Average Bedroom Size May Surprise You

Legally, a bedroom only has to measure 70 square feet. Luckily, the average apartment bedroom measures 132 square feet and the average bedroom in a home is 219 square feet.

© Christy Bright (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Read on to learn more shocking facts about the average bedroom size in the U.S.

Bedroom Dimensions

• What is average bedroom size in a house?
  The average bedroom in a home measures 219 square feet. This takes into account master bedrooms and "other" bedrooms. The average home has 3.38 bedrooms.

• What is the average bedroom size in an apartment?
  The average apartment bedroom measures 11' x 12'. Of course, this can vary based on location. Tight quarters like NYC will provide much smaller bedrooms, while rural apartment complexes may have larger options.

• What is the average size of a master bedroom in the average-sized home?
  On average, the master bedroom measures 309 square feet. The master bedroom is the one room in a home that builders claim is in 100% of homes. Even the kitchen isn't reported as a separate room in 100% of homes. It's often joined with another room to create a great room.

• What is the average bedroom size for kids?
  Kids with a twin-sized bed have an average bedroom size of 10' x 10'. Kids with a full-sized bed or bunk beds may need a slightly larger bedroom to allow for more walking room.

• What is the size of a small bedroom?
  A small bedroom can also be considered the "minimum size bedroom." Legally, in order to be called a bedroom, a room must measure 7' x 10'. Anything smaller and sellers cannot call it a bedroom.

Taking a Closer Look

• What is the average size of a master bedroom in a home under 2,000 square feet?
  In a home measuring less than 2,000 square feet, the master bedroom measures an average of 231 square feet.

• What is the average size of a master bedroom in a home between 2,000 and 2,999 square feet?
  In a 2,000 to 2,999 square foot home, master bedrooms are 14% larger. They measure an average of 271 square feet.

• What is the average size of a master bedroom in a home larger than 3,000 square feet?
  Jumping to a home over 3,000 square feet, the average master bedroom size jumps 43%, measuring 411 square feet. This is almost the same size as the average kitchen in a 3,000 square foot home, which measures an average of 423 square feet.

• What is the average size of non-master bedrooms in the average-sized home?
  On average, non-master bedrooms measure 202 square feet. However, they range from 109 square feet to 299 square feet.

• What is the minimum size bedroom for a twin bed?
  A twin bed is the smallest bed, outside of the toddler bed. In order to comfortably fit a bed and a dresser while having walking space, you'll need 70 square feet. This is the minimum size a room can be to be considered a bedroom.

• What is the minimum size bedroom for a queen bed?
  A queen bed measures around 5' by 7'. In order to comfortably move around the room, you'll need a room measuring at least 10' x 10'. However, a 10' x 12' room would provide more comfort.

• What is the minimum size bedroom for a king bed?
  A king size bed measures around 6' by 7'. The minimum size room for this larger bed is 12' x 12', or at least 144 square feet.

• What features must a room have to be called a bedroom?
  Aside from the minimum size, there are a few other features a bedroom requires. Most importantly is two methods of entry/exit. The standard doorway within the home counts as one. You also need another method of emergency exit, such as a window or skylight. In addition, the window in a bedroom must measure 5.7 square feet and the ceiling must measure at least 7 feet.

• How big is the average size house?
  The average house measures 2,687 square feet today. This is a 38% increase over the average home size since 1973.

• What is the average living space per person?
  The average living space per person is a shocking 971 square feet. The increase is due to not only growing house sizes, but also a shrinking household average size.

Closet Space

• What is the standard size of a reach-in bedroom closet?
  The average reach-in bedroom closet is 6' long and 8' high. Don't forget, though, it must also be at least 24 inches deep to allow room for hangers.

• What is the average size of a walk-in closet?
  While there are no specific guidelines a walk-in closet must meet, they range from 5' x 5' to 12' x 17'. It depends on the size of the bedroom and the amount of storage space you require.

• Can you call a room without a closet a bedroom?
  Technically, you can call a room without a closet a bedroom as long as it meets the above requirements. Most buyers, however, prefer that each bedroom has its own closet. Without a closet, many buyers consider it a "bonus room" or even an office.

• What is the average size bedroom in NYC?
  NYC may be the exception to the rule when it comes to minimum bedroom size. You'll find bedrooms as small as 80 square feet that are legally a bedroom.

• What is the average bathroom size?
  On average, bathrooms measure 137 square feet. It's not unusual to find a half bathroom measuring just 3' x 6'. Master bathrooms, however, measure an average of 160 square feet.

• What is the size of the average bedroom window?
  Bedroom windows must meet certain size requirements. This is to help keep occupants safe in the face of an emergency. A bedroom window must measure at least 20" wide, 24" high, and have a 5.7 square foot opening. The only exception to the rule is if the bedroom is on the ground floor. If so, the square footage must be at least 5.0 square feet.

• What is the typical height of a bedroom ceiling?
  The minimum ceiling height for a bedroom is 7' tall. However, the average bedroom has ceilings that measure 8' tall.

• What is the average home office size?
  A medium-sized home office measures around 12' x 14'. However, it's not unusual to see home offices measuring between 8'x 10' and 14' x 18'.

The Bottom Line

A bedroom is the place you start and end your day. It should be a room you can relax and unwind in, rather than feel cramped and stressed. The bedroom size you require depends greatly on your furniture and need for extra space in your bedroom. Give this room adequate thought before building and/or purchasing a home.

Sources and References:

• NAHB
  
• Realtor.com
  
• Overstock
  
• Knape & Vogt
  
• Stanton Homes
  
• Home Advisor
  
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development