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Tiny House Rooms: 25 Amazing Decorating Ideas

March 13, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

Tiny house rooms can be challenging to decorate. However, don’t let that frustration overwhelm you.

Just remember that amazing can also mean practical and functional, which is the essence of the tiny house movement.

That’s why we listed these 25 amazing decorating ideas. These will help you spruce up your existing tiny house rooms. These concepts will also clear your head if you’re designing a blank tiny room.

Get a load of these ideas and start creating to-do lists!

Tiny House Rooms: 25 Amazing Decorating Ideas

These decorating ideas range from designing with a better approach to choosing materials from rugs.

We don’t expect you to follow them all at the same time. However, these ideas will inspire you to decorate a tiny room with a clearer and more purposeful direction.

1. Start with a minimalist approach.

tiny house rooms - minimal design in living room — A minimalist approach will let every element shine.

Undeniably, this is the most common approach for decorating tiny houses. Not only will this make your room look more spacious, but it will give it a sophisticated look.

It’s a good space-saving method since it will force you to use only the essentials. Fewer items mean less clutter.

If you’re a little tight on the budget, an industrial-themed room would be a great ‘go-to’ theme.

Gray palettes are often the safest shade in tiny house rooms if it’s formal. Other shades that work well with this theme are sea-foam green, rose pink, and cherry red.

Check out this stunning gray Vonanda Ottoman Folding chair that also works as an ottoman and bed.

2. It’s all in the lights.

With the right lights, you could achieve an exceptional room ambiance. You don’t even have to break the bank to buy expensive centerpieces.

Make the most of natural lights. If possible, avoid blocking windows with curtains to let natural light flow in.

However, if you need to add curtains, go for sheer or light-colored fabrics. Add shiny wall pieces or mirrors to reflect more light inside the room.

If the room has large windows, opt for glass windows instead of thick window treatments that absorb light. Frosted windows would work in spaces where you’d want more light but with some privacy.

Moreover, adding a few task lighting in certain corners boosts the illumination inside the room.

Try using overhead lighting, a small chandelier, or scones to add accent to any room without sacrificing function. Take a look at this elegant chandelier light from Laborate Lighting.

3. Buy functional but elegant furniture.

elegant but functional furniture. vintage. telephones and candles on top. — This storage-bedside table fits perfectly in a minimalist home.| Photo Source

If you want your tiny house rooms to look more comfortable, choose furniture that stores the bulk of your items in one place.

Popular stores like IKEA have small tables or chairs that act as storage cabinets. Unique pieces such as shelf floor lamps act as a shelf and lamp at the same time. It would also make a great centerpiece to accentuate a room.

Floating shelves would be ideal for decorating small spaces. Not only are these functional but these also provide storage for small items such as phones, keys, and decorations.

Though not the sturdiest shelves, these are items that would make a nice alternative to bulky cabinets.

4. Go for DIY projects.

If you’ve done some woodwork before, you can create pieces such as sliding shelves, hanging clothing rack, and murphy desks to fit a small room.

With imagination and determination, you can create pieces with your desired functionality.

You can also check out unique items such as console tables and stacking furniture.

How about this DIY industrial pipe shelf?

5. Small spaces, big personalities.

tiny house rooms - pink and black interior and furniture — Setting your mind on a color theme will give your tiny space more personality.

You can give each room a distinct personality. Tiny house rooms are limited so it’s crucial you know what colors or themes to work with.

Don’t be afraid to use sharp colors like yellows, reds, and greens together. But if this eclectic design throws you off, you can add centerpieces.

A perfect piece would be this elegant Urban Shop Faux Fur Saucer Chair.

You can hang artwork, decorations, rugs, ottomans, sofas, or even bright vinyl desks on neutral-colored spaces.

6. Be smart about your storage spaces.

Finding places to put your stuff can be a challenge with tiny house rooms.

The bed does take most of the space, and a big cabinet and an extra table can make the room even smaller and more cramped than it already is. To resolve this problem, you can invest in smart furniture with built-in storage spaces.

For example, how beautiful and smart this Lift Top Coffee Table w/Hidden Compartment is?

You can also use all available surface space in the room. The windowsill is a great place to put lighting, decor, and your other knick-knacks—just make sure to arrange them in a neat and orderly way.

Adding wall mounts or built-in bookshelves is another nifty idea to save floor space in your room.

You may also want to keep large items, such as your luggage, under your bed if there is enough space. This way, you get more space for your other furniture.

7. Use mirrors to your advantage.

circle mirror in the bathroom — Mirrors add *oomph* to a teeny space like the bathroom.| Photo Source

Tiny house rooms lack in space, and there’s nothing we can do about that. However, you can make it look wider by adding mirrors.

This is also useful if your small room is not blessed with a lot of natural light, as it can reflect light around the room.

Check out this classic wall mirror from 4Ever Beauti.

But simply hanging a mirror on the wall is not enough. Strategically place mirrors on your wall for you to get the full effect. Consider adding a mirror gallery of different shapes and sizes on your wall.

Lining your wall with a large mirror can also give you the same results. Leaning a large modern mirror against your wall is another good trick to make your room appear bigger.

8. Let natural light in.

Tiny house rooms can look smaller if they are left in the dark. Therefore, if you have access to natural light, let it pour in to make the room look more open and airy. Use light-colored curtains or semi-sheer shades instead of dark and heavy ones.

However, if your room does not have enough windows where natural light can come in, you can make up for it by adding a lot of light sources.

If you have a relatively high ceiling, you can add sconces or wall-mounted lighting. Meanwhile, if you don’t have a high ceiling, table lamps will also do the trick in giving your room a bright and cozy atmosphere.

