Ready to revolutionize your approach to container home design? Shipping container homes offer unique opportunities for creating functional and eye-catching spaces, from compact guest houses to luxurious retreats.
But with their specific dimensions and limited space, it can be a challenge to create a home that’s inviting and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll give you practical and innovative container ideas tailored specifically for professionals like you. Each tip helps you maximize space, inspire creativity, and deliver outstanding results to your clients.
Curious about the possibilities? Let’s start with creative ways to transform 20-foot storage containers into standout designs.
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 contractors and designers to create shipping container homes that land them more clients!
20-Foot Shipping Container Ideas
20-foot-long shipping containers are half the size of normal shipping containers. Despite their small size, there’s still a lot you can do with them.
Transform a 20-Foot Container into a Tiny Guest House
20-foot storage containers can become a fully functional and stylish guest house with the right design. Add a compact kitchenette with a small sink and a built-in microwave (or at least space for one).
For the bathroom, use a corner shower to save space. Use multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed or a Murphy bed, to provide a place to sleep that transforms into a living area by day. You can also add solar panels and a rainwater collection system for an off-the-grid quest house.
Create a Private Home Office Space
A private home office is a smart solution for remote workers. A 20-foot container has enough space for a large personal office. To make it a comfortable place to work, consider adding a small kitchenette with a mini fridge and a place for a coffee maker.
In addition to a desk, consider adding an extra comfortable chair and end table as a reading space. And don’t forget some large windows to brighten the space.
Creative Outdoor Kitchen Concepts
Instead of the expensive construction prices of a normal outdoor kitchen with a roof, a small shipping container makes an affordable low-cost alternative option.
Start by cutting out one side of the container to create a large opening. You could leave it permanently open or install a roll-up door (similar to a garage door) to open up the space when needed but to provide protection from the elements when not in use. Then add a deck or patio next to the open side of the container.
Standalone Garden Studio or Art Space
Natural light is important for creative work, so consider installing skylights or oversized windows to bring in plenty of natural light. Use movable partitions or modular furniture to create distinct zones for various activities, such as painting, sculpting, or writing.
PRO TIP – Do you or your clients ever struggle to visualize how your projects will look in real life? Then use Cedreo 3D home design software to create realistic interior and exterior visualizations of the final product. As we work with housing professionals, we’ve seen firsthand how doing this improves client communication and helps contractors and designers close more deals.
40-Foot Single Shipping Container Homes and Designs
Standard 40-foot shipping containers give you more space to work with. With rising housing prices, shipping container homes like these are a budget and sustainable alternative to traditional construction projects. They’re a nice option for an affordable new home or a small home for rent.
Open-Concept Living Spaces with a Modern Feel
One of the challenges of building a tiny house is creating a space that doesn’t feel congested. The solution? Open-concept spaces. Combine the living, dining, and kitchen spaces into one harmonious layout. To avoid feeling cramped, use sliding glass doors for plenty of natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Luxury Bedroom Design with High-End Details
Just because the main structure is a shipping container, doesn’t mean you have to go for minimalist features. Why not turn the bedroom into a luxurious retreat with premium finishes? For example, include floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and views of the outdoors. You can also easily incorporate layered lighting, such as recessed lights and sconces, to create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Create a High-End Home Gym Studio
A 40-foot container can make the perfect home gym or even a compact fitness studio for personal trainers. Include mirrored walls to make the space feel larger and to assist with workouts. Storage racks for weights, yoga mats, and other equipment keep the area organized. You could even include a small kitchenette with a mini fridge for drinks and a place to make post-workout shakes.
High Cube Shipping Container House Ideas
High cube shipping containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall (a foot taller than the 8 foot 6 inches height of standard containers). That extra foot provides extra space for your creativity.
Use Lofts for Extra Space and Storage
High cube shipping containers are perfect for loft-style interiors. Use a loft area as extra sleeping space, a play area for kids, or even just extra storage. Although there won’t be enough space below the loft to stand, you can still use that space in a variety of ways — reading nook, office, or storage.
