12 Timeless Shotgun House Floor Plans
Shotgun houses have gained popularity for their efficient use of space and timeless appeal. Explore our 12 unique floor plans that blend history with modern living.
Quick Summary:
Shotgun houses are long, narrow homes where the rooms line up in a row, making smart use of space and letting air flow from front to back. Styles range from traditional layouts to modern designs with updated features.
Shotgun houses have a charm all their own. With their narrow shape and rooms arranged in a row, they make the most of every inch while keeping a simple, easy flow from front to back.
Our designers have taken that classic style and created 12 popular floor plans to inspire you. Each one can be opened in the RoomSketcher app so you can tweak the design, experiment with layouts, and make it your own.
Table of Contents:
12 popular shotgun house plans
- Original shotgun layout
- Efficient shotgun house plan
- Shotgun house plan with two bedrooms
- Shotgun house layout with utility space
- Shotgun house plan inspired by New Orleans
- Three bedroom shotgun house plan
- Small shotgun house style
- Modern shotgun house
- Historic shotgun house plan
- Two-story shotgun house plan
- Duplex shotgun house plan
- Minimalist shotgun house plan
What Is a Shotgun House?
A shotgun house is a narrow, rectangular home usually just one room wide and several rooms deep. The rooms are arranged in a straight line from the front to the back, creating a clear path through the house.
This design first appeared in the Caribbean, especially Haiti, before becoming popular in the Southern United States in the 19th century.
The name comes from the idea that if all the doors were open, a shotgun blast could travel straight through without hitting a wall. While that’s a vivid image, the real benefit of the layout is ventilation. In warm climates, the straight-through design lets air flow easily from one end to the other.
Key Characteristics
Size
Shotgun houses are typically 12–20 feet wide and 30–50 feet long. Their slim size makes them a great choice for compact cities with narrow lots.
Floors
Most traditional shotgun houses are single-story. However, modern versions sometimes add a second floor or loft for extra living space while keeping the classic shape.
Windows and doors
Large windows along the sides let in plenty of natural light and fresh air. Front and back doors are often aligned to create a cooling cross-breeze.
Layout
Inside a shotgun house, there are no hallways like in most homes. Instead, each room opens straight into the next. Many have small but efficient kitchens, built-in storage, and furniture that serves more than one purpose.
Electricity and plumbing
Because shotgun houses are so narrow, the electrical and plumbing systems are often run along the same wall. This saves space and makes repairs simpler.
Common Uses
Shotgun houses are surprisingly versatile, and their simple design makes them easy to adapt for all kinds of needs.
You’ll find them used as primary homes, low-maintenance guest houses or even as home offices or creative studios.
Why They're Popular Again
Shotgun houses are making a real comeback. Part of the appeal is nostalgia. They’re full of history and charm, and you’ll often find them in neighborhoods where neighbors still stop to chat on the porch.
They’re also incredibly adaptable. You can keep the original charm with wood floors, tall ceilings, and decorative trim, while updating the layout with things that make daily life easier, like an open kitchen.
12 Popular Shotgun House Floor Plans
Our designers have put together some of the most popular shotgun house floor plan styles. You can open each one in the RoomSketcher app to explore the layout, make changes, and customize it to suit your own needs.
1. Original Shotgun Layout
This charming shotgun house makes great use of its rectangular layout. It keeps its historical character with stacked rooms, front and back doors, and two spacious bedrooms. The ¾ bathroom, L-shaped kitchen, and cozy living room with a fireplace blend traditional charm with modern updates, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Combined kitchen and living with a fireplace
- Two spacious bedrooms
- 887 Sq Ft (82 m2)
2. Efficient Shotgun House Plan
This delicate house features a compact design that emphasizes functionality. It has a straightforward layout with a bathroom at the rear, typical of shotgun-style homes. The pink and green color scheme adds a unique touch, and it includes a galley kitchen with a convenient back door for easy access.
- One bedroom with closet
- Galley kitchen with an entrance
- 636 Sq Ft (59 m2)
3. Shotgun House Plan with Two Bedrooms
This modern beige house design offers comfort and functionality, featuring two 3/4 bathrooms with bathtubs and vanities, perfect for a small family. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a glass door for natural light. A small hallway connects the living room and single-wall kitchen, enhancing the open and inviting layout.
- Two 3/4 baths and a laundry room
- Semi-open living room and kitchen
- 853 Sq Ft (79 m2)
4. Shotgun House Layout with Utility Space
This spacious home includes three bathrooms, a utility room, and walk-in closets in every bedroom. The stylish open peninsula kitchen and living room offer plenty of space. At the back, you’ll find the primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, along with the utility room for additional storage.
