What Defines a Bungalow? Characteristics and History Explained

A bungalow is typically a single-story, compact house known for its simple, efficient layout and distinctive architectural features. Originally developed as affordable, practical housing, bungalows remain popular for their accessibility, low maintenance, and adaptable design.

Key characteristics

• Single level (often one to one-and-a-half stories; some have a half- or lofted second floor)
• Low-pitched, sloping roof often with dormer windows
• Covered front porch or veranda that extends living space
• Open, efficient floor plan with living areas connected rather than compartmentalized
• Emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted details (commonly associated with the Craftsman style)
• Compact footprint that suits smaller lots and urban-adjacent neighborhoods
• Designed for easy single-level living—appealing to families and older adults

Benefits

• Accessible single-floor living—easier mobility and fewer stairs
• Lower heating and cooling complexity for a single level
• Easier to modify or add on horizontally than to reconfigure multi-story homes
• Often perceived as cozy and intimate, with strong curb appeal in many neighborhoods
• Can retain strong resale value in desirable locations

Drawbacks

• Uses more land for the same square footage compared with multi-story homes
• Can have a higher cost per square foot and require more roofing material
• Interior rooms may be smaller or fewer, since living space spreads laterally
• Being low to the ground can increase visibility of windows and potential security risks
• Limited vertical expansion without significant remodeling

Common bungalow styles

• California bungalow: One to one-and-a-half stories, large porch, sloping roof, often with Spanish or Craftsman details; popular in the U.S. from ~1908–1940 and influential abroad.
• Chicago bungalow: Brick construction, narrow lot orientation, developed in Chicago in the early 20th century.
• Chalet bungalow: Incorporates a loft or second-story space under a steep roofline, blending bungalow layout with chalet-like roofing.

Origins and evolution

The bungalow traces its name and early form to the Bengal region of South Asia. British visitors in the 18th century adopted the term from Hindi to describe single-story cottages. By the 20th century the bungalow concept spread internationally and took on region-specific forms. In some countries (Canada, the U.K.) “bungalow” generally means a one-story house; in India the term evolved to mean a single-family dwelling of varying sizes. The California bungalow became particularly influential and helped popularize the style worldwide.

Where bungalows are common and why prices vary

Bungalows are found across the United States but are strongly associated with regions like California where certain styles flourished. Higher prices per square foot often reflect lot scarcity, desirable neighborhoods, historic character, or strong local demand rather than the house type itself.

Conclusion

Bungalows offer practical, single-level living with distinctive architectural traits—porches, low-pitched roofs, and open plans—that suit accessibility and modest maintenance needs. When choosing a bungalow, weigh advantages like ease of living and curb appeal against trade-offs such as land use, potential higher per‑square‑foot cost, and limited vertical expansion.