Designing a home with the right room sizes and spacing is crucial for both functionality and comfort. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing space, having well-thought-out dimensions can make a significant difference in usability and flow. This guide provides recommended measurements for hallways, bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and garages to help you create a home that feels spacious and efficient.
General
Hallways should have a minimum width of 3′, but ideally, they should be between 3′-6″ and 4′, depending on their location and traffic level. Stairs should have a minimum width of 42″, with an ideal width of 48″, and landings should be at least 48″ deep.
Bedrooms
The primary bedroom should be at least 13′ x 13′, allowing space for a king bed, two nightstands, and a dresser. It is also essential to have one full wall available for bed placement, with 30″-36″ of clearance on either side for nightstands. The bed should generally be centered unless the room includes a sitting area or nook. Secondary bedrooms should be a minimum size of 10′ x 10′. Plus, ensure a full, uninterrupted wall for bed and nightstand placement.
Closets
Primary bedroom closets should have a minimum size of 7′ x 7′, with hanging space being 2′ deep, shelf depth at 1′, and walkways at least 3′ wide. For secondary bedrooms, mudrooms, and entry closets, walk-in closets should be at least 4′-6″ x 4′-6″, ideally 5′ x 5′, while reach-in closets should be at least 2′ deep. Linen closets should be 18″-24″ deep, depending on storage needs.
Bathrooms
Primary Bathroom
In the primary bathroom, a double vanity should be at least 6′ wide for smaller homes but ideally 8′. The shower should be at least 4′ x 3′-6″, while the tub should have a minimum size of 5′ x 3′, ideally 5′-6″ x 3′. The water closet should be at least 3′ x 4′-6″, and there should be a minimum of 3′-6″ of open floor space throughout the bathroom.
Secondary Bathrooms
Secondary bathrooms should have a tub/shower combo of 30″ x 60″ or a shower of at least 3′ x 4′. Single vanities should be at least 3′ wide, while double vanities should be at least 5′. Toilet space should be a minimum of 33″, ideally 36″ (with a code minimum of 30″), and the total room size should be at least 5′ x 8′, with 3′ of clearance in front of vanities.
Jack & Jill Bathrooms
With Shared Vanity
Jack & Jill bathrooms with shared vanities should have a tub/toilet room that is at least 5′ x 5′-3″, with toilet space between 33″ and 36″ (30″ minimum per code). The vanity room should be at least 5′ x 5′, with a double vanity of at least 5′.
With Private Vanities
For Jack & Jill bathrooms with private vanities, the tub/toilet room should be at least 5′ x 5′-3″, with toilet space between 33″ and 36″. Each vanity room should be at least 3′-6″ x 5′, with vanities being a minimum of 42″ wide, ideally 48″.
Powder Bathroom
Powder bathrooms should be at least 5′ x 5′ if square, with a 24″ wide vanity, or 3′ x 7′ for an elongated layout, ideally with a pocket door in the middle of the longer wall.
Kitchen
Kitchen counters should have a standard depth of 2′, though they can be deeper behind the sink if space allows. If a fridge is 30″ deep and on an interior wall, it should be recessed. There should always be at least 12″ of counter space on either side of the range. The sink is best placed between the trash pullout (18″ wide) and the dishwasher.
Island
Islands should have a minimum depth of 3′, with a length allowing for 2′ per person—meaning an 8′ island is necessary for seating four. If seating wraps around two sides, extra space is needed in the corners. Islands wider than 10′ will require a countertop seam.
Clearances
Clearances are crucial in kitchens, with at least 3′-6″ between islands and perimeter cabinets, though 4′ is ideal. Behind an island with seating, there should be a minimum of 4′, ideally 5’+, while fridges should have at least 3″ of clearance from the wall, though specific appliance specs should be checked.
Laundry Room
Laundry rooms should have a minimum of 4′ of clearance in front of the washer and dryer. Side-by-side units should have a width of at least 60″, while stacked units require a minimum of 30″. Washer and dryer depth should be at least 34″ to accommodate the dryer vent.
Mudroom
Mudrooms should have at least 4′ of clearance in front of lockers, with locker cabinet widths being at least 15″ per locker.
Garage
Garages should have a minimum depth of 24′, with an ideal depth of 30′. There should be at least 30″ of clearance in front of garage stairs to prevent interference with parked cars.
5 Common Mistakes
- Undersizing Hallways and Doorways – Avoid narrow hallways (less than 3’) and doorways (less than 32”. Otherwise, your home will feel tight and will be difficult to navigate, especially when moving furniture.
- Not Considering Furniture Layout – Remember to account for the placement of beds, sofas, tables, or built-ins.
- Oversizing or Undersizing Bathrooms – Too-small bathrooms feel cramped, while overly large bathrooms waste space without adding much function.
- Neglecting Storage Needs – Make sure you have sufficient closet space, pantry space, and/or mudroom space to avoid cluttered living spaces.
- Underestimating Laundry Room Space – Many people don’t account for clearance in front of washers and dryers (at least 4’ needed) or forget about space for folding space, hanging space, and storage.
By following these room sizing and spacing guidelines, you can create a home that is both practical and comfortable. Thoughtful planning ensures each space functions optimally while maintaining a seamless flow throughout the house. Whether you are designing a new build or making adjustments to an existing layout, these measurements will serve as a valuable reference for a well-proportioned home.
Looking for more home-related tips, tricks, and resources? Join our email list for the latest and greatest Alma Homes updates, and follow us on Instagram for more inspiring home and design content.
Love our website? Use code ALMAHOMESSENTME for 10% off any Tonic Site Shop website template.
