What is a Den? + FAQs

Landing a rental home or apartment with a den is a win for additional space and privacy. A den is a small room in a house, townhouse, or apartment where people can enjoy different activities like reading, painting, playing chess, making music, or anything that requires some room to spread out.

A den typically doesn’t have windows and isn’t considered an additional bedroom. There’s also no official term for “den” in real estate or building codes, and they’re sometimes referred to as a “bonus room” in rental listings. However, a den has a door, making it convenient to host guests.

Where is a Den Located in a House?

A den can be located on the main floor or second floor, often off of the front door or staircase landing. It’s unlikely an extra room in a basement would be referred to as a den, but it depends on the landlord and the usability of the space. For example, an unfinished room without carpet and exposed pipes in a basement would probably just be called a storage area. If the room was finished with carpet, painted properly, and offered enough room for a desk or piece of furniture, it would probably be referred to as a den in the rental listing.

Sometimes landlords or previous tenants transform second bedrooms into dens. A couple or single renter may want the additional space but not need a bedroom. We’ll talk about the differences between dens and bedrooms below, but make sure the room has a smoke detector if you want to use the area to sleep in.

What is the Purpose of a Den?

There are several purposes and possibilities for a den; it’s up to you to decide! Traditionally, dens are used by adults. Sure, you can transform it into a recreation room, but dens are typically utilized for after-work relaxing, adult activities, and to work on projects.

If you’re attending college or taking some job-related courses, a den could make a perfect spot to study. Families are likely to transform a den into a children’s playroom to hide away toys, crafts and give everyone space to spread out.

A den may conjure up images of a cozy reading room with bookcases and a comfortable, oversized chair. Add floor pillows, soft blankets, and plenty of light to turn it into a place where you can curl up with a good book.

If you joined the work-from-home revolution, a home office is a must. A den is usually big enough for a desk, lamp, and a small piece of furniture to set up a professional workplace in your rental. However, if you plan to run a business from your den, you should check your lease terms first and any local regulations regarding business licenses or insurance policies that may be required.

What is the Difference Between a Family Room, Living Room, and a Den?

Landlords and renters often use different terms for various rooms, so you may not be familiar with each space. Here’s a rundown of what you might find in your rental home.

Family room- A family room is a comfortable, casual space used to gather with family and loved ones. There’s usually a TV or music system setup for entertainment in a family room, as well as house board games or similar activities. Even if you don’t have plans to hang out and host friends in your family room, it’s an ideal space to relax on the couch on a lazy afternoon.

Living room - A living room is usually found near the front door of a home and serves as a greeting space. It’s more formal than a family room and usually doesn’t have a TV. Instead, it’s used to socialize and sit with friends and family. Sometimes, tenants end up using living rooms as a home office if there’s no den or other options. However, there’s no door that separates a living room from the rest of the space.

Den - Unlike a family room and living room, a den has its own door. You can close the door and get to work, enjoy some peace and quiet, or work on your hobbies in private.

What is the Difference Between a Den and a Bedroom?

Dens are usually smaller, intimate spaces. If you’re lucky enough to score an oversized den in your rental home, it could look pretty similar to a bedroom. However, there are a few key differences. For starters, bedrooms have windows, which must be at least 5.7-square feet total and open 24-inches high and 20-inches wide. In most cities, a closet is also required to call a space a bedroom.

There’s another essential factor with bedrooms: the exits. Also referred to as “two means of egress,” a bedroom must either have two doors or a door and a window. This regulation is for your own safety to provide more than one exit during an emergency. Your bedroom must also include a functioning smoke detector, which is essential to alert you to a fire so you can use one of your two exits.

Dens are usually smaller rooms and don’t have to include windows, closets, or two means of exit.

Can a Den Be Used as a Bedroom?

Most state regulations don’t allow landlords to advertise dens as additional bedrooms without some sort of caveat to the listing. A landlord could probably advertise the rental home as having a bonus room or a den that’s large enough to hold a bed, but not outright say it’s an additional bedroom.

However, tenants can use the extra space as they wish. If you want to turn your den into a bedroom and save your master as a space to hang-out or do projects, go for it. Sometimes, growing families transform the den into an additional room for a baby or small child. Just make sure it’s safe and well-insulated to sleep in.

Is Renting a Home with a Den Right for Me?

Renting a home with a den could be the perfect choice if you need the extra space or want to repurpose the room. However, the house could be more expensive to rent than a home without a den. It really comes down to your personal preferences and budget.

Ready to find a rental home with a den for rent? Start apartment hunting with our quiz!