A Guide to UK Bedroom Sizes
Whether you’re building your own home or buying a property, the size of the rooms is likely to be among your biggest priorities.
This is particularly the case when it comes to bedrooms.
These days, bedrooms are so much more than simply a place to sleep. They also provide people with privacy, somewhere to relax and a room to simply be content in their own space.
With this in mind, it’s always worthwhile understanding bedroom sizes, including the average-sized spaces as well as any legal requirements regarding them.
In this article, the UK Home Improvement team will provide you with a comprehensive guide to UK bedroom sizes, outlining everything you need to know about how big your home’s bedroom should be.
Minimum Bedroom Sizes
One of the most commonly asked questions on this topic is ‘what is the minimum bedroom size?’
Well, there is no one size fits all answer.
In fact, there are actually no universal standards for homes when it comes to size and space, and this means there is no legal bedroom size or limit. Instead, the only statutory obligations that need to be met for any building or renovation project are planning permission and building regulations. Depending on the specifics of the project, planning permission may not be required but building regulations almost always are.
However, in 2015, a national space standard was announced. This was done to outline minimum space sizes that should be present in domestic properties. Despite this, it is not legally enforced and it is up to individual local authorities whether they use it or not. Although, this changed slightly in 2021 and these space standards now apply to the development of new homes that are built under permitted development rules.
Let’s take a closer look at what the space standard recommends for minimum bedroom sizes in the UK.
Minimum single bedroom sizes
Typically, a single bedroom is designed to house one person. The space standard has taken into account that the average single bedroom will also feature a bed, storage facilities and other essential furnishings. As well as this, easy access and comfortable movement should be considered.
With all this in mind, the minimum single bedroom size as recommended by the space standard is a floor area of 7.5m2 and a width of 2.15m.
However, while there are no legal requirements for people that own their own homes, if you’re a landlord that owns a HMO, you must meet certain space requirements.
Since 2018, single bedrooms for a person over the age of 10 years old must have a floor area of no less than 70 square feet (or 6.5 metres).
Minimum double bedroom size
Usually, double bedrooms are built with two people in mind, often this is a couple. Sometimes it can be referred to as a twin bedroom, and this is usually the case when siblings share a bedroom. Therefore, it’s important that it is larger than a single bedroom in order to accommodate for two individuals as well as their space, belongings and comfort.
Larger (or multiple) beds, storage options and sometimes even seating will be required to make the environment comfortable and pleasant for the two residing within it.
The space standard recommends a double bedroom to have a floor area of 11.5m2. And, it should be at least 2.55m wide.
For HMOs, a double bedroom must have a minimum floor area of no less than 110 square feet (or 10.2 metres).
Average bedroom sizes
Now we’ve covered the minimum bedroom sizes, you’ll know what to look out for when buying or renting a property.
However, often you’ll want more space than what the bare minimum offers.
While it’s difficult to say what the average bedroom size is in the UK, what we can do is make a judgment on the optimum space required for the average person.
This is normally dictated by the type of bedroom, the objects and furniture that needs to be included and accounting for comfort levels.
Let’s take a look at the sizes and space you’ll need in more detail.
The average double bedroom size
Let’s begin by looking at average bedroom sizes you’ll need for a master, or double, bedroom.
As the room you’re likely to choose to sleep in, it’s important it is of a comfortable size for you and, if you’re sharing, the person who will be sleeping in it with you.
Normally, this room will feature at least a double bed which is usually around 1.3m wide and 1.9m long. However, perhaps you own a king size bed (1.5m by 2m) or even a double king size (1.8m by 2m). Whatever you choose to kip in, your bed is likely to be one of the biggest factors that will dictate the size of the room you need.
In addition to your bed, you’ll also need to account for wardrobes, dressers, bedside tables, other furnishings and more.
When all of this is combined, a space of around 4.5m by 4.5m (or 20.25m2) is ideal for a double bedroom. This will allow you to have enough space around the bed to comfortably sit, dress or simply relax without feeling claustrophobic.
The average single bedroom size
The other bedrooms in the house are likely to be single bedrooms. Usually, these will be guest bedrooms or bedrooms for children to sleep in.
With this in mind, the beds are likely to be smaller, and the room will need fewer amenities. For children, you might still want to feature a wardrobe or dressing table, however, they’re likely to be smaller. Perhaps a small toy box may also be included for storage.
Usually, a single bedroom that is sized at around 3.4m by 3m (or 10.2m2) will be plenty of space.
For young children, you may not need a single bed. A small, single bed that is around 0.9m by 1.9m should be enough. If you want to include a double bed for your child, one that is sized 1.2m by 1.9m will be suitable.
Other considerations
As well as understanding the different measurements of rooms, objects and what dictates bedroom sizes, there are a number of other considerations that you should factor in when it comes to this subject.
This includes the following:
Ceiling height
While building regulations do not provide information regarding minimum roof heights, it’s important to understand the standard ceiling height in the UK. On average, you can expect a ceiling height to be around 2.4m, or 8 feet, high. This should give people plenty of headroom.
This is likely to vary depending on the age and style of the property. On average, older buildings might have lower ceilings whereas modern homes will make sure it’s higher to indicate a more contemporary and spacious aesthetic.
Loft conversions that have been changed into bedrooms are also likely to have a lower ceiling. Most typically, the ceiling height in these instances will be around 2.1m or 7 feet.
The only time that ceiling height will be mandated is in staircases and access areas. For example, one part of the building regulations state that the head height for landing and stairs should be at least two metres. This is to prevent people from injuring their heads.
Natural light and ventilation
When buying or renting a new property, as well as size, you should also make sure you have access to natural light and good ventilation. This is important to create a comfortable, relaxing and healthy living space that is pleasant to spend time in.
With this in mind, make sure the room has windows in it that allow for plenty of sunlight, great ventilation and a flow of air that promotes good well-being.
Storage
Storage is another important aspect of any bedroom.
Again, there are no regulations to account for this but it’s always worth bearing in mind. Adequate storage space is almost always necessary for a bedroom, and built-in wardrobes, shelving units and other types of storage are always desirable. They help keep a bedroom organised and uncluttered.
In Summary
In summary, bedroom sizes can vary significantly depending on the type of property they’re within.
While a legal bedroom size does not exist for many buildings, minimum guidelines are as follows:
- Single bedroom – A floor area of 7.5m2 and a width of 2.15m
- Double bedroom – A floor area of 11.5m2 and a width of 2.55m.
However, it’s important to bear in mind your own personal circumstances and how this might impact the size of the bedroom you will need to be happy and comfortable.
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