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.
What Is a Shotgun House?
A shotgun house is a narrow, rectangular home with rooms arranged in a straight line. Typically, this layout includes a living room, one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. These homes usually measure between 12 to 18 feet wide and 30 to 60 feet long, making them ideal for urban settings where space is limited.
One of the great things about shotgun houses is how efficiently they use space. Without hallways, you can walk directly from one room to the next, maximizing the available square footage and allowing for better airflow throughout the home. This design is especially helpful in warmer climates.
We’ve created 12 shotgun house designs that draw inspiration from both traditional and modern styles, highlighting the versatility of this home type.
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 minimalistic? 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)
How to Make a Shotgun House Floor Plan
All the floor plans featured in this blog post were created using the RoomSketcher App, a versatile tool that allows you to visualize your layout in both 2D and 3D.
Creating a floor plan is simple. Use the easy drawing tools to outline the walls, and then add doors, windows, and other architectural elements with just a few clicks. The user-friendly interface lets you drag and drop furniture seamlessly into your design. Plus, with thousands of materials and furniture options available, you can customize every detail to match your vision.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply exploring the charm of historical shotgun houses, RoomSketcher is here to help you bring your projects to life.
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