How Big is the Average Bedroom? The Sizing Standards Explained

Have you ever wondered how big is the average bedroom in different parts of the world? How do bedroom sizes vary by country, region, or housing type? What factors influence the size of a bedroom and why does it matter?
In this article, we will explore the answers to these questions and more. We will look at the sizing standards for bedrooms, the average bedroom sizes in different continents, and the factors that affect bedroom size. We will also discuss the practical implications of bedroom sizes, such as how they affect furniture placement, home valuation, and personal comfort.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of bedroom sizes and how they relate to your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. You will also learn some tips for maximizing your bedroom space, whether you have a small, medium, or large bedroom.
The Importance of Understanding Bedroom Sizes
Bedroom sizes are important for many reasons. Here are some of them:
- You can pick the best furniture for your bedroom if you know its size and the average size in your area. You don’t want to have too much or too big furniture that makes your bedroom look small and messy. You want to have enough space to move around and breathe.
- You can make your bedroom look nice and work well if you know its size. You want to put your furniture in a way that makes your bedroom look good and feel comfortable. You also want to think about things like light, air, and privacy when you plan your bedroom. You want to have a bedroom that makes you happy and calm.
- You can know how much your home is worth if you know its bedroom size. Bedroom size is one of the things that affects how much people will pay for your home, along with other things like where it is, how it looks, and what it has. Usually, bigger bedrooms are better and more expensive than smaller ones, as they give you more room, ease, and options. But this also depends on how many people want to buy homes like yours in your area.
Factors That Influence the Size of a Bedroom
What are some of the factors that influence the size of a bedroom? There are many factors that can affect how big or small a bedroom is, such as:
- Architecture: The architectural style and design of a building can have a significant impact on the size of a bedroom. For example, some architectural styles, such as Victorian or Colonial, tend to have larger and more spacious bedrooms, while others, such as Modern or Minimalist, tend to have smaller and more compact bedrooms. The shape and structure of a building can also affect the size of a bedroom, such as whether it has a flat or sloped roof, a square or rectangular floor plan, or a single or multiple stories.
- Housing Type: The type of housing can also influence the size of a bedroom. For example, detached houses, such as single-family homes or villas, usually have larger and more varied bedrooms than attached houses, such as apartments or condos. The number of bedrooms in a house can also affect the size of each bedroom, as more bedrooms usually mean smaller bedrooms, and vice versa.
- Urban vs. Rural Living: The location of a house can also affect the size of a bedroom. Generally, urban areas have smaller and more expensive bedrooms than rural areas, due to the higher population density, land scarcity, and housing demand. Rural areas have larger and cheaper bedrooms than urban areas, due to the lower population density, land availability, and housing supply.
Understanding Bedroom Sizes
How do we measure and categorize bedroom sizes? There are different ways to measure and classify bedroom sizes, but one of the most common ways is to use the floor area or the square footage of a bedroom. The floor area is the amount of space that a bedroom occupies on the floor, excluding the walls, doors, windows, and other fixtures. The square footage is the floor area expressed in square feet (ft²) or square meters (m²).
Based on the floor area or the square footage, we can divide bedrooms into three main categories: small, medium, and large. However, there is no universal definition or standard for these categories, as different sources may have different criteria and ranges for them. Therefore, the following categories are only approximate and indicative, and may vary depending on the context and source.
What is Considered a Small Bedroom?
A small bedroom is a bedroom that has a floor area or a square footage of less than 100 ft² or 9.3 m². This means that the room can only accommodate a few essential pieces of furniture, such as a single bed, a nightstand, and a small closet or dresser. A small bedroom may not have enough space for other items, such as a desk, a chair, or a bookshelf.
A small bedroom may also be referred to as a box room, a spare room, or a guest room. These terms imply that the room is not used as a primary or regular bedroom, but rather as an extra or occasional one. A small bedroom may be suitable for children, visitors, or storage purposes, but it may not offer much comfort or privacy for adults.
Some of the benefits of having a small bedroom are that it is easier to clean, maintain, and decorate. It may also create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially if the room has natural light, warm colors, and soft textures. However, some of the challenges of having a small bedroom are that it may feel cramped, cluttered, or suffocating. It may also limit the functionality and versatility of the room, as well as the personal expression and style of the occupant.
What is Considered a Medium Bedroom?
