Designing a bedroom is a fun and exciting project, but with so many elements to consider, it can also be overwhelming.
One of the most important aspects to consider when designing a bedroom is the standard bedroom size and how much space there is between different furniture pieces (clearance).
In this guide, we’ll look at the standard bedroom sizes and tell you everything you need to know to make your bedroom the perfect haven that is stunning and functional.
First, let’s talk about what makes a master bedroom size different from a standard bedroom size, what each one has, and what the standard dimensions of each are.
Master Bedroom size vs. Standard Bedroom size: What’s the Difference?
Both types of bedrooms have benefits and features, so it’s important to know what to expect before designing.
Standard Master Bedroom Size: A Private Oasis
A master bedroom is typically the largest and most luxurious sleeping area in a home.
It’s not only for sleeping purposes, so design it to be a peaceful and comfortable retreat, a haven where you can relax and unwind after a long day.
The minimum size of a master bedroom is 12′ (3.6 meters) by 16′ (4.9 meters) without closets.
Here’s what you can expect to find in a master bedroom:
- A king or queen-sized bed
- Seating area with one or two chairs 1’6″ (45 Centimeters) X 1’6″ (45 Centimeters) — Each
- one dresser 3 ft 6 in (105 cm) × 1 ft 10 in (55 cm)
- Closet or wardrobe space 5 ft (152 cm)
- Two-night tables
- Possibly a small desk or a table 1 ft 6 in (45 cm) × 3 ft 0 in (90 cm)
- One storage unit with drawers 2 ft 6 in (75 cm) × 1 ft 10 in (55 cm)
- One Crib (Optional): 2 ft 4 in (70 cm) x 1 ft 5 (45 cm)
Let’s move on to the standard bedroom size.
Standard Bedroom Size: Functional Sleeping Space
A standard bedroom is a more standard-sized room. Unlike the master bedroom, the only purpose of a typical bedroom is to sleep. It may or may not include additional features like a seating area.
The minimum size of a bedroom is 10′ (3 meters) by 12′ (3.6 meters) without closets.
Here’s what you can expect in a standard bedroom:
- Comfortable sleeping area with a twin, full, queen, or king-sized bed
- Closet or wardrobe space 3 ft (90 centimeters)
Now that you know the difference between a bedroom and a master bedroom, let’s talk about the most vital piece of furniture in a bedroom: the bed.
Standard Bed Size: The Key to Maximizing Space
Whether buying a bed for a master bedroom or a standard bedroom size, you’ll want to ensure that it fits comfortably in the room and provides enough space for you to move around.
Here’s a list of the standard bed sizes you’ll come across when shopping for a bed
Bed’s Width
- Twin: 39 inches (96.5 cm) wide — Primarily designed for one occupant
- Full Bed: 54 inches (134.5 cm) wide
- Queen: 60 inches (152.5 cm) wide
- King: 76 inches (193 cm) wide
Bed’s Length
The standard bed length is 78 inches / 203.5 cm
But if you are taller than 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), many bed manufacturers recommend an 83-inch (210 cm) long bed.
💡 Personal Insight: Ideally, there should be 4 inches (10 cm) between your head and the head of the bed and 4 inches (10 cm) between your feet and the foot of the bed.
Bed’s Height
The height of beds varies depending on the brand and model. Usually, 22 to 24 inches (55 to 60 cm) is considered the right height for a bed.
But if you like to sit on the edge of the bed, 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm) is a better choice because it is more comfortable for seating.
Some continental beds, including the mattress and legs, can be as high as 30 inches (75 cm). If you plan to buy it for small children, this is something to consider because it’s a long way down if they fall out of bed in the middle of the night.
💡 Personal insight: You should consider the size of your mattress, as some mattresses can be thicker than others, which can affect the overall height of the bed.
Standard Bedroom Door Size: A Key Element of Functionality
When designing your bedroom, it is also essential to consider the size of a standard bedroom door.
Door’s Minimum Width
The standard minimum width is 30 inches (76 cm)
Door’s Minimum Height
The minimum standard door height for a bedroom is 80 inches (203 cm).
💡 Personal insight: Consider putting your bed and other furniture near the door to make it easier to get in and out.
Bedroom’s Lighting Recommendations
How you light a room depends on what you’re doing there.
Do you read a lot in bed? Or do you need some light while getting ready for bed?
If the light is for reading, especially if you like to read both lying down and sitting up, it needs to be adjustable in terms of height and sideways movement.
90% you will use wall-mounted light
The optimal placement of a wall-mounted light depends on the bed frame and the height of the mattress above the floor, as this determines the position of your eyes when lying down and sitting up.
A bed’s mattress determines how high off the ground a wall-mounted bed or a reading lamp needs to be. How?
1️⃣ Measure 8 inches (20 cm) from the edge of the mattress.
2️⃣ Measure 24 inches (60 cm) up from that point.
Here is where you should place the light fixture.
💡 Personal insight: take care to avoid glare, both for the reader and for their partner, who may be trying to go to sleep.
Bedside Standard Height
The bed’s height, including the legs and the mattress, will determine the best bedside height.
The bedside table or nightstand should be the same height as the top of the mattress. Being the same height makes it easy to reach a lamp or book on the table without stretching.
The standard range is between 20 and 30 inches (50 and 70 cm).
Headboard Standard Height
The headboard should be (at least) 8 inches (20 cm) higher than the mattress to protect the wall and keep pillows from falling off.
Movement Clearance
I recommend that you keep the following distances between pieces of bedroom furniture to ensure there is enough room to use them comfortably:
Bed’s Clearance:
- Any bed should have at least a 24-inch (60-centimeter) space on one side.
- 12 inches (30-centimeter) on the less-used side of a double bed
- You can place the least-used side of a single or twin bed against the wall, except in bedrooms for the elderly.
Other Furniture’s Clearance:
- 42 in (100 centimeters) at one side or foot of the bed for a closet or wardrobe.
- 36 in (90 centimeters) in front of the dresser or chest of drawers
- 24 in (60 centimeters) for primary traffic paths (door to the dresser, etc.).
- 6 in (15 centimeters) between the side of the bed and the side of the dresser or chest
💡 Personal insight: If there are doors that could open and hit the bed or any other furniture piece, give yourself more space
Standard Bedroom Size: Conclusion
In conclusion, the standard bedroom size is a crucial aspect to consider when designing your perfect haven.
From the size of your bed to the size of your windows, it’s essential to know the standard measurements and how they affect the room’s atmosphere.
Take the time to consider these elements and ensure that your bedroom is comfortable, functional, and stylish.
We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest to understand standard bedroom size.
Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions or thoughts.
