For many growing families, figuring out the ideal number of bedrooms can be a challenge. With kids occupying less space as they get older and family needs changing over time, where does a family of 7 fall?
In this article, we will explores the bedroom options for families with 7 members and factors to consider when deciding how many bedrooms are sufficient.
Is Three Bedrooms Enough?
For many families of 7, the standard recommendation is a minimum of three bedrooms. However, there are some factors to consider here.
With three bedrooms, you would need to room two children together. This works well for younger kids, but may not be ideal long-term as children get older and want more privacy. You would also likely use a third bedroom as a master bedroom for parents, leaving no dedicated guest room.
While three bedrooms can work for temporary housing, it may feel cramped as children age and have friends stay over.
Related: Can A Family Of 3 Live In A 1 Bedroom Apartment?
What About Four Bedrooms?
Four bedrooms provides more flexibility that may better suit a family of 7 long-term. Now each child can have their own room.
You also gain the option of designating the fourth bedroom as a dedicated home office, playroom, reading nook, or guest room. This allows everyone space for activities without feeling on top of each other. The master bedroom also remains separate from the children's areas, providing more quiet.
For growing families, the investment in a larger four bedroom home can help accommodate changing needs for years to come.
When Will You Need Five Bedrooms?
A five bedroom home gives a family the most room and privacy of the options. Now two children can share a room comfortably if desired, like if one child is much younger.
The extra bedroom also allows for future planning, like if you intend to have more children or aging parents may stay long-term. Five bedrooms eliminates any need to reconfigure rooms as children age since there is presumably space for everyone already. However, a five bedroom home significantly increases size and costs compared to four bedrooms.
It may only be worth it for very large families or those with definite long-term multi-generational plans.
Should the Bedrooms be the Same Size?
When laying out bedrooms, not all need to be perfectly equal in size. You could have one larger master bedroom with ensuite and three average sized additional bedrooms.
This provides the main bedroom users with more space while still accommodating multiple children. Or have two slightly roomier bedrooms and two smaller ones. Just ensure no bedroom feels overly cramped long-term.
Mixing sizes lets you gain extra space in high-traffic areas without requiring an excessively large, expensive home.
What About an Office or Playroom?
Many growing families also benefit from having a dedicated home office or playroom rather than relying on shared living spaces. A family with multiple young children may need a playroom to avoid toys strewn throughout common areas. Parents may need a home office to work remotely.
One option is designating the fourth or fifth bedroom as this type of flex space rather than a traditional bedroom.
It provides room for activities without sacrificing too much bedroom count.
Should I Consider a Bedroom and Half Bath Downstairs?
If possible, including either a bedroom with adjoining half bathroom or fully accessible bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor can add multi-generational utility to a family home.
It allows aging parents or relatives to reside comfortably without navigating stairs, or gives an teen privacy away from the main floor traffic.
While not always feasible, a main floor bedroom setup can extend the long-term use of a single-family dwelling.
How Will the Floorplan Work Long-Term?
Ultimately, considering how a potential floorplan will work for your family as children age is most important when determining bedroom needs. Look at growth potential over 5, 10, even 20 years. With a family of 7 already, flexible designs that won't require remodels are ideal.
Extra bedrooms may be better long term investments even at a higher current cost. Focus on finding a layout providing privacy, independence and activities space for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for most growing families of 7, a minimum of four bedrooms is recommended to provide adequate private sleep and activity spaces both now and in the future as children mature. While a five bedroom home ensures the most flexibility and independence long-term, a thoughtfully laid out four bedroom option can suit a larger family well if future needs are taken into account during initial planning.
