Small Barndominium Plans: Affordable Homes Under 1,000 Sq Ft

Small Barndominium: Affordable Living Explained

Small barndominiums are rapidly gaining popularity as an affordable alternative to traditional homes, combining rustic barn aesthetics with modern living comfort. These versatile structures—typically under 1,000 square feet—offer customizable designs that adapt to various lifestyles, whether you’re seeking a cozy weekend retreat, a minimalist primary residence, or a functional workshop-home combination.

 

What makes small barndominiums particularly appealing is their efficient use of space through open floor plans and smart design. Construction is typically 30% faster than traditional homes thanks to their straightforward structural designs and efficient building methods. You can build from professional barndominium plans with your own contractor or use prefabricated kits—both options deliver significant cost savings.

 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about small barndominiums—from choosing the right floor plans and understanding construction costs to interior design tips and building options—helping you determine if this unique housing solution is right for you.

 

What Is a Small Barndominium?

A small barndominium combines barn-style architecture with residential living, creating a unique home that’s both practical and stylish. These structures primarily use metal or steel framing (though wood is also an option), delivering exceptional durability and design flexibility in a compact footprint.

 

Small barndominiums typically range from 600 to 1,000 square feet, featuring efficient layouts that maximize every square inch. Unlike traditional homes with segmented rooms and hallways, these designs emphasize open-concept living that makes smaller spaces feel surprisingly spacious.
 
Key features of a small barndominium include:

• Open floor plans that combine living, dining, and kitchen areas into functional spaces
• Durable metal construction resistant to weather, pests, and fire
• High ceilings (often 12-14 feet) that create an airy, expansive feel
• Energy-efficient design with spray foam insulation reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 20%
• Customizable interiors from rustic farmhouse to modern minimalist aesthetics

 

These versatile homes work equally well as primary residences, weekend retreats, guest houses, or workshop-living combinations—offering functionality that adapts to your lifestyle without the premium price tag of traditional construction.

 

Barndominium Plan 580-1004

 

Why Choose a Small Barndominium?

Choosing a small barndominium delivers advantages that extend far beyond initial cost savings. Here’s why this housing option continues to attract first-time homeowners, downsizers, and budget-conscious builders:

 

Exceptional Affordability

 

Small barndominiums cost 30-50% less to build than comparable traditional homes. With construction costs typically ranging from $60-$160 per square foot versus $100-$200 for conventional builds.

 

Superior Energy Efficiency

 

Metal construction and spray foam insulation create an exceptionally tight building envelope, reducing energy consumption by approximately 20% compared to traditional homes. Metal roofing also reflects heat, further lowering cooling costs in warmer climates.

 

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

 

Unlike wood-framed homes susceptible to rot, pests, and weather damage, steel-framed barndominiums resist termites, won’t warp or crack, and require virtually no exterior maintenance. This translates to thousands saved over the home’s 50+ year lifespan.

 

Additional advantages include:

• Faster construction – Move in within 3-6 months versus 7+ months for traditional builds
• Smaller environmental footprint – Recyclable steel framing and reduced material waste
• Design flexibility – Fewer load-bearing walls means easier future remodeling
• Unique aesthetic appeal – Distinctive architectural style with strong resale interest

 

For homeowners who want a fully customized living space without the premium price tag, small barndominiums offer the best of both worlds: personalized design at production-build pricing.

 

Barndominium Plan 580-0117

 

Exploring Small Barndominium Floor Plans

Small barndominium floor plans prioritize efficient layouts that maximize every square foot without sacrificing comfort or functionality. Understanding the common design options helps you choose a plan that fits both your current lifestyle and future needs.
 
Popular Small Barndominium Layouts:
 

600-750 Square Feet Barndominiums

 
Ideal for singles, couples, or weekend retreats. Typically features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and open-concept living. Some designs incorporate loft spaces for additional sleeping or storage.
 

750-900 Square Feet Barndominiums

 
The most versatile size range, offering 1-2 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms. Enough space for a home office, mudroom, or walk-in closet while maintaining an open feel.
 

900-1,000 Square Feet Barndominiums

 
Small family-friendly designs with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and dedicated spaces for laundry and storage. Some plans include attached carports or small workshops.
 

Common Design Features:

• Open-concept living – Combined kitchen, dining, and living areas eliminate wasted hallway space
• Vaulted ceilings – Creates airiness and visual space despite compact footprint
• Multi-functional rooms – Guest rooms that double as home offices, loft spaces for storage or sleep
• Smart storage solutions – Built-in shelving, under-stair storage, and oversized closets
• Outdoor living extensions – Covered porches or patios that expand usable living space

 

Planning Considerations:

 

Think about your daily routines and priorities. Do you cook frequently and need more kitchen counter space? Work from home and require a dedicated office? Prefer one large bedroom or two smaller ones for guests? The beauty of purchasing floor plans is the ability to review multiple layouts and choose—or customize—the one that best matches your lifestyle.

