After decades of experience designing homes, I've developed some strong opinions about bedroom sizes. Today, I want to share my insights on what really works when it comes to different types of bedrooms.

A master bedroom needs to be more than just a place to sleep – it's your sanctuary.

In my experience, a standard master bedroom should be at least 13x15 feet (195 square feet). This gives you enough space for:

• A King-size bed with nightstands
• Two dressers
• Space to walk around freely

I've found that anything smaller starts to feel cramped once you add all the essentials. 

Luxury master bedroom sizes range from 14x16 feet on up. I would put the ideal size at 15x18 feet or 16 x20 feet. This will allow space for the items listed above plus a small sitting area and a more luxurious feel. Other aspects like 9 foot ceilings and trayed ceilings can increase the feel of a luxurious master bedroom.

Standard bedrooms, that are usually for children, should be at least 11' in one dimension and 12-14'  in the other (about 140 square feet) It seems Queen beds are becoming the norm for teenagers, and you should also have space for a small study desk.

Here's why I love this dimension:

• It comfortably fits a queen-size bed
• There's room for a desk & dresser
• You can include a small reading nook

I've seen smaller bedrooms (9.5'x10'), but to my eye, they feel a bit restrictive. If you're building or renovating, I'd strongly recommend sticking to at least 11x12 feet + for standard bedrooms. By the way, 12 feet is a standard size width for rolls of carpet, so there is no waste if you do plan to carpet the room.

If you do need to go small, the minimum bedroom size per the IRC (International Residential Code) is 70 square feet, with the width a minimum of 7 feet. So that would make the room 7x10 feet. 

For additional insight and sample bedroom layout plans, click here: Sample Bedroom Layouts 

Let's talk about guest rooms – the space that often becomes the catch-all room in many homes. A guest room can be smaller than a standard bedroom, but there's a limit to how small you should go.

I recommend a guest room be no smaller than 10x11 feet (110 square feet), and it works perfectly. Here's why:

• It fits a comfortable full-size bed
• There's space for a small dresser
• Guests have room for their luggage
• It doesn't feel cramped for short stays

The key is remembering that guest rooms are temporary spaces. While you don't need the same amenities as a primary bedroom, you still want your guests to feel comfortable.

Through my experiences, I've learned some universal truths about bedroom sizes:

1. Always measure your furniture before committing to a layout
2. Consider door swing and traffic patterns
3. Remember that windows can affect furniture placement
4. Don't forget about storage needs
5. Factor in ceiling height – it can make a smaller room feel larger

After years of experimenting with different bedroom sizes, I've learned that while the "perfect" size varies by need, there are some reliable minimums to keep in mind:

• Master Bedroom:195 sq ft (13x15)
• Standard Bedroom: 132 sq ft (11x12)
• Guest Room: 110 sq ft (10x11)

Remember, these are my professional guidelines based on real-life experience. Your needs might be different, and that's okay! The most important thing is creating a space that works for your lifestyle and makes you feel comfortable. I recommend measuring the rooms you have now, and adjust up or down based on how it looks to your eye, along with planned furniture placement.