Bedrooms: A Comforting Space Or An Unnecessary Luxury?

Bedrooms are an essential part of any home, but how many do we really need? The answer depends on several factors, including family size, future plans, and personal preferences. For instance, a couple with two children may choose to have three bedrooms, but as children grow older, they may desire more space and privacy. It's also important to consider whether you plan to accommodate guests, elderly parents, or a home office. While some may opt for larger communal spaces, others may prefer larger bedrooms to serve as a retreat or accommodate specific furniture. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing your lifestyle, finances, and future goals.

Family size and future plans

When considering the number of bedrooms you need, it's important to take into account your family size and future plans. Are you planning to expand your family? If so, will your children be sharing rooms? Younger kids can happily share a bedroom, but as they enter their teenage years, they may desire more space and privacy. The age gap between your children and whether they are the same gender will also be relevant factors.

If your children are almost grown, buying a larger house with more bedrooms may not be the most practical option. However, with "generation rent" staying at home longer, you may not have an empty nest anytime soon. Additionally, consider whether you have elderly parents who may need to move in with you in the future. If so, will your budget accommodate a guest bedroom, preferably with an en-suite?

The size of the bedrooms is another crucial factor. Multiple small bedrooms may not be as functional as fewer, larger bedrooms, depending on the age of your children and the layout of the house. Young children tend to use their bedrooms mainly for sleeping and prefer to spend their waking hours in the main living areas with their parents. In contrast, teenagers often seek more private space to retreat to. Therefore, repurposing a second living area as a teen hangout space or opting for a home with larger rooms they can make their own might be worth considering.

Working from home is another factor to keep in mind. With the rise of remote work, having a private workspace with a door you can close is essential. This could be a study or a bedroom. If you don't have a spare room, you may end up working from your bedroom, which sleep experts advise against.

Ultimately, the number of bedrooms you need depends on your unique circumstances, including your family size, future plans, and budget. It's essential to think through your lifestyle, finances, and goals before making a decision.

Guest rooms

If you fall into the latter category and are looking to maximise the functionality of your space, here are some ideas to consider:

• Multi-purpose room: Instead of dedicating an entire room solely for guests, combine it with another function such as an office, music studio, craft room, or library. This way, the space is utilised daily while still accommodating guests when needed. Consider using a sofa bed, Murphy bed, or daybed to easily transform the room into a bedroom when needed.
• Shared bedrooms: If you have children, consider having them share a room to free up space for guests. This arrangement can foster sibling bonding and create a sense of camaraderie.
• Air mattresses or sofa beds: If you don't want to dedicate an entire room as a guest room, consider investing in a comfortable air mattress or sofa bed that can be set up in a common space when needed. This option provides flexibility and allows you to accommodate guests without sacrificing a separate room.
• Guest accommodations nearby: If you have the budget, consider offering to pay for your guests' accommodations nearby, such as a hotel or Airbnb. This way, you can maintain your personal space and routine while still enjoying their company during the day.

Ultimately, the decision to have a guest room depends on your personal preferences, hosting frequency, and space availability. Some people prefer the convenience and privacy of a dedicated guest room, while others opt for multi-purpose spaces or alternative accommodations. Assess your needs and choose the option that best suits your lifestyle.

Working from home

The Bedroom as an Office

The bedroom is often the only available space for working from home, especially in small apartments or houses with multiple occupants. While it may seem like a convenient solution, there are several drawbacks to consider. Firstly, working in the bedroom can disrupt your sleep hygiene. The bedroom is meant to be a place of rest and relaxation, and bringing work into this space can make it harder to unwind and fall asleep at the end of the day.

Additionally, working in the bedroom can affect your perception of the space. If you associate your bed with productivity and work, it may become more challenging to fall asleep or fully relax in the same environment. This can lead to insomnia or circadian rhythm disorders, as your body's natural sleep-wake cycles become disrupted.

Health Risks

Working from your bed can also trigger health problems, both psychological and physical. It can cause ailments like carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, back pain, arthritis, and cervical pain. This is because a soft surface like a bed encourages you to slump or sprawl, straining your neck, back, hips, and other body parts.

