What is the smallest size to install a home elevator?

Limited space? Find out how small a home elevator can really be! Explore compact lift types, size charts, and smart design ideas for space-efficient homes.

Why Does Lift Size Affect Home Elevator Installation?

When space is tight, every square meter matters. Many homeowners dream of adding a home elevator but worry it might demand too much room. The truth? You don’t need a mansion to enjoy the comfort and accessibility of your own lift.

Modern home elevator technology has redefined what “compact” really means. From sleek shaftless elevators that glide between floors to cabin lifts that take up no more than the space of a small closet, these innovations make it possible to install an elevator even in the smallest homes.

Beyond saving space, compact home elevators bring surprising advantages:

• Elegant, Modern Design: Built with a minimalist concept that emphasizes refined details, mini elevators add a sophisticated touch to your interior while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look. 

• Space-Saving Structure: With a compact shaft size starting from 960 × 1060 mm, these lifts can be installed in narrow spaces where conventional elevators cannot fit – ideal for small homes or renovations. 

• Built-In Safety Features: Despite their size, mini home elevators are equipped with full safety systems such as floor-edge sensors, safety bars, emergency stop buttons, and intercoms for safe daily use. 

• Perfect for Small Families (2–4 People): Designed for 2–4 users, these elevators offer the right capacity for everyday convenience without wasting space or energy on oversized systems. 

• Energy Efficiency: Using smaller motors and lighter components, mini home elevators consume 30-60% less electricity than standard models, reducing both energy costs and environmental impact. 

• Wide Range of Styles and Finishes: Homeowners can customize the lift’s color, material, lighting, and interior details to perfectly match their design preferences and home décor. 

• Easy Installation: Compact design allows for fast, simple installation even in homes with limited structural space – minimizing renovation work and disruption. 

• Affordable and Cost-Effective: With a smaller footprint and lower load capacity, mini home elevators are an economical choice that offers lasting value and enhances home comfort. 

In this guide, we’ll uncover the smallest home elevator sizes, explain the key factors that influence installation space, and share some recommended Cibes lift models that perfectly fit compact homes while enhancing both comfort and style.

What Factors Determine the Minimum Size of a Home Elevator?

Type of Elevator

Different elevator technologies come with different space requirements: 

• Hydraulic lifts: Require a separate machine room and a deeper pit, making them better suited for new builds. 

• Traction lifts: Machine-room-less systems that save space while maintaining smooth performance. 

• Screw-driven or platform lifts: Ideal for compact homes, such as Cibes, since they can be installed with minimal construction. 

Building Design and Available Space

Your home’s structure and available layout play a vital role in determining what kind of elevator can fit. 

• Installation Location: Depending on your floor plan, you can choose between an indoor lift integrated into your home’s design or an outdoor installation that attaches to an exterior wall. 

• Structural Considerations: The presence of load-bearing walls, joists, and floor openings affects where the shaft can be built. Homes with flexible floor structures have more placement options. 

• Pit and Shaft Feasibility: Some elevator types need a pit or shaft, while others – like screw-driven – can be installed directly on the floor. Understanding these needs early helps optimize both space and cost. 

User Needs and Accessibility

Every home elevator should be tailored to the lifestyle and needs of the people using it. 

• Accessibility: If someone in the household uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, you’ll need a cabin that meets safety standards, offering enough space for easy entry and exit. For wheelchair users, the recommended minimum cabin size is 1100 × 1400 mm, ensuring smooth access and safe movement. 

• Passenger Capacity: Think about how many people will regularly use the lift. A family of two to four might only need a compact cabin, while larger households or multigenerational homes could benefit from more space. 

• Usage Frequency: Daily use requires a lift designed for durability and comfort, while an elevator intended for occasional use can be smaller and more minimalistic. 

Designing around these needs ensures your elevator remains both practical and comfortable for long-term use. 

How to Choose the Ideal Size for a Mini Home Elevator?

Finding the perfect compact home elevator for your house requires more than just knowing the smallest available model – it’s also about selecting the right location to maximize comfort, safety, and efficiency. Here are some expert tips to help you make the best decision!

Choose the Best Location for Your Compact Home Elevator

Before considering other factors, homeowners should first decide where to install the elevator. By analyzing your home’s layout, living space, and even feng shui preferences, you can identify the most suitable spot. Below are three smart installation options that help optimize both space and functionality: 

• Install the Elevator in the Middle of the Staircase 

This is one of the most space-saving and convenient options. Installing a mini home elevator in the center of the staircase makes use of the unused void area, keeping your main living space intact and open. 

• Install the Elevator Next to the Staircase 

If your home has sufficient space, placing the elevator beside the staircase is an excellent choice. This layout allows natural light to flow through the stairwell, maintaining a bright and open design while providing easy access for daily use. 

• Install the Elevator Outdoors 

For houses with limited indoor space, outdoor installation is a great solution. Outdoor home elevators receive plenty of natural light and even offer panoramic views of your surroundings – an experience no indoor lift can match. 

Additionally, for homes with special layouts, small home elevators can also be installed in corners, at the center of the house, or opposite the staircase – depending on the structure and interior design preferences.

Choose a Platform Lift to Maximize Space Efficiency

A platform home lift is the most space-saving elevator solution for residential use, as it minimizes the area needed for the cabin and structural installation.