A medium bedroom is a bedroom that is between 100 ft² and 200 ft² or between 9.3 m² and 18.6 m² in size. This means that the room can fit more things than a small bedroom, but not as many as a large bedroom. A medium bedroom can usually fit a double bed, a nightstand, a dresser, and a small desk or chair, but not much more.
A medium bedroom can also be called a standard room, a master room, or a main room. These names mean that the room is used as a normal bedroom, but not as a fancy or big one. A medium bedroom can be good for couples, singles, or teenagers, but it may not have enough space for families, hobbies, or fun.
Some of the good things about having a medium bedroom are that it is more cozy, useful, and personal than a small bedroom. It may also make you feel calm and happy, especially if the room has good light, air, and colors.
However, some of the bad things about having a medium bedroom are that it may still feel small, tight, or dull. It may also need more work and imagination to make the room look nice and feel good, as well as to make you happy and comfortable.
What is Considered a Large Bedroom?
A large bedroom is a bedroom that is bigger than 200 ft² or 18.6 m² in size. This means that the room can fit a lot of things and give you a lot of space to move and relax. A large bedroom can usually fit a big bed, a nightstand, a dresser, a desk, a chair, and a sofa or a place to sit, and still have a lot of space left.
A large bedroom can also be called a suite, a deluxe room, or a luxury room. These names mean that the room is used as a fancy or expensive bedroom, but not as a smart or easy one. A large bedroom can be good for rich, spoiled, or fun people, but it may not be very handy, simple, or close for others.
Some of the good things about having a large bedroom are that it is more roomy, beautiful, and different than a medium or a small bedroom. It may also make you feel great and proud, especially if the room has nice furniture, things, and decorations.
However, some of the bad things about having a large bedroom are that it may cost a lot, waste a lot, or stress you out. It may also need more time and work to keep the room clean, neat, and nice, as well as to make you comfy and happy.
The Sizing Standards
Are there any official or universal standards for bedroom sizes? The answer is no, there are no global or universal standards for bedroom sizes, as different countries and regions have different laws, regulations, and customs for housing and construction.
However, there are some international organizations and associations that provide some guidelines and recommendations for bedroom sizes, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Residential Code (IRC).
International Standards for Bedroom Sizes
The ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops and publishes international standards for various fields and industries, including housing and construction. The ISO has a standard for bedroom sizes, called ISO 9836:2017, which defines the minimum floor area or the square footage of a bedroom as follows:
- For a single bedroom: 70 ft² or 6.5 m²
- For a double bedroom: 110 ft² or 10.2 m²
- For a triple bedroom: 150 ft² or 13.9 m²
The IBC is a set of rules for building design and construction. It applies to all kinds of buildings, even homes. Many places in the world use the IBC, such as the US, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. The IBC says that bedrooms must be at least 70 ft² or 6.5 m² in size. This is called Section 1208.4.
The IRC is a set of rules for building design and construction too. But it only applies to houses for one or two families, not bigger buildings. Many states and local areas in the US use the IRC, and some other countries too. The IRC also says that bedrooms must be at least 70 ft² or 6.5 m² in size. This is called Section R304.1.
How Bedroom Sizes Vary by Country
While there are some international standards and guidelines for bedroom sizes, they are not mandatory or binding, and different countries and regions may have their own standards and practices for bedroom sizes. Therefore, bedroom sizes can vary significantly by country, depending on factors such as culture, climate, economy, and history. Here are some examples of how bedroom sizes vary by country:
- In the United Kingdom, the average bedroom size is 104 ft² or 9.7 m², according to a survey by LABC Warranty. However, there is no legal minimum requirement for bedroom sizes in the UK, and some bedrooms can be as small as 65 ft² or 6 m², according to the Housing Act 1985.
- In Germany, the average bedroom size is 139 ft² or 12.9 m², according to a study by the Federal Statistical Office. However, there is no legal minimum requirement for bedroom sizes in Germany, and some bedrooms can be as small as 86 ft² or 8 m², according to the German Civil Code.
- In Japan, the average bedroom size is 97 ft² or 9 m², according to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. However, there is no legal minimum requirement for bedroom sizes in Japan, and some bedrooms can be as small as 50 ft² or 4.6 m², according to the Building Standards Act.
