Den in home


What Is A Den Room?

t has become common today to see a den room on listings for houses. So what is a den room?

The truth is a den room means different things to different people including buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. This is because there are no hard and fast rules on what a den should or what it should be used for. 

In general terms, a den room is a small room in a house that can be used for private activities. It is different from other rooms in the house in terms of size, layout, and even functionality. Usually, it is windowless and in some cases doorless. 

A den room is a versatile space. So it can be converted into different things for family and friends to enjoy. For instance, it can be used as a family room, cinema, home office, or game room.

What Qualifies As A Traditional Den?

Although there is no standard definition of a den room today, traditionally not any room would be called a den. So to answer what is a den in a house, especially in the traditional sense, has to fit the following criteria; 

However, contemporary dens don’t have to meet all of the above qualifications. As long as it is located away from the main living rooms of the house, then you are good to go.  However, it should not be a substitute for a living room. 

The den is typically located a little further from the front door for strategic reasons. It could be in the middle of the house, or right off the kitchen where it is easily accessible by family members. 

How Big Should A Den Be?

Typically a den room is comparatively smaller than other rooms in the house. It should be about eight feet by six feet. This makes it big enough to serve a functional purpose whether as a recreation room, library, or home office. 

The den room should also be large enough to fit in standard furnishings there. Otherwise, if it is too small, it will require a lot of custom furniture and accessories making it very difficult to furnish.

On the other hand, the den should be too large to compete for space with other more essential rooms. In fact, when it is too big, it can easily lose its cozy appeal which is a fundamental requirement for a den room. 

However big or small it is, it is important to ensure that the den room is decorated and fitted with the appropriate furniture, fixtures, and accessories. Being a space meant for the family, these fixtures and furniture should be very comfortable and homely. The idea is to ensure the den room feels like a place where people can relax, socialize, and have fun. 

Because it is a small space, it goes without saying that you should only have exactly what you need and nothing more. Otherwise, the den room will look cramped, stuffy, and uncomfortable. 

You can also paint the den with a soothing colour and add homely decor to enhance the cozy appeal.

The Den Is Multi-Purpose

There are no strict rules on what a den should be and what it could be used for. It all depends on the family’s needs. 

For example, if your house doesn’t have a dedicated family or recreation room, you can use your den for that purpose. So if your household is into things like game and movie nights, the den can become the meeting point.  You can fit it with home theatre systems, large TV screens, and gaming accessories so that it becomes a media room of sorts. 

It could also be a playroom for children. This requires you to fill it with toys and unbreakable furniture. You can even do away with the door if there is any to allow children unrestricted access. 

Alternatively, the den can be designated as a private area where members of the household can retreat alone, away from the rest.  It can also be an adult-only space where access for children is restricted. 

For some men, the den room can be used as a modern man cave where the man and his friends can gather and have fun or conduct serious business. In this case, the room can be furnished with a comfortable sofa and other masculine accessories. 

Where needed, you can convert the den room into a spare room for your guests by adding a bed and even a standalone closet. So visitors to your home won’t have to spend a night on the couch.

What Is A Den In A Condo?

When condos and apartments first came into the market, a den was essentially a spare room large enough to be a bedroom. The only difference between a bedroom and a den, then, was that a den did not have a window. 

However, over time, the den room in condos has evolved and become so much smaller in size. So what is a den in an apartment or condo today? The reality is that it is no more than a four-by-three feet area. Actually, in some condos, a den room is just a little bit of extra space in the hallway for storing items. 

That is why you should not be excited when you see the word den on a condo listing. Wait until you see it so you can decide for yourself whether it warrants the tag.  

That is not to say that we don’t have condos with real traditional dens. They exist. It is even possible to find a house with a den that is about 12 feet by 8 feet in size. However, this has become a rare occurrence rather than the norm.

What is a den in a house? Den vs. Family Room vs. Living Room (December 2022)

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When you are looking at buying a house, the listing will have a host of different rooms. While you might know what is a den in a house is, because it is harder to describe. This post will focus on what is a den in a house and examine the differences between a den vs. a living room vs. a family room.

 

What is a den in a house? 

Den’s are not typically that large, but they are important because they provide a space for family members to spend time together without having to venture out into the rest of your house. A den can be set up in almost any way you want, as long as it has furniture and some kind of entertainment-whether it is a television or bookshelf!

You may have never heard the word “den” before, but if you’ve ever been inside someone’s house, then you know what one is. Dens are usually small rooms off from other parts of the home where people go to relax.

They’re often used for reading or watching TV and sometimes even as kids’ playrooms. The size doesn’t matter much since there aren’t many den furniture pieces to be placed in the den. You can also use den furniture in a living room if you want your den to double as a family room or an entertainment space.

 

Where is a den room located in a house?

Den’s are located off from different parts of the home and are typically small rooms. They can be on both the main floor (often off of the front door) or on the second floor (often converted from a second bedroom). They provide a space for family members to spend time together without having to venture out into the rest of your house.

The size doesn’t matter because they can be set up in almost any way you want, as long as it has furniture and some kind of entertainment-whether it is a television or bookshelf!

 

What is the purpose of a den in a house?

A den can have many purposes (man case, private study, gathering room). In addition, it is often used as a reading room, a place to watch TV, or even a bedroom for children.

A den may also be set up as an office. When it comes to setting up a den, the size doesn’t matter, as long as it has furniture and some kind of entertainment such as a TV or bookshelf!

The den is also sometimes confused with a living room, but the main difference here is that the purpose of a den is to be an area where you can close yourself off from other parts of your home and get some privacy.

What’s interesting about this distinction, though, is that it actually has to do with its name. The term “Den” comes from the German word denk, which means “to think.

While dens have been used as a place to relax and unwind for centuries, it wasn’t until French philosopher Rene Descartes encouraged everyone to go alone into their den’s that dens began to be associated with privacy.

 

Den vs. Living room vs. Family Room

The den, living room, and family room are all typical rooms in a house that serves the same function, although they are usually set up differently depending on their intended use.

 

Den

Dens are not typically that large and provide a space for family members to spend time together without having to venture out into the rest of your house.

A den usually has furniture with some kind of entertainment, such as a TV or bookshelf. A den is sometimes referred to as a sitting room, depending on the furniture inside it and its purpose.

 

 

Living Rooms

A living room is a common space in a house where people relax and socialize. The den is more commonly used as a living room, especially in homes where there is limited space. A den could also be called the media room if it has televisions and other media items. It may also be adjacent to the dining room via french doors.

 

Family Rooms

These are usually considered dens that have been converted. They are generally larger and offer more seating, coffee table, and end tables. They tend to be located adjacent to or directly off of the kitchen.

The idea of this room was that people in the kitchen could still be part of the gathering while preparing meals.

 

Dens vs Living Rooms: How do dens compare with living rooms?

A den can also be a small, intimate room – and it can be located off from different parts of the home. It provides a space for family members to spend time together without having to venture out into the rest of your house.

You may have never heard the word “den” before, but if you’ve ever been inside someone’s house, then you know what one is. Den’s are usually small rooms off from other parts of the home where people go to relax.  

Den’s are also multi-purpose and can be set up in many different ways, as long as it has furniture and some kind of entertainment, whether it is a television or bookshelf!

In contrast to dens, living rooms tend to serve more as a space for socializing and entertaining. Living rooms are also usually larger than den’s because they have extra seating and an entertainment area.

 

What is the difference between a family room and a den?

A den is a room in the house that can be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, it can be used as guest space, an office, and also as a personal bedroom.

It is different from the family area because family rooms have things like toys and other things for kids to play with. Another thing about family rooms is that they are designed to look nice and be a place where people can entertain guests or where a family can relax for an evening.

On the other hand, a den has more of a formal design because it’s meant for adults. What else makes a den different from the living room is that you can also study in a living room since there are sofas and chairs for studying. The den is usually meant to provide one specific function like being used by guests or for relaxing after work.

 

Difference between a den and a living room

The den is a small room that is typically near or adjacent to one of the major rooms and used for relaxation, reading, television viewing, entertaining friends and family. It’s a room that provides extra space and can be called a bonus room.

The living room is a large room in the center of the house where people relax and talk, watch TV and use the phone; it is usually furnished with sofas, chairs, tables, lamps, etc. It also forms part of a great room in some homes, see the difference between a great room vs. living room here. 

 

What do you put in a den?

For a living room, you would put furniture. For your den, you can put in any of the following: A shelf for your books and DVDs, some chairs for friends to sit around, or even a pool table. Often a den will double as a home office with a desk and desk chair and serve as the family library as well.

Some other things in a den are a place to put your computer or television, a fireplace, and pictures around the walls. Occasionally the den is used as a tv room. Leaving it as a place where people can watch tv without disruption from kids’ play and family.