Want more privacy? No worries! You can apply window film to your glass window for more privacy without blocking the light from beaming to your tiny house.

9. Use multi-purpose furniture

triple-purpose furniture in shades of dark blue, white, and light brown. — Your house will never be complete without triple-purpose furniture! | Photo Source

Space has always been the number one concern for tiny house rooms. But no matter how small your room is, you still need a bed and a desk, especially if you work at home. But you don’t need them 24/7, right?

So, why not consider investing in a sofa that doubles as a bed when the metal frame underneath is unfolded? Installing a folding desk is also another smart space-saving strategy that can help you free floor space.

Of course, when using a folding desk, you also need somewhere to sit. A big and bulky chair does not fit into your decor, so make sure to use a slim but comfortable foldable chair.

How about a kitchen table that extends? This is perfect for when you have guests. Check out this beautiful Livinia Extending Dining Table.

10. Pay close attention to scale.

Just because tiny house rooms don’t have enough floor space doesn’t mean that you have to make do with pint-size decor and furniture.

You can add large pieces in your room, as long as you don’t overdo it. You can also use large-scale art and regular-size furniture. Check out this very classy storage cabinet in oak finish.

However, you will need to work with fewer pieces in the room. That’s why you need to be smart and only choose a few statement pieces that will stand out and draw the eye.

11. Don’t overcrowd your room.

tiny house interior. clean and made of wood, — Even semi-essential furniture and appliances shouldn’t be in a tiny house.

The key to styling tiny house rooms is choosing the right furniture pieces and finding the right place for each one of them.

Avoid pressing them up against the wall or tucking them tightly together, as it will make the room smaller than it already is. Make sure that there is enough space between furniture pieces.

Additionally, leaving a little space between the wall and your furniture is the magic effect you need to make the room look and feel wider.

You also need to make a few compromises to save space. This means you may need to discard furniture that you don’t use on a daily basis, such as accent chairs and side tables.

12. Pick the right rug!

When choosing a rug, it might be tempting to choose a small one because of your tiny space. But that is the exact opposite of what you should do.

A larger rug—even the ones with a bold pattern—can make a small room feel bigger. For example, stripes can create the illusion of a wider space. You might want to check this intricately designed nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug.

Also, make sure to choose a rug large enough to accommodate most of your furniture.

Don’t skimp on the material, either. For tiny house rooms, you can try vibrant sheepskin rugs. Choose a solid color you would love seeing every time you wake up or before you go to sleep. Rugs with bright hues suit the hallways.

13. Keep the design dynamic but cohesive.

See how the interior looks intricate but not too crowded? That’s balance.| Photo Source

Having a small space doesn’t mean you can’t play with color, scale, and decor. However, there are only so many things to look at in a small room that it’s so easy to spot anything out of place.

There’s nothing wrong if you want to add color to your room, as long as you don’t overdo it. Sticking to a limited color palette is a good start.

Moreover, choosing furnishings that complement each other can help prevent the room from looking cluttered.

14. Take advantage of your vertical space.

Floor space is a big problem for tiny house rooms. That’s why you need to utilize every free space you have, including the walls. Think vertical instead of horizontal.

Wall-mounted shelves and lights. Built-in shelves. Floating shelves. There are all excellent additions to a small room for storing your trinkets, books, and other stuff.

Furthermore, hanging draperies as close to the ceiling as possible adds airiness and height to a small room.

Make sure to extend the rod on both sides of the window by at least four inches to make the window look wider.

Plus, it’s a good trick to allow more light in since you can pull the curtain all the way to the side of the window.

15. Position your furniture wisely.

tiny house interior with loft - tiny house rooms — Know were to put your couches, coffee tables, and chairs to improve mobility.

Knowing where to place your furniture can help you save floor space, as well as make a small room look less cramped.

For example, putting the bed against the window and curtain can help create a natural focal point.

Installing sconces is another good way to save space, as they remove the need for a side table where you can place your lamp.

Adding swing chairs can also help you save floor space. Plus, they are super fun and look cool from a design perspective.

16. You can also embrace the Furniture-Free Movement.

The title says it right: you can live with tiny house rooms, happy and content, with the least number of furniture. The reason for doing this is simple.

You want to encourage more range of motion that can strengthen your musculoskeletal system. You also end up spending less time slouching and living like a couch potato.

How do you achieve this? Take, for example, your living room:

Exchange your tiny sofa with big floor cushions.
Swap your carpet or rug with a yoga mat.
Keep your tables low so that they will force you to sit.
Place your exercise equipment, such as dumbbells or balls, nearby.
Hang a steel or metal bar near the doors for your pull-ups.

17. Go for the extreme minimalist lifestyle.

extreme minimalist room with greenery — You can even go beyond the minimalist life. Go with little to no furniture in your bedroom to save more space!| Photo Source

“Extreme minimalism” is minimalism on steroids. It’s removing everything that you don’t need in your tiny house rooms. This way, you can reclaim your space and fill yourself with things that are more essential. It may be a peace of mind, self-care, and even savings.

To do it, here are a few ideas:

Significantly limit the number of items you own. If minimalism cuts your clothes by half, further pare them down until you have, say, 20 of them.
Pick experiences over collections of possessions.
Opt for a hammock instead of a bed.
Follow the principles of furniture-free living.
Set limitations. You can get your travel bag and then try to fit in all the essentials you need. If you can’t get everything in, then it’s time to minimize further.

18. Extend your tiny house rooms to the yard.

Extending some parts of your home outdoors can free up a lot of space in your tiny house. You won’t also feel cramped inside.

