DESIGN OF A BEDROOM | PLANNING

Once you have met with your Architect, and given your requirements, he will design according to your Site size, budget and site conditions. The main things to look out for in the design solution are whether:

• The minimum, basic room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for good furniture arrangement have been maintained. It is always important to have a comfortable sized Bedroom as the size cannot be changed later (unless you are prepared for large scale renovation). Even if you have a small site, it is not advisable to have a tiny Bedroom, because you will be forced to adjust to small, cramped living spaces for the rest of your life,
• All the planning considerations such as, furniture, clearances, space allowances, doors, windows etc for the Bedroom have been taken into account.
• The Bedroom location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions, so that it gets the right amount of Sunlight and air.

Here, I have explained the design considerations, furniture and the minimum basic sizes for a Bedroom for your reference.

BEDROOM FUNCTIONS:

• Primary Activities: Sleeping, Dressing/Undressing, Storing Clothes, Personal Care.
• Secondary Activities: Reading, Writing, Studying, Working, Watching TV, Listening to music, Caring for Infants, Sewing, Telephoning, Drawing/Painting, Doing Exercise, Resting and Convalescing, Hobbies, Storing bulk/seasonal items.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A BEDROOM:

• The number of occupants of the bedroom - whether Single Occupancy or Double Occupancy.
• The age of the occupants - whether a Master Bedroom, Children's Bedroom or a Guest Bedroom.
• Size and type of Furniture.
• Space allowance for Furniture.
• Clearance and space around the Furniture for movement.
• Storage space for clothes, dressing etc

FURNITURE OF A BEDROOM: The Typical pieces of furniture in a Bedroom and their sizes are listed below. The sizes may vary a little from yours but it does not affect the overall size of the Bedroom.

• Beds: There are several types of beds depending on the number of people sharing them:
• Single Bed - 3'0" x 6'10" (Cramped for an adult but suitable for a child)
• Twin Bed - 3'3" x 6'10" or 3'4" x 7'0" ( Okay for an adult)
• Double Bed - 4'6" x 6'10" or 4'6" x 7'0" (Cramped for 2 adults, but okay for 2 children)
• Queen Size- 5'0" x 6'10" or 5' x 7'0" (Cramped for 2 adults but okay for an adult and a child)
• King Size Bed - 6'6" x 6'10" or 6'6" x 7'0" (Comfortable for 2 adults)
• Crib - 2'0" x 4'6" or 2'8" x 5'0"
• Bunk Bed - 2'8" x 6'3" (Suitable for 2 children)
• Dressing Table - 1'3" x 3'0", 1'6" x 3'6", 2'0" x 4'0" etc.
• Dresser or Chest of Drawers - 1'6" x 3'0", 1'10" x 4'0"
• Bedside Table - 1'2" x 1'2", 1'6" x 1'6", 2'0" x 2'0"
• Desk - 1'6" x 3'4", 1'8" x 3'6"
• Chair - 1'6" x 1'6"
• Boudoir Chair - 2'6" x 3'
• Chaise Lounge - 2' x 4', 2'4" x 5' etc.
• Closet or Wardrobe - Each shutter size is about 1'6" x 7'0". A 2 shutter Wardrobe is the minimum in a single occupancy bedroom and a 4 shutter or 6 shutter closet is necessary in a double occupancy Bedroom.

CLEARANCES: To ensure adequate space for movement and the convenient use of furniture in the Bedroom, the following minimum clearances must be observed:

• At least 2" clearance should be allowed between the wall and the furniture.
• A minimum of 3" should be kept between furniture units.
• A minimum of 3'6" space between the foot of the bed and the dressing table/ dresser for dressing.
• At least 3' in front of Closet, Dresser/Chest of Drawers to open and use them.
• A minimum of 2' on one side of bed to allow for movement and making bed.
• At least 1' on the least used side of the bed for making the bed. However, in case of single beds, they can be placed against the wall on the least used side.
• A minimum of 2'6" for movement from the door through the room
• A 5' turning diameter for a wheelchair.

BEDROOM LOCATION:
The bedroom is a private space used for rest, relaxation, reading, writing, working, listening to music, convalescing, sleeping, phoning etc. Hence there is a need for privacy, quiet and peace. It should also be well lit and airy and preferably be near some green garden etc as the oxygen released by plants is rejuvenating. It should be away from the noisy parts of the house and the rooms where guests are entertained. To get some tips on the best location for Bedrooms, go to:

• VAASTU SHASTRA | BEDROOM

Related Topics:

• DESIGN OF A BEDROOM | ARRANGEMENT
• TYPES OF BEDS
• DESIGN OF OTHER ROOMS IN A HOUSE