Understanding room dimensions is critical when planning a home, designing interiors, or selling real estate. One common question is, “How big is an 11.7 by 16 room?” While those numbers describe the room’s dimensions, it’s not always easy to picture how that space feels or functions.
This blog breaks down the size of an 11.7 by 16-foot room, offering key insights to help homeowners, interior designers, and real estate professionals maximize their potential. Whether you decide how to furnish it, evaluate its purpose, or estimate its square footage, we’ve got you covered.
How Big Is 11.7 by 16 in Square Feet?
To better grasp the room’s size, we first need to calculate its area in square feet. Multiply the length (16 feet) by the width (11.7 feet):
11.7 ft x 16 ft = 187.2 square feet
This space is relatively moderate, offering enough room for various uses. For example, an 11.7 by 16 room could serve as a small living room, a large bedroom, a home office, or even a dining room in a compact home.
But square footage is just the bare bones. Next, we’ll explore what this size means in practical terms.
Visualizing an 11.7 by 16 Room
Comparable Spaces
To put this room size into perspective, here are a few common spaces that feature similar dimensions:
A medium bedroom: The average size in the U.S. ranges between 120 and 200 square feet, placing an 11.7 by 16 room well within this range.
A parking space: A standard parking spot usually measures 9 x 18 feet, meaning this room is comparable in length but slightly narrower.
A studio apartment living area: If you’ve been in small studio apartments, their main living/dining areas are often around 180-200 square feet.
Room Functionality
The dimensions of an 11.7 by 16 room provide a rectangular space that’s versatile yet manageable. Here’s how that translates into potential layouts:
Bedroom: A queen bed (60 x 80 inches) can comfortably be placed here, leaving room for nightstands, a dresser, and even a small seating area.
Living Room: A sofa, coffee table, TV stand, and additional seating like armchairs can fit without overcrowding.
Home Office: There’s enough room for a desk, chair, shelving, and lounge chair to add a cosy touch.
Tips for Designing an 11.7 by 16 Room
When designing a room, dimensions create boundaries, while imagination creates possibilities. Here’s how to make this room work for your needs.
Choose the Right Furniture
Scale matters when working with an 11.7 by 16 space. Avoid oversized pieces that make the room feel cramped. For example:
- Use modular furniture that can adapt to your needs.
- Opt for slim-profile furniture like narrow arm sofas or floating shelves.
- If this is a bedroom, use a low-profile bed frame to maximize visual space.
Create Zones
This room can serve multiple purposes if divided into functional zones:
A Combined Living and Dining Area: Place a small dining table near the window and a seating arrangement toward one end of the room.
A Work and Relaxation Space: Use the longer wall to arrange a desk with shelving and keep the shorter side for a comfortable sofa or daybed.
Optimize Lighting
Lighting can influence how spacious or cramped this room feels:
- Use light, neutral colours to reflect light and make the space appear larger.
- Add layered lighting, such as overhead fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces, to create depth and ambience.
- If the room has windows, consider sheer curtains to maximize natural light.
Don’t Forget Storage
An 11.7 by 16 room comes with some limitations, so innovative storage solutions are key:
- Consider vertical storage options, such as tall bookcases or wall-mounted shelving.
- Use multi-functional furniture, like a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers.
Practical Use Cases for an 11.7 by 16 Room
Beyond the basics of square footage and design, how can this room truly be used to its full potential? Depending on your goals and vision, here are a few scenarios.
1. An Elegant Guest Bedroom
If you need an inviting guest room, an 11.7 by 16 space is perfect. Furnish it with:
- A queen- or full-size bed.
- A small desk or vanity.
- A chair and a wardrobe for guest storage.
2. A Cozy Home Office
With so many people working remotely, turning this space into a home office makes sense. Consider:
- A desk with built-in storage to keep clutter at bay.
- A sofa or lounge chair for breaks.
- A shelf or pegboard to organize supplies without sacrificing space.
3. A Functional Living-Dining Area
For apartments or smaller homes, this room can act as a combined living space:
- A two- or three-seater sofa paired with a small dining table and chairs.
- Wall-mounted shelves or a cabinet for storing dining essentials.
4. A Kid’s Room or Playroom
Want to create a space for little ones? This size is ideal for a kid’s bedroom or playroom:
- A twin or full bed, storage bins, and a play corner fit beautifully.
- Add colourful rugs and wall art to reflect a youthful vibe.
Why Room Dimensions Matter in Real Estate
For real estate professionals, understanding and translating dimensions is crucial for showcasing properties. Potential buyers often struggle to visualize how a 187-square-foot area feels or functions. Providing context, such as what furniture can fit or how the space can be used, helps prospective buyers see its potential.
Similarly, interior designers use dimensions as a starting point for creativity, transforming physical limitations into stylish, functional spaces.
Maximize Your Room’s Potential
An 11.7 by 16-foot room isn’t just about numbers; it’s about possibility. With the right furniture, layout, and creativity, it can become anything from a peaceful bedroom to a vibrant multi-purpose space.
Whether designing your home or selling a property, understanding dimensions is the first step to unlocking any room’s full potential.
Need help planning your interiors? Connect with experienced designers to bring your room to life.