 

Can a den be used as a bedroom?

This is not a typical use of a den, but it can work if you are willing to invest time and energy into converting the space. You would probably need to remove or mount mirrors on the walls to reflect more light into the room. You may also need to install an access door for privacy and ventilation purposes.

A den may not be a great idea if there is already a bedroom in your house that has enough natural light during the day, and you do not want your child feeling isolated from other members of the family.

For any room to be considered a bedroom, it will need to be designed for sleeping in, which sometimes isn’t possible or practical in a den. There is also the lack of a closet and natural lighting, which are needed for a room to be considered a bedroom.

 

Den vs. Bedroom: What’s the difference between a den and a bedroom?

If you are wondering: “What’s the difference between a den and a bedroom?”

The purpose of a den is to be an additional living space for your family. You can convert a bedroom into a den by creating a sleeping area in it.

A den is typically smaller than a bedroom and has less furniture in it, so you could fit more people in there if you use the den as a media room.

The purpose of a bedroom is to be an area for sleeping, so the lighting will need to be set up properly so you can sleep in there at night.  Another difference is that a den doesn’t need to have a window. For any room to be considered a bedroom, the bedroom needs to have a window that passes egress (Source: Home Depot)

 

What is the difference between a living room vs. a family room?

The difference between a living room and a family room is that the living room is where you’ll find the furniture, like couches, chairs, coffee tables, entertainment equipment, and so on.

The family room is a comfortable room where you’ll spend your time if you’re watching TV or have a game console hooked up. What’s interesting about this distinction is that it doesn’t make much sense in a lot of homes with open floor plans. At the same time, the main living room can be used only on formal occasions depending on the floor plan layout.

What’s even more confusing is that it’s not just a matter of semantics – having different rooms for different activities has actually been shown to lead to increased quality of life for both adults and children.

Related: How To Fix A Hot Room In A House? Find Out Here!

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Cleaning up with just 20 minutes of cleaning a day

November 13, 2013 Productivity

Has your apartment turned into a giant warehouse of unnecessary junk? Too lazy to dust your closet and sort through a stack of magazines from the previous 10 years? Here is an instruction on how to completely transform your home in 1 month, spending only 20 minutes a day, getting rid of everything unnecessary.

Getting Started

Before you embark on a decisive fight against the already accumulated rubbish, garbage and clutter in your home, introduce a few new rules:

1) In-box

Designate a corner in the entryway for everything you bring into the house from the store, from the pantry, from the garage, or just after another trip to the supermarket for groceries, clothes and other essentials. This corner should be small so that things cannot accumulate there, but are regularly sorted out and laid out in their places (from refrigerators to cabinets and shelves).

2) Start washing dishes immediately after eating

Mountains of unwashed dishes will not accumulate near your sink and turn into a threat to order in your kitchen. Yes, for this you will need to overcome your laziness and take 10-15 minutes after breakfast, lunch or dinner. But after a week or two of such a routine, you suddenly find that in the kitchen there are no more incomprehensible clusters of unwashed pots, plates, pans, spoons and cups. If you can’t cope in manual mode, start at least a small dishwasher: this investment will more than pay off. nine0003

3) Do not turn laundry into an event of the week

It is not a good idea to pile up a mountain of unwashed clothes, towels and shirts in the bathroom. Do laundry as you go so that a small amount of dirty laundry leaves your laundry basket regularly.

4) Music and whistling - the key to a good mood

You can sing yourself, whistle under your breath or turn on music while you clean the house. Music sets the pace and motivates. If you do not know what kind of music to take, here are excellent soundtrack options. nine0003

5) Use the timer

Next, we will talk about how to clean and organize your house, spending no more than 20 minutes a day on 1 task daily. In a month, your home will change - but without a timer and control over the time spent, you will not be able to maintain the chosen pace. So use any timer with a signal: from your alarm clock to the timer on your mobile phone.

