iArchitect

iArchitect Academy

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"Most bedrooms feel cramped not because they're small, but because of poor clearance planning"

How to Create Perfect Bedroom Clearances for Maximum Comfort

🛏️ Step 1: Master the 60cm Rule Around Your Bed
🚪 Step 2: Plan 90-120cm for Door Swings and Wardrobe Access
📚 Step 3: Design 150cm Study Zone Circulation
🚶 Step 4: Create 75cm Front-of-Bed Circulation Paths
📺 Step 5: Calculate Perfect TV Viewing Distance

Step 1: Master the 60cm Rule Around Your Bed

The golden rule of bedroom design starts with maintaining 60cm (24") clearance on all sides of your bed.

This isn't just about walking space — it's about functional comfort.

With proper clearance, bed-making becomes effortless, cleaning underneath is manageable, and you'll never again struggle to tuck in sheets or access bedside storage.

For couples, this space ensures both partners can move freely without disturbing each other — a detail often overlooked but essential, as I explain in this ebook, where thoughtful spacing is just one of many simple strategies to elevate your space.

🚪 Step 2: Plan 90-120cm for Door Swings and Wardrobe Access

Here's where most bedrooms fail: wardrobe and door clearances.

You need 90-120cm (35-47") in front of wardrobes with swing doors and room entrances. This measurement accounts for the door swing plus comfortable human passage.

For drawer operations, maintain 60cm (24") clearance - trust me, trying to open drawers in tight spaces is a daily frustration you don't want.

Consider bifold or sliding doors if space is limited, but never compromise on the minimum access requirements.

📚 Step 3: Design 150cm Study Zone Circulation

Your bedroom study area needs 150cm (59") clearance for comfortable seating and movement.

This includes pulling out the chair, accessing storage, and moving around the desk area. Position your study zone away from the bed's visual line to maintain sleep hygiene.

Ensure adequate natural light during day hours and proper task lighting for evening work.

The study area should feel separate from the sleep zone while maintaining flow within the room.

🚶 Step 4: Create 75cm Front-of-Bed Circulation Paths

The space in front of your bed — facing TV units, dressers, or wardrobes — requires 75cm (30") minimum clearance.

This measurement accommodates opening drawers on TV units, accessing wardrobe doors, and daily movement patterns.

If you have a deck or balcony access from your bedroom, ensure this 75cm clearance extends to the door for seamless indoor–outdoor flow — a subtle but impactful detail I always factor in when designing for clients.

Need help planning your dream bedroom layout? Click here if you’d like me to design your home professionally.

📺 Step 5: Calculate Perfect TV Viewing Distance

Getting your TV placement wrong can strain your eyes and ruin your relaxation time. Follow these optimal viewing distances: 85" TV needs 260cm (102"), 75" TV requires 230cm (91"), 55" TV works best at 165cm (65"), and 50" TV should be 150cm (59") away.

These measurements are from your end of bed to the screen center.

Remember, your bedroom should promote restful sleep - consider if that large TV is really necessary.

P.S. If you're an architecture student, I highly recommend starting by mastering residential design. It lays the foundation for your design thinking, helps you understand how to balance functional requirements with aesthetics, and sharpens your ability to create efficient, livable spaces.

Until then, keep learning and practicing — and I’ll see you next Friday with another tip or trick to help you grow!