What is a Master Suite vs. Master Bedroom

Here we answer what is a master suite including the comparison between master suite vs master bedroom and dual master suite pros & cons.
When you hear the phrase “master suite”, what comes to your mind? Do you imagine the top floor of a building with the elevator opening to an elegant room where royalties and people in positions of high influence seem to stay? That might be true but what is the basic definition of a master suite?

A master suite is considered as a large bedroom that has direct access to its own private bathroom (and this applies to other exciting amenities as well). Does this mean though that any bedroom connected to a private bathroom is a master suite? And how is a master suite different or the same as the master bedroom? 

If you don’t know what a master suite is and its differences from the master bedroom, this is the best place to go.

  

Master Suite Vs Master Bedroom 

Most of the time, the phrases “master bedroom” and “master suite” are interchanged when they are used. The majority believe they are the same and some are confused with their differences. If we’re going to get technical about these two phrases, here are their definitions and differences. 

What is a Master Bedroom

The definition of a master bedroom is the largest room inside a home. It is also considered the most desirable, with great views and incredible location. Generally, this is the room of the head of the house. 

The setting of the largest room to the head of the house became a trend in the mid-1900s. This is the time when people started to relax and have more time at home through the regulation of the 40 hours/week working schedule. People could also afford a house with a larger bedroom at that time. 

The master bedroom, being the largest room, has more space for more amenities. Also, considering it has a good location inside the house, it has direct access to a lot of other rooms.

And when the master bedroom has direct access to its own private room, this is where it enters the “master suite” territory. Check our gallery of modern master bedroom design ideas.

The master bedroom is the head of the house’s haven. It is meant to bring comfort and security. For a family with children, this means it is the room where the parents can retire and have private time with each other away from the kids.

And in order to provide that comfort and security (as well as entertainment), the room is filled with amenities to provide just that. And this may include the following:

• Standard bed

• Dresser

• Chest of Drawers

• Vanity

• Chaise

• One Large Closet (Two Regular-size Closets for the couple)

• Private Bath with Bath and Shower Space (for a Master Suite)

These inclusions can differ from one master bedroom to another. The private bathroom is specifically a rare occurrence turning the room into a master suite. See our guide to luxury master bedroom designs.

It will be a matter of size, style, and preference of the owners. There are a lot of other amenities you can add if you have enough space and budget for it. See our master bedroom size guide here.

Additional note: Generally, the master bedroom is at least 70 square feet of floor space. 

What is a Master Suite

A master suite does not technically have to be the master bedroom. Its basic definition only dictates that it is a bedroom with its en suite bedroom (which means it is directly connected to a bathroom). This trend started in the 1980s with the cavernous master suites of McMansions.

Often known as an executive or a luxury room, master suites can range from 300 square feet to 600 square feet, depending on the owners. The room is structured to provide optimal privacy to its owners, which is why its location is important. 

The traditional location of master suites is on the second floor, away from the living room and kitchen, where owners can have the most privacy.

Modern master suites though are more flexible and may be found on the first floor, as long as all the amenities are in. Some of the amenities you can see in master suites include:

• Walk-in closet

• Sitting space

• Foyer

• Fireplace 

• Attached office

• Private balcony

• Attached office

• Grooming stations

• Large shower

What is A Dual Master Suite  

Do you need more privacy? Why not try out a dual master suite? If this is the first time you’ve heard it then it might be a good thing to consider!

A dual master suite consists of two master bedrooms that are connected to a private bathroom (en suite bathroom). This is perfect for families since 1 master suite can be for the parents and the other master suite for the children. 

If you are considering one for your home, here are the pros and cons you can take into account. 

Pros

Is a dual master suite right for you? Well, here are the benefits you can get from it.

• Privacy for parents yet can take care of the children who are just a wall away

• More space to design for your personal space

• Have a better night of sleep

Cons

Here are the downsides you’ll experience with dual master suites. 

• Higher costs and expenses

• Much larger space to maintain

For more articles like this, check our guide to the most popular bedroom layout ideas.