- In China, the average bedroom size is 161 ft² or 15 m², according to a report by the China Academy of Building Research. However, there is no legal minimum requirement for bedroom sizes in China, and some bedrooms can be as small as 108 ft² or 10 m², according to the Residential Design Code.
The Average Bedroom Size
What is the average bedroom size in different continents? As we have seen, bedroom sizes can vary widely by country, but we can also look at some averages and ranges for bedroom sizes in different continents, based on various sources and data.
However, these averages and ranges are only approximate and indicative, and may not reflect the actual or current situation in every country or region. Therefore, they should be taken with a grain of salt and used for reference only.
The Average Bedroom Size in the United States
According to a report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average bedroom size in the United States in 2019 was 181 ft² or 16.8 m². However, this average can vary depending on the type and size of the house. For example, the average bedroom size in a single-family detached house was 191 ft² or 17.7 m², while the average bedroom size in a multifamily attached house was 132 ft² or 12.3 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the number of bedrooms in the house. For example, the average bedroom size in a one-bedroom house was 169 ft² or 15.7 m², while the average bedroom size in a four-bedroom house was 196 ft² or 18.2 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in the United States can be quite wide, depending on the location, age, and style of the house. According to a study by Apartment List, the smallest bedroom size in the US was 79 ft² or 7.3 m², found in New York City, while the largest bedroom size in the US was 226 ft² or 21 m², found in Atlanta.
The Average Bedroom Size in Europe
According to a report by Eurostat, the average bedroom size in Europe in 2019 was 118 ft² or 11 m². However, this average can vary depending on the country and the type of dwelling. For example, the average bedroom size in Norway was 161 ft² or 15 m², while the average bedroom size in Malta was 86 ft² or 8 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the type of dwelling. For example, the average bedroom size in a detached house was 129 ft² or 12 m², while the average bedroom size in an apartment was 108 ft² or 10 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in Europe can also be quite wide, depending on the country and the region. According to a study by Idealista, the smallest bedroom size in Europe was 65 ft² or 6 m², found in Paris, while the largest bedroom size in Europe was 215 ft² or 20 m², found in Berlin.
The Average Bedroom Size in Asia
According to a report by Numbeo, the average bedroom size in Asia in 2019 was 132 ft² or 12.3 m². However, this average can vary depending on the country and the city. For example, the average bedroom size in Singapore was 97 ft² or 9 m², while the average bedroom size in India was 161 ft² or 15 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the city. For example, the average bedroom size in Tokyo was 86 ft² or 8 m², while the average bedroom size in Bangkok was 172 ft² or 16 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in Asia can also be quite wide, depending on the country and the region. According to a study by PropertyGuru, the smallest bedroom size in Asia was 50 ft² or 4.6 m², found in Hong Kong, while the largest bedroom size in Asia was 269 ft² or 25 m², found in Jakarta.
The Average Bedroom Size in Australia and New Zealand
According to a report by Finder, the average bedroom size in Australia and New Zealand in 2019 was 146 ft² or 13.6 m². However, this average can vary depending on the state and the city. For example, the average bedroom size in New South Wales was 139 ft² or 12.9 m², while the average bedroom size in Queensland was 161 ft² or 15 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the city. For example, the average bedroom size in Sydney was 129 ft² or 12 m², while the average bedroom size in Melbourne was 151 ft² or 14 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in Australia and New Zealand can also be quite wide, depending on the state and the region. According to a study by Rent.com.au, the smallest bedroom size in Australia and New Zealand was 97 ft² or 9 m², found in Canberra, while the largest bedroom size in Australia and New Zealand was 204 ft² or 19 m², found in Darwin.
The Average Bedroom Size in Africa
According to a report by World Bank, the average bedroom size in Africa in 2019 was 108 ft² or 10 m². However, this average can vary depending on the country and the region. For example, the average bedroom size in South Africa was 129 ft² or 12 m², while the average bedroom size in Ethiopia was 86 ft² or 8 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the region. For example, the average bedroom size in North Africa was 118 ft² or 11 m², while the average bedroom size in Sub-Saharan Africa was 97 ft² or 9 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in Africa can also be quite wide, depending on the country and the region. According to a study by Africa Property News, the smallest bedroom size in Africa was 65 ft² or 6 m², found in Lagos, while the largest bedroom size in Africa was 172 ft² or 16 m², found in Cape Town.
