victorian tiny house

Victorian tiny houses blend 19th-century charm with modern minimalism. Here's what you need to know:

Capture Victorian architectural flair in a compact space (typically under 500 sq ft)
Feature ornate details like gingerbread trim, steep roofs, and decorative elements
Maximize vertical space with lofts, high ceilings, and clever storage solutions
Incorporate modern amenities while maintaining a vintage aesthetic
Can be built on a foundation or as mobile homes

Key design elements:

Decorative exteriors with intricate trim and bold colors
Steep pitched roofs with dormers or turrets
Small but functional porches
Smart interior layouts that make the most of limited space
Victorian-inspired furniture adapted for tiny living

Building considerations:

Check local zoning laws and obtain necessary permits
Costs vary but typically range from $30,000 to $60,000 for DIY builds
Professional builders may charge $50,000 to $150,000+
Consider mobility needs if planning to move the house

Victorian tiny houses offer a unique way to downsize without sacrificing style, combining historical charm with practical modern living.

Main Design Features

Victorian tiny houses pack a big punch. These charming dwellings capture 19th-century architecture while offering modern comfort. Let's dive into what makes these homes special.

Decorative Details

Victorian design is all about ornate details. Even in tiny houses, these touches make a big impact:

Gingerbread Trim: Wooden cutouts on eaves and porches add whimsy.
Patterned Brickwork: Textured walls create visual interest.
Colorful Exteriors: Rich, bold hues celebrate Victorian vibrancy.

Cottage Depot's 440-square-foot Victorian tiny home shows how these elements work in a small space. It uses "intricate full-size gingerbread and wood detail patterns" inspired by 19th-century architect Andrew Jackson Downing.

Roofs and Towers

Victorian rooflines are far from boring. In tiny houses, they add character and maximize space:

Steep Pitched Roofs: Create drama and allow for lofted interiors.
Dormers: Add headroom and natural light upstairs.
Turrets: Small tower-like structures offer unique nooks.

The Victorian Gothic Cottage by Cottage Depot has 12-foot lofted beam ceilings, showing how to use vertical space in a tiny home.

Small Porch Designs

A porch is key to the Victorian look, even in tiny houses. Here's how to make it work:

Front Stoops: Quick, budget-friendly way to add charm.
Wraparound Porches: For those with more space, a classic Victorian touch.
Sun Porches: Smaller, enclosed versions that extend living space.

"Ultimately, it's all about relaxation and simplicity, so be sure that's reflected in your Victorian porch decor and furnishings." - Houzz Editorial Team

When designing a tiny Victorian porch:

1. Integrate with Roofline: Make the porch feel like part of the home.

2. Use Traditional Railings: Turned balusters or custom sawn designs add authenticity.

3. Add Vertical Elements: Slender columns or posts can make the space feel bigger.

In a tiny house, every inch counts. A well-designed porch can be an extra living area, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Room Layout Tips

Let's dive into smart ways to maximize space in a Victorian tiny house while keeping that classic charm.

Floor Plan Options

In a Victorian tiny house, every inch counts. Here are some floor plans that work well:

Open Concept Living: Merge your living room, dining area, and kitchen. It's great for parties and makes your home feel bigger.
Lofted Bedroom: Use that vertical space! Put your bedroom up high and free up the floor below.
Multi-functional Rooms: Think double-duty. A living room that turns into a guest bedroom? Now that's smart.

Take the 440sf Victorian Tiny House by Cottage Depot. It squeezes in living areas, a full bath, and a kitchen - all in 440 square feet. How? With an L-shaped layout around a courtyard. Big French doors in the living room and bedroom open to the outdoors, making it feel way bigger than it is.

Using Height Well

Victorian homes are tall - use it to your advantage:

Vaulted Ceilings: The 440sf Victorian Tiny House uses sloped wood beams and wood-decked ceilings. It feels open and grand, even in a tiny space.
Vertical Storage: Floor-to-ceiling shelves are your friend. They store a ton without eating up floor space, and they look very Victorian.
Loft Spaces: Lofts aren't just for sleeping. How about a reading nook or home office up there?
Clever Staircase Design: Make those stairs work harder. Interior designer Gloria Peters says:

"Those steps you climb aren't just for reaching your loft, they're a treasure trove of hidden storage."

