The presence of a closet is not always a requirement. However, some local building codes may require a closet or other storage space in a bedroom, so it is important to check with your local building department for specific requirements.
It is a common misconception that a bedroom must have a closet. However, the legal requirements for a bedroom primarily concern health and safety rather than storage space. While some local markets may require a closet to consider a room a bedroom, most states do not mandate built-in closets.
User It is a common MYTH that a closet is required in some areas. The truth is that Realtors have taken it upon themselves to make this a requirement to list a room as a bedroom in some Multiple Listing Services (advertising). There is NO legal basis for this.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, contractors were charged a tax per each room/door in a house. To cut costs, the builders omitted closets.
No. While there are requirements that make a bedroom a bedroom, according to Realtor.com, having a closet isn't one of them (at least in most states). This story we have all heard about a bedroom requiring a closet is simply lore, and I'm here to put an end to it!
Generally, it is agreed that bedrooms, living rooms, dens, kitchens, and dining rooms are counted as rooms. However, if the dining “room” is a space in a larger living room with a table chandelier, it may not count as a separate room. Laundry rooms are not considered rooms.
While a potential buyer may be disappointed to realize one of the listed bedrooms in a home does not have a closet, the absence of a closet doesn't necessarily remove the bedroom from consideration as such.
In 1880 ground was broken for the Dakota, a luxurious apartment building in New York that featured some of the nation's first reach-in closets specifically designed for clothes.
Officially, a closet is not necessary for the space to be considered a bedroom in for example a housing listing. However, most likely prospective buyers do expect one, especially in new houses.
Coat closet: A closet located near the front door. Usually used to store coats, jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, scarfs, sunglasses, and boots/shoes. This kind of closet sometimes has shelving. It only has a rod and some bottom space used for clothes stored in boxes or drawers.
There are none, since in most places you cant legally turn a living room into a bedroom. Rental laws that may apply, if any, will be superseded by local zoning laws and building codes which usually prohibit this.
Somewhat arbitrary, but generally living rooms, dining rooms , kitchens etc. do count; bathrooms, foyers, hallways do not. This assumes rooms are roughly the same size.
Bonus rooms can be located anywhere in the home, such as in an attic, basement space, or above the garage. They may not have a closet, but it can be easily converted into a closet due to the additional storage.
Standard Small Bedroom Dimensions
The average small bedroom size in the United States is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet (3 meters by 3 meters), which is equivalent to 100 square feet (9.3 square meters). However, this size can vary depending on the layout of your home and the location of your bedroom.
A typical reach-in closet is approximately 6-feet long, 8-feet high, 24-inches deep with an 80-inch high door opening. Reach-in closets are very practical for a single occupant. They allow for easy viewing and access to all contents. Accessories and baskets work well in them.
Without a closet, you can put your clothes in a freestanding wardrobe or armoire, which provides both storage and a decorative element to your bedroom. Alternatively, install a clothing rack or use a combination of dressers and chests of drawers to store folded items.
Increased property value:
Adding a closet to your master bedroom will increase the value of your home. Potential buyers often look for ample storage space when considering a property, and a well-designed closet in the master bedroom can be a major selling point.
A place to escape, relax and, most importantly, rest. These are the principles which guide our approach to designing the perfect bedroom. After all, we may be unconscious for most of the time we spend there, but no other room has such an effect on our waking life.
Understanding the Closet
This kind of closet was indeed rare 200+ years ago for two reasons: 1) People really did not have as many clothes as we do today. 2) People generally stored their clothing in pieces of furniture, such as chests or clothes presses.
The natural light from your closet window is not just a great compliment to your closet's interior design; it also has benefits that go beyond form and function. The natural light your closet window brings can improve physical and mental health.
A wardrobe is larger and can hold more items, such as clothing, shoes, and other accessories. Another difference between a closet and wardrobe is the way they are designed. A closet typically has shelves and hanging space, while a wardrobe may have drawers, shelves, and hanging space.
Some local markets may not consider a room a bedroom without a closet, however, so it's important to know the local code in your area. Technically by national standards, however, a room does not need a closet to be a bedroom.
Room codes and regulations may vary a little from state to state, but for the most part, bedrooms follow the guidelines found in the International Residential Code (IRC). For a room to count as a true bedroom, it must have at least 70 square feet of floor space with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction.
No, you can't. According to Section R310 of the International Building Code (and most other building codes), every bedroom needs an operable window that can act as a second means of egress during an emergency—so landlords can't count windowless rooms as bedrooms.