20ft Container House Floor Plans: Maximize Space & Style

Transforming a standard 20ft shipping container into a cozy, functional living space is an exciting and eco-friendly challenge. With the right floor plan, you can create a unique, efficient home that maximizes every square foot. Let's explore some popular 20ft container house floor plans, their layouts, and key features.

a green shipping container with solar panels on the roof and a bicycle parked in front
a green shipping container with solar panels on the roof and a bicycle parked in front

Before diving into the plans, consider the container's dimensions: 20ft long, 8ft wide, and 8.5ft high. These measurements will guide your design choices and help you make the most of your new home's space.

20-Foot Shipping Container Home - Limited Sets Remaining, Act Fast!
20-Foot Shipping Container Home - Limited Sets Remaining, Act Fast!

Open-Concept Layouts

Open-concept floor plans are perfect for small spaces like 20ft containers. They create a seamless flow between living areas, making the interior feel more spacious.

shipping container plans with the floor plan and elevation details for each section, including one bedroom
shipping container plans with the floor plan and elevation details for each section, including one bedroom

In an open-concept layout, you'll typically find the living room, kitchen, and dining area combined into one large space. This arrangement encourages social interaction and allows natural light to flow throughout the container.

Multipurpose Living Area

20-foot Shipping Container Home Floor Plans
20-foot Shipping Container Home Floor Plans

To maximize space, consider a multipurpose living area. For example, a sofa that converts into a bed can serve as both a seating area and a sleeping space. A murphy bed or wall-mounted bed can also save valuable floor space when not in use.

Foldable or modular furniture can further enhance the versatility of your living area. For instance, a coffee table that folds out into a dining table or a bookshelf that doubles as a room divider can help you adapt your space to different needs.

Kitchen and Bathroom Combination

the floor plan for a small apartment
the floor plan for a small apartment

In a 20ft container, it's essential to make the most of every inch. One way to do this is by combining the kitchen and bathroom into a single, multi-functional space. A wet bath, which combines the toilet, shower, and sink in one area, can help you save space while still providing all the necessary amenities.

To maintain a clean and organized space, consider using a pocket door or a sliding barn door to separate the wet bath area from the rest of the container. This will help contain moisture and keep the living area dry and comfortable.

Lofted Container Homes

20ft Container Home Turnkey
20ft Container Home Turnkey

Lofted floor plans are an excellent way to create additional living space in a 20ft container. By building a loft upstairs, you can gain extra square footage for a bedroom, office, or storage area without expanding the container's footprint.

Lofts can be accessed via a ladder or a staircase, depending on your preferences and budget. Keep in mind that adding a loft will reduce the headroom in the main living area, so you'll need to carefully consider the trade-offs.

three tiny houses with floor plans and furniture
three tiny houses with floor plans and furniture
Custom Shipping Container Tiny Home 20ft - Built Locally | eBay
Custom Shipping Container Tiny Home 20ft - Built Locally | eBay
Functional Container House made with 4 x 20ft Shipping Containers
Functional Container House made with 4 x 20ft Shipping Containers
Smart 2-Bedroom Layout: 20ft Expandable Home Tour
Smart 2-Bedroom Layout: 20ft Expandable Home Tour
20ft Tiny Container Home Plan
20ft Tiny Container Home Plan
20FT Modular Expendable Container House #expandable #containerhouse  #modularhomes
20FT Modular Expendable Container House #expandable #containerhouse #modularhomes
Ready To Live Foldable Tiny Home Luxury 20ft 40ft Prefabricated House Portable Prefab Expandable Container House with Solar - AliExpress 15
Ready To Live Foldable Tiny Home Luxury 20ft 40ft Prefabricated House Portable Prefab Expandable Container House with Solar - AliExpress 15
Guest House Using a 20 Ft Shipping Container | Live in a Container
Guest House Using a 20 Ft Shipping Container | Live in a Container
20 FEET SHIPPING CONTAINER HOUSE DESIGN !!! [Using SketchUp!]
20 FEET SHIPPING CONTAINER HOUSE DESIGN !!! [Using SketchUp!]
an overhead view of a bedroom and living room
an overhead view of a bedroom and living room
20 Foot Shipping Container Home
20 Foot Shipping Container Home
2 x 20 ft CONTAINER HOUSE DESIGN | Konsepto Designs
2 x 20 ft CONTAINER HOUSE DESIGN | Konsepto Designs
the floor plan for a tiny house with one bedroom and an attached kitchen, is shown
the floor plan for a tiny house with one bedroom and an attached kitchen, is shown
the floor plan for a small apartment with two separate rooms and one bedroom in each
the floor plan for a small apartment with two separate rooms and one bedroom in each
the floor plan for a two bedroom apartment with an attached kitchen and living room area
the floor plan for a two bedroom apartment with an attached kitchen and living room area
20FT 2 Bedroom Luxury prefabricated Container Homes Expandable Container House with Full Bathroom
20FT 2 Bedroom Luxury prefabricated Container Homes Expandable Container House with Full Bathroom
an architectural drawing shows the different sections of a house, including two floors and three levels
an architectural drawing shows the different sections of a house, including two floors and three levels
a drawing of a small kitchen and living room in a tiny house with wood paneling
a drawing of a small kitchen and living room in a tiny house with wood paneling

Lofted Bedroom

A lofted bedroom is an ideal solution for creating a private sleeping space in a small container home. To make the most of the loft's limited square footage, consider using a low-profile mattress or a futon that can be folded away when not in use.

To maximize storage, incorporate built-in shelves, cabinets, or a platform bed with drawers underneath. This will help you keep your belongings organized and out of sight, creating a clutter-free living space.

Lofted Office or Storage Area

If you prefer to keep the main living area open and spacious, consider using the loft for an office or storage area instead. A desk or workstation can be tucked away in the loft, providing a quiet workspace away from the main living area.

Alternatively, the loft can serve as a storage area for less frequently used items. With proper organization and shelving, you can create a functional and accessible storage space that keeps your container home tidy and well-organized.

Embracing the unique challenges and opportunities of a 20ft container house can lead to innovative and inspiring floor plans. By carefully considering your needs and priorities, you can create a cozy, efficient living space that suits your lifestyle and budget. So, start exploring these floor plans, and let your imagination run wild as you design your perfect container home.

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