Choosing the right home size is an important part of creating a comfortable living environment. While some homeowners prefer spacious properties with multiple bedrooms, others find smaller homes more practical, affordable, and easier to maintain. A 700-square-foot house is an interesting option for people who want a functional living space without the responsibilities of maintaining a large property.
But exactly how much space does 700 square feet provide? Can it accommodate a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room comfortably? The answer depends on the floor plan, furniture arrangement, storage solutions, and overall design.
Understanding the dimensions and possibilities of a smaller property can help homeowners make better decisions about renovations, interior design, and space management.
What Does a 700 Square Foot House Look Like?
A 700-square-foot house has approximately 700 square feet of total floor area. To visualize this size, imagine a rectangular home measuring 20 feet wide and 35 feet long.
Although the exact dimensions may differ, this example helps explain the amount of available indoor space.
A home of this size can typically accommodate:
- One or two bedrooms, depending on the layout.
- One bathroom.
- A small kitchen.
- A living or dining area.
- Closets and limited storage space.
Some properties may also include an open-plan kitchen and living room to make the interior feel larger.
The important thing to remember is that square footage measures floor area, not the number of rooms. Two homes with identical square footage can feel completely different depending on how their spaces are organized.
How Many Rooms Can Fit in a 700 Square Foot House?
A 700-square-foot property can accommodate several essential rooms when the floor plan is carefully designed.
Here is an example of how homeowners might distribute the available space:
| Area | Approximate size |
| Living room | 180 sq. ft. |
| Bedroom | 120 sq. ft. |
| Kitchen | 100 sq. ft. |
| Bathroom | 45 sq. ft. |
| Dining area | 80 sq. ft. |
| Hallways and storage | 75 sq. ft. |
| Additional bedroom or flexible space | 100 sq. ft. |
| Total | 700 sq. ft. |
This is only an illustrative layout. Actual room sizes depend on the building’s shape, wall thickness, doors, windows, and structural requirements.
For a smaller household, a one-bedroom arrangement may provide more comfortable living and storage space. Families or people working from home might prefer a compact second bedroom that can double as an office.
How Big Is a 700 Square Foot House Compared With Other Homes?
Understanding how 700 square feet compares with common home sizes makes it easier to visualize the available space.
- 400 square feet: Generally suitable for a compact studio or tiny living arrangement.
- 500 square feet: Offers slightly more room for separate living and sleeping areas.
- 700 square feet: Can accommodate a functional one-bedroom or compact two-bedroom layout.
- 900 square feet: Provides more flexibility for bedrooms, storage, and entertaining.
- 1,200 square feet: Offers additional space for larger households and more comfortable room arrangements.
A 700-square-foot property is smaller than many conventional family houses, but it can still provide the essential features needed for everyday living.
How Big Is a 700 Square Foot House in Practical Living Terms?
When people ask how big is a 700 square foot house, they are usually trying to understand whether this amount of space will feel comfortable for everyday activities.
The answer depends on the number of occupants and how efficiently the interior is designed.
For one person, 700 square feet can provide enough room for a bedroom, living area, kitchen, bathroom, and workspace. Couples may also find this size practical, particularly when they prefer a simpler lifestyle.
However, larger households may experience limited privacy and storage space.
Furniture selection also makes a major difference. Oversized sofas, large dining tables, and unnecessary decorative pieces can make smaller rooms feel crowded.
Instead, homeowners can choose multifunctional furniture, compact appliances, and built-in storage to maximize usable floor space.
7 Smart Design Ideas to Make a 700 Square Foot House Feel Bigger
A smaller house does not have to feel cramped. The right home improvement choices can make limited square footage more comfortable and visually appealing.
1. Choose an Open-Plan Layout
Combining the kitchen, dining area, and living room can create a more spacious atmosphere. Removing unnecessary visual barriers allows natural light to travel throughout the interior.
Before removing any walls, consult a qualified professional to determine whether they are load-bearing.
2. Use Light Interior Colors
White, cream, beige, and soft neutral shades can make small rooms feel brighter.
