A house is a place for human habitation, which is unique in its own way. Every house is constructed differently according to the needs of its residents and their preference. It can be built by the people who are going to live in it or by a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Cabins are rustic structures made of wood, while cottages are small, cosy houses made of various materials.
- Cabins are associated with wilderness or remote settings, whereas cottages can be found in urban, suburban, or rural areas.
- Cabins have minimal amenities, while cottages may offer more modern conveniences.
Cabin vs Cottage
The difference between a Cabin and a Cottage is that a cabin is a small room made from wood by a person who wants to live in it. Whereas a cottage is a small house made from various things by a professional and is used for personal as well as commercial purposes.
A Cabin comprises a small room which can accommodate one or two people. It is mostly constructed by the people who want to live in it. It is also made only from wood or wooden logs.
They have a less finished look and are architecturally simple. They also have a rustic look.
A Cottage comprises a small house that can accommodate many people. It is mostly constructed by a professional based on the needs of the owner. It is made from various materials.
They are architecturally simple or complex but have a finished look. They are used for personal and commercial purposes.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cabin | Cottage |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | It is a small room that is built by a person who wants to live in it. | It is a small house which is built by a professional that is used for commercial purposes or as a seasonal home. |
| Origin | They originated during Roman times. | They originated during the middle age. |
| Materials | They are always made from wood and logs. | They are made from different materials, including sod, stones, mud, wood, and bricks. |
| Look | They have a more rustic charm. | They have a sophisticated and finished look. |
| Location | They are found in remorse areas or forests. | They are found in the countryside. |
| Facilities | They do not have many modern facilities. | They have many modern facilities like running water and electricity. |
What is Cabin?
A cabin refers to a small room mostly constructed by the individual who is going to reside in it. It is a very simple structure. They are built with the help of wood and wooden logs.
It has more of a rustic look. Some of the most commonly used trees are Cyprus, Yellow and White Pine, Hemlock, Oak, etc. They originated back in Roman times.
The cabin can be round, square, or rectangular. Round cabins are easy to construct but need more fillings. If there is not enough filling, cold air or rain enters the cabins.
Square or Rectangular cabins need more time as the logs need to be shaped. However, once the shaping is done, it takes less time to assemble them. It also requires less filling. Which means there will be more warmth in the cabin in cold weather.
Nowadays, because of metal flashing, all cabins can be equally warm. Due to this, the shape of the cabin is just a matter of personal choice.
They are mostly located in forests or wooded areas. They are useful for hunters or travellers who do not spend much time in their cabins. Therefore, it does not have many facilities.
What is Cottage?
A cottage refers to a small house mostly constructed by a professional on the basis of the needs of the owner. The house may be used as a vacation home or for commercial purposes.
It is made from various materials and wood, like mud, stones, sod, bricks, etc. The term is derived from the Old English word ‘Cot,’ meaning hut. There are other words from different languages, like ‘kot and ‘kotten’, that means hut as well.
They originated during the middle ages and were home to many agricultural families. They all mostly have a ground floor and an upper level. The size of the cottage differs according to many factors.
However, all of these are well-furnished. They also have painted walls for a finished look. They also have many modern facilities like running water and electricity. Most of them have bright colours and antique objects. They are very cosy and warm.
They are mostly located near lakes, rivers, or the countryside. They are not meant for permanent residence but are perfect for a holiday home.
They are found in various cultures with different names. Nowadays, there are cottage resorts that have the comfort and location of a cottage but also have hotel-like services.
Main Differences Between Cabin and Cottage
- A cabin is a small room which is built by a person who wants to live in it. A cottage is a small house that is built by a professional that is used for commercial purposes or as a seasonal home.
- Cabins originated during Roman times. Cottages originated during the middle age.
- Cabins are always made from wood and logs. Cottages are made from different materials, including sod, stones, mud, wood, and bricks.
- Cabins have a more rustic charm. Cottages have a sophisticated and finished look.
- Cabins are found in remorse areas or forests. Cottages are found in the countryside.
- Cabins do not have many modern facilities. Cottages have many modern facilities like running water and electricity.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-8676.2008.00029.x
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.21832/9781873150825-005/html
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
I very much enjoyed the detailed information about the cabins and cottages. It clarified all the different aspects that distinguish the two.
This was a very insightful comparison between cabins and cottages. It made clear the differences. It’s interesting how the material and the look of each structure can differ, even more so knowing that a professional builds cottages and not the recipients of it.
It’s enticing to examine the history and origins. It makes you realise how certain aspects of these architectures are related to the patterns of the past.
I appreciate the historical context given. It enriches the understanding of both the cabins and cottages and their purpose.
The information provided was very comprehensive. I particularly appreciated the comparison table.
It was an especially helpful article. I liked learning about the industrial differences of cabins and cottages and how it affects their practicality.
This text provided all the necessary details to significantly tell apart cabins from cottages. It’s educational and clear.
The proper explanation of the differences between a cabin and a cottage is very helpful. Understanding the origin of each structure adds an extra layer to this informative text.
The author skillfully explained the differences between cabins and cottages. It’s quite helpful in understanding the characteristics of each type of construction.
I found the discourse on the different materials which can be used for the construction of a cottage to be particularly enlightening.