Master Bedrooms – Is Bigger Really Better?
Surprising as it sounds, an enormous bedroom suite might not be for you. Use these ideas to discover what you really want from your space
Laura Gaskill
1 October 2015
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
For some time now, it’s been the norm in new construction to include an enormous master suite in the plans. Is it a blessing, or is it just overboard? The answer is, there is no cookie cutter answer – it depends on you.
Zeroing in on what you personally want and need from your master bedroom can help you build the just-right space (or tweak the one you have). These tips can help.
Zeroing in on what you personally want and need from your master bedroom can help you build the just-right space (or tweak the one you have). These tips can help.
Go big if … you want room for dressing
A spacious master suite is ideal if you want room for a large dresser, a full-length mirror and a bench to sit on while you put on shoes. This is what master suites are made for, so if you’re a clothes horse and have an ample budget, a big bedroom may be just what you need.
6 secrets to designing a luxury bedroom
A spacious master suite is ideal if you want room for a large dresser, a full-length mirror and a bench to sit on while you put on shoes. This is what master suites are made for, so if you’re a clothes horse and have an ample budget, a big bedroom may be just what you need.
6 secrets to designing a luxury bedroom
Go smaller if … you want a cosy sleeping nook
If you prefer to use your bedroom only for sleeping, it may be superfluous to have any more space than you need to comfortably fit your bed and bedside table. A small but well-appointed bedroom can actually be more restful than a larger space that invites the spread of clutter.
10 big ideas to make a small bedroom look larger
If you prefer to use your bedroom only for sleeping, it may be superfluous to have any more space than you need to comfortably fit your bed and bedside table. A small but well-appointed bedroom can actually be more restful than a larger space that invites the spread of clutter.
10 big ideas to make a small bedroom look larger
Go up if … you want more floor space
If you like the idea of a cosy sleeping nook, want to really maximise space and don’t mind climbing, consider a sleeping loft. Accessed by a ladder or staircase, a sleeping loft can be big enough for a traditional bed frame or just fit a mattress, depending on the height of your ceiling. The real benefit comes from what you can put underneath the loft – an office, a guest room, a den or anything else you can dream up.
If you like the idea of a cosy sleeping nook, want to really maximise space and don’t mind climbing, consider a sleeping loft. Accessed by a ladder or staircase, a sleeping loft can be big enough for a traditional bed frame or just fit a mattress, depending on the height of your ceiling. The real benefit comes from what you can put underneath the loft – an office, a guest room, a den or anything else you can dream up.
Go small (but with built-ins) if … you love to read in bed
A modest-size master bedroom can feel luxurious if it is outfitted with the right details. Consider built-in bookshelves and storage cabinets to store your favourite tomes at hand. Wall-mounted sconces provide clear lighting for reading in bed, without the need for bedside tables.
A modest-size master bedroom can feel luxurious if it is outfitted with the right details. Consider built-in bookshelves and storage cabinets to store your favourite tomes at hand. Wall-mounted sconces provide clear lighting for reading in bed, without the need for bedside tables.
Recessed shelves are a sleek way to add storage to a small bedroom. This space is compact but looks utterly serene, thanks to the neutral linens, smooth white walls and lack of clutter.
Go big (and multipurpose) if … you want a private getaway
If you share your home with kids or housemates, having a room that’s just for you can be essential to your well-being. Don’t waste the space in a big master bedroom; put it to work – include a mini living room with a comfy armchair, a TV or space in which to practice an instrument or do crafts.
If you share your home with kids or housemates, having a room that’s just for you can be essential to your well-being. Don’t waste the space in a big master bedroom; put it to work – include a mini living room with a comfy armchair, a TV or space in which to practice an instrument or do crafts.
Go smaller if … you want indoor-outdoor flow
Instead of spending to expand your master bedroom, consider putting some of that money toward beefing up what’s right outside the door. Sliding glass or French doors leading from the bedroom to a deck or garden can really boost the pleasure factor.
Instead of spending to expand your master bedroom, consider putting some of that money toward beefing up what’s right outside the door. Sliding glass or French doors leading from the bedroom to a deck or garden can really boost the pleasure factor.
Go big if … you crave lots of extra floor space
Love practicing yoga at home? Want a quiet space in which to meditate? Need somewhere to put your workout gear? A big bedroom with plenty of open floor space could be just the ticket.
Set up the perfect meditation space at home
Love practicing yoga at home? Want a quiet space in which to meditate? Need somewhere to put your workout gear? A big bedroom with plenty of open floor space could be just the ticket.
Set up the perfect meditation space at home
Go small if … you would rather use the floor space for another room
Instead of immediately thinking of adding on, look at your home’s floor plan as a puzzle – could you steal a little space from an oversize master to make more room for something else you really need? A good pro can help you come up with smart space solutions that make the most of your home’s existing footprint.
TELL US
What do you most want from your master bedroom? What size room would best fit your needs?
MORE
12 Things We Can Learn From These Peaceful Bedrooms
Could You Live With a Bath in the Bedroom? Here’s How to Get It Right
14 Savvy Tricks to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
Instead of immediately thinking of adding on, look at your home’s floor plan as a puzzle – could you steal a little space from an oversize master to make more room for something else you really need? A good pro can help you come up with smart space solutions that make the most of your home’s existing footprint.
TELL US
What do you most want from your master bedroom? What size room would best fit your needs?
MORE
12 Things We Can Learn From These Peaceful Bedrooms
Could You Live With a Bath in the Bedroom? Here’s How to Get It Right
14 Savvy Tricks to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
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Big enough for king size bed, chair, bench at the bottom of the bed, and a big walk in robe/dressing room.
Wish everyone would stop trying to dictate how others should exist. Everyone’s wants, needs, priorities and opportunities are different
I'm with you Hu-319610855.....
I have health issues that require me to spend a lot of time in the bedroom... I have a small seating area/study desk. We made it as big as was practical, as we had opportunity to build. Television with gaming console etc. It's no joke having to be there, and so I make it as liveable as I can. I find bare 'sleeping only' rooms to be the opposite of relaxing in the first place, always have, even before the health issues. I need space to move in, and can't abide postage stamp rooms.
I always feel that people who want that 'sleeping only' cupboard either have trouble sleeping, or are following what they heard somewhere. Which is fine, if you like it. But I would never buy a house with poky bedrooms, which most of them tend to these days... hence the reason we built.
But it's different strokes for different folks, and the world would be insanely boring if we were all the same!