What Are Small Houses Called? Essential Guide to Tiny Homes: Fast-Track Guide to Understanding Small House Types in 1 Minute

I design compact spaces for a living, and small houses—especially tiny homes—remain one of the most nuanced challenges in residential design. The term “small house” often refers to dwellings under 1,000 sq ft, while “tiny homes” typically range from 100–400 sq ft, sometimes up to 600 sq ft depending on local definitions. Within that spectrum you’ll encounter a variety of names and formats: tiny houses on wheels (THOW), micro-homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), cottage homes, and studio cottages.

Size isn’t just a label; it affects planning standards and comfort. WELL v2 emphasizes daylight and acoustic criteria, with targets such as 300–500 lux ambient lighting and task lighting around 500 lux to reduce eye strain; these values become vital in tight floor plates where multi-use zones overlap. Meanwhile, Herman Miller’s research shows posture variation improves comfort and productivity over static seating—an insight that translates perfectly to flexible nooks and convertible furniture in small homes. I keep these benchmarks close when specifying lighting layers and seating strategies.

On the behavioral side, color and material choices strongly influence perceived spaciousness. Verywell Mind’s color psychology reporting notes that lighter hues can reduce visual heaviness and increase perceived openness—one reason soft neutrals with warm undertones and low-gloss finishes perform well in micro-interiors. It’s equally crucial to manage acoustics in open-plan tiny homes where cooking, working, and sleeping can share proximity; soft textiles, cork composites, and perforated wood panels can lift sound absorption without visual clutter. For broader workplace-derived insights that translate to home layouts, Gensler’s research is a reliable reference for spatial efficiency and zoning principles drawn from high-performance environments.

Common Names for Small Houses

Different labels reflect form, foundation, and legal context:

1. Tiny House on Wheels (THOW): Built on trailers, often 160–320 sq ft, towable and regulated as RVs in many areas.
2. Micro-Home: Fixed foundation, typically 200–500 sq ft, designed to meet residential codes.
3. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): A secondary unit on a residential lot; can be detached, attached, or over-garage, usually 250–1,000 sq ft.
4. Cottage or Casita: Small, often single-level homes, sometimes part of pocket neighborhoods.
5. Studio Cottage: One-room plan with integrated sleeping and living zones, commonly 250–450 sq ft.
6. Park Model RV: Around 400 sq ft, semi-permanent, governed by RV standards rather than residential building codes in many jurisdictions.

Typical Sizes and Spatial Ratios

For daily comfort, I use practical ratios rather than rigid rules:

1. Living core: 30–40% of the total area for sitting, dining, and circulation.
2. Kitchen: 15–20%, with clear work triangles—shortened but unobstructed.
3. Bathroom: 10–15%, prioritizing code clearances and storage walls.
4. Sleeping: 20–25%, with options for lofted beds in THOWs or Murphy beds in fixed micro-homes.

When testing these ratios, a room layout tool can quickly visualize flow constraints and furniture footprints: room layout tool.

Layout Strategies for Tiny Homes

Spatial intention drives the plan. Zoning day and night functions prevents conflict. I favor:

1. Split-level or loft sleeping to free the main floor for daytime activities.
2. Slide-out pantries and toe-kick drawers to unlock dead volume.
3. Pocket doors to save 8–10 sq ft of swing clearance.
4. Convertible dining desks with adjustable stools to support posture change, echoing ergonomics research.
5. Layered lighting: ambient (300–400 lux), task (500–700 lux at counters), and accent with dimming and warm-white 2700–3000K for evenings.

Testing different schemes with an interior layout planner helps resolve pinch points before construction: interior layout planner.

Materials, Durability, and Sustainability

Small doesn’t mean fragile. I specify high-wear surfaces—laminates with antimicrobial properties for kitchens, durable LVP or cork for resilient floors, and FSC-certified plywood for built-ins. Low-VOC finishes and solid ventilation are essential, especially in tight envelopes. Sustainable selections carry outsized impact relative to total material volume, making reclaimed timbers or recycled composites attractive both ethically and aesthetically.

Light Environment and Visual Balance

Natural light becomes your biggest asset. Keep window heads high to pull light deeper, use light shelves where feasible, and control glare with cellular shades or soft sheers. Balance color temperature—2700–3000K in living and sleeping areas, 3500–4000K for kitchens and work surfaces. Avoid glossy ceilings; a matte finish calms reflections in confined rooms. Visual rhythm matters: repeat a limited palette across horizontals (shelves, counters) to tie zones together, and let one accent carry the personality—a painted door, a textile panel, or a sculptural lamp.

