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20 Best Interior Design Ideas For Beautiful Shipping Container Homes

Searching for interior design ideas for your container home, here are 20 of the best interior design ideas for your shipping container home.

Shipping container home design is fast becoming more and more popular. You might have seen them online or even in your neighborhood. 

They’re small, cozy, and designed to meet a modern family’s needs. Shipping container homes may seem too good to be accurate, but they’re not!

Whether you’re a minimalist enthusiast, an eco-conscious homeowner, or simply someone looking for a cost-effective living solution, exploring the world of shipping container home interiors will bring you a variety of advantages and a few considerations.

And with the right interior design and some inspiration from this list, you can make your shipping container home feel like home and not just a tiny house. 

So grab yourself a drink and get ready for some gorgeous design ideas:

Table of Contents

Top 20 Interior Designs for Shipping Container Homes

We took time to compile a list of some of the best 20 interior design for intermodal shipping container homes. Here they are.

1. Sliding Doors Interior Design for Container Home

A beautiful container home with a sliding door
Courtesy: Bansar China

Sliding doors are a great way to create an open-plan feel in a small space. They are often used in shipping container homes but can also divide the space into different rooms. 

The trick is finding the right door to fit your space and budget. There are many options available at your local hardware store. So if you’re looking for something specific, it’s worth shopping around before committing!

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2. Importance of Walls in Interior Design of Container Homes

Walls are an essential part of the interior design of a container home and need to be carefully considered. When you have a container home, the wall space is limited. The good news is that you can still create an interior that looks beautiful and uses the space well.

Some tips for decorating your container home walls include:

  • Mounting floating or folding desks
  • Having a wall-mounted television
  • Wall-mounted fans
  • Wall portraits
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3. Impact of Mirrors in Improving the Interior Design for a Container Home

These are one of the easiest ways to give your small space a bigger feel. Mirrors are also good at reflecting light, making them great when you want to bring more natural light into your container home.

You can use mirrors to reflect the outside and create an illusion that there is more space behind it.

Another way to use mirrors is by placing them along the ceiling or above your bed to reflect both sides of the room.

4. Pocket Doors Design for Shipping Container Home

A home with a pocket design door to save on space
Courtesy: Inhabitt

Pocket doors are a perfect way to make use of small spaces. They can be used to divide rooms, hide storage, create an open space, or even add some privacy if you want it. 

They’re also a good option if you’re looking for more intimacy in your home, the pocket at the bottom gives you an excuse to whisper sweet nothings into their ears.

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5. Wooden Floors Interior Design

A shipping container home fitted with wooden floor as an interior design option
Courtesy: Pinterest

Flooring is easy to add a pop of color or texture to your container home. Wooden floors are among the most popular choice of interior design for container homes. This is because they’re durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can be refinished and sanded down over time. 

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In addition, wood floors can be stained, varnished, or waxed to create a glossy finish that suits any style, from rustic to modern.

Wooden floors can also be cut down into smaller pieces if you want something different from a standard-sized wooden floor plank.

This gives you more flexibility when it comes time to lay out your living space.

6. High Ceilings Design in Container Homes

Shipping container home with a high ceiling
Courtesy: lovePROPERTIES

High ceilings are an excellent way to make a small space feel larger. They can also create a dramatic effect, which will make your home seem more spacious. 

High ceilings are suitable for soundproofing and insulation, but they require more care regarding ventilation and lighting placement. 

A shipping container offers high ceilings on its own, so there’s no need to worry about adding load-bearing walls or other structural changes in order to achieve them.

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7. Wide Windows as an Interior Design for Container Home

Windows are one of the best ways to bring natural light into your space, but they can also be used to create a larger-feeling space. 

They’re perfect for giving you views of the world outside your home and can act as a focal point in any design you choose.

You’ll want to make sure that the windows you choose are large enough for this purpose! 

For example, if you have a small apartment but want it to feel big and open, large windows will help make it feel that way.

