Even though it would be nice to have windows in every room of the house, it is occasionally not possible. So, you might be wondering does a bedroom have to have a window and how important it is to have one there.
As you can see, a space devoid of windows is not considered a bedroom by the law. You can occasionally use such a room for guests or storage of your belongings, but stay away from sleeping there.
Windows play a key role in providing enough fresh air at night and daytime room airing. In order to make your sleeping comfortable and healthy, you should think about adding at least a small window or skylight.
Keep reading.
Do You Need to Have a Window in a Bedroom Legally?
Sometimes rooms are classed as bedrooms, but technically they shouldn’t be classed as one.
There are a few prerequisites that your room must meet in order to be designated as a bedroom in a home listing. There are typically square footage requirements (70 square feet is a typical one), heating and cooling requirements, and perhaps most importantly, multiple ways to exit the room in the event of a fire (typically referred to as a form of egress).
The window typically enters through the last one. By having a window that is big enough to let someone leave the house, most bedrooms meet the requirements for multiple forms of egress.
Generally speaking, a room cannot be legally classified as a bedroom if it lacks a window or another means of egress.
Ideally, there should either be an interior door and a window, or an exterior door instead of a window.
The size of the window is important, as well as its location, as was previously stated. It might be impossible for someone to escape through it if it is too small or too high. You will frequently see a minimum size of 5.7 square feet and a height from the floor that would make it easy for both kids and adults to reach it.
Legally, your room cannot generally be listed as a bedroom if it lacks a window or a second door.
Top Reasons to Have a Bedroom Window
Here are the details:
Fire Safety
In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, a bedroom must have two exits. A window is the most typical second emergency exit after a bedroom door. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed properly. In an emergency, a window may be able to save lives.
Mental Health
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve your mood and overall mental health. The most practical way to introduce natural light into a space is through a window. Consider spending time in your bedroom with the windows cracked open to get some fresh air, which is another effective way to improve your mood.
Resale Value
A realtor might be hesitant to list a room as a bedroom when selling your house because it is technically impossible for a room to be considered a bedroom without a window. Even if the buyer does decide to use the space as a bedroom, the room may need to be officially categorized as something else. A bedroom with a window could significantly raise your home’s value if you plan to sell soon.
Experts from Thompson Creek offer the best guidance on where to install your window and how to get started, whether it’s for safety reasons, decorative reasons, or resale value.
Bedroom Window Requirements by States and Cities
As I’ve already stated, a room in your house can only be used as a bedroom if it has at least one window. Although the law governs this matter, some states and cities have local regulations that manage it in more detail.
New York
A room that is less than 80 square feet (7.5 square meters) and without a window is not permitted to be used as a bedroom in New York City. It must have a window with a minimum area of 25 square feet (2.3 square meters), or 8% of the floor area of the room.
Chicago
Bedroom requirements are complicated in this town, meaning this room must have a light source from:
- A window
- An adjacent room if you have a loft bedroom
If you live in a high-rise building, that window must have a fire escape. It must also be large enough to allow a firefighter wearing full gear to enter.
Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, a single-occupancy bedroom must be at least 7 feet (2 m) high and 70 square feet (6.5 m2) in size. For every additional person sleeping there, you must add at least 50 square feet (4.6 square meters).
A window with a minimum opening of 5.7 square feet (0.5 square meters) and a size of 24 by 20 inches (61 by 51 cm) must also be included for the emergency exit.
Florida
You must have a bedroom that has a way to exit to the outside in order to comply with Florida law. In an emergency, an adult can fit through a door or window that is large enough for them. Installing a window that can be quickly opened from the inside is essential if it is a window.
Virginia
Your bedroom’s ceiling must be at least 7 feet (2 meters) tall per the Statewide Building Code in this state. Additionally, it must have a door or window large enough for an adult to pass through as an exit. The window must be at least 5.7 square feet (0.5 square meters) in size and cannot be installed higher than 44 inches (1.1 meters) from the ground.
Decorate a Windowless Bedroom
You might decide that even though it’s not legal, any room without windows counts as a bedroom.
Without a window, you are only as bright as the light that comes into the room, so you will still need to decorate it.
A few adjustments can be made to the room to make it more tranquil. You could add a stick-on window decal to the wall if you miss having a window.
The view you want to see can then be selected, and drapes can be added to make it appear like a window.
Without a window, you’ll need to find another focal point, like your bed or a fake fireplace mantel.
Lack of windows can give the impression that a space is smaller. Consequently, we advise using lighter colors when painting the space.
Add a lot of light as well to help the space become more luminous. Mirrors can also reflect light, making the space even brighter.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to improve and enliven a bedroom without windows.
Suggested reading: So, does a bedroom have to have a closet? Below will tell you what makes a bedroom a bedroom. Surprise! The answer to this question is not that simple. In order to share our research with you here, we conducted a little investigation. Keep reading.
Summary: Is a Window Required in a Bedroom?
If your home has a room without windows, try to use it for guests only because regular use is not recommended. You could turn it into a man cave. Decorate it with accessories from your favourite movies or games, have a casino table to play poker or blackjack with friends, or TV set with gaming consoles to prepare gaming tournaments. Besides being a laundry room or a walk-in closet, a room without windows can also be one. But if you are forced to use that space as a bedroom because you have no other choice, try the above-mentioned strategies to lessen the effects of having a smaller window. The room’s ventilation is something else you should pay attention to.
Make sure that the room is supplied with at least a minimum amount of fresh air. If you can, try installing a skylight, which will provide natural light and ventilation and functions similarly to a window.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Thank you for reading.
