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Big Style in a Small Footprint
You love that barndominium vibe—those clean lines, tough materials that’ll stand up to anything, and that wide-open feel that makes a house feel like a home. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a giant, spread-out structure to get it. Seriously. I’ve seen people stress over “needing” 2,000 square feet for that barndo look, and it’s totally unnecessary. You don’t have to go big to live that barndo life. A small barndo, done right, can feel roomy, look amazing, and not break the bank. The secret? Smart design choices. Let me walk you through 23 ideas to plan a compact barndo that lives way larger than its square footage—these aren’t just “tips,” they’re tricks I’ve seen work for friends (and even my own tiny barndo!).
1. Use Vertical Siding to Add Height
Vertical siding is like wearing vertical stripes for your house—it tricks the eye upward. My neighbor did this with their 800-square-foot barndo, and I swear, everyone who sees it guesses it’s at least 1,200. Suddenly, that small barndo feels taller, more substantial, like it’s punching above its weight. Trust me, this trick never fails. Board and batten is the go-to here—it adds texture and that perfect modern farmhouse flair barndos are known for. And if you want to kick it up a notch? Go dark. Charcoal or navy blue will make it look so sleek, people might forget it’s on the smaller side. I almost went with navy myself—only switched last minute because my partner wanted something softer!
2. Install a Glass Garage Door
Swap a boring solid wall for a full-view glass garage door. Game. Changer. I did this in my living room, and it’s the best decision I ever made. Natural light floods in—no more dark, cramped corners where I used to have to keep a lamp on all day. And it blurs the line between inside and out. On a nice day? Roll it up, grab a drink, and suddenly your living room extends to the yard. It’s perfect for dining areas too—imagine eating breakfast with sunlight pouring in and birds chirping right there. Plus, that industrial look? It’s pure barndo. Pro tip: Get one with a remote—rolling it up with just a click feels way fancier than it is.
3. Create a Statement with an A-Frame Entry
A simple rectangular barndo can feel flat—until you add an A-frame entry. My best friend’s barndo was just a box until they added this, and now it’s the cutest thing on the block. That little covered porch breaks up the facade and gives you a sheltered spot to fumble with keys on rainy days (we’ve all been there, right?). Use heavy wood timbers for the frame, and suddenly it’s rustic and welcoming, like a hug before you even walk in. Curb appeal? Through the roof. Neighbors will definitely stop to ask about it—my friend gets compliments every time someone new drives by.
4. Maximize Space with a Second-Story Loft
Lofts are small barndo magic. They add square footage without digging a bigger foundation—genius, right? I turned mine into a home office, and it’s my quiet little sanctuary. No more working at the kitchen table while my dog begs for snacks. Turn it into a bedroom, a quiet home office, or a cozy reading nook with a blanket and a lamp. Keep it open, overlooking the main living area, so the whole space feels connected—no closed-off, cave-like rooms. Skip the bulky staircase if you can; a simple ladder or modern slim stairs saves so much floor space. I went with a ladder, and yeah, it’s a little extra work to climb up, but the space I saved? Worth it.
5. Add a Wraparound Porch
A porch isn’t just extra space—it’s where life happens. My grandma always said that, and she was right. A slim wraparound one on a small barndo gives you multiple spots: morning coffee by the front (where the sun comes up), evening chats on the side (where it’s shaded). You don’t need it to be deep—6 feet is enough for a couple of chairs and a tiny table. Suddenly, your home feels like it’s part of the yard, not just sitting in it. And it makes the whole place look bigger, too—win-win. I keep a few potted plants out there, and it feels like a little oasis without taking up indoor space.
6. Design an Open-Concept Interior
Walls are the enemy of small spaces. I learned this the hard way—my first apartment had a tiny kitchen separated from the living room, and I’d yell at my roommates while cooking because I couldn’t see them. Combine kitchen, dining, and living into one big room—that’s barndo 101, but for compact builds? It’s non-negotiable. Use furniture to define zones: a couch and rug for living, a table for dining. Stick to the same flooring throughout, too—no visual breaks mean the space feels endless. Trust me, cooking while chatting with friends on the couch is way better than yelling through a doorway anyway.
7. Be Strategic with Window Placement
Windows = light = space. But skip the tiny ones—they just make a room feel choppy. Go for a few big ones instead. A picture window to frame that tree or hill in your yard? I have one that looks out at my oak tree, and it’s like having a living painting. Tall, narrow windows add height without letting the whole neighborhood peek in. And transom windows? Those little ones high up? They let light in without taking up wall space for shelves or art. Perfect. I put transoms above my kitchen cabinets, and now I don’t need under-cabinet lighting—score.
8. Choose a Monochromatic Exterior
Paint siding, trim, and roof the same color family. It’s clean, modern, and makes your small barndo look way bigger. My cousin did all-black, and it’s so bold—super trendy right now. All-white is bright and timeless (great if you live in a sunny area). Deep charcoal or soft grey work too, if you want something in between. The uninterrupted color lets the building’s shape shine, instead of breaking it up with different hues. It’s like wearing a one-piece outfit—sleeker, more put-together. I went with soft grey, and it blends with the yard but still stands out.
