What is a Den in an Apartment?

In an apartment, a den is a small room (sometimes referred to as a flex space) that can provide additional living space, but it typically cannot be considered an extra bedroom. Dens often do not have windows and usually only have one door (if any) separating them from other living spaces. Dens are usually found in one and two-bedroom apartments, and they are a popular feature in apartments as they provide a flexible space that can be used for multiple purposes.

How is a Den Different Than a Bedroom?

So, what exactly makes a den different than a bedroom? The distinction between a den and a bedroom often confuses people, as a large den may look very similar to a bedroom at first glance. However, for a space to be considered a bedroom, it must meet certain safety standards and offer specific amenities. Because dens do not meet the proper safety standards, property managers cannot advertise them as additional bedrooms, and they should not be used as a sleeping space. In order for a room in an apartment to be considered a bedroom, it must have the following:

Methods of Egress

One of the most important distinctions between a bedroom and a den is that a bedroom must have at least one method of egress leading to the outside. If a bedroom does not have a door that opens to the outside of the apartment home, it must contain a window that is at least 24 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and has a minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet. This is an essential safety measure to ensure that occupants of a bedroom have an emergency exit in case of a fire. Since dens often do not have any windows or egress points, they cannot be safely classified as a bedroom.

Closet Space

Depending on local building codes, a room may not be able to be classified as a bedroom unless it has a built-in closet. These laws can vary from one town to the next, but even if a den has a window, it often cannot be classified as a bedroom if it does not have closet space.

A Door to a Common Area

A room also cannot be considered a bedroom if it is only accessible through another bedroom in the home. As a general rule, a bedroom must be accessible from at least one common area in the home such as a hallway or a living room.

What Can a Den Be Used For?

If a den can't be used as a bedroom, you may find yourself wondering what you can use this space for. While they don't provide additional sleeping space, dens are a popular feature in apartments as they provide additional living space that can be used for different purposes. Just a few ways that you may consider using your den include turning it into:

• An Office: As more jobs have switched to remote or hybrid models, you're not alone if you have struggled to find a quiet space in your home where you can work. Instead of turning your living room or dining room table into a makeshift office each morning, a den is the perfect space to create a dedicated office in your home. With a desk, a few filing cabinets, and some nice lighting, you can create an ideal environment where you can focus and get work done without distractions.

• A Playroom/Gameroom: It's nice to have a dedicated space in your home where they can spend time. Turning your den into a playroom (or a gaming room) gives them a place to escape when they need time alone, and you won't have to worry about your living room becoming a mess of toys and video games.

• Or a Home Theater: Since dens often do not have any windows, this gives you the perfect opportunity to turn this space into a home theater. Bring in a comfy couch, a couple of recliners, and a great sound system, and you will have the perfect place in your home to spend movie night.

Dens are a popular feature in apartments as they provide a flexible space that residents can use as they see fit. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the benefits of having a den in your apartment as well as additional features that you should look for in an apartment home.