But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors

which are always present no matter what the use of the space is.

Let's have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space

must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable

space.

1) Proportions of the room.

The word "proportions" is always used in the design field. Every

interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate.

Proportions are extremely important in any design.

Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and

height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of

various parts of human body we call it a "proportionate" design.

For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that

our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action.

or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably.

Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair.

A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.

So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture

in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of

the double bed, it's height from floor level, height of wardrobe,

dimensions of dressing table, etc...all these matter as far as

function is concerned.

2) Natural light entering the room.

There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the

strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological

balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the

interior spaces.

Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space

up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for

window opening can easily achieve this.

3) Natural Ventilation

A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep

the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible

where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2

sides of the bedrooms have external faces.

Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or

opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept

behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is

always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this

are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.

This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times

ventilators above the window openings play a major role of

circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction.

When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window

takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.

4) Clear Movement Patterns.

Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as

a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.

b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet

c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)

If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these

exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other

areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside

circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable

space.

5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.

Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other

factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the

use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the

comfort level of the habitants.

a) The first and the most important is a good provision of

artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as

special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.

b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such

as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room

extra decorative.

c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example

if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring,

is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it

as a painting canvas.

The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal

factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom.

Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most

important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of

the design project.

However it is important to note that these are not the only factors

that need to be looked upon, but I'm sure these can help as a starting

point for further creative thinking.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya