In the past, the majority of tiny homes were designed with a main living area and a loft style bedroom. As the tiny home movement has grown, more people are looking for two-bedroom designs to accommodate children and guests. The tiny house industry is responding by creating unique two-bedroom designs with space and utility in mind. However, there are many challenges that come with designing two-bedroom tiny homes. Space restrictions, versatility, privacy, and cost are some of the most common challenges people face with two-bedroom tiny homes.
Most tiny homes are less than 400 square feet, so it’s important to ensure that every inch of space is used to its full potential. The first thing you will want to consider is how often the second bedroom will be used and whether you will need that space to serve multiple functions. If you are wanting a separate sleeping area for an occasional guest, it may be more cost effective to invest in a convertible sofa, murphy bed, or a trundle. Lift beds and dinette beds are some other more complex options that can create a multifunctional space.
With the tiny house market expanding, some designers are creating more tiny homes with designs up to 600 or even 800 square feet. People are realizing how important it is to take the time to create a space that fits their specific needs rather than just getting whatever is available on the market. Some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether you need a two-bedroom model and how you should design the two-bedroom are:
You may find that a two-bedroom isn’t necessary, but if it is, there are plenty of options and solutions to make the most out of your space. Sometimes the solution is as easy as a couch that can pull out into a bed.
You can put your second bedroom anywhere. It can be on the ground floor, or as a loft. The primary consideration is how much privacy you want and how you will get there. With a little consideration and creativity in addition to the abundance of innovative designers and carpenters, it has become even easier to design the perfect two-bedroom tiny home.
The most common two-bedroom design is going to have two lofts with the living space underneath. Many people love this design for its openness and space conservation, but it lacks privacy and sound isolation. With these types of designs, many people will use a safety railing, or utilize the edge of the loft for cubby storage and shelving. The extra storage can also serve as a way to tuck the loft away from the light and sound of the rest of the home.
Another popular design for two-bedroom tiny homes is to have one bedroom on the main level and the other bedroom as a loft. This adds a little more privacy and separation to each of the sleeping areas while still creating an open space. For even more privacy, sliding doors can create a great sound barrier.
One more notable design to incorporate another sleeping area into a tiny home is to utilize a loft area in addition to a bunk bed on the main floor of the living space. A bunk bed with two twins is great if there are multiple children or guests. There are also single bunk beds with a desk area underneath. These are perfect for utilizing the ground floor space as both a living and sleeping area.
The cost difference between a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom tiny home are going to vary depending on the size, versatility, and complexity of the space. Other factors that influence the overall cost are amenities, quality of work, and the cost of individual designers or builders. A study by porch.com found that tiny homes were about 62% more expensive per square foot than traditional homes, but are about 87% cheaper than traditional homes in total.
A small component of the cost difference is that many tiny homes are custom designed, but mostly it is because the inexpensive parts of the home to build are all removed leaving only the expensive parts (walls, electrical, plumbing, etc) from which the "average" price per square foot is calculated. It makes a huge difference on the average.
Loft areas tend to be one of the more cost effective directions for adding another living space because many states do not count the loft area towards the total square footage of the tiny home. This will vary between each county or jurisdiction and by the dwelling classification of your tiny home. The benefit is that it allows you to stay within a certain size requirement while also expanding the living space. Just remember to take all things into consideration when you are determining your tiny home design.
When you are considering how much space is needed for each sleeping area, think about what size mattress you really need. A queen or king size mattress may not be necessary. Depending on your needs, you can cut down on space by opting for a full, twin, or twin extra long mattress. For more unique sizes, look for RV mattress vendors that can accommodate for the exact size that you are looking for. Also keep in mind that mattress height will be a big factor for loft areas. Try to aim for a mattress that will allow you to sit up comfortably without bumping your head on the ceiling.
Lastly, a two-bedroom home is usually going to mean that you will need more storage space to accommodate for additional people. Ensure that the other areas in the home are optimized for the additional belongings of each person. The goal is to make sure that guests, children, or other cohabitants can live comfortably without feeling as though they have no where to put their things.
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