8. Spacious Living Room

This is a very important space in the container home. It needs to be open, comfortable, and inviting. This opens up any options for entertaining, relaxing, or even sleeping.

You need to ensure that there is enough storage space available in this room because containers don’t come with much storage space. 

Make sure all your items are neatly organized into their compartmentalized shelves so they don’t get lost easily, which would mean having wasted money buying those items in the first place or even sleeping.

9. Indoor Plants

indoor plants in a shipping container home
Some indoor plants that can be used in a shipping container home

Indoor plants are a perfect way to add some color and life to your container home. When used for interior design for a container home, indoor plants can help with the humidity, air quality, temperature, and noise in your home. 

You might think of plants as being “nature,” but they are helping you create an indoor environment that is more like nature than not.

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10. Spiral Staircases Interior Design for Container Home

Two storey shipping container home with spiral staircase by Manuel DJAMDJIAN
Two storey shipping container home with spiral staircase by Manuel DJAMDJIAN

You can use a spiral staircase interior design to add interest and focus to your container home interior. The vital thing to remember when using this type of stair is that it needs to be stable, as it will carry heavier loads than normal stairs.

If you want to add more height and space in a small room, consider building an open-truss stairway with a central landing or balcony. This will make the room feel bigger without sacrificing any floor area.

11. Wide Kitchen Space

Your kitchen should be wide enough to accommodate all the appliances and furniture. Placing the appliances too close will make it difficult for you to move around in your kitchen space. 

The kitchen must also be well-lit so that you can easily see what you’re doing while cooking, cleaning, and preparing food for your family and friends. 

Additionally, a well-lit kitchen will help prevent accidents from happening during cooking or cleaning activities in the kitchen area.

12. Convertible Couches

Convertible couches are perfect for small spaces. They can be used as a couch, a bed, or in some cases, a guest bed.

They are durable and easy to clean. These convertible couches are easily portable, so you can take them with you if you need to move to another place.

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13. In-built Furniture Design

To maximize the space of your container home, it is essential to consider how to utilize every inch of the container. One way to do this is through in-built furniture.

In-built furniture is any furniture that has been built into a wall of your home. This can take many forms but generally involves using spaces that are usually awkward and unused.

14. Wood-Colored Shipping Container Home Walls

Wood-colored walls are a great way to add warmth to a room and create an organic look for your container home. 

You can paint these walls any color you choose, and it’s up to you! But if you want to enhance the natural beauty of your home, then consider painting them with brown tones or even white if this sounds like something that would appeal to your style, then go for it! 

Painting over existing walls will help keep things simple. You could also paint over existing staircases and terraces in your container house, making them look stunning! 

If this applies to any other areas, such as doors or ceilings, then feel free to do so! The best part about doing so is that since these items were originally created out of steel containers, they’re strong enough not to break under normal wear-and-tear conditions.

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15. Less is More in Interior Design

When it comes to the interior design for a container home “Less is more” is a phrase used to describe the minimalist aesthetic.

The idea is that less is more when designing and decorating your shipping container home. You don’t want it looking like a cluttered mess, after all!

When you are trying to figure out what kind of style you’d like for your container house, think about how much space you want for living, cooking, and sleeping areas as opposed to storage space for things that aren’t used on a regular basis (like winter clothes).

If there’s no room in the budget for new furniture or appliances, try finding thrift stores around the town where people donate their unwanted items. It’ll be cheaper than buying new stuff from retail stores anyway.

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16. Ceiling Windows

Ceiling windows are a great way to bring natural light into a room without adding floor windows. They’re often much cheaper than floor windows and don’t take up any additional space either (since you don’t need room for a door).

If you’re looking to add some natural lighting in an otherwise unlit room, such as your kitchen or bathroom, ceiling windows can be an excellent option. 

They can also be useful if you want to bring more sunlight into your home but don’t have enough space on the floor for window openings.

