19 Awesome Small Barn Homes (2024)

Barn conversions are dreamy structures packed with character. But, these rustic buildings often come with a hefty price tag. So, looking for a charming home can often mean feeling depressed over not being able to afford them.

However, tiny barn homes offer a nifty solution, ideal for those on a budget. These houses typically retain their original beams, which cast atmospheric shadows over the space when lit up. So if you’re struggling to find inspiration for these little barns, we’ve saved you the trouble.

The following is a handy list of 20 awesome tiny barn homes for you to enjoy, get inspired by, and share with your friends.

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Historic Home

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How pretty are the mixing design styles in this property? We love the updated stone pointing, highlighting the old next to the crisp, white plasterwork. The spiraling staircase is a lovely touch too, which serves to break up the beam’s edges and add softness.

The curving kitchen gives the home a cozy feel, like a functional hug inviting people in. The worn beams tell the story of the barn’s origins, adding character.

Modern Barn

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If you love sleek, modern design based on traditional farmhouses, you’ll love this tiny home. The contrasting dark wood flooring with soft grey furnishing adds grown-up interest and a minimal vibe. We love the fun ladder leading to the bedroom, which frees up floor space to maximize the uses.

This Scandinavian design would suit anyone looking for a classy home on a budget! Using thin lines on the furniture, the architect has created elegant accents.

Beams for Days

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For traditional people, this small barn is the perfect place to call home! The beams are a gorgeous art piece here, decorating the ceiling in style. In addition, we adore that plush comfortable furniture has been added to soften the walls’ boxy shapes.

The stairs tuck nicely into the side, making the home feel more spacious than it is. Adding warm, bright lighting is another lovely touch.

Hawaii Snug

Looking for vibrant tropical inspiration on a budget? This patterned home delivers in spades! We love that the balcony’s railings have been given the attention they deserve, proudly showcasing intricate woodcarvings.

The bohemian design works well to create a warm, carefree atmosphere that makes us want to happily stroll barefoot. The pops of color on the chairs, plant pot, and cushions break up the wood to not feel too dominant.

Goat Peak Cabin

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The industrial minimalism in this design would suit anyone with an organized and practical personality. Furthermore, the paired-back space allows us to admire the clever design without getting distracted by bright prints.

The architect has created cohesion by framing the windows in the same wood reflected in the interior. This aesthetically pleasing home could easily be customized to reflect the owners or left for a more simple look.

Timber Celebration

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For this home, the wow factor comes from the timber. The designer has made it a breathtaking feature by sticking to this natural material and emphasizing the structure. As a result, this building looks like an impressive mini cathedral!

The rustic wood burner would be so lovely to curl up next to on that rocking chair, too! The minimal stairs work well to make sure enough light floods into the room from the window behind.

Dry Creek Guesthouse

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If you’re searching for Mediterranean inspiration, this cozy rural home has you covered. We adore the shabby chic accents that soften the floor, dividing the living room from the dining room well.

The fun spiral staircase’s shape is expertly echoed in the upcycled cartwheel chandelier, adding charm. These vintage touches match the old exposed beams excellently to give off a lived-in, historic vibe.

Airy Loft

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Who said barn living has to be shabby? This crisp interior has smooth lines, functional furniture, and historical nods in a compact space. Our favorite part is the new wooden sliding barn door that works to section off the area when privacy is required.

Keeping the decor neutral also helps to highlight the natural woods, sensitively respecting the barn’s original structure. The stone floor is another clean and easy-to-maintain feature. The spiraling staircase would take you on an exciting journey up to the impressive mezzanine floor, too.

Yurt Inspired Home

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Love the idea of a yurt but wish they were warmer? This barn combines the charming yurt shape with modern heating, producing a delightful hybrid. We adore that the designer has made the spiral staircase a feature, which runs through the house’s heart.

The stylish herringbone flooring is subtle yet adds texture to this area. And who could miss the stunning ceiling that hugs people inside? This expertly crafted artwork has been left exposed so that we can appreciate its grain.

Bright Loft

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Searching for a small home that doesn’t appear gloomy and cramped? This bright white building may give you some excellent inspiration! By painting the ceilings white, the decorator has expertly let light flood in.

Tucking the kitchen under the mezzanine creates a pleasing division between the open plan sections. This separation is just enough to maintain airiness without feeling enclosed.

Cozy Oak Space

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Wow, what an oak celebration! This genuinely fabulous minimalist place has this wood as its muse, embracing the living area. Placing the sofa in a recessed part adds to the coziness, making us want to snuggle up in the house’s wooden arms.

We adore that there are windows aplenty guiding our eyes outside to gaze at the natural beauty there. This glass lets light into the space, adding an indoor-outdoor feel to this nook.

Traditional Style

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For those loving rustic charm, this barn’s thick wood plank wall is a delight! The exposed grain brings texture to a relatively boxy place, creating a room that feels inviting. The dark colors add an extra bit of coziness that appears wonderfully lived-in.

This is so ideal for bohemian tiny house lovers. The mismatched kitchen chairs bring the eclectic edge key to the laidback style. In addition, a white galley kitchen makes the width seem more significant than it is, rather than cramping the compact interior.

Reclaimed Features

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Wow, that central beam holds history aplenty! We love that it’s been proudly positioned without being covered to show the building’s past. This elegant hanging wood burner is an attractive feature that helps make the space appear taller.

The sliding barn door is a nifty space-saving solution while classily reflecting the building’s original purpose. The delicate lighting in the rafters reminds us of stars, too, and brings a magical twinkle to the roofing.

Lofty Conversion

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It’s all about crisp angles in this property! The wooden edges lead our eyes through the layout, inviting us to explore. The neutral tones work to showcase the charmingly stained wood. This cabin design barn celebrates natural materials while creating a clean and airy atmosphere.