A good example is the dining area. Attach a porch or a small deck outside and add a table a few chairs. Voila! You can now experience al fresco meals anytime!

A pair of sturdy and classy outdoor folding chairs would be a nice idea. Check out this heavy-duty reclining foldable chair from TechCare.

Got kids? You can’t expect them to roam around a tiny home, but certainly, they can have all the joy they need outdoors.

19. Go up, up, up…

loft in a tiny house — If you have a high ceiling height, add a loft. It’s versatile.| Photo Source

When you’re living in a home the size of a flatbed trailer or a camper van, it’s difficult to have specific sections—that is, unless you decide to go up.

If you want clearly defined tiny house rooms, such as a bedroom or a lounge area, then go for a loft! This design will give you ample space underneath while fully maximizing your vertical space. You can also enjoy some privacy.

Can you make it fancy? Of course, you can! Install a tiny sunroof or use French windows. Add an ornate rail or put up some tiny plants like succulents for barriers.

When it comes to stairs, you can use ladders or, even better, built-in step cabinets and bookshelves. This way, you get extra storage.

20. Decide what matters most.

Many people decide to live in a tiny home, and it’s not always about paying less to zero mortgage. Some do it because they want to downsize and spend less time accumulating material wealth.

The question then is, what is a tiny house for you? When you know the answer, then you can decide more appropriately about the layout and the number of rooms your space will have.

Consider these other queries:

Do you really need a living room when you already have a deck?
Can you wash your clothes outside, so you don’t need a laundry room?
How often do you like to go outdoors? If it’s frequent, then perhaps you can do away with entertainment systems, such as television.

When you try to make an inventory of your passions and reasons, you can have a tiny house that reflects who you are… and you’ll love to live in it!

21. Make your tiny house rooms work harder.

tiny house rooms - lots of knick-knacks — Every wall- and floor space is imperative in a tiny house.

If you can have multipurpose furniture, definitely, you can design multifunctional rooms. Consider these ideas:

Add a sofa bed so you can convert your living room into a master’s bedroom or a “guest bedroom.”
Combine your shower and toilet to create a wet room.
Buy a small washing machine that you can fit underneath the kitchen sink.
Convert your porch into a dining room.
Spare a part of your long kitchen counter, put up some stools, and you now have a dining section for two.

Remember, a little ingenuity can go a long way when it comes to breaking down your space.

22. Follow the open-plan concept.

How do you avoid making a tiny home feel even smaller and cluttered? It’s easy: go for an open-plan concept. There are many ways to do it while still defining your tiny house rooms:

Maximize the walls so that you can free the space in the middle.
Consider an L-kitchen design to create a boundary between the living room and dining room without obstructing the view.
Place the ladder or stairs to the loft to the side.

23. Create the illusion of more space.

Sunroofs will improve the lighting and create more breathing space. | Photo Source

Besides adding many windows to let natural light in, you can create the illusion of largeness through the following:

Consider a high ceiling, perhaps three feet from the floor. This will also give you enough space for expansion, such as if you decide to add a loft.
Put up curtains near the ceiling, not on the upper edge of windows. Even if you don’t have a high ceiling, it feels like you do.
Exchange bulky-looking furniture to leaner ones.

24. Be creative with your doors.

Do you know that doors can take up a lot of space? Just try to open a standard door and then observe what happens. The good news is you can be creative about it.

For example, you can use barn doors and sliding doors instead. It can even make your room appear sleeker. If you’re on a tight budget, go for curtains as dividers.

You can use it for your bathroom or bedroom. When you want to see more space, all you need is to open them!

25. Paint the house with creamy colors.

tiny house rooms - featured photo — Creamy colors and tiny houses are the best pair.

Perhaps your favorite color is black, but it may not be the best choice for your tiny house rooms. Darker shades can usually make your space appear smaller.

The best paint hues for tiny houses are stark white, cream, ivory, and butter. Painting any of these colors alone will already make your room appear bigger.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can never have anything red or orange or brown on your walls. They may be better off as accents than your primary colors.

You can even go for a touch of sea green for a fresh ocean vibe in your small room.

Hate the smell of paint? How about applying wallpaper instead? Try this self-adhesive wallpaper that comes in different colors.

Clean tiny house rooms: Upkeep tips to follow

tiny house rooms - library above bed — In cleaning a tiny house room, you should be realistic.

You now decorated your tiny house rooms for maximum efficiency… Now, you have to figure out how to keep clean. Start these five tips!

1. Clean one space at a time.

It’s a small room, so you should be patient and start small. Don’t attempt to do everything at once.

So, don’t be afraid to ditch your plan to do an overall cleaning routine.

Well, maybe you can start a “general” cleaning routine—but start with small things like your bookshelves, for example.

Categorize your books and magazines. You can even donate those old ones you have read before.

You’d be surprised by the space it can empty!

In tiny house rooms, being realistic and starting small can help you achieve your cleanliness goals.

Make sure to equip yourself with a cleaning tool kit that can perform the job well.

2. Buy a good vacuum.

And one that will not occupy a lot of space in your closet. Make no mistake, though—these small vacuums are just as powerful as the regular ones.

For instance, cordless stick vacuums wouldn’t clog your closet. Still, it can clean and suck tough to clean dirt like spilled rice grains or cereals.

If you want a long-lasting vacuum though, opt for compact and lightweight plug-in vacuums.

Space shouldn’t be your only consideration, though. You also need to take into account if you have many carpets or if you have hardwood floors.

Looking for the best-selling vacuum that doesn’t hurt the pocket? Try MOOSOO Vacuum Cleaner.

