Where do you expect to end your day after a hard day’s work in a city as busy as Seattle? That’s right: the bedroom. Needless to say, the bedroom is a crucial part of any home. If you’re considering adding a new one to your property or are planning a remodel, knowing the average bedroom size can be valuable.
How Large Is the Average Bedroom?
According to Foyr, the average size of a bedroom is at least 100 square feet and no more than 200 square feet in terms of area. This broad guideline gives us a rough average of 150 square feet. This reasonable size strikes a balance between functionality and comfortable living.
Now, these numbers are not arbitrary. A room that falls within the 100 to 200-square-foot range has the perfect size that considers the following:
- Comfort. A queen-sized bed—a popular choice for homeowners—can easily fit in a bedroom within the average size range. This guarantees optimum relaxation, all while leaving plenty of room for movement.
- Convenience. The average bedroom can include more than just the a large, comfortable bed. It allows for the inclusion of bedroom essentials, such as closets, a night stand, or even seating.
- Possibilities for customization. Even with all your needs addressed, an average-sized bedroom still has some space for some personal touches. It offers a wide degree of flexibility that lets you incorporate various design elements and styles without overwhelming the space.
Average Bedroom Size for Specific Bedroom Types
However, the 100 to 200 square feet range merely denotes the general average. There are different types of bedroom, so it would be fair to take a look at the average sizes of each.
Master bedroom
An average master bedroom is about 200 square feet at its smallest, with the bigger ones going as far as 300 square feet. This, in turn, gives us a 250-square-foot average.This provides ample space for rest, relaxation, and, possibly, recreation.
Given the aforementioned size range, the typical master bedroom can comfortably accommodate a king-sized bed or multiple large beds. Beyond the bed, it may have some room for a walk-in closet, an en-suite bathroom, and a small living area. The size also allows for great freedom for customization, letting homeowners create a truly personalized space tailored to their needs and preferences.
Secondary bedroom
A secondary bedroom refers to the other rooms in the house that are not the master bedroom. These are average-sized rooms with a floor area between 100 and 200 square feet. This size range, as mentioned earlier, strikes a balance between relaxation and function.
Secondary bedrooms typically feature a full-sized bed, but those in the higher range can safely accommodate a queen bed. On top of that, a standard-sized closet is usually present. There should also be some space for small furniture, such as a desk and a chair or two.
Guest bedroom
Bedrooms intended for short-term guests are much smaller, with sizes ranging between 100 and 150 square feet. From this, we get the average of 125 square feet. This size can accommodate a compact setup, accounting for the fact that visitors staying the night don’t need features conducive to long-term stays.
However, guest bedrooms are still large enough to house a queen or full-sized bed. It may also have a dresser instead of a closet, as well as space for desks and other compact furniture.
Children’s bedroom
The size of a kids’ bedroom depends on the number of children it can sleep. This typically lies between 80 and 150 square feet, averaging at a 115-square-foot floor space.
In households with more than one child, children’s bedrooms typically sleep at least two children. As such, it may feature twin beds or a full-sized bed; the more crowded ones may even have multiple bunk beds. Additionally, it features a high degree of modularity that lets parents adapt the room to the child’s rapidly changing needs.
What Is the Smallest Acceptable Bedroom Size?
Not everyone in Seattle has abundant floor space, and may not have enough for a 150-square-foor bedroom. However, it’s still possible to add a new bedroom or remodel an existing one to a smaller size.
According to Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections, the smallest, legally acceptable bedroom is 70 square feet. However, it should be noted that no side should be any shorter than 7 feet. This can comfortably sleep one person, but may offer little else when it comes to functionality.
What Factors Affect Bedroom Sizes?
It is also worth noting that bedroom sizes can widely vary, hence the rather wide 100 to 200 square feet range. Below are the factors that dictate how big a bedroom can get:
- Overall size of the home. The size of the house determines the amount of floor space it can spare for its bedrooms. This is crucial knowledge if you’re looking to remodel or add a new bedroom if it’s not possible to expand your home.
- Legal requirements. The local building code has the final say as to how big or how small your bedroom could possibly be. The city will not provide you with the necessary permits if your plan goes beyond the legally allowed dimensions. Insisting on your desired dimensions can land you in hot water, potentially leading to fines, demolitions, and legal processes that can hinder your project’s completion.
- Current and future needs. The legal and structural factors aside, the homeowner’s requirements decides the actual size of the bedroom. Senior residents, for example, need adequate space that allows for accessibility and ease of movement. It is also important to anticipate future needs, such as future family additions like children and pets, or the room’s possible transition to a rental property.
Summing Up
While we now know the average bedroom sizes, it’s also important to recognize that bedrooms vary significantly depending on the type of home and expected use. In the end, a bedroom’s size does not necessarily have to stay within specific averages, especially during a home remodeling project. The room has to address the occupant’s specific needs, providing comfort and convenience to their heart’s desire.