Tips for Working from the Bedroom

If you have no choice but to work in your bedroom, here are some tips to help maintain boundaries and improve your sleep quality:

• Create a designated workspace: Even if it's just a corner of your bedroom, having a separate workspace can help you establish boundaries between work and personal life. Try to find a spot you won't be staring at once the workday is done.
• Take breaks: Make sure to leave the bedroom or go outside during breaks. Changing your environment can help improve your mental health, creativity, and productivity.
• Declutter: A messy bedroom can increase anxiety and affect your sleep quality. Keeping your workspace tidy can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Establish routines: Create a morning routine that helps you transition from "home you" to "work you". This could include getting dressed for work, taking a morning walk, or having a healthy breakfast.
• Set boundaries: Turn off your computer, silence notifications, and avoid responding to work messages outside of office hours. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures you have time for self-care and relaxation.
• Hide your workspace: If possible, hide your workspace at the end of the workday. Use curtains, room dividers, or furniture with opaque doors to separate your work and sleep areas.
• Put your devices to sleep: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt melatonin production, affecting your sleep. Put your phone in another room or charge it away from your bed.
• Get dressed for work: Changing out of your pyjamas and into work clothes can help signal to your brain that it's time to focus and be productive.
• Create physical boundaries: If possible, set up a small desk or table with an ergonomic chair to support your back. This will help improve your posture and reduce the risk of physical ailments.

While working from the bedroom may be unavoidable for some, implementing these strategies can help improve your work-life balance and protect your mental and physical health.

Cost and time considerations

Firstly, the number of bedrooms will affect the cost of the property. More bedrooms typically mean a higher price, so it is important to consider your needs and budget carefully. If you are buying a new home, think about your family size and future plans. Do you plan to have children or accommodate frequent visitors? If not, you may want to opt for a smaller property with fewer bedrooms to save on costs.

If you are building or remodelling a home, adding extra bedrooms will increase construction costs and time. You will need to consider the layout and ensure that the additional rooms meet the legal requirements for bedrooms, as outlined by national and local building codes. This includes factors such as minimum ceiling height, window size and placement, and the inclusion of heating and cooling elements. Failing to meet these requirements can cause delays and additional expenses.

Even if you choose to skip an unnecessary bedroom, there are still cost and time considerations. A large communal space may be preferable to some, but furnishing and cleaning it can be more costly and time-consuming. Additionally, if you plan to convert a bedroom into a home office, gym, or playroom, you will need to budget for the necessary furniture and equipment, as well as any remodelling work required.

Ultimately, the decision on the number and size of bedrooms depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. It is important to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each option to make an informed choice that suits your specific needs and goals.

Children's preferences

One factor that can influence children's preferences is their age. Younger children may feel more comfortable sharing a room with a sibling, especially if they are close in age. As children grow older, their desire for privacy and independence may increase, leading them to prefer having their own bedroom. The developmental stages of siblings can also play a role. If there is a significant age gap between siblings, sharing a room may become more challenging as their needs and preferences differ.

Gender can also be a factor in children's preferences. In many cases, siblings of the same gender may be more inclined to share a room, especially as they reach puberty and have a greater need for privacy. Separate bedrooms for siblings of different genders may be considered, particularly when modesty and personal space become more important.

The dynamics between siblings can also influence their preferences for shared or separate bedrooms. Some siblings may get along well and enjoy each other's company, making them more open to sharing a room. On the other hand, siblings who frequently argue or have different personalities may prefer having their own spaces to retreat to and avoid conflicts.

Children's individual personalities and interests should also be considered. Some children may be introverted and value their alone time, making them prefer a separate bedroom. Others may be more social and enjoy having friends over, which could be easier to accommodate with their own room. Additionally, children with specific hobbies or interests, such as art projects or complex Lego creations, may benefit from having their own space to work on their passions without interruption.

While there is no definitive answer, it is essential to involve children in the decision-making process and respect their preferences. Open communication and flexibility are key, as children's needs and desires may change over time. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on what works best for each family and promotes a healthy and happy environment for all members.

Frequently asked questions