The difference between the shaft’s internal space and the lift platform area is remarkably small, allowing for a compact yet comfortable design that doesn’t feel cramped or enclosed.

Choose a Glass Mini Home Lift to Make Your Space Feel Larger

A great visual trick to make your home feel more open is installing a glass mini home lift. The transparent glass panels allow natural light to flow through the cabin, giving you a bright and airy atmosphere. 

While moving between floors, users can also enjoy an open view of their surroundings, making the ride more enjoyable and less confined. 

In addition, the sleek glass design adds a sense of lightness and elegance to your home interior – helping your living space feel more spacious and modern. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Mini Home Lift in Cambodia?

• Is the lift certified and from a trusted origin? 

Always verify the brand and quality certificates. Whether imported or joint-venture, genuine lifts come with proper documentation to ensure safety and reliability. 

• Does it fit your home’s space and design? 

For homes with limited space or no machine room, choose a machine-room-less lift. A glass shaft design also helps make your home feel brighter and more spacious. 

• What size and capacity should you choose? 

Mini lifts come in different sizes and capacities. Consider your family’s needs and available space.  

• Are you choosing a reliable brand? 

A home lift is a long-term investment, so prioritize quality, safety features, and strong after-sales support. Trusted brands ensure smooth and secure operation for years to come. 

Mini Home Lift Price in Cambodia

If you’re planning to install a mini home lift, the initial cost typically ranges from 20,000 USD to 35,000 USD for locally assembled models, and from 40,000 USD and above for fully imported lifts. 

The price difference comes mainly from the higher cost of imported materials, production, testing, and certification, as well as shipping fees and import taxes such as VAT and customs duties. Locally assembled lifts can be more affordable because some components are manufactured or sourced domestically, helping reduce logistics and labor costs. 

While imported lifts are more expensive, they remain the top choice for homeowners who value durability, safety, and European quality standards – offering smooth performance and long-term reliability. 

In reality, the final price of a mini home lift can vary depending on several factors: 

• Origin and Manufacturer: Prices differ not only between local and imported lifts, but also among brands. 

• Lift Type: Machine-room-less lifts with integrated systems save space and energy, but they generally come at a higher price compared to traditional lifts with machine rooms. 

• Load Capacity: Mini home lifts usually range between 300-400 kg, depending on the brand. A larger capacity means a bigger cabin size and higher cost. 

• Installation Location: Installing a lift outdoors requires extra work and weather protection, which increases both installation and maintenance costs compared to indoor setups. 

• Lift Dimensions: The larger the lift, the higher the price, since it affects material usage, shaft size, and energy consumption. 

• Interior Design & Custom Features: The price also depends on customization options, such as wall color, flooring materials, glass panels, or premium finishes. Homeowners choosing luxury materials or design upgrades should expect additional costs. 

Trusted Mini Home Lift Supplier in Cambodia

As the demand for mini home lifts continues to grow, more and more companies are entering the market. Among them, Cibes stands out as one of the most trusted and highly rated European home lift brands, known for its premium quality, safety, and elegant design.

When you choose a Cibes home lift, you can expect: 

• Superior Quality, Safety & Design 

Every Cibes home lift is manufactured in our official factories in Sweden and China, ensuring world-class quality at every stage. Each unit is 100% imported and fully certified under European standards EN 81-41 and EN 81-20, guaranteeing top-tier safety and performance. 

Before leaving the factory, every lift undergoes strict quality control and durability testing, ensuring long-term reliability and smooth operation. 
At Cibes, safety is always the top priority – with multiple built-in protection systems designed to keep every ride secure, stable, and comfortable. 

The lift’s design complements any architectural style, bringing a modern, elegant, and timeless look to your home. 

• Comprehensive Warranty & After-Sales Support 

Cibes Cambodia offers official global warranty coverage and professional maintenance service, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind. 

• Professional Consultation & Local Expertise 

Cibes Cambodia’s expert consultants are professionally trained to provide personalized recommendations that best match your home design, needs, and budget. 

Small Home Elevator Size Guide and Technical Details

Mini Home Elevator Dimensions and Specifications

A mini home elevator typically has a load capacity of around 400 kg, suitable for 2–4 passengers, making it a perfect choice for small families or houses with limited space. Below are the technical specifications and size options for the smallest home elevator models:

Mini Home Elevator Dimension Drawings

Below are some reference dimension drawings of the Cibes space-saving home elevator, designed to fit perfectly in compact residential spaces.

Explore Real Mini Home Lift Installations by Cibes Cambodia

Wondering how a compact home lift fits into different living spaces? Take a closer look at real home installations across Cambodia, where Cibes lifts have been seamlessly integrated into homes of various styles – from sleek urban townhouses to luxurious family villas.

Whether you’re renovating an existing home or building a new one, our space-efficient lift models can be installed without a pit or machine room, requiring minimal structural modification. Experience how Cibes mini lifts elevate comfort, accessibility, and Scandinavian elegance in Cambodian homes.

Cibes Uno & Classic Series

Cibes V80 & V90 Series

Antera Lifts Series

FAQs About Home Elevators in Cambodia

———————————–  

   www.cibescambodia.com  

Hotline: 011 837183  

Showroom: Near Chipmong Mega Mall, House 261, Commercial Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia