Cottage vs. Bungalow: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Cottage is a small, cozy house, often in rural or semi-rural locations. Bungalow is a single-story house, often with a wide porch, regardless of location.
Key Differences
A Cottage typically represents a small, charming, and often rustic home, usually found in rural or semi-rural settings. A Bungalow, on the other hand, is defined by its single-story construction, often featuring a wide front porch and is not restricted to rural settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Historically, Cottages were modest, old-fashioned dwellings in rural areas. Bungalows originated in South Asia (the Bengali region) and were adapted in the West as a practical, low-cost residential architecture style.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Structurally, Cottages often have thick walls, small windows, and a cozy interior. Bungalows are known for their spacious layouts, large windows, and often an integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Dec 08, 2023
In terms of size, Cottages are typically smaller and may have multiple stories. Bungalows are characterized by their single-story layout, making them accessible and appealing for a wide range of homeowners.
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Dec 08, 2023
Cottages have a romantic, quaint appeal and are popular in literature and vacation settings. Bungalows became widely popular in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, and vary in style from the Craftsman to the California bungalow.
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Dec 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Architectural Features
Thick walls, small windows, cozy interior
Spacious, large windows, indoor-outdoor flow
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Dec 08, 2023
Historical Context
Old-fashioned, rural dwellings
Originated in South Asia, practical style
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Dec 08, 2023
Popular Use
Vacation homes, romantic appeal
Residential homes, wide accessibility
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Dec 08, 2023
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Cottage and Bungalow Definitions
Cottage
Cozy Vacation Home
The beach cottage offered a stunning view of the ocean.
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Nov 24, 2023
Bungalow
Single-Story Residence
They bought a bungalow to avoid climbing stairs.
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Nov 24, 2023
Cottage
Historical, Quaint Dwelling
The 18th-century cottage retained its original charm.
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Nov 24, 2023
Bungalow
Craftsman Style Home
The neighborhood was known for its Craftsman bungalows.
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Nov 24, 2023
Cottage
Small, Simple Residence
She lived in a small cottage surrounded by gardens.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Bungalow
House with a Front Porch
Their bungalow had a wide porch overlooking the garden.
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Nov 24, 2023
Cottage
Rustic, Thatched Roof House
The thatched cottage in the village was a tourist attraction.
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Nov 24, 2023
Bungalow
Low-Cost, Practical Architecture
Bungalows became popular due to their practical design.
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Nov 24, 2023
Bungalow
Accessible Residential House
The bungalow's layout was perfect for the elderly couple.
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Nov 24, 2023
Bungalow
A small, usually one-story house, often having a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and a veranda.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide veranda.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cottage
A seasonal home of any size or stature, a recreational home or a home in a remote location.
Most cottages in the area were larger and more elaborate than my home.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bungalow
A single-storey house, typically with rooms all on one level, or sometimes also with upper rooms set into the roof space.
My aunt can't manage the stairs any more, so she's moving to a bungalow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide veranda; a similar house in this style.
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Oct 19, 2023
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled house or cottage, of a single story, usually surrounded by a veranda.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cottage
To have homosexual sex in a public lavatory; to practice cottaging.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cottage
Small Rural House
They rented a cottage in the countryside for the weekend.
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Nov 24, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are cottages always small?
Typically, yes, they are smaller than average houses.
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Dec 08, 2023
Do bungalows have multiple floors?
No, they are characterized by being single-story.
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Dec 08, 2023
Is a cottage only found in rural areas?
Mostly, but they can be in semi-rural or even suburban areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
What defines a cottage?
A small, often cozy house, usually in a rural setting.
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Dec 08, 2023
Can bungalows be found in urban areas?
Yes, they are common in both urban and rural settings.
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Dec 08, 2023
What makes a bungalow distinctive?
Its single-level design and often a wide front porch.
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Dec 08, 2023
Do cottages have a specific architectural style?
They vary but often feature rustic or traditional designs.
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Dec 08, 2023
Is a porch a necessary feature of a bungalow?
While common, it's not necessary for a house to be a bungalow.
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Dec 08, 2023
Are cottages energy efficient?
This varies, but many have been updated for efficiency.
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Dec 08, 2023
Are cottages used for permanent living?
They can be, but are often vacation or secondary homes.
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Dec 08, 2023
Are bungalows expensive to maintain?
This varies, but their single-story design can be practical.
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Dec 08, 2023
Are bungalows suitable for families?
Yes, they can be spacious and family-friendly.
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Dec 08, 2023
What is the typical size of a cottage?
They are generally small, cozy homes.
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Dec 08, 2023
What’s the appeal of living in a bungalow?
Accessibility, practicality, and often charming design.
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Dec 08, 2023
Can cottages be modernized?
Yes, many have been renovated with modern amenities.
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Dec 08, 2023
Where did the bungalow style originate?
It originated in South Asia, specifically the Bengal region.
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Dec 08, 2023
Do bungalows have a uniform design worldwide?
No, designs vary based on cultural and regional influences.
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Dec 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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