3. Make your bed every day.

There are actually more benefits of making your bed, besides cleanliness in the room. For example, making your bed will give you a jumpstart to a daily habit of cleaning.

Starting your day with it, it will give you a sense of accomplishment, improving your mood. As a result, you will be more productive and respectful of yourself.

Being consistent with this habit will help keep your tiny room squeaky clean.

We recommend using an easy-to-clean microfibre sheet like this AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft sheet.

4. Practice the Wabi-Sabi principle.

Wabi-Sabi lessons work especially in keeping tiny house rooms clean. That’s because its essence is appreciating imperfection.

In a tiny house room, you may be pressured to keep everything place and have every essential you require. However, you should be at peace with the fact that you won’t always achieve those goals.

Through accepting that, you will not be pressured to hoard. As a result, your tiny house rooms will be cleaner and leaner!

5. Categorize your stuff and keep them in place.

This is a good way to stay organized in a tiny place. Assign areas to your things, whether you use them all the time or you don’t.

For example, if you have a workspace in your bedroom, you can divide the whole room into spaces for business and leisure.

Through this, you can easily categorize your things and assign them positions. If you’re a morning person, your desk and office supplies can go to the place where the sunlight hits during the day.

Meanwhile, if you’re a night person, you can keep your desk and office supplies in that certain spot where the light fixture hits.

This Winsome Halifax Storage can help you keep your files and things organized.

Tiny house rooms: The 5 underrated essentials you should have

The ultra-versatile pegboard for pans.| Photo Source

You may think that you only need your bed, cooking equipment, couch, and tiny shelves in your tiny house rooms.

We disagree. We know we blab about minimalism a lot, but you should never forget to add these underrated staples in your tiny house rooms.

1. Pegboard for pans

Of course, this tiny house staple won’t disappear in an “essentials” list. Pegboards, because of their versatility, keep any room organized, especially the kitchen.

If you’re decorating a kitchen-dining area, don’t forget to hang a pegboard for your pans.

Most pegboards are made of aluminum steel, so their weight will increase as you add more pans. Therefore, make sure you choose a lightweight one. You can go for a 12 or 13-pound pegboard.

2. Sink-toilet combo

To save even more space in your bathroom, go for a sink-toilet fixture.

The best thing about these fixtures is that they recycle the water you use for washing your hands. The used water will be used to flush your waste, which is an effective way to save water.

The designs and functions of sink-toilet fixtures can vary. They are commonly seen in Japan.

3. Wall-mounted baskets as shelves.

A column of wall-mounted baskets can store a variety of things—tropical fruits, office supplies, beauty products, cooking utensils, and more.

The great things about wall-mounted baskets as shelves are that they are easily accessible and removable in case you’re doing a remodel. That’s why you should only store things you frequently use or grab when you’re cleaning or cooking.

You can buy regular baskets and then turn them into wall-mounted baskets with some nails, a wooden board, and maybe some wood glue.

While shopping for baskets, we suggest you choose those made of metal or plastic. They should also be clear, so you can see what’s inside every basket.

We don’t suggest baskets made of cloth. Besides not being transparent, they will also hold moisture and gather dust. You will also need to wash them regularly, unlike metal baskets.

4. Shelf dividers

It’s not enough that you have closets and baskets for your clothes and toiletries. Inside, you have to divide and conquer. Do it with shelf dividers!

You can find shelf dividers in different designs, most of which are minimalist. These can come in acrylic, wood, or metal. However, we suggest you choose acrylic shelf dividers because they are more durable and pleasing to look at. How about these Acrylic Shelf Dividers?

While looking for the best brands, we found sets of shelf dividers that cost from $9.00 up to $25.00. Each divider might cost you less than $4.00. The metal ones are usually the most expensive.

5. Stacking stools

Last but definitely not least are stacking stools! Some tiny house owners often forget that they are living in a tiny house and buy regular stools.

You have to opt for stacking stools. Floor space is your currency in your tiny abode, so you have to take advantage of your high ceiling height (that is if you have one.)

What’s that? They’re not that comfortable? Well, you don’t have to sacrifice comfortability if you choose stacking stools with padded seats.

One example is the Fat Catalog Assorted Color Metal Stack Stool. These stools have thickly padded seats and four legs made of metal.

Best themes for tiny house rooms

Can’t decide which of the 25 decorating ideas you’ll start following? You might want to take inspiration from these themes, first!

1. Scandinavian

tiny house rooms - scandinavian — Scandinavian interior is known for its refreshing elements.| Photo Source

The Scandinavian theme suits tiny rooms because it involves lighter shades, light brown wood, and clean lines.

The details will not overwhelm you, providing you with a sense of relief every time you enter your room. It’s simply eye-pleasing.

In your tiny room, you can emulate a Scandinavian room by “muting” the elements in the room. For instance, you can hang black and white photos. Rugs, sheets, and pillows can be in the shades or cool grey, stark white, or icy blue.

Meanwhile, for the furniture pieces, you can opt for wood with the hues of cream, dark grey, or dark brown. They will go along with your rugs and bedsheets.

However, don’t hesitate to add a pop of color. Seafoam, turquoise, or aquamarine will brighten up the room.

2. Japanese teahouse

tiny house rooms - japanese tea house — This Japanese living room incorporates the essential aspects of the Chashitsu.| Photo Source

The Japanese teahouse or “Chashitsu” embodies the simplicity and sophistication of Japanese architecture.

This theme is inspiring to a tiny house since a Chashitsu is a tiny room as well; however, its elements give its occupants an incredible feeling of peace and spiritual satisfaction.

