Small barndo (a.k.a. barndominium) plans may seem like a practical choice, but how do you decide what is too small? In reality, it is a very personal choice.
In general, any barndominium floor plan under 1000 square feet may be too small for a growing family. On the contrary, it could provide enough space for empty-nesters. A typical small barndo home that is budget-friendly is approximately in the 1,000-1,800 sqft range. Additionally, it is offering at least 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and usually a shop/garage combo.
Let’s explore this collection of practical small barndo plans that are trending, according to the leading architectural design company. Most importantly, these designs offer a good balance of affordability and practicality.
1. 1450 SqFt Barndo with 3 Bedrooms
This modern 1-story dwelling offers almost 1,500 square feet of space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Though this plan lacks a garage or shop, it has a great room with an open-concept layout and a vaulted ceiling. Additionally, you’ll love modern clean lines, a barndominium-style exterior with wooden beams, and iconic covered porches.
Is a small barndo with 1458 square feet too small for a country house? Most importantly, the key factors in your decision-making process must include lifestyle choice, practicality of layout, and budget. For example, for professionals with young kids, it may be important to have a flexible layout with 3 bedrooms. Firstly, you can use an extra bedroom as a home office and as a kids’ bedroom later in life.
2. 2 Bedroom Barndo with Shop/Garage
This small barndo offers a perfect combination for life-work balance. With 1538 sqft living space and 1242 sqft workshop garage, your commute problem is solved! Additionally, your family budget would benefit from savings as you won’t have to pay for renting a shop.
As illustrated, the floor plan has another interesting feature: a den adjacent to a spacious open concept living area. With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and plenty of storage space, this is a practical small home for retirees and young families alike.
3. Rustic Shop House with 2 Bedrooms
Among all barndominium floor plans, this design has an obvious emphasis on work vs living. As illustrated by a layout, it is a shop with small living quarters adjacent to it. This rustic solution is often called a shophouse (or shop and house combo).
It is a preferred choice for woodworkers, mechanics, and other professionals who need a large workspace. While the living quarters may seem cramped, you still get 2 small bedrooms, a bath, and a large great room filled with natural light. A sophisticated black interior is the latest trend in small barndominium interior design, providing depth, modern drama, and bold aesthetics.
4. 2 Bedroom Barndo Cottage
This barndominium-style cottage is both cozy and practical. Relax in a living/dining room combo with a wood-burning fireplace or on a covered front porch in your rocking chair. Also, the side-porch entry provides a convenient mudroom with storage and access to a dedicated laundry room. With 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a pantry, and closet space, there are plenty of amenities for comfortable living.
5. 2 Bed 2 Bath Barndominium with Workshop
As there is no ‘one size, one style fits all’ solution, we feature a variety of designs to inspire you to build your dream small barndo. Notably, this small barndominium plan places a distinct emphasis on the size of the attached workshop.
Combining modern design with convenience, this single-level small barndo features a versatile great room that seamlessly blends the living room, kitchen, and dining area. And for added convenience, the house can be easily accessed through a covered front porch, as well as a mudroom/pantry entrance from the attached shop/garage.
Though the exterior of this barndo looks like an industrial building, the plan features two comfortable bedrooms, two well-appointed bathrooms, and a conveniently located laundry room.
6. 2 Bed Barndominium House Plan with Covered Patio
This barndominium floor plan is modern, spacious, and checks a lot of boxes: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a pantry, a spacious great room with a fireplace, a garage, and covered patios. As you enter the house from the garage, you walk through the convenient mudroom and find yourself in an open space perfect for entertaining friends and family. Step outside under the gorgeous pergola, perfect for adding lights and creating the perfect mood for your evening dinner parties.
7. 2-Bed Barndominium with Wrap-Around Porch
Despite the limitations of a small lot and budget, a good design can make all the difference. Budget Tip: A smarter layout often costs less than adding square footage. This floor plan gives you 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,260 square feet of heated living space. Additionally, a 10′-deep porch runs along two sides of the house, while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Also, you can enter the house from the oversized garage/workshop with easy access to a mudroom, storage, and laundry.
8. Small Barndo with Huge Workshop
With a spacious great room, 2 bedrooms, front and rear porches, and a massive workshop/garage, this home has it all for comfortable living and working in the country. As illustrated, a 1260 living space and a slightly smaller 1,140 sq. ft. 4-car garage/workshop are all wrapped up in a modern barndominium exterior with a choice of white or black finish.
As you step inside, you are drawn into an inviting space filled with natural light, featuring an impressive 12-foot ceiling height, warm decorative beams, and an electric fireplace. Furthermore, a gourmet kitchen becomes the heart of the home, boasting a large island with a level eating bar.
Designed for privacy, the split-bedroom layout places the tranquil main bedroom on one side of the home, while the secondary bedroom, adjacent to a private full bath, is located on the opposite side.
9. Modern 1-Bedroom Barndominium with Shop
This modern barndominium plan may seem small, offering just 1 bedroom and 1247 square feet of space. But you also get a generous garage with a side entry and 992 sqft of space. With an enormous 19’x32′ covered patio (701 sqft) geared towards outdoor living and al fresco dining, you can entertain in style.
As you step inside from a charming entry porch, you’ll find an open-concept great room, kitchen, and dining area, all featuring dramatic cathedral ceilings that amplify the space. Overall, it’s an ideal environment for daily living and social gatherings, supported by a spacious butler’s walk-in pantry for organized storage.
Tucked away for privacy, the luxurious bedroom suite features a spacious bedroom, a private full bathroom, and convenient access to the laundry room, ensuring a serene retreat on the main level. A practical mudroom/laundry room is perfect for effortlessly managing daily chores.
As a result, this modern barndominium offers comfortable living and a perfect work/life balance for those who need a big workshop to make a living.
How to Pick the Small Barndo Plan that is Right for You
As you browse through various designs, layouts, and styles, how do you decide which plan is right for you? It’s a chance to create a space that reflects your lifestyle and priorities. However, with numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect design, especially if you’re considering a smaller and more unique option.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself and discuss in the family:
- Discuss and evaluate current space needs (number of bedrooms, working from home, hobbies, storage)
- Consider your beloved pets, occasional overnight quests, mobility issues (single level, loft, stairs)
- Pick the design that has potential flexibility (den, extra bedroom, workshop)
- Evaluate storage capacity.
What are the Signs that Plan is Too Small for You?
But beyond the physical dimensions of a home, there are other considerations to keep in mind. Are you planning on starting a family in the near future? Do you work from home and require a designated office space? Do you enjoy hosting gatherings with friends and family? These are just some of the questions that should be taken into account when deciding on the size of your home.
So, the barndo may be too small for you if:
- The is no place for a workshop or home office (if you work from home)
- Living area is too small for gatherings (if you love to entertain)
- No extra bedroom (if you have occasional guests)
- Unedequate storage (if you have lots of belongings, art supplies, etc)
- Porch is too small (if you love spending time outdoors)
In addition to personal factors, there are also budgeting aspects to consider. With minimalism on the rise, many individuals are opting for smaller living spaces in order to reduce their property tax bills and maintenance costs.
More Barndominium Ideas to Explore
Additionally, we have collected some of the most popular small barndo floor plans and barndominium ideas. As you’re designing and building your dream home, it is an exciting journey for many people. So, carefully explore all the option and check out the latest trends:
