One of the most critical aspects of home design is determining the appropriate dimensions for each room, particularly the bedroom — a space where we spend a significant amount of our time. The National Construction Code (NCC) has specific rules for the ceiling height and floor space of every space in a home, including the lounge room or even the walk-in wardrobe.
In this guide, you will learn about the minimum dimensions and standard bedroom size in Australia. Along with more details about the floor area, you will also see the average size of different types of bedrooms. But first, it is worth looking at the standard room size for an Australian home.
The Standard Bedroom Size in Australia
You can significantly customise the size of your bedroom, but you will have to meet a necessary threshold for your room to be considered habitable. The NCC has strict guidelines for what constitutes a habitable room in a house in Australia. To qualify as a bedroom, it should have a minimum ceiling height of 2.4 m and floor space of 6.5 m2. The window for the bedroom needs to be 10% of the total area of the room. It should also meet natural ventilation requirements, where the opening for the window must be 5% of the room’s total area.
A bedroom falls into the category of habitable space, which the National Construction Code (NCC) defines as a room that can be used for regular domestic activities. The habitable space should also have a reasonably high ceiling, and it should also have natural or mechanical lighting and ventilation systems. For bedrooms specifically, they will need natural light and ventilation windows.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
Average Bedroom Size in Victoria
The average bedroom size, according to Victorian ‘Better Apartments Design Standards,’ is 3m x 3.4m for a comfortable living experience. On the other hand, other rooms in the house can be just 3m x 3m, which is enough space to fit a regular bed and a small wardrobe. Of course, the sizes mentioned here do not include any ensuite facilities since they would impede the already tight living space.
Types of Bedroom sizes in Australia
Bedroom sizes are inconsistent with houses and can change from room to room. While a room should be at least 6.5 m2 for its room dimensions, it can be a lot bigger. It is worth looking at a house’s different types of rooms and seeing how big its floor plan is.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom should be the biggest bedroom in the house by a large margin, with the average master bedroom size in an Australian home, which can be approximately 10 to 12 square metre work out from furniture size – a King size bed is 1.835m (W) x 2.03m (L), plus 1m circulation space around the perimeter, the minimum size is 3.835m x 4.03m.
Therefore, if you want a room large enough to fit various luxury furniture items, including bedside tables, a king bed, and a couch with a larger wardrobe, you can start with the bed in the middle first then work your way out by adding circulation spaces between furniture. In some cases, it can be living room size, and in other homes, it can be slightly smaller.
Kids Room
A room dedicated to kids can vary in size depending on the age of the children and how many there are. If two or more children stay in a single room, it can be a slightly larger room in the house. The bedroom layout usually includes a large bed, wardrobe, and study tables for the children.
But even if the kid’s room is small, it can still be one of the most creative spaces in the house. Especially if the children are younger, the bright colours and interesting imagery can help improve their creativity. But some might want to keep this room a little bigger because the parents might want siblings on different beds in the same room or set up the room as a second master bed when the children have grown up and need that extra space.
Guest Room
The guest room is usually a spare room dedicated to guests that will often only meet the minimum bedroom size requirements. While some bigger houses will fit a king size bed, others might settle for a double bed instead. The room is usually just a place for the guests to sleep and keep their belongings, so that it can be small.
The only important things that need to be in a guest room include a bed, wardrobe, and an adjoining bathroom. Other than these essentials can usually come down to personal preference.
Can a Study be a Bedroom?
If you’re looking to advertise your study as a bedroom to get a better value for your home, it is important that you first understand how big the standard room in Australia is and if the study can meet those requirements. Remember, if a room fails to meet the minimum requirements for a standard bedroom size Australia, then you could get in trouble for false advertising.
First of all, for the room to qualify as a habitable room, it should be a habitable room. So along with meeting the minimum ceiling height (2.4m) requirements, it will also have to meet the necessary natural light and ventilation requirements. According to NCC window requirements, a habitable room should have an opening (window) of 10% of its total area. Half of that window should allow for ventilation.
If your study happens to meet these requirements, you can still advertise it as an additional room.
Standard bedroom Window Size in Australia with Minimum Ceiling Height
A bedroom is only considered habitable if it meets the necessary window size requirements set by the NCC. The rules state that a bedroom window needs to be about 10% of the size of a bedroom for ventilation and natural light into the room. The window can open into another room. This adjoining room needs to have an opening of at least 10% of the size of both rooms. Only when it meets this requirement can a room be habitable.
Standard Bedroom Door Size
According to the ABCB, the minimum size of a doorway to another room should be 2040mm in height, 820mm in width, and 35mm in thickness. Of course, this is the size of a door that leads from a non-habitable space to a habitable room, from a habitable room to another.
Incorporating Feng Shui Principles for Your Bedroom
When organising your bedroom and finding the right location, you should consider the Chinese principles of Feng Shui. Feng Shui translates to wind and water, and it refers to the flow of energy or, as they know it, chi. Chi is present in all living and non-living beings, and for a person to be healthy, they need to have a good flow of chi.
A bedroom designed with optimal chi flow can contribute to improved well-being and good fortune. You can improve the movement of ‘Chi’ in your home by installing rounded furniture, placing a bed near the window, bringing in lots of natural light, fewer electronics, and soothing artwork. These small changes make staying in your room more relaxing and allow the energy to flow better.
What’s Next
The right bedroom size can often come down to preference. While many houses will have a master bedroom, you can opt out of it and have all bedrooms be the same size. Or you can customise the size of the rooms accordingly.
If you have any further questions or need expert guidance on designing the perfect bedroom, don’t hesitate to reach out to SQM Architects. Our team of experienced professionals is always eager to assist you in creating a stunning and functional living environment. Contact us today to discuss your project and let us help you bring your dream bedroom to life.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.