Consider using similar colors across connected spaces to create a consistent appearance.
3. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that serves multiple purposes is particularly useful in smaller homes.
Consider sofa beds, extendable dining tables, storage ottomans, and beds with built-in drawers.
4. Make Better Use of Vertical Space
Walls provide valuable storage opportunities.
Install floating shelves, tall cabinets, and wall-mounted organizers to reduce clutter without occupying additional floor area.
5. Improve Natural Lighting
Natural light can make compact rooms appear more open.
Larger windows, lightweight curtains, strategically placed mirrors, and suitable lighting fixtures can improve the overall atmosphere.
6. Select Compact Kitchen Appliances
A smaller kitchen requires careful planning. Compact refrigerators, slim dishwashers, and efficient storage cabinets can provide functionality without consuming too much space.
7. Keep the Floor Plan Simple
Too many decorative elements, partitions, and bulky furniture can make a small property feel restrictive.
Prioritize practical features and maintain clear walking paths between rooms.
Is a 700 Square Foot House Suitable for Home Improvements?
Yes. Even a relatively small property can benefit from thoughtful home improvements.
Homeowners can upgrade flooring, repaint walls, modernize kitchen cabinets, improve bathroom fixtures, and replace outdated lighting.
Energy efficiency should also be considered. Proper insulation, weatherstripping, efficient windows, and suitable heating and cooling equipment can improve indoor comfort and help manage utility expenses.
However, renovation budgets should be planned carefully. In smaller homes, even relatively modest upgrades can have a noticeable effect on the overall appearance and functionality.
Before starting a project, identify the most important improvements and compare contractor estimates. Prioritizing structural repairs, electrical safety, plumbing issues, and ventilation is generally more important than cosmetic changes.
How Much Furniture Can You Fit in a 700 Square Foot Home?
A 700-square-foot home can accommodate essential furniture without feeling overcrowded if each item is selected according to the available dimensions.
For example, a compact sofa, small coffee table, television stand, queen or full-size bed, wardrobe, dining table, and essential kitchen appliances may fit comfortably in a thoughtfully arranged home.
Measure furniture before purchasing it. Leave enough room for doors to open, drawers to extend, and people to move safely between rooms.
Choosing furniture with exposed legs and a simple design can also create a more open visual appearance.
Conclusion
A 700-square-foot house can offer a practical and comfortable living environment when its layout is designed efficiently. Although it provides less space than a conventional family home, it can accommodate essential rooms, functional furniture, and attractive interior features.
The key is to prioritize smart storage, natural lighting, multifunctional furniture, and carefully planned renovations. With the right improvements, even a relatively small property can become an inviting and efficient home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 700 square feet considered a small house?
Yes. A 700-square-foot house is generally considered a small home. However, it can provide enough space for one or two people, depending on the layout and lifestyle.
2. Can two people comfortably live in 700 square feet?
Yes. Two people can comfortably share a 700-square-foot home when it has an efficient floor plan, sufficient storage, and well-organized living areas.
3. How many bedrooms can a 700-square-foot house have?
Most commonly, a home of this size can accommodate one bedroom or a compact two-bedroom arrangement. The final number depends on room dimensions and the floor plan.
4. What are the dimensions of a 700-square-foot house?
There are several possible dimensions. For example, a rectangular house measuring 20 feet by 35 feet provides 700 square feet of floor area.
5. Is 700 square feet enough for a family?
It may work for a small family, but available space can become limited as household members increase. Storage, privacy, and bedroom arrangements should be considered.
6. How can I make a 700-square-foot house look bigger?
Use light colors, mirrors, open layouts, multifunctional furniture, natural lighting, and vertical storage. Keeping unnecessary furniture and decorations to a minimum can also help.
7. Is a 700-square-foot house cheaper to maintain?
It can be less expensive to maintain because there is generally less floor space to clean, heat, and cool. However, actual expenses depend on insulation, appliances, local utility rates, and the property’s condition.
