What is an Apartment Den?

Especially with companies increasingly shifting to remote working, a den is an extremely useful little piece to have around. You can use it as a designated desk and finally remove your monitors from the kitchen table. Or, you can use it as a playroom to keep your kids entertained while they’re home all day during the summer.

A den is a versatile piece that can make all the difference if your lifestyle calls for it. Here’s everything you need to know!

What is a lair in a house?

A house den is usually a small room in the house intended for a use other than a bedroom. A den in a house usually has its own entrance and sometimes its own closet. It is common for a den in a home to have double pane glass doors to let in light, especially if there is no natural light source elsewhere in the room. It is common for houses with dens to have them on an upper floor, allowing for a balcony.

What is a lair in an apartment?

Since apartments are slightly smaller and more limited in square footage than a house, an apartment is a bit different. A den in an apartment will be its own separate space for uses outside of sleeping, but the room is a little smaller and will probably only have one door (if it has one), as opposed to the double doors that you’ll often see me in a den house. Keep in mind that the layout of your den will depend on the size of your apartment.

It’s also important to note that it’s not always easy to find a building with optional den layouts. Also, many people want extra space, so a unit with a den will quickly be taken off the market.

What is the difference between a bedroom and a living room?

While a den and a normal room are similar, there are a few things that set them apart. Like a normal bedroom where people sleep, it is a fire code requirement to have an escape route that a human can exit. They usually have built-in closets and sometimes have an en-suite bathroom.

The main difference is that a den layout does not always include its own closet or even its own window (depending on state and city and fire code requirements) and is unlikely to there is a connected bathroom. It’s also possible that it’s a small space with wall dimensions that aren’t large enough for a full bedroom setup.

What can a den be used for?

The first thing to note about dens is that they are often a fire hazard if used as roosts. For this reason, it is generally illegal in some states or cities to use a den like any type of dormitory and there are legal requirements for rooms people can sleep in.

If your den has a large enough escape opening and enough square footage, it could pass the fire code as a safe bedroom, and you can use it as an extra bedroom. However, it is common for them to be smaller than the required sleeping area and only have a small opening for outside access (or sometimes, no opening at all), so you cannot use as guest rooms.

Since sleeping is probably out of the question, here are some other ways to use a den.

Desk

Many people work from home, or at least spend enough time on the computer that it’s nice to have a separate office space. Turn your den into a designated workspace by using an extra table to double as a desk and adding a filing cabinet or two. You can even add a few built-ins for extra organization!

Work room

If you’re not so keen on leaving the house to hit the gym every day, but also don’t like the idea of ​​taking over the living room to do your exercise routine, use your den as a training room can solve all your problems. Throw a workout mat on the floor and keep some weights in the room so you can hit the gym whenever you want, without having to walk out the front door.

Game room

Most children dream of having a playroom. For those with children, giving them their own playground is beneficial for everyone. Kids can feel like they have a place to escape to when they want to play a little. And, it gives you a place to keep all their toys so you don’t constantly trip over them in the living room.

Storage

If you are looking for a property with extra storage, a den is a perfect solution. Whether you have family heirlooms that you want to keep in a separate space or you have a lifelong collection that you don’t want to put in a storage unit (for example, the collection of stones that you have kept since the kindergarten), you can fill your den with boxes and keep them out of the way but always close to you.

A den doesn’t just have one use, so you can use your imagination and find a use that suits you and your lifestyle!

Should I rent a two-bedroom or one-bedroom plus den floor plan?

Between a one-bedroom apartment with a boudoir and a traditional layout for two bedrooms, there is no good choice. What you get will depend on your needs and future plans!

Choose a one-bedroom plus den layout over a two-bedroom apartment

If you live alone or with a romantic partner and only need one room to sleep in, but want a little more space for a workout area or office, apartments with a den extra are a great solution. You will definitely pay more than if you only had one bedroom, but generally not as much as if you had multiple bedrooms. Thus, it can save you money while allowing you to have more living space.

Keep in mind that for fire safety reasons, you generally cannot use a den as a roost unless it has a large enough opening for an escape route. This means that a den generally cannot be used for sleeping guests.

Consider Two-Bedroom Floor Plans

Having two full bedrooms may cost more, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you plan things out the right way. If you want to live with a roommate and everyone has their own bedroom, then you will definitely need a two-bedroom apartment.

Remember that if someone will be living in a room, they need a legal classification of a room for security reasons. So if you are sharing your space with someone who wants their own bedroom, then you will need to look for apartments or condos with two or more bedrooms.

Is a den right for your living space?

A den is a nice thing to have, but it’s not always necessary or the most convenient for everyone. Getting a rental with a den can make life a little easier and more comfortable, especially when there is more than one person living in the space. It is useful as a workstation, sitting area or whatever you want.

However, it’s not for everyone, so make sure your floor plan works before you sign an apartment or condo lease. Start looking for your ideal place today!