9. Incorporate Natural Wood Accents
Metal barndos can feel cold—like a warehouse. Fix that with wood. I was worried my metal siding would make the place feel sterile, so I added cedar porch posts, and it’s like night and day. Cedar or cypress porch posts, soffits, or a little accent around the door add warmth and texture. It contrasts with the metal siding so nicely—industrial meets cozy. That mix? It’s what makes modern barndos feel like home, not just a storage unit. I’ve seen this done with reclaimed wood too—adds character without extra cost. My uncle used old barn wood for his door frame, and every guest asks about it.
10. Use a Galley Kitchen Layout
Galley kitchens are small-space heroes. Two parallel counters with a walkway in between—no wasted space. I had a galley kitchen in my last place, and honestly? I never missed the extra room. Everything was within reach. You get maximum counter and storage without the kitchen taking over the whole house. Keep upper cabinets minimal, or use open shelving—closed cabinets can make it feel tight. This layout is perfect for long, rectangular barndos—fits like a glove. I now have open shelves above my counter, and it’s easier to grab mugs than digging through a cabinet.
11. Integrate Built-In Storage
Clutter = small space death. I’m a bit of a hoarder (don’t judge), so built-ins saved my sanity. Built-ins are the solution. A window seat with drawers underneath? Store blankets, games, whatever. I have one that holds all my dog’s toys—no more scattered tennis balls. Floor-to-ceiling shelves around a doorway? Books, decor, all hidden in plain sight. In the loft? Build drawers into the knee walls—those awkward low spots become gold for storage. When everything has a place, the space feels calm and intentional, not cramped. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not tripping over holiday decorations.
12. Opt for Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete is barndo DNA. It’s tough (kids, pets, spills—no problem), easy to clean, and cheap. I have a golden retriever who sheds like crazy, and I just sweep once a day—done. In a small barndo, one continuous concrete floor makes the space feel seamless. No rug lines or tile grout breaking it up. Add a few area rugs for warmth—maybe a jute one in the living room, a small one by the sink. It’s industrial-chic without trying too hard. Pro tip: Seal it well—mine got a coffee stain once, and it wiped right off.
13. Leave Steel Beams Exposed
Why hide the bones of your barndo? Expose those steel beams or trusses. They add industrial edge and draw the eye up—hello, extra height. I painted mine black for drama, and it’s the first thing people notice. Paint them black for drama, or leave them raw for that authentic metal look. It’s a simple tweak, but it adds so much character. People will say, “Wow, that feels so barndo,” and you’ll just smile because you know it’s the beams doing the work. Plus, it saves money—no drywall to cover them up!
14. Design with Vaulted Ceilings
Flat 8-foot ceilings? Nope. Vaulted ceilings are the number one way to make a small space feel grand. I thought about skipping them to save money, but I’m so glad I didn’t. A simple gabled roofline does the trick—no fancy engineering needed. That extra vertical space makes rooms feel airy, open, like you’re in a much bigger house. It’s also the perfect spot for statement lighting or those high windows we talked about earlier. Once you have vaulted ceilings, you’ll never go back. Mine makes my 900-square-foot place feel like a mansion (okay, maybe a small mansion, but still!).
15. Keep Landscaping Simple
Fancy landscaping can swallow a small barndo whole. I learned this when my mom tried to plant a bunch of shrubs around her tiny barndo—suddenly it looked like the house was hiding. Keep it minimal. Native grasses, gravel beds, a few well-placed shrubs or trees. It’s low-maintenance (win for busy folks) and lets the house be the star. No overgrown hedges hiding your cute facade, no complicated flower beds to tend to. Just simple, natural stuff that complements the barndo’s clean lines. I have a few native wildflowers by the porch, and they’re basically self-sufficient.
16. Create a Dedicated Outdoor Living Space
An attached patio or deck is like adding a free room. I built a small concrete patio off my living room, and it’s doubled my entertainment space. Host a BBQ, set up a movie night under the stars—suddenly you’re not cramped inside. Add a pergola for shade (no one likes baking in the sun), and furnish it like indoors: outdoor rug, comfy chairs, a fire pit for cool nights. It’s cheap, easy, and makes your small barndo feel twice as big. I spent maybe $500 on mine, and it’s where I spend most of my summer evenings.
17. Use a Murphy Bed for a Flexible Space
Murphy beds are a small-space miracle. I have a friend who uses one in her studio barndo, and it’s mind-blowing. One room, two uses: home office by day, guest bedroom by night. Modern ones are actually stylish—no more clunky 90s versions that look like a closet. A lot have built-in shelves or desks, so you don’t even need extra furniture. Perfect for one-bedroom or studio barndos. Her guests never believe it’s a “fold-out bed”—they say it’s more comfortable than their own mattress. I’m considering adding one for when my sister comes to visit.
