The Bedroom Conundrum: More Space Or More Rooms?

do you have more bed room or more bedroom

The terms bed room and bedroom are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences. Bedroom is the correct and most commonly accepted usage in modern English, referring to a room in a house or apartment that is primarily used for sleeping. The structure of the word combines bed and room, indicating that this space is designated for resting and relaxation. On the other hand, bed room, as two separate words, can be seen as an informal or incorrect variant, which may lead to confusion.

Characteristics Values
Minimum bedroom size 70-80 square feet
Minimum horizontal footage 7 feet in any horizontal direction
Means of egress Two, usually a door and a window
Minimum ceiling height 7 feet in at least half of the room
Minimum window size 5.7 square feet, 24 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and no more than 44 inches from the floor
Heating and cooling Required in most states
Closet Not required, but expected in newer homes

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Minimum room size

While there is no universal standard for minimum room size, there are regulations that dictate the minimum space requirements for different types of rooms.

In the United States, there are legal requirements that dictate what rooms can be formally referred to as "bedrooms". These requirements vary by state but generally, a bedroom must have a minimum of 70 to 80 square feet of floor space with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction. If a room is intended for multiple occupants, there should be a minimum of 50 square feet per person.

In the United Kingdom, there is no statutory minimum bedroom size that applies across all housing circumstances. However, there are minimum space standards for new homes and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). For new homes, a single bedroom should have a floor area of at least 7.5 square metres and be at least 2.15 metres wide. For HMOs, the minimum sleeping room floor area sizes are 6.51 square metres for one person over 10 years of age, 10.22 square metres for two persons over 10 years, and 4.64 square metres for one child under the age of 10 years.

In addition to the minimum room size requirements, there are other factors that must be considered for a room to be classified as a bedroom. These include methods of egress, minimum window size, ceiling height, heating and cooling elements, and ventilation.

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Means of egress

While there is no legal definition of a bedroom, there are certain requirements that must be met for a room to be considered a bedroom. One of these requirements is the means of egress, or emergency exits.

The requirements for an EERO are as follows:

  • The minimum clear opening is 5.7 square feet.
  • The minimum width of the opening is 20 inches.
  • The minimum height of the opening is 24 inches.
  • The maximum height from the floor to the opening of the window is 44 inches.
  • If the sill height of the EERO is below ground level, a window well is required to hold back the earth and provide space for escape.
  • The window well should have a horizontal area of at least nine square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches.
  • If the EERO is located under a deck or porch, the structure above must allow the window to be fully opened, and the escape path should have a minimum height of three feet.
  • A door can also be used for egress from the bedroom instead of a window.

It is important to note that building codes may vary depending on the local area, so it is essential to consult with local building departments before finalising any construction or renovation plans.

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Window size

While there is no legal definition of a bedroom, it is generally accepted that a bedroom should be large enough to fit a bed with enough space to walk around and fit basic furniture. A bedroom must also have a form of local ventilation, which is usually satisfied by a window.

In terms of window size, there are some legal requirements that must be met. For a room to be considered a bedroom, it must have a window that opens at least halfway and is no more than 44 inches from the floor. The minimum window size is usually 5.7 square feet, with a minimum opening area of 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall.

  • Double-hung windows: These are the most common type of window and are usually found in bedrooms. They have two sashes that move up and down to open. Double-hung windows are always taller than they are wide, with widths ranging from 24 to 48 inches and heights ranging from 36 to 72 inches. Some common sizes include:
  • 2 feet wide by 3 feet high (2030)
  • 2 feet wide by 4 feet, 4 inches tall (2044)
  • 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 4 feet tall (2840)
  • 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high (2852)
  • 4 feet wide by 6 feet high (4060)
  • Single-hung windows: These are the same as double-hung windows in terms of measurements but have one movable sash and one fixed sash. Common sizes include:
  • 2 feet wide by 3 feet high (2030)
  • 2 feet wide by 4 feet, 4 inches high (2044)
  • 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 4 feet high (2840)
  • 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high (2852)
  • 4 feet wide by 6 feet high (4060)
  • Sliding windows: These windows slide open horizontally and are suitable for various rooms, including bedrooms. They are wider than they are tall, ranging from 36 to 84 inches wide and 24 to 60 inches tall. Common sizes include:
  • 3 feet wide by 2 feet high (3020)
  • 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall (3030)
  • 5 feet wide by 3 feet tall (5030)
  • 6 feet wide by 4 feet tall (6040)
  • 7 feet wide by 4 feet high (7040)
  • Casement windows: These windows are hinged on one side and open like a door. They are great for ventilation and natural light. Casement windows commonly start at 17 inches wide and range up to 41 inches. Common heights range from 16 inches up to 33 inches. Some standard sizes include:
  • 1-foot, 7 inches wide by 1-foot, 4 inches high (1714)
  • 2 feet, 3 inches wide by 2 feet, 3 inches high (2323)
  • 2 feet, 9 inches wide by 2 feet, 9 inches high (2929)
  • 3 feet, 5 inches wide by 2 feet, 5 inches high (3525)
  • Awning windows: These windows are hinged at the top and open outward. They are often used in hard-to-reach areas of kitchens and bathrooms. Common sizes include:
  • 2 feet, 9 inches wide by 1 foot, 7 inches high (2917)
  • 3 feet, 7 inches wide by 7 feet, 8 inches high (3778)
  • 4 feet wide by 1 foot high (4010)

