Open concept living spaces have been popular for years, but closed floor plans are increasingly in demand. With more people spending time together at home during and after the pandemic, privacy has become more of a concern. More than a quarter of all Zillow home listings mention privacy or private spaces, a significant increase over previous years. In a 2023 Rocket Homes Research survey, 49% of respondents preferred a traditional closed floor layout.

Closed floor plan features

A closed floor plan incorporates smaller-sized rooms dedicated to a specific use. Some features of closed floor plans popular with buyers include the following.

Library for reading and relaxation. In addition to built-in shelving, add a natural gas fireplace for more ambiance. Homeowners can spend more time with their favorite books since such fireplaces come with remote controls and have no ashes to clean up. They will enjoy curling up to read in front of the flickering flames, especially when the weather turns cooler.

Dedicated workspace. Homebuyers may have both spouses working from home so they may want two smaller offices. Locate a shared bathroom in between or nearby for convenience and provide hot water on demand with a natural gas tankless water heater. These heaters are energy efficient, lowering emissions and costs.

Video call room. Some homebuyers may need a separate room from their office. Good sound insulation is a must to keep out the noise, as well as the room being as isolated as possible from the rest of the house. This space should also have a source of natural lighting.

Workout room. The size of this room depends on the type of exercise. The American Council on Exercise recommends between 50 to 200 square feet for a multi-gym. The space may include a yoga area, a weights section and cardio equipment. If there is enough space, consider adding a shower room. A natural gas tankless water heater saves time and space because it provides hot water on demand and has a small footprint.

Media room. A media room requires special lighting and acoustics, so work with an expert. The width of the room should be at least 1.6 times the ceiling height and the length at least 2.3 times that height. The homebuyer may also want to include a kitchenette, especially if the room is located in the basement.

Other advantages of closed spaces for the homeowner include:

  • Can experiment with paint color for a bolder look.
  • Reduces spreading noise and smells throughout the house.
  • Provides more walls to hang artwork and decorations.
  • Minimizes heating and cooling costs, saving on energy bills.

Overcoming closed floor plan challenges

Homeowners can associate closed floor plans with poor lighting, feeling cramped or trapped, and not having enough space. Here are some tips to avoid these problems:

  • Instead of conventional doors, install pocket doors to maximize sight lines and space.
  • Install overhead lighting and wall sconces to supplement natural lighting from windows.
  • Turn the dining room into a social space by installing built-in seating along the walls.
  • Maximize natural light by installing reflective wood flooring and painting walls white.
  • Install built-in storage wherever it makes sense, including bedrooms and family rooms.

Although the open plan concept is still in demand, having closed floor plan options can help expand your market.