Can a living room be used as a bedroom is a difficult question to answer. There are so many aspects that need to be considered.
As long as the living room meets the legal requirements to be a safe bedroom, then tenants can use it as one. Landlords cannot control how rooms are used as long as it is within the terms of the lease.
If the tenant decides to use the living room as a bedroom there are a few things that they may want to consider.
What are the legal requirements of a bedroom?
Large enough to accommodate a bed
Normally, this means the room is at least 70 square feet. This standard can vary by local laws and is sometimes determined by the number of people in one space. If there are 3 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment, this minimum space may be different.
Must have an adequate horizontal measurement
Along with the square footage requirement, rooms need to be tall enough for living in. In most cities, this means the room is at least 7 feet tall. Basically, this is to ensure people aren’t living in hallway-like rooms with no room to breathe or exist.
More than one exit
For fire safety, bedrooms must have more than one exit. This could be a window or a second door but living rooms must have at least one extra exit. Sometimes a skylight may count for this requirement, but it can be hard to reach. Check local requirements for window size, and ensure people can get out in an emergency.
Temperature regulation
In most states, bedrooms must have a source of heating and cooling. Whether that source is part of the rest of the house doesn’t matter as long as it contains the bedroom.
As long as all of these restrictions are met, then a living room legally counts as a bedroom and can be used as such.
Advantages of Using a Living Room as a Bedroom
There are some advantages to using a living room as a bedroom. Of course, it is important to weigh these against the disadvantages as well.
It can fit 3 people into a 2 bedroom
By fitting more people into a room, tenants can live with their friends. Also, splitting the rent 3 ways will be cheaper than only 2.
It creates a bonus room
If tenants in the apartment decided to use the living room as a bedroom, this can create a bonus room. The bedroom is then an open room to be used as something else. Maybe it will be an office or a game room.
Saves space for smaller apartments
Especially for smaller studio apartments, tenants may be forced to use the living room as a bedroom. In this case, it is an advantage as it saves money compared to renting a bigger apartment. Also, it isn’t too much of a hassle since the tenant most likely lives alone.
Disadvantages of Using a Living Room as a Bedroom
Along with the advantages, there are a few disadvantages as well:
No personal space
Typically a living room is a communal space within view of the kitchen. Therefore, whoever sleeps there will have little to no personal space. This can be hard for this person as private personal space is important.
Limits floor space
The living room is one of the biggest spaces so putting a bed in there can limit the amount of free space within the apartment. Unless the tenant is sleeping on a couch, a bed can be hard to constantly maneuver around.
No communal space
Converting the living room into a bedroom gets rid of a communal space in the apartment. It becomes someone’s bedroom without any personal space. The couch is a bed and there’s no great space for the tenants to hang out beside the kitchen.
How to use a Living Room as a Bedroom?
Whether it’s a choice or forced because of space, there are a few ways to maximize using a living room as a bedroom. It’s important to save as much space as possible.
Use floating furniture
Floating furniture has two meanings. The first is to lift the bed off the ground. This helps to create extra storage and floor space. The second is to create glass shelves to put things on. This helps to separate the bed from the rest of the living room and make it more like a bedroom.
Use a screen divider
Another idea for separating the sleeping area from the living area is to use a screen divider. It is adjustable to create a private space to sleep, but also being able to open up the room when needed.
Keep the theme monochromatic
Having monochromatic furniture that matches plays visual tricks to make the space seem larger. It can help combine the feelings of bedroom vs. living room to make the space simply feel like a clean and airy room.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to consider that should happen before deciding to use a living room as a bedroom. While it is possible, the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed. A tenant should be sure it meets the legal bedroom requirements and that it is best for them.
