At what point/size does a double room become a single?

[EtVoilaa]

Promoted by some of the house purchasing threads I wondered at what ‘length x width’ dimensions a single room becomes a double?

Prompted, of course!

I think it's something just over 100 square foot.

Surely you need to fit a double bed, double wardrobe and at least one chest of drawers in a room for it to be a double. So the shape of it will matter.

At the point you can't get a double bed in it (approx 1.4m x 1.9m) and walk around it - so about 2m x 2.5m

I'd always thought if you can fit a double bed in it, then they can call it a double room. But I've never come across a clear definition based on square footage. It's an interesting question though!

I found this online, but it does only relate to HMOs:

"Since 1 October 2018, a room smaller than the specified size must not be used as sleeping accommodation in Houses in Multiple occupation (HMOs). Some transitional provisions applied to HMOs with an existing licence at October 2018. The minimum sleeping room floor area sizes are:

• 6.51 m2 for one person over 10 years of age
• 10.22 m2 for two persons over 10 years
• 4.64 m2 for one child under the age of 10 years"

So , a double room should be at least 10.22 m2.

The government has set standards which say the following:

in order to provide one bedspace, a single bedroom has a floor area of at least 7.5m2 and is at least 2.15m wide

(that's 7ft wide and 80 sq ft for a single)

in order to provide two bedspaces, a double (or twin bedroom) has a floor area of at least 11.5m2

(124 sq ft for a double)

one double (or twin bedroom) is at least 2.75m wide and every other double (or twin) bedroom is at least 2.55m wide

(9ft wide for a double)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1012976/160519_Nationally_Described_Space_Standard.pdf

When I was buying I wanted at least two double bedrooms. Regardless of what the recommended sizes are, I know that it means I need to be able to fit a double bed (or pref a King), a wardrobe, a desk for working and have room to move around those things. So 12' x 12' in my case, in a square-ish shape. Obviously I'd like more space, but budgets dictate and it works.