The polished wood floor is like an art piece in itself and would be ideal for having little ones playing with toys on or rolling out a yoga mat and striking some poses.

Tack Barn

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How’s this for a sensitively renovated small barn? We adore that skylights have been added for keen stargazers and to let more sun rays in. The exposed brick tells a story about the building’s past, too!

The long windows break up the old so that it doesn’t appear run down, and the black roof makes the place seem like it’s comfortably snuggled into the landscape.

Wishbone Barn

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How’s this for a rustic retreat in the countryside? We would love to cozy up around that open fire with friends, toasting marshmallows and chatting. The exposed stone complements the natural surroundings beautifully!

Leaving the wooden beams exposed retains the place’s character while serving as a handy place to hang lights.

Croatia Retreat

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This Croatian getaway pad is packed with history! The exposed stone is complemented well by the neutral couches and patterned coffee table. We adore that the designer has added crisp-edged tables to bring definition and balance the beautifully wobbly walls.

We can imagine that waking up and swinging the doors open to that stunning view would be joyful. And, this home truly is a bohemian retreat for those searching for an escape from an urban lifestyle.

Holiday Cottage

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Wow! How charming is this traditionally made wall with twigs? The gorgeously painted clean lines on the cupboards make sure the place doesn’t feel too wonky. This place would be perfect for someone craving some farmhouse charm on a budget.

The grey plaid rug is a nice touch and nod to retro designs.

Tiny Elegance

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This mini loft place would be perfect for a vacation home away from emails! The fun rustic elements, such as the mason jar lights and old-style stools, add character. Framing the doorway to the bedroom in wood is another great way to zone the space.

19 Awesome Small Barn Homes (2024)

FAQs

Are smaller homes cheaper to build? ›

Affordability is a huge benefit of tiny houses. Not only are they less expensive to build and maintain, but they also save money on housing costs. Owning a tiny house allows you to live more simply and in an inexpensive way that can be potentially used for investment or future retirement plans.

What are barn-style houses called? ›

Barndominiums—often referred to as “barndos”—are barn-style buildings typically made from metal, steel, or wood that are used for residential purposes. Generally, barndominiums are large rectangular dwellings with open-living concepts, giving homeowners options for customizable floor plans.

What is a modern barn house? ›

Modern barn houses include careful restorations of 19th-century buildings and renovations of old agricultural structures. These projects celebrate the past but also modernize interiors for comfortable living. Other projects reference vernacular architecture in a contemporary form.

What is the cheapest size house to build? ›

On a per-square-foot basis, pole barn houses and barndominiums are the most affordable at around $50 to $160 per square foot. Other inexpensive home types include modular homes, tiny homes, shipping container homes, and standard one-story ranch homes.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Financing for a Barndominium Can Be Difficult To Acquire

One of the most significant drawbacks of purchasing a Barndominum instead of a traditional house is how difficult it can be to acquire financing for this type of home. If you have enough cash to front this kind of project, then that's great!

Is it cheaper to build a barndominium or a house? ›

The most common estimate asserts that a new barndominium with basic amenities will cost about $30 to $40 per square foot to build, compared to the cost of building a traditional home is around $100 to $200 per square foot.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

What is a pole barn house? ›

A pole barn, or pole building, is the traditional name for a large agricultural structure with no basem*nt, a high ceiling, and wide-open spaces. Laminated wooden posts are used in the frame, and today builders prefer the term post-frame building.

Are barndominiums a fad? ›

Barndominiums are a popular alternative living space trend, and with their many benefits, they're unlikely to fade out of the spotlight completely.

What is a barn roof style? ›

The gambrel roof, is sometimes called a “barn roof” or a “Dutch roof”, and there are many examples of this style of roof all up and down the Hudson Valley. This type of roof is a two sided roof, where each side of the roof has two slopes.

What makes house look outdated? ›

Chips, scuffs, and marks on the wall can quickly make your house look tired. Outdated paint colors from years ago — like a heavy beige or maroon — can instantly date your house. While certain wallpaper from years ago probably looked great at first, it might look tired and dated now.

How to build a modern house cheap? ›

Cheapest Ways To Build A House: 10 Tips For Affordable Home Building
  1. Simplify Your Home's Design. ...
  2. Try A Tiny Home. ...
  3. Hire An Experienced Home Builder. ...
  4. Save Costs By Becoming A General Contractor. ...
  5. Get Your Design Plans Approved. ...
  6. Budget, Plan And Price Out All Items. ...
  7. Choose Building Materials Wisely. ...
  8. Buy Materials At A Discount.

How can I make my old house look classy? ›

Here are some ideas:
  1. Paint The Walls: A fresh coat of paint can instantly give an old house a new look. ...
  2. Add Crown Molding: Crown molding is an easy and inexpensive way to add a touch of elegance to an old house. ...
  3. Upgrade The Lighting: Replace old light fixtures with new ones that are classic and timeless.
Jul 26, 2023

Are smaller houses more expensive? ›

Even a slightly smaller home can be thousands of dollars cheaper — for both builders and buyers,” said Andy Winkler, director of housing and infrastructure at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank.

Is it cheaper to build a bigger house? ›

Larger Homes Can Cost Less than Smaller Homes

Thus, all things being equal, a bigger house will cost less per square foot than a smaller one. That's why you can't apply a universal cost per square foot number to some arbitrary house size and figure that's what a house should cost.

Is it cheaper to Build a house higher or wider? ›

Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home's square-footage because it requires less material and labor.

Why is it better to have a smaller house? ›

Extra money for investments

When you live in a large house, you typically have a number of expenses – whether it's repairs, bills, or general upkeep. With a smaller home, your expenses will most likely be lower, giving you more money to save and invest elsewhere.

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