High Windows: Tall windows let in lots of light, making your space feel bigger and brighter. It's very Victorian, too.

In a Victorian tiny house, think up, not out. As one expert put it:

"It's a game of cube feet, not square feet, pulling you to defy gravity's norms and transform the way you perceive space."

Materials and Features

Victorian tiny houses mix old-school charm with modern practicality. Let's dive into what makes these compact homes special.

Outside Materials

Victorian tiny houses often pop with bright exteriors that take you back to the 1800s. The colors you choose can make or break the look.

Michelle Marceny from The Color Concierge says:

"Designing a Victorian home exterior color palette can feel daunting, but by following a few simple guidelines (and reviewing beautiful inspiration!) it doesn't have to be hard."

What's popular for the outside?

Siding: Metal or local wood weatherboard
Paint: Earth tones, bold reds and blues, pastels
Accents: Gold or metallic touches
Trim: White or cream to set it off

Here's a real-life example: A Victorian house from 1897 used Benjamin Moore's Thousand Oceans for the main color, with Forest Brown and Hale Navy accents, and White Dove trim. It looks amazing but not over-the-top.

When picking materials and colors, think about the house details and what's around it. Aim for 6-10 paint colors that work well together. Don't go overboard – it's a small space, after all.

Small Victorian Furniture

Furnishing a Victorian tiny house is a bit of a puzzle. You want that old-time elegance, but you also need to save space.

Here are some furniture ideas that fit the bill:

Jashlyn Velvet Convertible Loveseat: It's got that Victorian vibe but turns into a bed. Perfect for tiny living.
Latitude Run® 52" Upholstered Sofa: Comfy and compact. It's got gray linen fabric and a solid wood frame. 29 customers gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
VeritasVans Multifunctional Tiny Home Stairs: For $1,288.00, you get stairs plus storage. Great for lofted tiny homes.
Qangoroo Walnut Wood Rectangle Computer Desk: A slim, stylish workspace for $137.15 (on sale from $211.00).

In a Victorian tiny house, every piece of furniture needs to pull its weight – both in function and style.

Adding Modern Features

You want that Victorian charm, but you also need modern comforts. Here's how to get both:

Go Green: Evergreen Homes Australia makes eco-friendly tiny homes in Victoria. Their Casuarina model is ready for solar power, so you can live off-grid if you want.
Smart Storage: Shorty Robbins' Victorian Tiny House has hidden spots for modern stuff like plumbing and electricity. The coolest part? A piano that turns into a full-size bed – an old Victorian trick!
Modern Kitchens: Lee's tiny home in Katikati, New Zealand, has a big L-shaped counter and dark cabinets. It looks sleek and has tons of storage.
Up-to-Date Bathrooms: Many Victorian tiny houses now have modern bathrooms with glass showers, like in Evergreen Homes Australia's Casuarina model.

Building Tips

Building a Victorian tiny house is a fun project, but it's not without its challenges. Here's how to tackle the process:

Rules and Permits

Before you start building your Victorian tiny home, you need to know the rules:

Local Building Codes: Each area has its own rules. In Victoria, Australia, you'll need a Class 1 permit application for movable prefab buildings. This applies to many Victorian-style tiny houses.

Permit Costs: Be ready to spend some money upfront. Building permits can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on where you live. It's worth it to make sure your tiny house is legal and safe.

DIY vs. Professional Build: If you're building it yourself, you'll need to get all the permits. If you hire pros, they usually handle the permits - but you still pay for them.

Here's a rough idea of what different parts of your Victorian tiny house might cost:

Component	Estimated Cost
Foundation	$10,000 - $30,000
Framing	$10,000 - $20,000
Electrical	$3,000 - $8,000
Plumbing	$3,000 - $8,000
Roofing	$4,000 - $10,000
Interior Finishing	$10,000 - $30,000

Keep in mind, these are just estimates. Your actual costs might be different based on materials, location, and your specific Victorian-style design choices.

Moving Your House

One cool thing about a tiny house is that you can move it. But moving a Victorian-style tiny home takes some planning:

Hire Professionals: Unless you're an expert at moving big structures, let the pros handle it. One tiny house owner used Coast to Coast Transportation for their move. The company had $100,000 in insurance, which made the stressful move a bit easier.

