5 Beautiful Tiny Houses That’ll Make You Want to Downsize Immediately

The best tiny houses will make you forget all about those huge mansions that used to seem so desirable. Though some folks may be a bit skeptical about fitting everything they know and love inside tiny homes, these beautiful photos just might convince you to drop everything and jump on the tiny house movement.

What is the tiny house movement?

A little more than a decade ago, the idea of building quality homes with less square footage but with truly usable spaces began to take hold, according to the AARP. Sometimes called the “Not So Big House” approach, the tiny house movement has gained attention and popularity due to a variety of factors, including the state of the economy, the struggling housing market, and the growing ethic of reducing and reusing. Typically measuring 100 to 400 square feet — but sometimes as small as 80 square feet or as large as 700 square feet — these micro houses aim to fill all the basic amenities that an average-size house does, all while using less space to do so.

But don’t think that these tiny homes are nothing but bare bones, with nothing to offer but basic places to eat, sleep, and use the restroom. Much like any other living space, a tiny house can be customized to fit a homeowner’s personal tastes, and you can make it as minimalistic or as elaborate as your heart desires. From stained glass windows to spiral staircases, there are virtually endless ways to make a tiny house become your home sweet home. No wonder there’s now an HGTV show called “Tiny House, Big Living.”

Though living in a tiny house certainly isn’t for everyone, the lifestyle comes with many benefits, such as saving the money, energy, and time that you’d spend on a larger home. Plus, if you’re the creative type, you have the unique opportunity to create something tangible, livable, and truly one-of-a-kind — and these fabulous tiny house pictures prove it. Scroll down to see some of the best tiny houses that would make any homeowner proud.