17. Double-Sided Shelf

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your container home is by adding a double-sided shelf. This can display some of your favorite items, such as books, magazines, and paintings. It can also be used for storing mementos or photos that bring back memories from your travels.

You can use this shelf to display various pieces of artwork in any room in your container home. For example, if you’re looking for something to hang on the wall in your bedroom but don’t want anything too loud or distracting, try hanging one or two unassuming framed prints instead.

18. Double-Sided Fireplace

Double-sided fireplaces are a great way to heat your home and add style. They can be used in the living room and bedroom, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. A double-sided fireplace is also a great focal point for any room it’s placed in.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use it to heat up the whole house or just one room. If you live alone but have pets who require their own space when they get cold, this is especially important because pet owners tend to keep their pets indoors more often than not!

19. Add Some Color in the Interior Design of Your Container Home!

Adding color to your space is a great way to personalize it and make it feel like home. Your color palette should reflect your personality but also fit in with the rest of the house so that it doesn’t look like an eyesore or clash with other design elements.

One secret to ace it with colors is to choose colors from the same family (reds, pinks, and oranges) or complementary colors (purple/yellow).

You can also use color as a focal point by using one bold piece of furniture or painting an accent wall. This will help keep things cohesive without being too dull.

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20. Creative Lighting

Here’s a fun fact. When you’re inside a shipping container, and it’s dark outside, the temperature inside can drop as much as 20 degrees. To combat this, use dimmable LED lights. They’re efficient and last longer than traditional light bulbs.

Turn off any unused lights in your home to save money on electricity. This will also help extend the life of your bulbs, so they don’t burn out too soon!

If you have multiple rooms with similar settings, consider installing wall switches that allow you to easily switch between each location rather than having to turn on/off individual lights.

Another great way to save energy is using dimmable table lamps instead of overhead lighting. These give off a softer glow, making it easier on eyesight when reading or working long hours at night without straining yourself too much from bright lights shining directly into your face all day.

Ventilation and Air Circulation in Container Homes

Proper ventilation is essential for creating a healthy and comfortable living space within a shipping container home. Due to the compact nature of container living, it is crucial to have efficient systems in place to ensure fresh air circulation.

In this section, we will explore the importance of ventilation, various types of suitable systems, and how to enhance air circulation within a container home environment.

Importance of Proper Ventilation within Container Homes

Without adequate ventilation, container homes can quickly become stale and stuffy. Proper airflow helps remove excess moisture, odors, and pollutants, creating a more pleasant living environment.

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Additionally, good ventilation can prevent the buildup of harmful mold and improve the overall indoor air quality.

Types of Ventilation Systems Suitable for Container Living

  • Natural Ventilation: Utilizing windows, vents, and skylights strategically placed throughout the container can allow for the intake of fresh air and the expulsion of stale air naturally. This method is energy-efficient and can be enhanced with the use of proper window positioning and cross-ventilation.
  • Mechanical Ventilation: Installing exhaust fans and mechanical ventilation systems is another option for ensuring adequate air circulation within container homes. These systems can be controlled and adjusted to meet specific airflow requirements, especially in areas with limited access to natural ventilation.
  • Ventilation Strategies for Different Spaces: Depending on the specific requirements of each area within the container home, different ventilation strategies can be employed. For example, bathrooms and kitchens may require more powerful exhaust systems to remove excess moisture and cooking odors.

Enhancing Air Circulation in a Container Home Environment

In addition to ventilation systems, there are various ways to optimize air circulation within a container home:

  • Strategic Placement of Windows: Positioning windows to take advantage of prevailing winds and creating cross-ventilation can significantly improve the flow of fresh air throughout the space.
  • Utilizing Ventilation Louvers: Installing ventilation louvers or grilles in strategic locations can facilitate better airflow. These features not only enhance ventilation but also add a unique aesthetic element to the interior design.
  • Proper Insulation: Ensuring proper insulation throughout the container helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside. By preventing excessive heat gain or loss, insulation contributes to a more controlled airflow and improved energy efficiency.