Prepare for the Move: Before moving day:

Take out anything that could break and tie down loose furniture.
Tape up cabinet doors, drawers, and other parts that could move.
Unplug all utility lines (water, electricity, phone).
Make sure there's a clear path for the house, including trimming trees if needed.

Choose the Right Vehicle: If you're moving the house yourself, make sure your truck can handle it. You'll need a truck that can tow at least 15,000 pounds for most tiny homes. Good options include the Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and for bigger loads, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

Plan Your Route: Watch out for low branches, traffic jams, and tricky bridges. Planning your route carefully can save you a lot of trouble on moving day.

Building and moving a Victorian tiny house isn't easy, but with good planning and the right help, you can create a cute, movable home that looks like it's straight out of the 1800s - just a lot smaller!

Making It Your Own

Let's talk about how to create a Victorian tiny house that's all you. It's about mixing old-school charm with modern practicality in a small space.

Sizing Down Victorian Details

Victorian homes are known for their fancy details. But in a tiny house? You've got to be picky. Here's how to shrink those grand features without losing their magic:

Trim and Molding: Go for smaller versions of decorative trim. A bit of crown molding in your living area can give that Victorian vibe without taking over.

Stained Glass: Skip the full windows. Instead, add a small stained glass panel in your front door. It's a splash of color and Victorian charm in one go.

Clawfoot Tub: If you've got the room, a small clawfoot tub can be a showstopper. Some companies offer compact tubs as short as 48 inches - perfect for tiny bathrooms.

"Victorian-style tiny homes are ideal for those who appreciate the elegance and intricate details of the past." - Cedreo

Bay Windows: Full-size bay windows? Too big. But a small bump-out with a window seat? That's cozy and character-filled without hogging space.

Style Mix and Match

Victorian architecture isn't just one thing. It's got sub-styles, each with its own flair. Mix and match to make it yours:

1. Gothic Revival

Think pointed arches for windows or doors. Maybe a small spire on your roof.

2. Queen Anne

Add a touch of asymmetry with a small tower. Use decorative shingles on your walls for some texture.

3. Italianate

Try bracketed cornices under your roof eaves. Go for tall, narrow windows to let in lots of light.

The trick? Blend these elements thoughtfully. As Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy, puts it:

"Creating the perfect modern Victorian home is all about incorporating your own personal style with both Victorian and modern styles in a way that feels like it represents your personality."

Here's how to nail that balance:

Color: Think smokey-navy or dusty rose for that Victorian feel. Then throw in some bold colors for a modern twist.

Lighting: Mix old and new. A small chandelier with smart bulbs? That's Victorian charm meets energy efficiency.

Furniture: Go for multi-function pieces. A Victorian-style ottoman with hidden storage? Stylish and practical.

Tech: Hide it in plain sight. Tuck speakers into ornate vents or use vintage-looking switches for your smart lighting.

Summary

Victorian tiny houses mix old-world charm with modern minimalism. These compact homes capture 19th-century architectural flair while offering practical living solutions.

What makes Victorian tiny houses stand out?

Fancy exterior details (think gingerbread trim)
Steep roofs that create more space inside
Smart use of vertical space (lofts and high ceilings)
Small porches that pack a big personality punch
Furniture that does double duty

Take Shorty Robbins' Victorian Tiny House, for example. Built in her 50s using recycled Victorian materials, it's a masterclass in space-saving. Her piano? It turns into a bed!

"I don't miss making house payments", Shorty chuckles. "When I sit in my chair and look at my Tiny Home… I'm like: 'Oh, yes. This is home.'"

But these houses aren't just pretty faces. They're practical too. Many come with modern perks and eco-friendly features. Shorty's home hides a TV and AC unit, keeping its old-timey look while offering today's comforts. She even uses solar power for off-grid living.

Victorian tiny houses prove you don't need a mansion to live like royalty. With some clever planning, you can enjoy Victorian elegance in a space that fits modern life. Whether you're downsizing, need a unique vacation spot, or want affordable housing, a Victorian tiny house might be your perfect match.

victorian tiny house