If you want to emulate those elements in your tiny room, then take pointers from the qualities and features of Japanese teahouse design. Here are some of them.

The Chashitsu uses sliding doors covered with translucent paper, so the sunlight can enter the room without being too bright.
Use little to no furniture, if possible.
In your loft, you can create a small alcove for one single bed or storage space. The alcove in the Chashitsu contains the altar.

How about decorating your tiny house with some Artificial Cherry Blossom Flower Vines Hanging Silk Flowers?

3. Mid-Century Modern

Ah, this theme never loses its shine. Mid-Century Modern is not just the beautiful set design in the 60s-themed TV series, Mad Men.

MCM is a design style that involves clean lines, streamlined forms, organic shapes and materials, and a lack of intricacy. It’s all about the iconic look and feel of the 1930s–1960s.

This theme suits a tiny room perfectly because it already speaks so much by adding little to no decorations. For example, just look at this tiny house interior:

The MCM chandelier is already the star of the room. Remove the rug and the artwork, and the room will still turn heads.

Now, that is the charm of a Mid-Century Modern theme. You can say so much without bothering to make everything coherent and adding multiple details.

4. Romantic

tiny house rooms - romantic interiors — This living room is almost blushing.| Photo Source

No, we are not talking hearts, roses, and rom-com movies. Romantic architecture is derived from the Romanticism movement.

Romanticism in Architecture means the celebration of grandeur but out of place. You can take for example the mix of Egyptian and Asian aesthetics in a European building.

Therefore, if you want your tiny house rooms to stand out, you can follow the elements of Romantic Architecture. Don’t be afraid to decorate your room and make the elements seem out of place.

Maybe, just maybe, you can create something sublime.

5. Contemporary

contemporary room — Nothing says more contemporary than vertical lines and neutral hues. | Photo Source

If you want modernity and sustainability to reign in your tiny house rooms, then you should go for this theme.

Contemporary architecture consists of building elements derived from the 20th century onwards. We’re talking about crystal-esque facades, aluminum, concrete, and glass.

However, more importantly, contemporary also means eco-friendly. That means the structure or room is designed to save or sustain energy.

How can you make a tiny room contemporary? Just like our other tips, it’s important that you start with the basics, but it’s even more crucial that you apply these, particularly:

Go for smooth materials for your floorings—wood, vinyl, or tile.
Limit your room’s hues to black, white, and neutrals.
Give your room a “voice” with metal or stone accents.
As for dinnerware, look for those with geometrical shapes.
Choose furniture pieces made of linen or wool.

The future of decorating tiny house rooms

3d-printed houses — These are 3d printed tiny houses.| Photo Source

As technology progresses, the lines between home and work also blur even more.

Tiny houses aren’t just “shrunken” versions of regular homes anymore. They are gaining an identity and a set of design principles on their own.

This is especially evident in interior design.

Working at home

Many people are now working at home. According to Global Workplace Analytics, more than 4 million employees are now working at home.

Therefore, it’s unsurprising if many buyers will look for prefab tiny houses with home offices or mini workspaces.

It’s only imperative for designers and manufacturers to address concerns for space and sound efficiency in tiny houses.

Need an office table? Get the IRONCK Industrial Computer Writing Desk. Keep your cables organized using this cable organizer.

More aggressive technology

We already have a variety of smart homes for quite some time now. How about smart tiny houses? Well, they are on the rise, too.

Tiny houses with integrated gadgets and systems are becoming more common in developed countries. These devices will have more to do with monitoring the occupant’s health and wellness.

Beyond that, 3d printed tiny houses might become more prevalent, just like those ones in Eindhoven.

The 3d building process of these tiny houses might not be all the rage right now. However, it’s definitely in the works since it’s more eco-friendly and affordable than traditional building methods.

Final thoughts

Building your dream home shouldn’t be a drag. While space may be limiting, it shouldn’t put your imagination in a cage.

After all, each space has the potential to become beautiful on its own. So, pick up your creative hat and make this project your work of art!

Do you like our decorating ideas?

Tell us which of them is your favorite in the comments below!

Tiny Home Safety: Top 26 Life-Saving Tips From the Experts

February 28, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

Tiny home safety is one of the most crucial concerns of new homeowners.

How can one stay safe and secure in such a small abode?

Tiny houses are not entirely dangerous. However, you should never be complacent—authorities have been strict with tiny houses for valid reasons.

Moreover, the critics’ disapproval of tiny houses is not baseless. After all, they are only advocating for the highest safety standards for properties.

Therefore, if you’re really hell-bent on living in a smaller home, then tiny home safety should be your utmost priority at all times.

In this blog post, we shared 26 tested and proven safety tips from experts.

Tiny home safety: Inside your home

Whether you live alone, with an elderly, or with your kids in your tiny home, you should take notes from these tiny home safety tips. Don’t worry, we have something for everybody.

Bathroom

Did you know that the majority of accidents and injuries happened to people who were in their bathrooms? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 14 percent of those people get hospitalized.

With a bathroom that’s even teenier, how does tiny home safety work? Similar to regular houses, you need to do some few tricks to keep you safe while showering, soaking, etc.

1. Install grab bars.

Falling is one of the top five causes of unintentional home injuries. Every year, slippery bathroom floors cause 80% of falls in the elderly aged 65 years and older. So, it’s no surprise that bathrooms are more sinister than you think.

Therefore, whether you live with an elderly relative or not, you have to add grab bars to ensure tiny home safety. Besides being secure fixtures against falls and slips, these metal bars can serve as towel racks near your bathtub or your shower area.

We found the best-selling grab bar in the market. Check out this AmeriLuck Stainless Steel Bath Grab Bar.