The Average Bedroom Size in South America
According to a report by Statista, the average bedroom size in South America in 2019 was 118 ft² or 11 m². However, this average can vary depending on the country and the city. For example, the average bedroom size in Brazil was 129 ft² or 12 m², while the average bedroom size in Colombia was 97 ft² or 9 m².
The average bedroom size also varied by the city. For example, the average bedroom size in Sao Paulo was 118 ft² or 11 m², while the average bedroom size in Bogota was 86 ft² or 8 m².
The range of bedroom sizes in South America can also be quite wide, depending on the country and the city. According to a study by Lamudi, the smallest bedroom size in South America was 65 ft² or 6 m², found in Lima, while the largest bedroom size in South America was 183 ft² or 17 m², found in Buenos Aires.
Practical Implications of Bedroom Sizes
What are some of the practical implications of bedroom sizes? How do bedroom sizes affect our daily lives, comfort, and well-being? Here are some of the aspects that bedroom sizes can influence:
Bedroom Size and Furniture Placement
The size of your bedroom affects how you arrange your furniture. Furniture items include the bed, the nightstand, the dresser, the desk, the chair, and the sofa. Furniture placement influences the function, look, and comfort of your bedroom.
You should choose furniture items that match your bedroom size and arrange them to optimize your space, light, and air. Here are some tips:
- Small bedroom: Use compact, multifunctional, and space-saving furniture, like a loft bed, a wall-mounted nightstand, a foldable desk, or a storage ottoman. Make your room look bigger by placing the bed against the wall, using mirrors or light colors, or adding vertical elements.
- Medium bedroom: Use proportional, comfortable, and stylish furniture, like a double bed, a nightstand, a dresser, and a small desk or chair. Create a balance of space by placing the bed in the center of the room, using rugs or curtains, or adding accent pieces.
- Large bedroom: Use luxurious, spacious, and cozy furniture, like a king or queen bed, a nightstand, a dresser, a desk, a chair, and a sofa or a lounge area. Create a sense of intimacy by placing the bed in a corner or a niche, using warm or dark colors, or adding plants or candles.
How Bedroom Size Affects Home Value
Bedroom size is one of the factors that influences home value, which is the estimated market price of a property. Home value depends on various aspects, such as location, condition, amenities, and size. It affects the selling price, the buying price, the mortgage rate, and the property tax of a property.
Larger bedrooms are usually more valuable than smaller ones, as they offer more space, comfort, and flexibility. But this also varies with the housing market in your area. For instance, in a crowded and costly area, a small bedroom might be more valuable than a large one, as it is cheaper and easier to get. In a sparse and cheap area, a large bedroom might be more valuable than a small one, as it is roomier and cozier.
So, it is important to know the average bedroom size in your area, and to compare yours with it. This can help you figure out how your bedroom size affects your home value, and how you can improve it. Here are some general tips based on bedroom size:
- Small bedroom: Make it look bigger, brighter, and cleaner with light colors, mirrors, or decluttering. Add features that make it more functional, such as storage space, lighting, or outlets.
- Medium bedroom: Make it look more comfortable, stylish, and inviting with rugs, curtains, or pillows. Add features that make it more personalized, such as artwork, photos, or plants.
- Large bedroom: Make it look more cozy, luxurious, and relaxing with warm colors, candles, or blankets. Add features that make it more enjoyable, such as a TV, a sound system, or a fireplace.
Tips for Maximizing Bedroom Space
Regardless of the size of your bedroom, you may want to make the most of your space and create a comfortable and pleasant environment. There are many ways to maximize your bedroom space, such as using space-saving furniture, optimizing your layout, or adding storage solutions. Here are some tips for maximizing your bedroom space based on your bedroom size:
Space-Saving Furniture Ideas for Small Bedrooms
If you have a small bedroom, you may want to use furniture items that are compact, multifunctional, and space-saving, such as:
- A loft bed: A loft bed is a bed that is raised above the floor, leaving space underneath for other purposes, such as a desk, a closet, or a sofa. A loft bed can help you save floor space and create a cozy and functional sleeping area.
- A wall-mounted nightstand: A wall-mounted nightstand is a nightstand that is attached to the wall, rather than standing on the floor. A wall-mounted nightstand can help you save floor space and create a sleek and modern look for your bedroom.
