Cottage vs. Bungalow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 8, 2023
A cottage is a small, often quaint house typically found in rural or semi-rural settings. A bungalow is usually a single-story, detached home often found in suburban or urban areas.
Difference Between Cottage and Bungalow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cottage is a term traditionally used to describe a small, charming house, often found in the countryside. These homes can be one or two stories but generally prioritize a cozy, rustic aesthetic. A bungalow, on the other hand, refers to a single-story, detached house that often features a wide veranda and may exist in both urban and suburban environments.
Cottages are often characterized by their quaintness and connection to nature. They may have features like thatched roofs, exposed beams, and small, irregularly shaped rooms. Bungalows typically present a more modern and straightforward design, featuring clean lines, large windows, and often a front porch that stretches across the width of the house.
The term "cottage" is more commonly used in British English, although it is understood in American English as well. "Bungalow" is a term that originated from India and became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, especially in the architectural Arts and Crafts movement. The terms thus carry different cultural and historical connotations.
Both cottages and bungalows can serve as primary residences, vacation homes, or rental properties. Cottages are generally more associated with vacation getaways, often situated near lakes, forests, or mountains. Bungalows, however, are more commonly found in residential neighborhoods and are built to serve as full-time homes.
Comparison Chart
Stories
One or Two
Usually One
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Location
Rural/Semi-Rural
Suburban/Urban
Architecture
Quaint, rustic
Modern, straightforward
Origin
British
Indian
Typical Features
Thatched roofs, small rooms
Wide veranda, large windows
Compare with Definitions
Cottage
A small, rural house often with a quaint design.
We spent the weekend at a cozy cottage in the woods.
Bungalow
A single-story, detached house often with a wide front porch.
We bought a charming bungalow in the suburbs.
Cottage
A holiday home located near a lake or mountain.
The lakeside cottage offers stunning views.
Bungalow
A house with living spaces and bedrooms all on one level.
The bungalow was perfect for people who dislike stairs.
Cottage
A small guest house on a larger property.
The estate included a main house and a cottage.
Bungalow
A modern, often customizable home with an open floor plan.
Their bungalow was modern and spacious inside.
Cottage
A modest, often temporary, dwelling.
They lived in a cottage while their new home was being built.
Bungalow
An architectural style featuring horizontal lines and natural materials.
The bungalow had Arts and Crafts design elements.
Cottage
A dwelling that emphasizes rustic or old-world charm.
The cottage was built with traditional stone walls.
Bungalow
A small, simplified house suitable for a small family.
The bungalow was perfect for the young couple.
Cottage
A cottage is typically a small house. It may carry the connotation of being an old or old-fashioned building.
Bungalow
A bungalow is a small house or cottage that is either single-storey or has a second storey built into a sloping roof (usually with dormer windows), and may be surrounded by wide verandas.The first house in England that was classified as a bungalow was built in 1869. In America it was initially used as a vacation architecture, and was most popular between 1900 and 1918, especially with the Arts and Crafts movement.
Cottage
A small house, typically one in the country
A holiday cottage
Bungalow
A low house having only one storey or, in some cases, upper rooms set in the roof, typically with dormer windows.
Cottage
A small, single-storied house, especially in the country.
Bungalow
A small, usually one-story house, often having a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and a veranda.
Cottage
A usually small vacation house.
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide veranda.
Cottage
A small house.
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.
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.
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide veranda; a similar house in this style.
Cottage
A public lavatory.
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled house or cottage, of a single story, usually surrounded by a veranda.
Cottage
To stay at a seasonal home, to go cottaging.
Bungalow
A small house with a single story
Cottage
A small house; a cot; a hut.
Cottage
A small house with a single story
Common Curiosities
What is a cottage?
A small, often quaint house usually found in rural areas.
What is a bungalow?
A single-story, detached house often with a wide front porch.
How many stories do bungalows usually have?
One.
Where are cottages typically found?
Rural or semi-rural settings.
What architectural style is common for bungalows?
Modern, straightforward.
Where are bungalows typically found?
Suburban or urban areas.
How many stories do cottages usually have?
One or two.
What architectural style is common for cottages?
Rustic, quaint.
Do bungalows often have verandas?
Yes, often a wide one across the front.
Are cottages and bungalows expensive to build or buy?
It varies widely depending on location, size, and amenities.
Can a bungalow be a full-time home?
Yes, they are commonly used as primary residences.
What is the origin of the term "cottage"?
British.
Do cottages often have thatched roofs?
Yes, especially traditional ones.
What is the origin of the term "bungalow"?
Indian.
Can a cottage be a vacation home?
Yes, often near lakes, forests, or mountains.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