- Two 3/4 baths and a 1/2 bath
- Utility room with laundry for extra storage
- 1269 Sq Ft (118 m2)
5. Shotgun House Plan Inspired by New Orleans
This vibrant New Orleans-inspired house adds a lively splash of purple to your life. The Frenchified porches reflect the area's cultural heritage. The design maintains the iconic shotgun layout while incorporating modern upgrades like a hallway, walk-in closets, and a pantry, all of which enhance the home's original charm.
- Two porches, one on each side
- Two bedrooms with walk-in-closets
- 806 Sq Ft (75 m2)
6. Three Bedroom Shotgun House Floor Plan
Three bedrooms and three bathrooms make this spacious property ideal for a large family. The open kitchen and living area facilitate easy meal preparation, complemented by a central pantry for convenience. Bedrooms two and three share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, while the primary bedroom features a private entrance and an en-suite bathroom. A cheerful yellow color scheme adds a bright touch to the home.
- Three bedrooms and baths
- Large kitchen and living room
- 1526 Sq Ft (142 m2)
7. Small Shotgun House Style
This house stands out by combining traditional design with creative elements. The L-shaped kitchen and pantry make cooking simple and efficient, while the layout allows for easy access from the bedroom to the bathroom and laundry room. A dark blue and brown color scheme adds a stylish touch, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
- L-shaped kitchen with pantry
- Connected bath and laundry room
- 405 Sq Ft (38 m2)
8. Modern Shotgun House
This spacious property features a modern shotgun layout with a large U-shaped kitchen that provides plenty of storage for families. The dining area has bay windows, a classic detail that’s not usually seen in this type of house. A hallway connects the various rooms and leads to the rear exit, creating a practical and welcoming flow throughout the home.
- Open kitchen and dining with bay windows
- A hallway that leads to three bedrooms and the back door
- 1202 Sq Ft (112 m2)
9. Historic Shotgun House Plan
With a timeless design that preserves its historical charm, this property features traditionally aligned doors and rooms. The small galley kitchen provides a functional space for cooking and connects conveniently to the bedroom, while a back door opens up to the garden.
- Traditional door and room placement
- Front and back garden
- 389 Sq Ft (36 m2)
10. Two-Story Shotgun House Plan
This unique camelback design is inspired by remodeled shotguns, which usually have a room in the back, a second story, or both added to the original structure. It includes a driveway and garage, an open-concept kitchen with an island, and a second story with four bedrooms.
- Driveway and garage
- Second story with four bedrooms and two baths
- 1524 Sq Ft (142 m2)
11. Duplex Shotgun House Plan
Ideal for multiple families or rental opportunities, this double property consists of two identical homes with a central wall. Each unit includes a living room, two bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a bathroom, and a laundry room. A fence separates the back patios, providing added privacy for both sides.
- Two shotgun houses side-by-side
- Each unit has two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a full bath
- 1099 Sq Ft (102 m2) - Each house
12. Minimalist Shotgun House Plan
Looking for something more minimalist? This compact floor plan is perfect for those embracing the tiny house movement. It features a traditional shotgun layout with stacked rooms: a living room and bath lead into an L-shaped kitchen and a loft with a bed for one. Enjoy living small while still cooking and watching TV comfortably.
- Efficient use of minimal space
- Essential amenities packed into a small footprint
- 398 Sq Ft (37 m2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Shotgun houses are long and narrow, with rooms arranged in a straight line. This can make privacy and noise control tricky since you often have to walk through one room to reach another. The narrow width can limit furniture placement and storage, and ventilation may be poor in the middle rooms. Remodeling can also be challenging because of the home’s layout and structural walls.
Shotgun houses are most often found in the Southern United States, especially in cities like New Orleans, Louisiana; Louisville, Kentucky; and parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. They also appear in some Northern and Midwestern cities where they were built for workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Use built-in storage, multi-purpose furniture, and vertical shelving to maximize every inch. Pocket or sliding doors save floor space, while light colors and mirrors make rooms feel bigger. In the kitchen, open shelving keeps things airy, and banquette seating can double as hidden storage.
How to Make Your Own Shotgun House
All the floor plans in this post were made using the RoomSketcher app, a professional floor plan software that works in both 2D and 3D.
Outline walls with precision, add architectural details, and furnish your design using simple drag-and-drop tools. Choose from thousands of materials and products to customize every detail.
Whether you're a beginner or a professional, RoomSketcher has everything you need to create high-quality floor plans.
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