Choosing to live or work in a yurt is a decision that reflects mindfulness and simplicity. Modern yurts are designed to maximize both durability and interior flexibility.
Living in a yurt is a perfect way to decide what really matters, and the small size and round shape of the structure challenges individuals to make the most of their limited space.
If you’re looking for practical yurt interior ideas that maximize every square foot without sacrificing comfort, the tips below will help you design a highly functional and beautiful layout.
Using a Loft to Maximize Vertical Space
Lofting a room in your yurt allows for tons of extra space and a unique look. A yurt with loft instantly creates a second level within the same footprint, giving you more usable square footage without expanding the structure.
For instance, elevating your sleeping area allows you extra privacy and creates a “room” in an otherwise open-concept home. Other options include:
- Setting up an office space
- Extra storage area
- Entertainment room
When considering a lofted space, keep accessibility in mind. You’ll need to use a ladder to access whatever space you create in your loft, so creating a space that doesn’t need to be accessed each day may be best if the ladder will pose any mobility challenges.
Staircase Solution with Built-In Storage
If you decide to include stairs in your yurt that go up to your lofted bedroom or office, you can utilize the space underneath in several ways.
Use the space under a normal staircase for:
- Closets
- Shelving
- A bathroom
Want to opt for something practical, aesthetically pleasing, and unique, but that doesn’t take up a lot of room? Spiral staircases look beautiful and have a relatively small horizontal footprint.
Designing a Bathroom in a Yurt
One common solution for including a bathroom in your yurt setup is to establish an outhouse closeby — but not everyone wants to leave the yurt each time they need to use the restroom.
Although yurts are a bit smaller than your average house and even most apartments, you can still include comfortable, modern amenities, such as bathrooms, without taking up too much space. Instead of placing plumbing randomly, position the bathroom along the same wall as the kitchen so they can share the water source.
To keep your bathroom compact yet comfortable:
- Look for smaller-sized toilets, showers, and sinks
- Opt for a free-standing tub with a wrap-around curtain for a minimalist, vintage look
- Install floating shelves for bathroom storage to save space around the sink and toilet
> Read More! Yurts as Tiny Homes
Floor-to-Ceiling Storage Solutions
To increase space and add a pleasing design element to your yurt, consider adding floor-to-ceiling shelving along the yurt walls or as wall partitions between “rooms.”
These shelves will be able to store everything from books, records, and knick-knacks to glassware and pots and pans. Their space-saving capabilities are matched by their appealing aesthetic, drawing your eye upward to give the illusion of more space while showing off the items that reflect your personality.
This is one of the most effective yurt interior design ideas because it adds function and architectural interest at the same time.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Using convertible, expandable, or portable furniture in your yurt will allow you to save space and get the most out of each piece you choose to include in your tiny home.
Some of the most practical options include:
- Drop-leaf tables
- Coffee tables or bar carts with built-in shelving
- Folding or stackable chairs and futons
- Murphy beds
- Lifted beds with underneath storage
Hanging Ideas for Kitchen & Living Ideas
Think about what you can hang from the wall or ceiling to increase your space.
| Instead of This | Try This | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Using surface space for decor | Install hanging planters | Frees up tables and shelves while adding visual height |
| Storing cookware in lower cabinets | Add a ceiling-mounted pot rack | Keeps essentials within reach and reduces cabinet clutter |
| Keeping a full dining table at all times | Use a fold-down or wall-mounted table | Creates flexible floor space when you’re not eating or working |
Additional Small Storage Ideas
Other ideas are:
- Install a coat rack by your entrance to hang clothing or bags that would otherwise get stuffed in a closet
- Install a bulletin board for documents and mail
- Hang floating shelves around your yurt to display knick-knacks, frames, and plants
Partitions or Room Dividers for Multi-Rooms Yurt
Instead of trying to build walls within your yurt, think outside the box (or circle, if you will).
Great divider options:
- Large bookshelves
- Decorative dressing divider screens
- Colorful curtains as wall partitions to divide rooms.
With portable solutions such as divider screens and curtains, you’ll be able to change around the layout and suit the space for different occasions easily.
> Read More! Unique Uses for Yurts
Expand the Outdoor Space
Since the space inside of your yurt is quite limited, think about what you can do with the outside area surrounding your yurt.
If you don’t mind making trips between your yurt and outside, setting up an exterior bathroom and shower facility is a great way to increase your yurt’s livable space. You can also create outdoor dining areas and kitchen solutions, as well as extra seating for entertaining guests (depending on your location’s climate).
Design a Yurt Interior That Fits Your Needs
Steel-framed yurts from WeatherPort®, a brand from Alaska Structures, combine the traditional aspects of classic yurts with modern engineering and manufacturing methods, ensuring that your yurt can withstand extreme weather and last for decades.
Our yurts are also completely customizable, which means our experts work with you every step of the way to design the perfect yurt for your specific needs.
WeatherPort® is a brand of high-quality fabric buildings from Alaska Structures®. If you are interested in learning more about our fabric buildings and remote camp systems please contact us by calling +1-907-344-1565 or completing our online form to request a consultation.
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