By implementing effective ventilation and air circulation strategies, container homeowners can create an environment that promotes optimal comfort, health, and well-being.

Case Study: LOT-EK Container Home Project

The LOT-EK container home project is a prime example of the creative and innovative use of shipping containers in home construction.

This case study showcases the firm’s exceptional design prowess and their ability to transform ordinary shipping containers into exquisite living spaces.

A. Overview of the LOT-EK Container Home Project

The LOT-EK container home project began with a vision to create a modern and sustainable living space using repurposed shipping containers.

The firm carefully selected the location and assessed the specific requirements of their client to ensure the final design perfectly matched their needs and lifestyle.

B. Challenges and Solutions Faced During the Container Home Design Process

During the design process, the LOT-EK’s team encountered various challenges. One major hurdle was optimizing the limited space within the shipping containers without compromising functionality and comfort.

Through meticulous planning and innovative solutions, they utilized every inch efficiently, creating a harmonious and inviting interior.

Another challenge was ensuring proper insulation and energy efficiency. The LOT-EK team employed advanced insulation techniques and incorporated eco-friendly materials to maintain a comfortable living environment while reducing energy consumption.

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C. Successes and Unique Features of the Completed Container Home

The completion of the LOT-EK container home project resulted in an exceptional living space that seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The interiors boast unique features, such as:

  • Open concept layout that maximizes natural light and promotes a sense of spaciousness
  • Custom-built furniture and storage solutions to optimize space utilization
  • Innovative use of recycled materials, adding character and sustainability to the design
  • Smart home technology integration for enhanced convenience and energy efficiency

These distinctive elements showcase the design firm’s ability to transform shipping container homes into stylish and contemporary living spaces, while highlighting their commitment to sustainability.

D. Client Satisfaction and Feedback on the Container Home Interior design

The client’s satisfaction with the container home’s interior design surpassed all expectations. They were thrilled with the comfortable and functional living spaces created by the LOT-EK.

The fusion of modern design elements, smart technology, and the use of shipping containers surpassed their vision, resulting in a unique and environmentally-conscious home for their family.

The positive feedback and high praise received from the clients further validate the expertise and commitment to excellence of the LOT-EK construction team.

It showcases how their container home interior design transformed ordinary containers into a stunning and functional home.

The Future of Container Homes and Buildings

Shipping container homes have gained significant popularity in recent years, and their future looks promising.

As more people recognize the advantages of utilizing shipping containers for living spaces, the potential for container homes to become mainstream is being explored.

A. Exploring the potential for container homes to become mainstream

Container homes present a unique opportunity to address the growing housing needs around the world. With their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be transported easily, container homes have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about housing.

B. Innovative container home projects around the world

Across the globe, innovative container home projects are emerging, pushing boundaries and showcasing the endless possibilities of container architecture.

From towering apartment complexes made entirely of shipping containers to cozy single-family homes, these projects are inspiring a new wave of creativity in the industry.

C. Advancements in Container Home Design and Construction Technologies

Without a doubt, the field of container home design and construction is constantly evolving. Architects and engineers are continuously developing new technologies and techniques to enhance the structural integrity, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of container homes.

These advancements ensure that container homes remain a viable and attractive option for future homeowners.

D. The Role of Container Homes in Sustainable Architecture and Housing Solutions

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in architecture and housing, container homes are emerging as a solution that aligns with environmental goals.

The repurposing of shipping containers reduces waste and promotes recycling, while their compact design encourages energy efficiency.

Finally, container homes have the potential to play a significant role in achieving sustainable housing solutions for the future.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there’s much more to consider when designing a container home. How many people will be living in it? Will it be used for storage or as a workspace? How do you optimize space inside? These questions matter if you want to create functional areas that make sense for your family or business.

And so we hope these ideas have given you some inspiration on how they can be applied to your container home design!

Remember: there are no rules when it comes to creating your own dream home. Remember that whatever decision is right for your family should always take priority over any other considerations, even if those include being trendy.

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