18. Install Skylights
Skylights are like windows from the sky. I put one in my bathroom, which has no exterior walls, and now it’s bright and cheery instead of dark and gloomy. They let in more light than a regular window of the same size—game-changer for dark spots. Bathrooms or hallways without exterior walls? Skylights fix that. In the main living area, they highlight the vaulted ceiling and make the whole space feel brighter, airier. Just make sure to get ones with shades—you don’t want the sun waking you up at 5 a.m. in summer. Mine has a remote-controlled shade, and it’s worth every penny.
19. Consider a 'Shouse' Layout
A “shouse” is half shop, half house—and it’s brilliant for small barndos. My dad is a DIY guy, and he built one last year. Attach a one-car garage or tiny workshop to your living space. Work and home under one roof, but separate enough that you don’t track sawdust into the kitchen. It’s efficient with space and money—no need for a separate shed or garage. Great for DIYers, mechanics, or anyone who needs a little workspace. He loves it—he can work on his truck and still hear if I call him for dinner.
20. Use Two-Tone Metal Siding
Mix two siding colors or materials—adds depth without clutter. I saw a barndo last month with navy siding and white gables, and it was so crisp. Try dark siding for the main body and light wood or a bright accent for the gables. It breaks up the building’s mass, so it doesn’t look like a big box. And it feels custom, like you spent weeks picking the perfect combo (even if you didn’t). I’ve seen this with navy and white—so crisp, so barndo. If I ever repaint, I’m doing this.
21. Make the Front Door a Focal Point
A simple barndo needs a pop of personality—and the front door is it. My neighbor painted hers bright yellow, and you can see it from down the road. Pick a bold color: bright yellow, deep red, cool aqua. It contrasts with the siding and makes the entry feel welcoming. Or go for a door with glass panels—lets light in and adds a touch of elegance. It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference. People will remember your door before anything else. I went with a deep red door, and my mail carrier always comments on it.
22. Hang Industrial Pendant Lighting
High barndo ceilings were made for statement lights. I have three industrial pendants over my kitchen island, and they’re both functional and stylish. Industrial pendant lights fit the vibe and help define spaces. Hang a row over the kitchen island, or one big one over the dining table. They draw the eye up (hello, more height!) and add function—no more dim corners. Plus, they look cool. Even if you’re not into “industrial,” a simple metal pendant works with almost any barndo style. Mine were cheap too—found them on sale at a home goods store.
23. Create a Lofted Bedroom with a View
Put your main bedroom in the loft—trust me. My cousin did this, and she says it’s the most peaceful spot in the house. Position the bed to face a big window at the gable peak. Waking up to trees, sky, or a sunset? It makes the space feel special, like a little retreat. And it frees up the main floor for living, cooking, and hosting—no bedroom taking up prime real estate. It’s efficient, beautiful, and one of my favorite small barndo hacks. She has a little chair by the window where she drinks tea in the morning—total #goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How small can a barndominium be?
As small as you need! Most start around 900–1,200 square feet for one or two bedrooms. Some people build “tiny barndos” under 600 square feet—perfect for minimalists. I’ve seen a 500-square-foot one that had everything: bedroom loft, kitchen, living area. Just check local rules first—some areas have minimum square footage for houses. Don’t want to get stuck with a fine or having to redo work. My friend almost built a 600-square-footer but found out her county required 800, so she adjusted—better to check early!
What is the average cost of a small barndo?
It varies a lot—location, materials, how fancy you get with finishes. Rough estimate: $95–$165 per square foot. So a 1,000-square-foot one would be $95k–$165k. That usually includes the concrete slab, the building shell, and basic interior stuff. Upgrades (like fancy countertops or custom windows) will add to that, but it’s still often cheaper than a traditional house. I built my 900-square-footer for around $100k, which was way less than the $150k a regular house would have cost in my area.
Are small barndominiums a good investment?
Absolutely. They’re faster and cheaper to build than regular homes. And they’re durable—metal holds up way better than wood to weather, pests, all that stuff. I had a bad storm last year, and my barndo didn’t even get a scratch. Buyers love low-maintenance homes, so resale value is growing as barndos get more popular. A well-designed, well-built small barndo will hold its value (and maybe even go up) over time. My neighbor sold hers after 3 years for $20k more than she paid—can’t say that about every house.
Conclusion
A small barndo isn’t a “compromise”—it’s smart living. I used to think I needed a big house to feel “at home,” but my tiny barndo has proven me wrong. With vaulted ceilings, open layouts, and that connection to the outdoors? It’ll feel cozy and spacious. You get all that iconic barndo style without the giant footprint or giant price tag. It’s not about how much space you have—it’s about how you use it.
Which idea was your favorite? The glass garage door? The lofted bedroom with a view? I’m curious—share your thoughts in the comments below! I love hearing how people make their small barndos feel like home.
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