Types of Tiny Homes

So you’re interested in a tiny home – but how do you choose when the market is flooded with them? While it can feel daunting, we’ve created a list of the different types of tiny homes to help.

Choose from homes on wheels, a bus or van, or even a treehouse! Whether you want extra income from an Airbnb, additional housing for a family member, or want to simplify your own living space, these tiny homes offer something for everyone.

1. Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOW)

a tiny house on wheels (or "thow") next to a small lake to show different types of tiny homes
  • Description: These are compact homes built on trailers, which are convenient in that you can move them as needed. They’re often legally classified as RVs, which can be a benefit depending on your jurisdiction. They usually feature loft bedrooms, compact kitchens, and creative storage solutions.
  • Popular Styles: Modern minimalist, rustic, and farmhouse.

2. Tiny Houses on Foundations

types of tiny homes - a cute tiny home on a foundation
  • Description: These are permanent tiny homes that are built on traditional foundations, like a concrete slab or piers. They’re similar to small cottages or bungalows and are often part of tiny home communities. Definitely go this route if you’re looking to settle in one place.
  • Popular Styles: Craftsman, cottage, and contemporary.

3. Shipping Container Homes

types of tiny homes - a container house in the snow
  • Description: These homes made from repurposed shipping containers, typically with a sturdy and industrial aesthetic. They can be stacked and combined to create larger living spaces. They’re also somewhat controversial as to how well they can be insulated and condensation that builds up easier than a more traditional home. Our take? These are a great option as long as you do your research before building or buying.
  • Popular Styles: Industrial, modern, and eco-friendly.

4. Skoolies (Converted School Buses)

types of tiny homes - a skoolie in the woods next to a fire pit
  • Description: They’re just as the name implies: these are school buses that have been converted into living spaces. Skoolies are mobile and often feature open floor plans with a retro or DIY vibe.
  • Popular Styles: Retro, bohemian, and eclectic.

5. Van Conversions

  • Description: Vans can easily be converted into tiny homes, ideal for nomadic lifestyles. They are compact, fully mobile, and often designed for off-grid living. They’re one of the smallest tiny “homes” around, and are ideal for just one or two people.
  • Popular Styles: Minimalist, adventure, and stealth.

6. A-Frame Tiny Houses

  • Description: These are tiny homes with a distinct A-shaped roofline, offering a cozy and cabin-like feel. They are typically built on foundations but can also be on wheels. They often have tall windows that let a lot of natural light in and offer stunning views.
  • Popular Styles: Rustic, Scandinavian, and modern.

7. Tiny Dome Homes

  • Description: These are dome-shaped homes that are energy-efficient and unique in design. Their shape allows for excellent insulation and resistance to natural disasters. However, they’re often smaller than more traditionally-shaped tiny homes.
  • Popular Styles: Futuristic, eco-friendly, and minimalist.

8. Yurts

types of tiny homes - a yurt in the winter
  • Description: Don’t count out these circular, tent-like structures as just for camping! Yurts are often built with a wooden frame and fabric cover, and the interior is almost always an open floor plan. Yurts are traditionally used in Central Asia but have been adapted for modern tiny living, and are popping up all over the United States as an alternative to traditional housing.
  • Popular Styles: Rustic, bohemian, and nature-inspired.

9. Tiny Earth-Sheltered Homes

types of tiny homes - a tiny earth-sheltered home
  • Description: These are homes that are built into the earth or covered with soil to blend into the landscape and provide natural insulation. These homes are energy-efficient and often partially underground.
  • Popular Styles: Eco-friendly, organic, and modern.

10. Tiny Floating Homes

types of tiny homes - a tiny floating home
  • Description: Who wouldn’t want a home designed to float on water? These homes are often anchored in marinas or on lakes (be sure to keep a rowboat handy if you don’t have a motor). They’re definitely for the adventurer!
  • Popular Styles: Nautical, modern, and coastal.

11. Tiny Cabins

types of tiny homes - a tiny cabin in the woods with a fireplace
  • Description: These small, often rustic homes are typically located in remote or natural settings, but you could certainly put one anywhere they’re allowed. These are especially great for rentals or vacation homes.
  • Popular Styles: Rustic, log cabin, and Scandinavian.

12. Tiny Prefabricated Homes

an example of a prefabricated tiny house
  • Description: A pre-fab home are simply factory-built homes that are transported to the site and assembled on-site. These are often the most affordable of all the tiny homes, making them a great choice for someone just starting out or for getting their foot into the housing market door.
  • Popular Styles: Modern, contemporary, and minimalist.

13. Tiny Treehouses

types of tiny homes - a tiny treehouse
  • Description: These are just as they sound: elevated homes built among the trees. Treehouses are often used as rentals or vacation homes.
  • Popular Styles: Rustic, bohemian, and fairytale.

14. Tiny Barn Homes

a tiny barn home with a picnic table and two Adirondack chairs
  • Description: These small homes are designed to resemble traditional barns, and often feature high ceilings and open floor plans. If you’re looking to combine rural charm with modern amenities, a tiny barn home may be perfect for you!
  • Popular Styles: Farmhouse, rustic, and industrial.

15. Tiny Modern Homes

a modern tiny home
  • Description: Many home builders offer the sleek, minimalist designs of modern tiny homes. These homes often incorporate smart technology and eco-friendly materials.
  • Popular Styles: Minimalist, contemporary, and sustainable.

Out of the 15 different types of tiny homes we shared, which one is your favorite? You might want to check out our tiny house builders directory to help you make your decision.