- A foldable desk: A foldable desk is a desk that can be folded and stored away when not in use. A foldable desk can help you save floor space and create a flexible and convenient working area.
- A storage ottoman: A storage ottoman is an ottoman that has a hidden storage compartment inside. A storage ottoman can help you save floor space and create a stylish and practical seating area.
Layout Tips for Medium-Sized Bedrooms
If you have a medium-sized bedroom, you may want to use furniture items that are proportional, comfortable, and stylish, such as:
- A double bed: A double bed is a bed that can accommodate two people, but is smaller than a king or queen bed. A double bed can help you create a comfortable and cozy sleeping area, without taking up too much space.
- A nightstand: A nightstand is a small table that is placed next to the bed, usually with a lamp, a clock, or a book on it. A nightstand can help you create a convenient and functional bedside area, without cluttering your space.
- A dresser: A dresser is a piece of furniture that has drawers for storing clothes, accessories, or other items. A dresser can help you create a spacious and organized storage area, without overcrowding your space.
- A small desk or chair: A small desk or chair is a desk or chair that is smaller than a standard size, but still comfortable and ergonomic. A small desk or chair can help you create a comfortable and stylish working or reading area, without sacrificing your space.
Luxury Additions for Large Bedrooms
If you have a large bedroom, you may want to use furniture items that are luxurious, spacious, and cozy, such as:
- A king or queen bed: A king or queen bed is a bed that can accommodate two or more people, and is larger than a double bed. A king or queen bed can help you create a luxurious and spacious sleeping area, with plenty of room to stretch and relax.
- A nightstand: A nightstand is a small table that is placed next to the bed, usually with a lamp, a clock, or a book on it. A nightstand can help you create a convenient and functional bedside area, with enough space to display your personal items.
- A dresser: A dresser is a piece of furniture that has drawers for storing clothes, accessories, or other items. A dresser can help you create a spacious and organized storage area, with enough space to store your belongings.
- A desk, a chair, and a sofa or a lounge area: A desk, a chair, and a sofa or a lounge area are furniture items that can create a separate and comfortable working or relaxing area in your bedroom. A desk, a chair, and a sofa or a lounge area can help you create a cozy and inviting space, where you can work, read, watch TV, or chat with your friends or family.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the topic of bedroom sizes, and how they vary by country, region, and housing type. We have also discussed the factors that influence bedroom size, such as architecture, urban vs. rural living, and home valuation. We have also shared some tips for maximizing your bedroom space, based on your bedroom size.
The Future Trends in Bedroom Sizes
What are some of the future trends in bedroom sizes? How will bedroom sizes change in the coming years? Here are some of the possible scenarios and predictions for bedroom sizes in the future:
- Bedroom sizes will become more standardized and regulated, as more countries and regions adopt international standards and guidelines for bedroom sizes, such as the ISO, the IBC, or the IRC. This will create more consistency and clarity in bedroom sizes, and reduce the discrepancies and variations among different countries and regions.
- Bedroom sizes will become more flexible and adaptable, as more people opt for modular and movable furniture, such as Murphy beds, sofa beds, or folding tables. This will create more versatility and functionality in bedroom sizes, and allow people to adjust their bedroom space according to their needs and preferences.
- Bedroom sizes will become more personalized and customized, as more people use smart and digital technologies, such as sensors, cameras, or voice assistants, to control and optimize their bedroom space. This will create more comfort and convenience in bedroom sizes, and allow people to tailor their bedroom space to their mood and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts on Bedroom Sizing Standards
Bedroom sizes are an important aspect of housing and living, as they affect our comfort, well-being, and value. Bedroom sizes can vary widely by country, region, and housing type, depending on various factors such as culture, climate, economy, and history. However, there are also some international standards and guidelines for bedroom sizes, such as the ISO, the IBC, or the IRC, that provide some reference and direction for bedroom sizes.
Regardless of the size of your bedroom, you can always make the most of your space and create a comfortable and pleasant environment, by using the right furniture, layout, and storage solutions. You can also increase the value of your bedroom, by making it look bigger, brighter, and cleaner, or more comfortable, stylish, and inviting, depending on your bedroom size.
We hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of bedroom sizes, and how they relate to your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. We also hope that you have learned some tips for maximizing your bedroom space, whether you have a small, medium, or large bedroom. Thank you for reading, and have a great day!