If you want to arrange your interiors, many renovations deserve to be done. For example, you can install a wooden mezzanine at home. Otherwise, why not optimize the space under the stairs.
If you do not have a true master suite, it is high time to create one. This article covers the essentials to know about this adult room. To begin, it is appropriate to offer you its definition.
📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider that creating this space increases the real estate value of your property by about 10% to 15%. In my opinion, it is the ultimate investment to preserve the couple’s privacy while smoothing the morning flow in the house. A well-thought-out layout transforms a simple bedroom into a true daily relaxation sanctuary.
What is a master suite?
(function(){if(window._alpLd)return;window._alpLd=1;var s=document.createElement(‘script’);s.src=’https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs@3/dist/cdn.min.js’;s.defer=true;document.head.appendChild(s);})()A master suite is especially found in a recent home. It is a set of rooms adapted to the intimate life of your parents.
📍 My experience: Before arranging our suite, mornings were a battlefield to access the only bathroom with our two teenagers. Since we have our own 18 m² space with a walk-in shower, the stress has disappeared and we gain 20 minutes of sleep every day. The lesson is clear: comfort is not a luxury, it is a gain in serenity for the whole family.
Unlike a parental bedroom, the master suite consists not only of a bedroom but also a bathroom and a dressing-style storage space.
It serves to separate the parents’ privacy from the rest of the house. Thanks to this layout, this room offers increased functional value and provides complete autonomy.
🌍 Did you know?
The concept of the master suite appeared in the 1970s in the United States (Master Suite) and has become the number one criterion for real estate buyers in Europe since 2015.
| Element of the master suite | Description and role in the layout |
|---|---|
| Main bedroom | Sleeping space reserved for the parents, often more spacious than other bedrooms. |
| Attached bathroom | Shower or bathroom directly accessible from the bedroom, without passing through a corridor. |
| Dressing or storage space | Built-in closet or dedicated room for clothes and accessories, promoting order and comfort. |
| Enhanced privacy | Set designed to offer a private space for the couple, separated from the rest of the house. |
| Functionality and comfort | Groups essential functions (sleeping, washing, dressing) in a single fluid space. |
In most cases, it is equipped with a walk-in shower, a toilet, a vanity unit, and a bathtub if the bedroom is spacious.
As for the dressing room, closets can be included. They come in many models. You can choose the one that matches the style of your interior decor.
For a small room, it simply includes drawers, shelves, and racks. These elements are practical enough to accommodate your clothes and personal belongings.
In general, the master suite is located on the ground floor of a multi-story house. This location allows it to be separated from other rooms without isolating it.
If you live in a single-story house, it is located in one part of the home and the children’s bedroom at the opposite end. The living areas are situated in the middle.
Why have a master suite?
🍀 Advantages
- Increased comfort and privacy
- Simplified organization
- Strong real estate added value
🔻 Limitations
- High renovation cost
- Humidity management
A master suite helps preserve the parents’ privacy. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to separate it from the rest of the house. Due to this location, the couple can fully enjoy their privacy.
Besides that, this adult room often includes a bathroom that is richly equipped. This setup helps avoid the morning rush with the children at shower time.
When the little ones are still sleeping, the parents won’t risk waking them with the hum of the electric razor or hairdryer. Since the master suite is set apart, the sound of water won’t disturb them either.
Another significant advantage is that you can adopt adult-style decoration for the bathroom.
No more big dolphin on the wall, you can choose a simple but chic decoration for your parental bathroom. Also, the family’s toiletries do not get mixed up.
⚠️ Common misconception
Thinking that an open bathroom is always a good idea. In reality, the sound of the toilet flush or the shower light can wake your partner in the middle of the night.
How to organize a master suite?
- Defining the cocoon: The master suite is much more than just a bedroom. It is a small cocoon of comfort and privacy reserved for the parents. It is specially arranged to ensure happiness, sleep, hygiene, pleasure, and personal belongings.
- Studying habits: To arrange it well, some elements must be carefully studied. First, consider each person’s lifestyle habits.
- Daily rituals: The couple does not necessarily have the same rituals when getting ready for work every morning. Also, their sleeping hours are sometimes different.
- Partitioning of spaces: It is therefore advisable to partition each space such as the dressing room, the bathroom, and the bedroom. This idea prevents disturbing the other and offers maximum tranquility and privacy to each occupant.
- Functional proximity: For more convenience, you can place the dressing room close to the bathroom. After washing, you can get dressed without disturbing your partner who is still sleeping.
- Flow of circulation: Try to make the circulation between these spaces smooth. Otherwise, you risk disturbing their sleep.
- Technical constraints: From a technical point of view, ask yourself if the room’s configuration allows you to arrange a master suite. Also, don’t forget that it must allow you to route technical ducts or pipes.
- Professional support: If you are not familiar with the subject, it is advisable to consult a professional. They can conduct a feasibility study of the project. Also, they can provide you with many interesting proposals to support your ideas.
💡 Practical tip
Install a two-way switch at the head of the bed to control the bathroom lighting without having to get up.
What size for a master suite?
According to habitability standards in France, a room is considered a bedroom when its floor area is at least 8 m². As for the ceiling height, it ranges between 2 to 2.20 m. The size of a master suite is also dictated by French housing law.
According to decree no. 2002-120 of January 30, 2002, it must measure at least 12 m² with a minimum ceiling height of 2 m. For optimal comfort, a surface of 14 m² may be necessary.
Besides these dimensions, the master suite must be effectively and naturally ventilated. Make sure natural light penetrates the different rooms. Beyond the feeling of well-being, it must also guarantee the health of the occupants.
| Element | Minimum surface | Comfort provided | Cost estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping area | 12 m² | Sleep and rest | €2000 |
| Bathroom | 4 m² | Morning privacy | €4500 |
| Dressing room | 3 m² | Optimized storage | €1500 |
| Total Suite | 19 m² | Real estate added value | €8000 + |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal surface area for a complete master suite?
To include a king-size bed, a functional bathroom, and a real dressing room, a surface area of 17 to 20 m² is recommended. This allows free movement without cluttering the spaces.
Is a partition between the bedroom and the bathroom absolutely necessary?
It is not mandatory, but highly recommended to limit humidity and noise. A glass partition or a sliding door are excellent aesthetic and practical compromises.
How to manage ventilation in a master suite?
Installing an efficient mechanical ventilation system (VMC) is essential, especially if the bathroom part has no window. This prevents bad odors and mold problems on the walls.
