Townhome Interior Guide: Designing Narrow, Deep Homes to Live Well

Most townhomes are narrow and deep, leaving the middle dark and stuffy. The fix is an open, connected layout, pulling light in via a skylight or a central court, positioning the stair so it does not block light, and using light tones to make the home feel wider and airier.

Fixing light and air in a narrow home

The main weakness of a townhome is that light and air reach only the front and back, so the middle needs special design to draw in light and ventilate.

• Open a central void or skylight to bring light to lower floors
• Add a court or small garden mid-house for ventilation
• Reduce solid mid-house walls, using glass or open screens instead
• Choose an open stair, such as wood treads with a glass rail, to let light through

Use vertical space and hidden storage

With limited floor area, using height and hidden storage lets the home hold more without cramping the walkways.

• Under-stair built-ins for storage or a small powder room
• Full-height cabinets for vertical storage
• Light, slim furniture to keep walkways clear
• Multi-use furniture suited to narrow space

Control tone and sightlines to feel wider

Continuous light tones, one flooring per floor, and an open sightline from front to back make a townhome feel wider than it is. Avoid bulky furniture that blocks the walkway.