 

Many small barndominium plans also allow for future expansion, with designs that can accommodate added square footage, garage attachments, or second-story additions as your needs change.

 

Designing Barndominium Interiors for Small Spaces

Designing small barndominium interiors means working with the unique characteristics of these spaces—high ceilings, open layouts, and industrial elements—to create rooms that feel spacious and inviting.

 

Maximize Vertical Space

 

Take advantage of 10-14 foot ceilings with tall shelving, hanging plants, and statement lighting that draws the eye upward. Floor-to-ceiling storage maximizes square footage without cluttering living areas.

 

Embrace the Open Floor Plan

 

Define living zones using furniture arrangement and area rugs rather than walls. This maintains flow while creating distinct spaces for sleeping, working, and entertaining.

 

Smart Design Choices:

• Light colors on walls reflect natural light and expand visual space
• Multi-functional furniture like sofa beds and storage ottomans serve double duty
• Exposed beams and metal elements add character—embrace them as design features
• Large windows flood interiors with natural light, making compact spaces feel larger
• Strategic mirrors amplify light and create the illusion of more space

 

With thoughtful design, small barndominium interiors can feel open, functional, and uniquely yours—balancing minimalism with personal style.

 

 

Tips for Maximizing Space in Small Barndominiums

Living comfortably in under 1,000 square feet requires intentional planning and smart space-saving strategies. These practical tips help you make the most of every square inch.

 

Utilize Dead Space

 

Install hooks inside cabinet doors, add shelving above doorways, use the space under stairs, and maximize corners with lazy susans or corner shelving units. These overlooked areas provide surprising storage capacity.

 

Go Vertical

 

Wall-mounted desks, murphy beds, fold-down tables, and ceiling-mounted pot racks keep floors clear. Stackable storage bins and tall, narrow shelving units maximize vertical space without consuming square footage.

 

Choose Appropriately-Scaled Items

• Compact appliances – Apartment-sized refrigerators, washer/dryer combos, and slim dishwashers
• Furniture with built-in storage – Beds with drawers underneath, coffee tables with shelving, benches with lift-top storage
• Nesting furniture – Tables and stools that tuck away when not needed
• Sliding doors – Barn doors or pocket doors eliminate door swing space

 

Create Flexible Spaces

 

A guest bedroom can double as a home office with a daybed and fold-away desk. Dining tables can serve as workspaces. Kitchen islands with seating replace separate dining areas. Design rooms to serve multiple purposes throughout the day.

 

Outdoor Living Extensions

 

Covered porches and patios effectively expand your living area during pleasant weather. Use outdoor spaces for dining, working, or entertaining to relieve pressure on interior square footage.

 

The goal isn’t just fitting everything in—it’s creating a home that feels spacious, organized, and stress-free despite its compact footprint.

 

Finding the Right Small Barndominium Plans

Choosing the right small barndominium plan is the foundation of a successful build. The right plan optimizes your space and aligns with both your budget and lifestyle.
 

Assess Your Needs First

 
Before browsing plans, clarify your priorities:

• Bedrooms and bathrooms – How many do you need now? In 5 years?
• Work-from-home requirements – Dedicated office or flexible workspace?
• Storage needs – Workshop tools, seasonal items, hobbies requiring space?
• Lifestyle preferences – Do you entertain frequently? Need guest accommodations?
• Future expansion – Might you add square footage later?

 

Why Start With Professional Plans

 

Quality barndominium plans provide a proven blueprint that helps contractors bid accurately, ensures your space is efficiently designed, and gives you confidence throughout construction. Rather than starting from scratch with expensive custom architectural services, professional stock plans—with optional modifications—deliver exceptional value while maintaining design quality and structural integrity.

 

Stock and Modified Plans

 

At HousePlans.Online, our stock barndominium plans are designed for nationwide building codes and can be purchased immediately. These ready-to-use plans provide detailed floor plans, elevations, and specifications that help contractors provide accurate bids. Found a plan you love but need adjustments? Our team of skilled designers can customize any stock plan to fit your specific needs—whether that’s adjusting room sizes, adding features, or reconfiguring layouts—offering the perfect balance between affordability and personalization.

 

Whether you choose a ready-to-build stock plan or work with our design team to customize your ideal layout, starting with professional barndominium plans is an investment that pays dividends throughout your entire building journey.

 

Conclusion: Is a Small Barndominium Right for You?

Small barndominiums offer an affordable, efficient alternative to traditional housing—costing 30-50% less to build while delivering distinctive style and low-maintenance living. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, downsizer, or seeking a weekend retreat, these compact homes under 1,000 square feet provide flexible layouts that feel surprisingly spacious.

 

Ready to start your project? Browse our collection of small barndominium plans to find the perfect design, or contact our team to customize a plan for your specific needs.