Ergonomics and Human Factors

Ergonomics is the backbone of livability. Maintain 900–1,000 mm (35–39 in) primary circulation paths where possible; secondary routes can compress to 750 mm (30 in) in micro settings if local code permits. Counter heights around 36 in suit most tasks, with perching stools enabling posture variation. In lofts, ensure safe tread dimensions and handholds; ladder angles near 70–75° maximize footprint efficiency but demand careful grip placement and lighting.

Acoustic Comfort in Compact Plans

Hard parallel surfaces can amplify noise. I break them up with fluted wall panels, book storage, and fabric-wrapped pinboards. In small baths, acoustic ceilings and soft-close hardware reduce transferred sound to sleeping areas. Appliances should be selected for low dB ratings; even a 3–5 dB reduction is perceptible in a micro-home.

Planning, Codes, and Mobility

Naming shapes code paths. A THOW might be road-legal but barred from full-time occupancy in some municipalities; micro-homes on foundations must meet residential codes and energy standards. ADUs often unlock flexibility and value but require setbacks, utility planning, and sometimes owner-occupancy clauses. Always verify local zoning before committing to a format—the label dictates approvals, insurance, and resale dynamics.

Cost, Value, and Resale Considerations

Costs hinge on foundation type, trailer spec (for THOWs), insulation, glazing, joinery complexity, and local labor. Well-designed ADUs can raise property value and support multi-generational living or rental income; tiny homes on wheels offer mobility but can face financing hurdles. Design for long-term adaptability with modular cabinetry, removable partitions, and standardized appliance bays.

Authority Resources

I lean on research bodies to anchor decisions. WELL v2 provides performance metrics for light, air, and comfort that scale down effectively to small homes. Herman Miller’s research on posture and work settings offers practical cues for multi-function furniture. For broader design thinking in compact environments, Gensler’s research library is worth consulting.

FAQ

Q1: What qualifies as a tiny home versus a small house?

A tiny home typically sits between 100–400 sq ft (sometimes up to ~600 sq ft), while small houses are generally under 1,000 sq ft. Local definitions vary—always check zoning language.

Q2: Which names are commonly used?

You’ll see tiny house on wheels (THOW), micro-home, ADU, cottage, studio cottage, and park model RV. The label often signals foundation type and code framework.

Q3: Are tiny homes comfortable for year-round living?

Yes, with careful planning: ergonomic clearances, layered lighting (ambient 300–400 lux, task ~500 lux), effective ventilation, and acoustic softening make compact living viable.

Q4: How do color choices impact perceived space?

Lighter, low-gloss palettes reduce visual weight and increase perceived openness, supported by widely cited color psychology findings. Limit accents and repeat textures for cohesion.

Q5: What’s the best layout for a 300–400 sq ft tiny home?

Lofted sleeping, a galley or single-wall kitchen with pocket doors, convertible dining/work surfaces, and a clear day–night zone split. Use a layout simulation tool to test flows: layout simulation tool.

Q6: Are there standards for lighting in small homes?

WELL v2 and IES guidance support 300–500 lux ambient and ~500 lux task lighting, with warmer 2700–3000K in rest zones and 3500–4000K for task areas.

Q7: How do I address noise in a tiny house?

Introduce absorptive finishes (cork, textiles), break parallel planes, select low-dB appliances, and separate noisy zones from sleeping with partitions or acoustic doors where possible.

Q8: What’s the difference between a THOW and an ADU?

A THOW is trailer-based and often regulated as an RV; an ADU is a permanent unit tied to a primary residence, subject to residential building codes and local zoning.

Q9: Can I finance or insure a tiny home easily?

Foundation-built micro-homes and ADUs are easier to finance and insure. THOWs may require RV financing or personal loans; insurance can be specialized.

Q10: Which materials work best in compact homes?

Durable, low-VOC finishes; FSC plywood for built-ins; resilient flooring like cork or LVP; and hardware that maximizes storage (toe-kick drawers, pull-outs).

Q11: How do ergonomics inform furniture choices?

Opt for adjustable seating, convertible desks, and maintain 35–39 in primary passages when feasible. Encourage posture variation throughout the day.

Q12: Are tiny homes energy-efficient?

They can be—tight envelopes, high R-values, efficient glazing, and controlled ventilation reduce loads. Small volume means less energy required, but detailing matters.