The term "master bedroom" originated in 1926 as a marketing phrase in the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog. It replaced the traditional term "chamber" to appeal to aspirational, middle-class homebuyers by denoting the largest, most prominent room in the home.
The term "master bedroom" was not originally coined with racist intentions, emerging in 1920s real estate catalogs to designate the largest room in a house. However, it is increasingly phased out because the word "master" evokes the legacy of chattel slavery, where enslaved people lived in quarters and the enslaver resided in the "master's" house.
The term has a gendered quality as it tends to bring to mind the idea of a man being the master of the home. Of course, this concept is generally agreed to be an outdated idea. Others have felt that “master” carries racist overtones, harkening back to the United States' history of slavery.
The term "master bedroom" is falling out of favor due to its connections to the historical oppression of slavery and its sexist, patriarchal undertones. In response, the real estate industry largely shifted to using "primary bedroom" or "primary suite".
The term "master bedroom" first showed up in 1920s Sears catalogs as a promotional term to describe the largest, most luxurious bedroom in their kit homes. It was really a marketing term, rather than a historical reference.
It was thought to make for more restful sleep and considered more hygienic. In the Victorian era they thought the stronger partner would absorb the weaker partners vitality in the middle of the night.
It then shares Martin's "simple rule of thumb". This suggests that if there are more bedrooms in your home than people - such as three bedrooms but just two people - then "there's a good chance you can save". And potential savings can be checked using The Consumer Council for Water's online calculator.
No, it is not illegal to say "master bedroom." The term does not violate federal Fair Housing laws in the United States, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not banned it. However, many real estate associations and agents are voluntarily switching to "primary bedroom" or "primary suite" to be more inclusive and avoid potential offense.
Different Types of Bedrooms
Clouds of Gray and White
The colors of white and gray are cozy and invite you to nestle in their softness, making them excellent choices for bedrooms. White can open up a room – it is perfect for the small bedroom to make it appear larger or for a master bedroom with limited natural light.
A walk-in closet (North American) or walk-in wardrobe (UK) or dressing room is typically a large closet, wardrobe or room that is primarily intended for storing clothes, footwear etc., and being used as a changing room.
A dual master suite home design includes two full primary bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom and generous closet space, allowing both suites to function as independent living quarters.
Typically, a bedroom addition can boost your home's value by 10% to 20%. For instance, if your property is valued at $300,000, you might see an increase of $30,000 to $60,000. This represents a substantial return on your investment.
Before Shakespeare popularized the word "bedroom," the area where people slept was most commonly called a bedchamber, chamber, or sleep space.
Introduce texture over bold colour. In 2026, master bedroom trends are embracing tactile styling, layering comfort and softness in place of bold colour. Fabrics like linen, bouclé and velvet bring subtle depth and variation, suiting the calm, considered feel of a primary suite.
Considering the word's history, it's clear that the term comes with sexist, racist and classist connotations that many people are, understandably, uncomfortable with.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Avoid painting bedrooms in high-energy or intensely saturated colors like bright red, vibrant orange, or deep purple, as they can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety. Designers recommend steering clear of dark, gloomy shades like black or charcoal (especially in low light), as well as neon tones or cold, flat greys that make a room feel clinical.
Ranging from bold to bright, to subtle and neutral, you have an entire rainbow of colors to experiment with. This decorating rule suggests that you should cover your room with 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent shade. It is all about maintaining the perfect balance of tones.
Soft shades like light blue, lavender, pastel green, and muted grey are known to create a calming environment and promote restful sleep.
The 3-5-7 rule is a styling principle stating that grouping objects in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) creates natural visual rhythm, balance, and harmony. Instead of rigid symmetry, odd-numbered arrangements force the eye to move dynamically across a space, making decor feel thoughtfully curated rather than staged.
Most residential homes are structured around seven foundational spaces that fulfill essential daily needs. These core areas—the kitchen, primary bedroom, living room, and primary bathroom—are considered the most critical for everyday living and property value.
The word "master" is not inherently racist, but it is deeply intertwined with the history of slavery in the US, making its usage in certain contexts—like the real estate and technology industries—highly controversial.
While closets are a common bedroom feature, they're not legally required in most areas. While closets certainly add functionality and appeal, building codes focus on safety and basic livability rather than storage solutions.
Most Common Complaints