Tiny houses appeal to a number of people. It’s easy to see why. They’re easy to take care of. They cost less money than most “regular-sized” homes. And they’re just plain ingenious. We must admit, that we’ve even taken a cue from them from time to time. If you’re interested in making more of the space you already have – whether you own a tiny house or not – you might appreciate these three efficiency tips from the tiny house world.

The Murphy Bed

Okay. Maybe you don’t exactly want a Murphy bed that pulls itself into the wall. Maybe you’d rather have one that pulls up into the ceiling. The point is that sometimes the retractable option is the best option in small spaces. And if really want to be space efficient, you shouldn’t stop at the bed. You can make tables, seating, and even counters retractable nowadays. Just remember, if you can’t build out (because you don’t have any more room), you can always build up.

Combine Storage With Something Else

An article on Houzz suggests that you make full use of a built-in sofa by also making it a mini-storage unit. The space under the seat cushion can be hollowed out to make room for books, boots, and all manner of things. This is a common feature in many mobile camper trailers, too.

It’s also an idea you can build on. For example, when you’re looking for end tables, why not look for sturdy hampers that are flat-topped? You can place a lamp or books on top and stow away magazines, coloring books, and other things when you’re not using them. An old-fashioned coat rack in the entryway often features the same built-in storage. Even the space under your stairs can be used for storage.

One question we often ask at Alair Homes Calgary is, “Can I use this space for more than one function?” If we can, we do. We recommend that you do, too. It’s one of the most useful and coolest ideas that the tiny house movement has given us.

The Barrel Shower

We have to admit, for the coolness factor alone, this might be our favorite. You use an old wooden barrel that you modify to create a small shower stall. Yes. A wine barrel will do the job nicely. Take a look here.

Just cut off the top of the barrel and fashion a ring above to hang the shower curtain. It’s very cocoon-like, very rustic, and very practical in terms of making the best use of space.

Final Thoughts on the Lessons From Tiny Houses

Tiny-house living is all about the best use of the space. While you may not have 3,000 square feet at your disposal, you may not actually need it if you play your cards right. If you do things like build retractable furniture as well as make everything do double duty, you’re well on your way to capturing the vibe of the tiny house. And that is way cool and way economical.

Finally, don’t forget that tiny-house living involves remaking common objects into something new and space-friendly. Items like the barrel shower made from an old wooden wine barrel is a good example of this. It adds something cool and rustic to the space that’s also completely original.