Moving on to the 30-day plan "20 minutes a day"

Each number on this list is a separate day. 30 days, 20 minutes a day - and your apartment or private house will turn into clean and tidy. Here is what you have to do:

  1. We clean the living room and kitchen from dust (wipe tables, shelves, cabinets, vacuum the floor or carpet, sweep)
  2. Clean the bathroom and toilet (wash sinks, toilet bowls, mirrors, bathroom or shower, wipe the floor and walls)
  3. We clean the bedroom (we put all things in place, put away children's toys in drawers, hang clothes in place, wipe the dust)
  4. We clean the rest of the rooms (utility room, study, nursery - if any)
  5. kitchen
  6. We clean the bathroom
  7. We clean all the windows in an apartment or house (do not forget about newspapers and vinegar for glass - cheap, angry, quickly and efficiently, and no harsh chemicals)
  8. We sweep all the floors in the house (if there is a ladder in a private house – do not forget about it)
  9. We dust the bedroom
  10. We arrange cleaning in the living room (mirrors, surfaces, we wipe statuettes, paintings or souvenirs on the shelves from dust)
  11. We clean the bathroom and toilet
  12. things in closets, put accessories on shelves, put clothes in their places)
  13. Dusting the rest of the rooms
  14. Thoroughly cleaning the bedroom (pillows back, dusting under the sofa or bed, rearranging beds, dusting figurines and souvenirs, lamps and fans, sweeping, putting things back)
  15. Dusting living room and kitchen
  16. Thoroughly clean the bathroom and toilet (hand dryers and wastebaskets, wipe mirrors, dust, put things in place)
  17. objects that we constantly take with our hands. nine0036
  18. Defrost, wash and wipe the refrigerator, throw out all stale foods and medicines, put everything else in their places
  19. Clean the hallway, sweep the porch (if any), clean up the car
  20. Dust the living room and kitchen
  21. Dust in the bathroom and cleaning surfaces
  22. Dusting the bedroom
  23. Sweeping and vacuuming all the floors in the rooms
  24. Cleaning the closets
  25. Dusting the living room and kitchen
  26. Thoroughly clean the kitchen (mine, wipe, throw away garbage, put new napkins, towels, garbage bags)
  27. Wipe all surfaces in the bathroom and toilet
  28. Dust the bedroom that you didn't have enough time the previous 28 days
  29. Sweeping and vacuuming the floors in the house

Honestly, some of these tasks will take you 20 minutes only if you call a couple of helpers from among relatives, friends or friends. nine0003

A final tip

You can repeat this thorough 30-day cleaning routine once every couple of months or once every quarter. The frequency and intensity of cleaning depends on the size of your house / apartment and how neglected everything in the house is :)

things around the house.

It is clean not only where they clean, but also where they do not litter (or at least try not to litter). nine0003

It won't be easy at first, but after a month or two it will really take you no more than 20 minutes a day to keep your house clean, tidy and in order.

how to keep order in the house and not go crazy - INMYROOM

Sitting in quarantine, many of us faced not only problems of self-organization and stress, but also everyday problems. Clutter and dust are now accumulating not by the day, but by the hour. To make your home cleaning process easier, we have collected the best quick hacks and tidying systems that will help you keep your home clean every day. nine0003

Set timer

Set a timer for 15-20 minutes - this cleaning time does not seem intimidating. You will easily and without excuses get down to business, and when the timer rings, you will certainly not be able to leave any business unfinished. As a result, you will be able to cross off at least one item from the cleaning list.

Divide functions

Select one type of cleaning: for example, dusting. Go from one room to another, just wiping the dust. So you save time on changing cleaning products and will not be distracted. nine0003

Put everything back in its place

Sandra Felton, the author of Lazy Anonymous, believes that one of the main principles of any cleaning is to put everything back where it came from. "If an action takes 30 seconds or less, do it immediately." Then you no longer have to look around the house for a remote control, phone or keys.

Dust

When everything is in place, dusting is much easier. Quickly vacuum the floor, carpets (and don't forget about the door mat), furniture upholstery. Don't forget about battery screens - the best way to clean them is to use a vacuum cleaner along with a special dust collector. nine0003

Follow the storage rules

Marie Kondo's main secret is vertical storage. So things are clearly visible and you can easily take out what you need without hitting other items.

By the way, this technique can also be used during cleaning. Put all household items in a plastic box and carry it with you. Such a life hack will save you from having to go from room to room for leftover detergents.

Divide the apartment into 9 zones0007

Divide the apartment into zones and clean it up every day for a week. Such zones can be rooms: bedroom, nursery, hallway, kitchen, living room, bathroom. Or separate points in the apartment: a desktop, a kitchen table or a window sill.

Enter the obligatory rituals

Begin and end your day every day with two simple actions. Make your bed in the morning, polish the sink to a shine in the evening. It is from such zones of cleanliness that order in the house begins. nine0157

Get rid of everything you don't need

During your daily cleaning, you will surely find unnecessary things that it's time to get rid of.


Learn more