A bedroom is one of the most important rooms of the house. There are two main types of bedrooms: a master and a regular bedroom. The difference between these two rooms is important. There needs to be enough room for belongings and needs to be comfortable to sleep in.
The main difference between the two bedrooms is the size. Master bedrooms are usually 14% bigger than the other house rooms. Master bedrooms normally connect to a bathroom whereas regular bedrooms may not.
Both bedrooms are a necessity within a house. Regular bedrooms are great for kids or could be used as extra space. A master bedroom is needed for privacy and personal space. There are many more differences between the rooms to explain.
What is a Master Bedroom?
The master bedroom is normally the biggest room. It also has the best location such as the corner of the second floor. Normally they can accommodate more than a bed, dresser, and chest of drawers.
In most houses, the master bedroom is given to the parents or head of the household. It is seen as a space for the parents to retire without kids and relax after stressful days. It tends to be farthest away from guest rooms and communal spaces allowing for some privacy.
The term master bedroom implies a connected bathroom, closet space, and even a lock on the inside. People choose to furnish a master bedroom with a bed on the larger side, king or queen size.
What is a Regular Bedroom?
A regular bedroom is exactly what it sounds like, a regular bedroom. Typically they are smaller than the master bedroom by a sizeable amount. Families tend to use these rooms for their children or as office space.
The only requirements for something to be a bedroom is a window and a door that closes. This is in case of a fire, there are precautions to keep someone safe. Bedrooms usually have closets, but in regular bedrooms closets are not normally walk-in.
What makes a room a bedroom varies from state to state. Generally, the bedroom must be at least 70 square feet and 7 ft. horizontal in order to fit a bed. Also, the ceiling must be at least 7 ft. high and contain a heater and option of cooling.
Size & Layout of Master Bedroom and Regular Bedroom
The size and layout of bedrooms depending on the house. As previously explained, the master bedroom is always bigger than the regular bedroom. Also important, the layout of the room can change depending on the owner’s opinions.
The minimum size for a master bedroom is 14 x 16 feet, but most are bigger. On average these rooms are 300 to 350 sq. ft. This size accommodates a king- or queen-sized bed and ensures ample closet space.
The layout of bedrooms mostly depends on the owner’s preferences. When deciding on layouts, always measure the bed first. After the bed is in the room, then it is time to decide on the other furniture such as drawers and other chairs.
Generally, the bed is placed in the middle of the room. This way the sides are open for the closet, bathroom access, nightstands, and dressers. The rest of the layout, where to place dressers and such is up to the resident.
Regular bedrooms are always smaller than the master bedroom. They range from 100 sq. ft. to 144 sq. ft. These rooms are usually meant for kids or teenagers but could also be used as an office or gym space.
The layout of regular bedrooms can be difficult to configure. Depending on the size of the room they can accommodate a queen size bed but people tend to lean towards smaller. The bed can go up against a corner or in the middle of the room.
Normally, regular bedrooms are sizable enough to fit a bed, a dresser, and occasionally a desk. The best way to make them feel bigger is to use tall furniture. Furniture with built-in cubbies can also help with storage compartments.
Bathroom Sizes: Master vs. Regular Bedroom
It is not necessary for a master bedroom to have a connected master bathroom, but most do. The average master bathroom is 40 to 100 sq. ft. but could go as large as 200 sq. ft. Generally, these are full bathrooms including a shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet. Depending on the size of these bathrooms there could be more than one sink as well.
A regular bedroom is not required to be connected to the bedroom. Many bathrooms can be situated in the hallway and residents need to walk to them. These bathrooms range from 26 to 50 sq. ft. so a bit smaller than master bathrooms.
Either way, the bathroom associated with a regular bedroom is a ¾ bathroom. This means it has a sink, toilet, and shower. The shower could be a walk-in or a bathtub with a showerhead attachment.
Closet Sizes: Master vs. Regular Bedroom
Closet sizes are the most variable part of a bedroom, they don’t have a typical dimension or average size. They could be walk-in closets or simply sliding doors with the organization. Either way, they give more storage space which is a necessity in any bedroom.
Usually, a master bedroom has a walk-in closet. If this is true it must be a minimum of 7ft. deep and 10 ft. wide. If the room is being shared by two people, the closet should be 100 sq. ft. This is to ensure space for lining 2 walls with cubbies and having elbow room to access the items.
Of course, those measurements depend on the house, room, and the number of people using it. There are also plenty of one-sided walk-in closets or double-sided that are only used by one person.
For a regular bedroom, a walk-in closet is not guaranteed. There could be an outstanding reach-in closet, a built-in reach-in closet, or a walk-in closet. There are many different sizes for each of these options.
For a reach-in closet, the standard depth is 24 inches. Anything less than 22 inches would make it hard to hang clothing and have room to grab them. For bigger items such as coats, the closet should be 28 inches deep to make sure clothes hang properly.
For bedroom walk-in closets the width should be essentially half the room’s width. Anything less will be too small for clothing and accessibility. In terms of depth, it should be 36-48 inches, or proportional to the room.
FAQ
Does a Master Bedroom have to have a Bathroom?
While master bedrooms typically have a connected bathroom, it is not required. Master bathrooms are a separate concept. Master bedrooms are the sleeping room, not requiring a bathroom to be considered such.
Master bathrooms are normally a full bath secluded from the rest of the house. It is a luxury that many houses have. But other houses can still have a master bedroom with a guest-accessible bathroom.
How Much Value Does a Master Bedroom Add?
Adding a master bedroom to the home can increase the overall sale value. Many families look for a master bedroom when searching for a new home. On average a master bedroom adds 58% more of the overall cost of the house.
In general, the more bedrooms in the house the higher the cost will be. However, there can only ever be one master bedroom. As long as it is a good size and in the prime location of the household, it will add value to the home.
Conclusion
There are many differences between a regular and a master bedroom. They are both included in most houses. It’s important to know the differences to use the room the best way possible.