2. Don’t just dump anything in a composting toilet.

Composting toilets’ prices and installation processes can be expensive. But besides their price, take good care of composting toilets because they’re the most convenient type of toilets for tiny houses on wheels. You don’t even need to frequent dumping places to release their waste.

Prolong your composting toilet’s life by not throwing anything in there, except your waste and absorbent materials like untreated sawdust. Absorbent materials will create an odor barrier, minimizing the bad smell. Avoid throwing trash like baby diapers and tissue paper as well.

Get yourself a high-quality trash bin that locks odor. We found this iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCan Touchless Trash Can with Odor Control System.

3. Add anti-slip accessories.

Metal grab bars, although effective for tiny home safety, are not enough to prevent slips. You have to make sure your floor and walls are not that slippery when wet. Good thing you rely on affordable but effective anti-slip accessories for bathrooms such as stickers, mats, and tapes.

If you’re still in the process of building your tiny house, you can even install anti-slip, textured tiles. Meanwhile, if you already have tiles, you can apply an anti-slip treatment, which is a solution that adds traction to smooth and shiny tiles. One example is Stone Grip.

4. Add tamper-resistant outlets.

Tamper-resistant outlets are great tiny home safety accessories, especially if you live with kids or pets. Also known as tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR), these outlets have safety shutters that block the access of any foreign object into the receptacle.

With the safety shutters inside, it will only work if you insert a fully functional plug. You can’t insert broken plugs with jagged edges—otherwise, the safety shutters inside won’t open and you can’t use the outlet. We suggest you add these outlets everywhere in your house, especially in the bathroom.

5. Install night lights.

Night lights will increase tiny home safety and cultivate your kids’ independence. These are small lighting fixtures that don’t produce an overwhelming brightness but are still effective in lighting a dark room.

If your kids are scared of going to the bathroom at night, you can teach them to turn on the night lights. Plus, they don’t consume that much power, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary energy loss at night.

The Vont ‘Lyra’ LED Night Light is one of the best selling night light that we found. Go check it out.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where you prepare your kid’s meals, boil water for your coffee, and wash your dishes, mugs, and plates. That only means you should be steadfast in ensuring this area is contamination-free and accident-proof.

Bathrooms can be dangerous, but your kitchen can be lethal, too. Take note of these tiny home safety tips in the kitchen.

1. Use a cast-iron skillet.

Not only this is life-saving (you can fight zombies with this!), but also space-saving. Cast-iron skillets may be a bit expensive, but they have many qualities that compensate for the price. Cast-iron skillets have an ellent non-stick surface, chemical-free material, and great heat-retaining quality.

Best of all, they are space-saving because they’re versatile—you can cook them on open-fire or on a gas stove. So, if the situation calls for it—like a family barbecue or camping with your buddies, you can rely on cast-iron skillets. You don’t need to bring another type of cooking pan to the trip.

This AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is highly recommendable!

2. Stock on hooks.

In this blog post, we explained why hooks should be staples in every tiny house. However, hooks should be the most present in your tiny house kitchen. Besides being affordable and durable enough to carry heavy objects, they are also highly versatile, which is ideal for a small kitchen.

You can use hooks to hang caddies for spices and herbs, baking tools, glasses, plates, and mugs. You can mount a single hook to hang a drying towel or use several to dry pots and pans. Need something customizable? Use two durable hooks to put up a pegboard, which you can use for multiple things.

We bet you will love this Love-KANKEI Floating Shelf Wall Shelf. It comes with a sturdy shelf and hooks, perfect for your kitchen!

3. Prevent gas buildup in your propane stoves.

You can use propane stoves to cook meals inside your tiny house, but make sure to prevent gas buildup. To avoid that, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated, so the toxic fumes to exit your kitchen area. Moreover, when you’re cooking, open your windows or turn on an exhaust fan. Propane stoves generate a lot of heat.

Moreover, don’t forget to turn off your propane stove when not in use. You will also need a carbon monoxide detector in case the gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so you will need a detector to prevent contamination during a leakage.

4. Avoid/eliminate electric stove hazards.

Electric stoves are safer than propane stoves, but they still have fire hazards. Therefore, you need to eliminate those and follow safety measures. First of all, be mindful if they’re turned on or not. Propane stoves are easier to detect when they’re running since they smell. Electric stoves, on the other hand, are silent and odorless.

Another hazard to eliminate is excessive heat generation. Again, it’s not easy to notice right away that an electric stove is turned on. When an electric stove gets too hot, you might accidentally burn your hand if you’re not alert enough to notice that it’s turned on. So, if not necessary, don’t use too much heat.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

And learn how to use it! Knowing how to prevent fires in the kitchen is not enough. You also need to know how to put them out. Since you live in a tiny house, you should keep one under your kitchen sink—before a fire from your burning mac and cheese engulfs your home.

You can buy fire extinguishers best used for houses. Since we’re talking about kitchen fires here, a standard fire extinguisher can already help you. It can put out Class A, B, and C fires, which are ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and gases, and electrical equipment fires.

If you don’t have a fire extinguisher yet, you might want to check this Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is the space where you rest, dream, and recover. Nothing should go wrong, right? Well, don’t be too relaxed. You still have outlets, wirings, and windows here, right? Therefore, to truly achieve peace of mind, you should also ensure it’s a secure environment. Follow these tiny home safety tips for your bedroom.

1. Prevent bed bug-friendly moisture.

Bed bugs love humid environments. If your bedroom doesn’t have good indoor airflow, they will grow in no time and might trigger adult on-set allergic reactions. Bed bugs might even cause skin irritation, asthma attacks, and anaphylaxis shocks.

