Planning a 20 foot container home? Whether your clients want to maximize a small footprint or they simply are exploring alternative housing options, a 20ft shipping container home offers an affordable and efficient solution.
In this 5 minute read, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- Key design considerations
- Space-saving strategies
- Cost breakdowns
- Layout ideas
By the end, you’ll have the tools to create a comfortable, well-planned container home that fits your client’s needs.
Why trust us? Here at Cedreo, we’ve got 20+ years of experience working with housing pros in the home design space. So we know what it takes for home builders, contractors, and designers to create shipping container homes that land them more clients!
Why 20 Foot Container Homes?
A 20ft container home is built from a standard 20ft shipping container. These are 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall (or 9.5 feet for high-cube versions). That’s about 160 square feet of livable space — not a lot, but enough for compact studio layouts for a single person or a couple.
How to Use 20ft Shipping Containers
Here are some ways you can get creative with 20 foot cargo containers:
- Tiny home – Ideal for singles or couples who prioritize efficiency and minimalism.
- Home offices – A private, distraction-free workspace in the backyard.
- Guest houses – A functional solution for short-term stays.
- Vacation rentals – Compact options for Airbnb or off-grid retreats.
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – Affordable additions to existing properties for rental income or extended family housing like a mother-in-law apartment.
- Multiple container homes – Combine a 20ft container with others to create larger container homes.
20 Foot Container Home vs. Tiny House
While both tiny homes and shipping container homes are compact and efficient, there are key differences:
- Structure: A tiny home is usually built from scratch, while container homes repurpose shipping containers.
- Design flexibility: Because they’re built from scratch, tiny homes can have custom lengths, layouts, and rooflines. Container homes have to stick to the size and shape of the container unless you plan on making major structural modifications.
- Cost: Shipping container homes are usually cheaper since they use a pre-existing structure with a weather-resistant exterior.
Ultimately, both options offer a sustainable and space-efficient way to live and each has its pros and cons. But it’s clear that using 20 foot long containers as the starting point for a tiny home is a growing trend.
Ideas to Maximize Comfort in 20ft Container House Designs
Making a 20ft container home comfortable requires strategic space planning and smart design choices. Here are some ideas.
Defining Zones
In such a small space, you may not be able to create separate rooms for each area — sleeping, work, dining, etc. So think about how you can create “zones”. Creating defined zones makes the home feel more structured and livable. Consider:
- A sleeping zone tucked away for privacy.
- A living area that doubles as a workspace or dining space.
- Using visual cues like rugs and paint colors to subtly define zones.
- Using different lighting to differentiate spaces — task lighting in the kitchen, ambient lighting in the living space, and a cozy reading light by the bed.
Where to Place Windows and Doors
Strategic window and door placement improves natural light, airflow, and security. Here are some tips:
- Use large windows or glass doors to brighten the tiny space and make it feel larger.
- Prioritize south-facing windows (if in the Northern Hemisphere) to maximize sunlight during the day.
- Get cross-ventilation by placing operable windows on opposite walls.
- Use sliding doors to save space and improve accessibility.
- Consider your furniture layout to avoid placing large furniture where they’ll block windows.
How to Provide Privacy
In a compact home, privacy is key — especially if it’s shared by a couple. However, unlike traditional housing, 20ft container homes don’t give you the luxury of multiple rooms. So you have to get creative.
- Use solid or semi-solid dividers like bookshelves or curtains to create visual barriers.
- Place the sleeping area on one end of the layout, farthest away from the kitchen/dining area for more inherent privacy.
- Use strategic landscaping as a natural privacy screen without completely blocking natural light.
- Invest in adaptable window coverings that can go from complete blackout to diffused light.
Maximizing Use of Space
To make the most of a 20ft container home, every design choice needs to prioritize functionality. Here are some space-saving ideas:
- Take full advantage of vertical space with vertical storage — shelves, hanging organizers, lofted sleeping areas.
- Choose convertible furniture — Murphy beds, foldable tables, wall-mounted desks.
- Use all available space with built-in storage under beds, seating, or staircases for hidden organization.
What about the cost of tiny container homes like this? Check out the next section to see how much you could expect to spend.
How Much Does a 20ft Shipping Container Home Cost?
Compared to normal tiny homes and traditional housing, container homes are often cheaper and faster to build. A fully finished 20-foot-long shipping container home usually costs between $30,000–$60,000.
Keep in mind that costs vary a lot based on modifications and finishes. Here’s a breakdown of common expenses:
- Container purchase: A used 20ft shipping container costs between $2,500–$5,000 for a 1-trip container. New ones can be $6,000+.
- Modifications: Cutting windows and doors, adding insulation, plumbing, A/C, and electrical can cost $10,000–$25,000, depending on complexity.
- Interior finishes: Flooring, cabinetry, appliances, and decor can add $5,000–$20,000, based on quality.
20 Foot Shipping Container Home Plans & Layout Ideas
Check out these four layout ideas for different needs.
Single-Person Minimalist Layout
A compact, open-concept design with a twin bed, a small table (that could double as an office workspace), a small kitchenette, and a bathroom at one end. With the small footprint of the twin bed, there’s more space for an extra lounge chair and a small desk or dining table.
Cozy Couple’s Retreat
A queen-sized bed with built-in storage underneath, a compact kitchen that still accommodates a 4-burner range, and dining area/workspace make this layout ideal for two. The bed is on one end, partially blocked by the bathroom wall to create separation between the zones and add extra privacy for the sleeping area. Add a curtain next to the bed for even more.
Space Efficient with Storage
Storage is always a challenge in small shipping container homes. This efficient layout saves space with a linear kitchenette along one end and a convertible sofa bed to leave space for a small closet. The double sliding glass doors make look out to the yard and let in plenty of natural light. This is a nice option for single people or couples who plan to live in the space long term.
Vacation Rental or Guest House Design
This rental-friendly layout prioritizes comfort and efficiency with a small but stylish living area, a compact kitchenette and a modern bathroom. A sliding glass doors make it perfect for lots with beautiful views. The large convertible sofa makes it nice for relaxing during the day and then converts into a bed at night.
Design Your Client’s Dream Container Home Easier with Cedreo
Building shipping container homes offers a unique and customizable alternative to traditional home construction. Whether you’re envisioning a minimalist dwelling with a single 20-foot container or exploring designs incorporating multiple containers, Cedreo streamlines the entire process.
With Cedreo, you get advantages like:
- Create professional 2D floor plans and 3D floor plans in minutes, allowing you to test different layouts and refine your floor plan with intuitive floor plan software.
- Create realistic cargo container representations to accommodate your container home plans. (Watch this video to see how easy it is to do.)
- Generate photorealistic 3D renderings that help you visualize the final design so you and your client can experiment with siding options and explore different interior design choices.
- Quickly produce professional design documents for presentations that win you more jobs.
With so many benefits and a free version, it’s easy to see why more housing pros are switching to Cedreo design software.
Bring Your 20 Foot Shipping Container House Vision to Life
A 20-foot container home offers a compelling range of benefits — it’s affordable, durable, and highly customizable.
Their durable build is secure and protects against the elements for a budget-friendly price. With the right layout and smart design choices, a container home can become a comfortable living space, a guest house, rental unit, or even a backyard office. Ready to start planning? Try Cedreo today and design your next container home in just a few minutes!