Maximize Storage
The extra foot of height also comes in handy for maximizing storage. Install kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Do the same with bookshelves, closet shelving systems, and other storage cabinets.
Multi-Container Home Ideas for Stunning Custom Layouts
With the ability to combine multiple containers, these structures are perfect for creating a spacious dream home.
Side-by-Side Arrangements for Open Living Areas
When you arrange two shipping containers side by side, this opens up opportunities for spacious living areas. By removing interior walls where the containers meet, you can design a large kitchen, living room, or dining area with plenty of natural light.
Stacked Containers with a Rooftop Deck
Stacking containers creates a dynamic, vertical design with a smaller overall footprint. Put a 20-foot container on top of a 40-foot container. Use the 2nd level as a private bedroom or studio space and then make the exposed roof of the bottom container into an outdoor deck.
Creating a Central Courtyard with Containers
Arrange three storage containers in a U-shape to create a partially enclosed courtyard that’s perfect for clients who enjoy being outside in nature. Use the area as a central garden, dining space, or play area that connects to the home’s interior through large glass doors.
L-Shaped Layouts for Efficient Use of Space
It’s easy to define zones within a home in an L-shaped container layout. One section can house private rooms, while the other contains communal spaces like the kitchen or living area. The inside corner created by the L-shape is perfect for a garden, deck, or patio.
Offset Containers with Porches
Instead of placing two containers exactly side by side, try placing one 8-15 feet in front of the other. Shifting one farther forward creates an area at either end of the containers for a patio or deck. Use one as a porch by the front door and another as a private deck off the master bedroom. Meanwhile, the middle overlapping section is perfect for creating an open-concept living area.
Unique Ideas for Using Storage Containers
Here are a few more ideas for unique shipping container ideas.
Multi-Level Shipping Container Homes with Pilotis for Elevation
Raising containers on pilotis (support columns) adds visual interest while offering functional benefits. The space beneath can easily serve as a shaded patio, storage area, or even covered parking. Elevated designs like these are especially useful in areas prone to flooding or for optimizing airflow in warmer climates.
Go Industrial Chic
Although you can add cladding and roofing to a container to make it look less like a container, consider saving money and going for an industrial chic look. Leave the metal shipping container exterior (it’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions) and double doors on the end while creating a contrast with a luxurious interior.
Stacked and Offset
Stack storage containers for multi-level homes, but rotate or shift the upper level containers so that part of them overhangs the lower one. This creates a useful space below for a covered porch or garage area.
Design a Modern Pool House
Install sliding glass doors, accordion walls, or a roll-up door to open up the space to the pool deck. Inside, include a compact bathroom with a shower, a changing area, and a storage room for towels and pool accessories. You could also add a mini-fridge and bar for snacks and drinks.
Turn a Shipping Container into a Detached Garage
A shipping container is an excellent option for a DIY garage that’s durable and customizable. Replace one end with a roll-up garage door for easy access. Single containers work well as a garage for motorcycles and UTVs. For a car garage, place two storage containers side by side to get the extra width you need for moving comfortably around a vehicle.
How Cedreo Helps Your Container Home Ideas Come to Life
Designing a container house can be a challenge. Cedreo simplifies the process with powerful tools and intuitive features. Here’s how Cedreo can help you bring your vision to life:
- 2D floor plan and 3D floor plan tools: Quickly draw accurate floor plans tailored to any container size or configuration. Use the drawings to ensure your designs meet local building codes.
- High-quality 3D renderings: Include polished, realistic visuals in your project presentation documents. This makes it easier to communicate your ideas, close deals, and land jobs.
- Streamlined workflow: Cut down on design time while delivering professional results that stand out.
- Container-specific designs: Cedreo has the tools to create accurate shipping container representations for container-specific home designs.
Turn Innovative Shipping Container Ideas into Reality With Cedreo
Shipping containers offer limitless possibilities for creating unique, functional, and stylish spaces.
From pool houses to luxury homes, these design ideas show how versatile and innovative container homes can be, especially when you have the right tools to make your designs come to life.
Ready to take your designs to the next level? Sign up for Cedreo today (for FREE) and turn your container home ideas into reality.
