to save space in a living room.
Built-in furniture. Built-in furniture is furniture that is fixed to the walls or floor. This type of furniture can help to save space in a narrow house floor plan, and it can also create a more cohesive look.
Custom furniture. Custom furniture is furniture that is made to order. This type of furniture can be designed to fit perfectly in a narrow space, and it can also be customized to match your dcor.

If you are planning to live in a narrow house, it is important to choose furniture and fixtures that are appropriate for the space. By choosing the right furniture and fixtures, you can create a home that is both stylish and functional.

In addition to choosing the right furniture and fixtures, there are a number of other things that you can do to make the most of the space in a narrow house floor plan. These include:

Use vertical space. One way to make the most of the space in a narrow house floor plan is to use vertical space. This can be done by adding a second story or by building a loft. A second story can provide additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or living space, while a loft can be used for storage or as a guest room.
Use built-in storage. Another way to make the most of the space in a narrow house floor plan is to use built-in storage. Built-in storage can be added to any room in the house, and it can be used to store a variety of items, such as clothes, books, and toys.
Declutter. One of the best ways to make a narrow house floor plan feel more spacious is to declutter. Decluttering involves getting rid of any unnecessary items and organizing the items that you do have. By decluttering, you can create a more spacious and inviting home.

By following these tips, you can make the most of the space in a narrow house floor plan and create a home that is both stylish and functional.

Can be more difficult to sell than wider homes

Narrow house floor plans can be more difficult to sell than wider homes for a number of reasons. One reason is that many people are not used to living in narrow houses and may be hesitant to buy one. Additionally, narrow house floor plans can be more difficult to design and may not have all of the features that buyers are looking for.

Here are some of the specific reasons why narrow house floor plans can be more difficult to sell:

Lack of curb appeal. Narrow houses can sometimes lack curb appeal, which can make it difficult to attract buyers. This is because narrow houses can look cramped and uninviting from the outside. To overcome this challenge, it is important to make sure that your narrow house has a well-maintained exterior and that the landscaping is attractive.
Difficult to furnish. Narrow houses can be difficult to furnish, which can be a turn-off for buyers. This is because traditional furniture and fixtures may not be able to fit properly in a narrow space. To overcome this challenge, it is important to choose furniture and fixtures that are specifically designed for narrow spaces.
Lack of privacy. Narrow houses can sometimes lack privacy, which can be a concern for buyers. This is because the close proximity of houses can make it difficult to feel private in your own home. To overcome this challenge, it is important to make sure that your narrow house has a well-designed floor plan that maximizes privacy.
Difficult to resell. Narrow houses can be difficult to resell, which can be a concern for buyers. This is because the market for narrow houses is smaller than the market for wider homes. To overcome this challenge, it is important to price your narrow house competitively and to make sure that it is in good condition.

Not suitable for everyone

Narrow house floor plans are not suitable for everyone. Here are some of the reasons why:

Lack of space. Narrow house floor plans can feel cramped and confining, especially for families with children or for those who like to entertain. This is because there is less space for furniture, storage, and activities.
Lack of privacy. Narrow house floor plans can also lack privacy, especially if the bedrooms are located close to each other. This is because the close proximity of the rooms can make it difficult to feel private in your own home.
Difficult to move around. Narrow house floor plans can be difficult to move around in, especially for those with mobility issues. This is because the narrow hallways and doorways can make it difficult to navigate the home.
Difficult to resell. Narrow house floor plans can be difficult to resell, especially in markets where wider homes are more popular. This is because many people are not used to living in narrow houses and may be hesitant to buy one.

If you are considering a narrow house floor plan, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Narrow house floor plans can be a good option for those who are looking for a space-efficient and cozy home. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those who need more space, privacy, or accessibility.