Therefore, do your best to prevent bed bug infestation. Air out your mattress frequently. If you can, wash them every week. Choose a high-quality material, too, if you haven’t bought one yet. Most importantly, don’t forget to open your windows every day at certain periods to let the stale air out.

2. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers.

Dust mites also thrive in cramped, humid places, so it’s very likely that you will have them in your bedroom if the air doesn’t circulate properly. Also, did you know they love your skin flakes? Yikes.

To prevent dust mites from growing in your bedroom, use a dust-proof pillow and mattress covers. If you can, avoid putting carpets in your room. Use sheets and rugs with fine threads. You also have to dry your newly washed pillows and mattresses in a hot dryer.

3. Attach your drawers and storage boxes to the wall.

Even if your tiny house is on a foundation, you still have to make sure those heavy boxes will not tip. You’ll never know when earthquakes will strike. Those sharp edges must also be covered and those drawers should be locked, especially if you live with a child who’s in his/her “terrible-twos” stage.

Besides securing your shelves, drawers, organizers, and boxes to the wall, we also don’t suggest putting freestanding items in your bedroom. Apart from occupying your precious floor space, they will also just contribute to the dust-gathering convention in your bedroom.

Tiny home safety: Outside and beyond

Traveling/On-road safety

tiny home safety - tiny house on wheels with a lush green background — Before you live that mobile life, make sure your towing vehicle is capable to tow the heavy load behind it.

Do you have a movable tiny house? Tiny houses on wheels are known to be trickier to handle since you have many things to consider such as the weight distribution, load limit, and other road hazards. Plus, you’ll be traveling most of the time, so you will do more upkeep frequently.

With that said, get a load of these tiny home safety steps for when you’re traveling.

1. Follow the required service schedule.

Your towing vehicle has a service schedule, which is indicated on the car’s dashboard’s warning light or its manufacturer’s manual. Now, you should follow this schedule to prevent fluid leaks, on-the-road malfunctions, and engine trouble. Plus you will save yourself from expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

Moreover, by taking care of your towing vehicle, you can preserve its resale value. Many homeowners and critics don’t like tiny houses because they lose resale value quickly. If you keep the car in good condition, then your mobile house’s value won’t dwindle that much.

2. Ensure there’s proper weight distribution.

Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) have the same materials as normal houses, so they are a bit heavier than most RVs and trailers. Therefore, you should be meticulous with keeping stuff inside to avoid surpassing the weight limit and improper weight distribution.

Many states in the U.S. also impose a weight limit on tiny houses on the road, which you should adhere to. Meanwhile, for a smooth-sailing towing, your tiny house should have a proper weight distribution.

The standard ratio is that from the trailer tongue to the center point of the axle, it should weigh 60% of the total weight. The remaining area from that center point to the rear area of the THOW should weigh 40% of the total weight.

3. Make sure your vehicle has a great towing capacity.

There are heavy-duty SUVs but there are also large vehicles exclusively designed for towing. Therefore, choose the latter but with even greater towing capacities. Remember, your tiny house’s weight will increase as you put more stuff in it.

The brands of the best towing trucks for tiny houses are Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Ram. These big boys can pull more than 30,000 pounds. The Ram 3500, particularly, has a towing limit of 31,210. That’s monstrous even for tiny houses.

Also, make sure to use the right towing kit. We totally recommend Reese Towpower 21536RAK.

Storms, hurricanes, etc.

tiny home safety - a dark cloud looms over a tiny house — Will your tiny house withstand a storm?

There are dozens of reasons why some states in the U.S. impose strict standards on tiny houses, two of them being storms and hurricanes.

They can mess up even the bigger houses—can a tiny house withstand them? Yes, they can. Just follow these tips for securing your tiny home against extreme weather and reducing the damage it causes.

1. Elevate your tiny house.

The simplest and most affordable countermeasure to avoid flood damage is to move your tiny house to higher ground. If this isn’t an option because your house is stationary, then you can do a preventative measure like elevating the whole structure.

Meanwhile, do your part and get insurance for your house. Before, it was challenging to insure tiny houses, but it’s definitely better now. Insuring tiny houses can cost $500 to $600 per year.

2. Toughen your roof against strong winds.

The roof, doors, and windows are the parts that usually get damaged over time. So, you need to make them “tougher” against the strong winds, which are especially brought by hurricanes.

For example, the Journal of Light Construction suggests you tighten your roof by applying a high-wind-rated roof covering, re-nailing the roof sheathings, or using wind-rated asphalt shingles.

3. Weatherstrip and caulk your windows, doors, and walls.

As for moisture, leaking, or rust, get ahead of those by weatherstripping your windows and doors and caulking your house. Weatherstripping is done by applying a seal that endures friction and external elements, prolonging the life of the fixture.

Here’s a reliable MAGZO Foam Seal Tape if you’re looking for one.

The Dept. of Energy particularly suggests vinyl and metal weatherstripping since they are durable and they last years. Vinyl is typically used for weatherstripping garage doors, but it can be a bit pricey.

4. Secure your appliances.

You secured your roofing and your fixtures—how about your appliances and wiring? Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean they are safe.

Therefore, make sure to ground your solar panels to avoid electrocution and fires, even though most models are waterproof. Invest in weatherproof appliances and cords. If you have solar batteries, keep them warm in snowstorms by charging them.

5. Invest in your insulation.

Proper insulation not only keeps you warm during the bad weather but also saves energy. Storm windows and doors, particularly, bring those benefits. They help regulate your tiny house’s temperature, preventing energy loss.