It is important to note that these are just standard window sizes, and custom windows can be ordered to fit any window frame. Additionally, window size requirements may vary by state and municipality, so it is always a good idea to check your local codes.

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Ceiling height

When it comes to the ceiling height of a bedroom, there are a few things to consider. While there may not be legal requirements for ceiling heights in bedrooms, certain height standards are expected and can impact the market value of a home. Additionally, building regulations and safety standards must be considered. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Standard Ceiling Heights:

The standard ceiling height in newer houses is nine feet on the first floor and sometimes eight feet on the second story. However, higher ceilings of up to 12 feet are not uncommon, especially in renovated loft apartments or pre-war style architecture.

Building Regulations:

While there may be no minimum room height defined by building regulations, there are rules regarding staircases and access. Part K of the Building Regulations advises that the head height for landings and stairs should be at least 2 meters.

Safety and Emergency Exit:

Bedrooms should have at least one method of egress, which is an emergency exit. If a bedroom does not have a door that opens to the outside, it must have a window that occupants can use during an emergency. The window should also meet minimum size requirements, typically needing to be at least 24 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and have a minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet.

Heating and Cooling:

Most states or areas require bedrooms to have heating and cooling elements to maintain a comfortable and safe temperature. The specific requirements may vary depending on the climate, with warmer areas mandating cooling units and cooler areas requiring heating units.

Impact on Market Value:

The number of bedrooms in a property can significantly impact its desirability and market value. While there may be no legal definition of a bedroom, the ability to fit a bed and have enough space to walk around is generally considered a key factor. Marketing a property with accurate bedroom specifications is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure compliance with real estate regulations.

In conclusion, when designing or renovating a bedroom, it is essential to consider not only the ceiling height but also the safety features, building regulations, and the potential impact on the market value of the property.

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Heating and cooling

Heating Tips:

  • Ensure your bedroom has a heating element, such as a radiator or heater.
  • Keep radiators clear of obstructions like furniture or rugs to allow optimal airflow.
  • If you have a hot water radiator, release trapped air by opening the small valve at the top with a radiator key or a flat screwdriver.
  • Install electric toe-kick heaters under cabinets or vanities, but ensure they have temperature control and can be switched off when not needed.
  • Seal drafty windows and doors with caulk or insulator kits to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
  • Use foil or other reflective material behind radiators attached to external walls to reflect heat back into the room.
  • Reverse the direction of ceiling fans during winter to push warm air back down.

Cooling Tips:

  • Open windows at night or during cooler parts of the day, but keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day to prevent hot outside air from entering.
  • Utilize fans, especially when paired with open windows, to push hot air out and create a breeze.
  • Take advantage of trickle vents if your windows have them to increase ventilation without letting in hot and humid air.
  • Use energy-efficient light bulbs as traditional incandescent bulbs can emit a lot of heat.
  • Opt for light-coloured bed linen and bedding. Darker colours absorb light and heat, making your bed and bedroom hotter.
  • Choose breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics for your bedding, such as linen, cotton, or bamboo.
  • Consider investing in a cooling mattress topper or mattress with natural fillings like wool, cotton, or bamboo to help regulate body temperature.
  • Keep a spray bottle of water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your bedside table to spritz yourself and cool down.
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Frequently asked questions

The term 'bedroom' is the correct and most commonly accepted usage in modern English. It refers to a room in a house or apartment that is primarily used for sleeping. The term 'bed room' as two separate words can be seen as an informal or incorrect variant.

There are several legal requirements that dictate what rooms can be formally referred to as 'bedrooms'. These include minimum ceiling height, heating and cooling elements, methods of egress, minimum window size, and accessibility from a common point in the house.

This depends on your personal preferences and space constraints. A bigger bed may provide more comfort and space for sleeping, but it will also take up more room in your bedroom, leaving less space for other furniture or movement.

No, there are legal bedroom requirements and minimum bedroom sizes that must be considered. The room must meet specific requirements regarding ceiling height, heating and cooling elements, methods of egress, window size, and accessibility.

Bedrooms are a major selling point for homes and can significantly impact a property's value. Homes with more bedrooms often command higher prices, so it is essential to understand the legal requirements and ensure that any rooms advertised as bedrooms meet these standards.

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