To insulate effectively against storms, you can use fiberglass insulation. It’s an excellent and easy-to-install insulating material, plus it’s not too heavy or expensive. Other good insulation materials are cotton, spray foam, and Rockwool.

Protection against theft

a robber pries a door open — Tiny house theft is becoming more common these days.

Tiny house theft has been rampant, so you can’t be too complacent with your mobile home. It’s small and movable—it’s no wonder it’s red-hot on the criminals’ radar. Therefore, it’s essential for you to invest in security methods and gadgets.

1. Use wheel clamps and claws.

Wheel clamps and claws are anti-theft wheel locks, which prevent your towing car or RV from getting stolen.

Clamps lock the lug nuts, which secure the wheels to your car’s axles. They are pricier but more effective. Claws, on the other hand, help immobilize your wheels—having these will prevent your vehicles from rotating and turning.

2. Purchase heavy chains.

Heavy-duty chains will also make it nearly impossible for a robber to tow your tiny house away. These chains may have clevis grab hooks on both ends, which prevent the chains from slipping.

Heavy-duty chains are being used to tow large vehicles with tons of cargo, so they won’t break easily. It’s better if you tie it to a permanent structure—yes, even if your tiny house is built on a foundation.

3. Get trailer hitch locks.

Simple, cheap, and easy-to-install, a hitch lock will help foil a sneaky robbery attempt. Hitch locks fuse the cargo and the trailer’s hitch, preventing any thief from towing it. A trailer hitch lock can be made of aluminum, which is a tough kind of metal.

If you search for hitch locks, look for ones that design suit your tiny house or RV. Great hitch locks can resist crowbars, saws, and even sledgehammers. If you want our recommendation, then we vouch for Connor Trailer Hitch Lock.

4. Buy an alarm system.

Alarm systems are not just for regular houses. There are actually plenty of fully-functional alarm systems for RVs and small homes.

The prices of alarm systems for tiny houses start at $29 and can go up to $700. Some devices will set off and call the police, fire, and medical dispatches. Others will let you sync it with your phone in an app. They can even have wireless motion sensors.

5. Conceal a tracking device in your tiny house.

Concealing a tracking device inside your tiny house will be your last line of defense. These devices are waterproof and they can recharge from your RV’s battery. They will also send a notification to your phone.

When shopping for a tracking device, check the reviews if its motion sensors are highly sensitive. This is ideal because once the trailer moves, it should send an alarm to your mobile phone ASAP.

Conclusion

Your tiny house is not just your home; it’s your investment. Unfortunately, it’s small and mobile—many confident robbers will try to snatch it in a snap.

Therefore, regardless of its value, you should do everything you can to protect it.

Also, remember that it’s not easy to get a tiny house in most states in the U.S. If you’re lucky enough to live in one, then do your part and invest in safety measures.

Besides, you can’t trust anybody these days even if you live in a tiny house community. Better be safe than sorry!

Can’t get enough of our safety tips? We have more here.

Tiny House Rooms: 25 Amazing Decorating Ideas

1. Start with a minimalist approach.

2. It’s all in the lights.

3. Buy functional but elegant furniture.

4. Go for DIY projects.

5. Small spaces, big personalities.

6. Be smart about your storage spaces.

7. Use mirrors to your advantage.

8. Let natural light in.

9. Use multi-purpose furniture

10. Pay close attention to scale.

11. Don’t overcrowd your room.

12. Pick the right rug!

13. Keep the design dynamic but cohesive.

14. Take advantage of your vertical space.

15. Position your furniture wisely.

16. You can also embrace the Furniture-Free Movement.

17. Go for the extreme minimalist lifestyle.

18. Extend your tiny house rooms to the yard.

19. Go up, up, up…

20. Decide what matters most.

21. Make your tiny house rooms work harder.

22. Follow the open-plan concept.

23. Create the illusion of more space.

24. Be creative with your doors.

25. Paint the house with creamy colors.

Clean tiny house rooms: Upkeep tips to follow

1. Clean one space at a time.

2. Buy a good vacuum.

3. Make your bed every day.

4. Practice the Wabi-Sabi principle.

5. Categorize your stuff and keep them in place.

Tiny house rooms: The 5 underrated essentials you should have

1. Pegboard for pans

2. Sink-toilet combo

3. Wall-mounted baskets as shelves.

4. Shelf dividers

5. Stacking stools

Best themes for tiny house rooms

1. Scandinavian

2. Japanese teahouse

3. Mid-Century Modern

4. Romantic

5. Contemporary

The future of decorating tiny house rooms

Working at home

More aggressive technology

Final thoughts

Related questions

What states allow tiny houses?

How much space do you need for a tiny house?

Can you connect two tiny houses?

Tiny home safety: Inside your home

Bathroom

1. Install grab bars.

2. Don’t just dump anything in a composting toilet.

3. Add anti-slip accessories.

4. Add tamper-resistant outlets.

5. Install night lights.

Kitchen

1. Use a cast-iron skillet.

2. Stock on hooks.

3. Prevent gas buildup in your propane stoves.

4. Avoid/eliminate electric stove hazards.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Bedroom

1. Prevent bed bug-friendly moisture.

2. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers.

3. Attach your drawers and storage boxes to the wall.

Tiny home safety: Outside and beyond

Traveling/On-road safety

1. Follow the required service schedule.

2. Ensure there’s proper weight distribution.

3. Make sure your vehicle has a great towing capacity.

Storms, hurricanes, etc.

1. Elevate your tiny house.

2. Toughen your roof against strong winds.

3. Weatherstrip and caulk your windows, doors, and walls.

4. Secure your appliances.

5. Invest in your insulation.