Residential

LIVING AREAS

LIVING AREAS
Planning Considerations
To sleeping area
" Through traffic should be separated from
activity centers. and main entrance
" Openings should be located so as to give
enough wall space for various furniture `vtnmutnr~

s~É
arrangements.
" Convenient access should be provided to doors,
windows, electric outlets, thermostats, and
supply grills . 30'' to
use desk
r
Furniture Clearances
To assure adequate space for convenient use of 10' diam . To dining and
furniture in the living area, not less than the fol- kitchen area
conversation
lowing clearances should be observed .
area
60 in between facing seating
24 in where circulation occurs between furni-
ture
30 in for use of desk
36 in for main traffic
60 in between television set and seating 3
â
Seating arranged around a 10-ft diameter circle Nu1pI11111RINfl1111~N11111/IWII
(Fig . 1) makes a comfortable grouping for conver-
sation . Figure 2 indicates clearances, circulation,
Fig. 1 Plan. Source: "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4,
and conversation areas.
U.S . Dept . of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

Fig. 2 Minimum clearances, circulation and con-

versation areas for living rooms.
 FURNITURE
GENERAL
Typical furniture-group units
While the typical furniture arrangements
presented in the following pages by no
means cover the entire range of possibili-
ties, they do cover the fundamental uses to
which living, dining, and sleeping spaces
are put. From the suggested schemes furni-
ture arrangements can be developed to suit
any particular problem or set of problems
with which a designer may be confronted .
Furniture sizes may vary slightly ; those
indicated are the averages commonly met
with in upper middle-class homes, and are
little affected by changes in style or similar
matters of individual preference .
Specific space allowances
In studying furniture groupings, it be-
comes obvious that certain clearances are
required . Spaces, lanes, or paths of dif-
ferent types develop naturally between
furniture-group units . Minimum distances
for comfort have been established by
numerous planners . These, and in some
cases, maximum distances based upon re-
quirements for human intercourse, have
been incorporated in the diagrams . A list-
ing of those generally applicable to all
rooms follows:
1 . Single passage (not a traffic lane)
between low objects, such as a sofa and
coffee table: 18 in . i s the minimum.
2. Single passage (not a traffic lane)
between tall objects, hip height or over :
2 ft to 2 ft 6 in . i s the minimum.
3. General traffic lane : 3 ft 4 in . i s the
practical minimum. As rooms increase in size,
this minimum increases, in order to pre-
serve the space scale of the room . The
traffic lane between an entrance door and
a major group unit is preferably generous
in width . It is desirable to place doors so
that the central portions of rooms do not
become major traffic ways between differ-
ent parts of the house.
4. Seating areas, confined (for instance,
between a desk and a wall): 3 ft is a
minimum tolerance, which permits one per-
son to pass back of an occupied chair. This
minimum does not constitute a major traffic
lane .
LIVING ROOM
Typical furniture groups in the living
room are as follows :
1 . Primary conversation group: chairs
and sofa normally grouped around the
fireplace
2. Secondary conversation group: chairs
and love seat at end of room or in corner
3. Reading group or groups : chair, otto-
man, lamp, table
4. Writing or study group : desk, lamp,
one or two chairs, bookcases
5. Music group: piano, bench, storage
space
6. Game group: game table and four
chairs
7. Television group: television set and
seating for several people
According to the price of a house and
the cubage allotted to the living room, two
or three or all of the furniture-group units
may be included . The fireplace is so closely
associated with living room furniture that it
has been included in all schemes.
Clearances
Traffic tolerances in living rooms are im-
portant, since numbers of people use the
room, and narrow lanes between furniture-
group units are uncomfortable. An ade-
quate traffic lane between the main en-
trance and the major seating group is 3 ft
4 in . wide ; 4 ft 6 in . i s preferred . The
minimum clearance between facing pieces
of furniture in a fireplace group is 4 ft 8
in . for a fireplace 3 ft wide . For every inch
added to the size of the fireplace, 1 in . is
added to the minimum clearance space.
If a wide sofa is placed directly oppo-
site the fireplace, this group is often
spread . A 6-ft tolerance is usually consid-
ered the maximum because it is difficult to
carry on a conversation over a greater dis-
tance.
A considerable flexibility in location of
doors and windows is possible, and all wall
pieces can be shifted. Doors flanking a fire-
place are to be avoided in order that the
furniture group may be concentrated
around the fireplace opening.
 Residential

FURNITURE SIZES

SOFAS LOVE SEATS

LARGE
"SHERATON" TYPE "CHIPPENDALE" TYPE
L . 6=6" L 4'-6"
LENGTH 6'-0"
D' 2'-6" D 2'-6",
DEPTH 2.-6"
H 3'-0" H 3'-d
HEIGHT 3'-0"

CHAIRS

SIDE OR BRIDGE
DESK BRIDGE ARM LESS
L l'-6" ARM L l'-6"
OCCASIONAL WING D I'-6" UPHOLSTERED L 2'-0" D l'-6"
L 2'- 3" L 2'-6" ARMLESS UPHOLSTERED
CLUB H 2-6" , D 2' -0" H 2'-6"
LENGTH 2'-6" D 2-6 D 2'- 6" L 2 -0" CORNER CHAIR H 2-6"
H 3'- 0" H 3'-0" D 2'-6"
DEPTH 3'-0" L 3'-0"
H 2- -6"
HEIGHT 3'-O" D 3'-0"

DESKS

FLAT TOP... SMALL GOVERNOR SECRETARY

LENGTH 4'-0" FLAT TOP I AkGE WINTHROP L 3'-0"
DEPTH 2' -0" L 5'-0" FLAT TOP....VERY LARGE L 3'-0" D 2'-0"
HEIGHT 2'-6" D 2'-6" D 2'-0" H 7'- O"
L 6'-0"
H 2' - 6" H 5-6"
D 3'-0"
H 2'-6"

BREAKFRONT BOOK CASES TABLES

20
END
SMALL LARGE CONSOLE
L 2'-0 END
LENGTH 4' - 0" L 5'-0" L 3'- 0"
0 l'--0,.
3" L I1 , '-8" D 1'-6"
DEPTH D 1'-6" D l'-6" -8 
H 2'
HEIGHT 6' -6" H 7'-0" H 2'-6"
H 2'-0"

LOWBOYS HIGHBOYS

S
CIRCULAR PIECES
AVERAGE SWAN TOP FLAT TOP
LENGTH 2'-6" L 3'-0" L 3'-0D
DEPTH 1' - 6" D l' - 6" l'-6"
HEIGHT 2'-6" H N - 2" H 7'-0" H 5-0"

LOW COFFEE TABLE DRUM TABLE PIECRUST TABLE

DIAM 3' -0" DIAM 3'-0" DIAM. 3'-0"
PIANOS HEIGHT 1'6" H 2'-6" H 2 -6"
37. CONCERT,. GRAND 40. BABY GRAND
L 5 ,_ 6 
L 9'-0
D 5'-0" D 5'-O"
H 3'-4" H 3'-4" STAND,
DUMBWAITER DIAM . I' - 0"
38 . MUSIC ROOM GRAND 41 . CONSOLE H 2-6"
L 7 '_ 0  L  LARGEST DIAM . 2' - 0"
5'-0 . H 2'-6"
D 5'-0" D
2'-0 
H 3'-4  H 4'-3

39.PARLOR GRAND 42 .MINATURE

L 6 ' -0" 4 ,_ 8 
L
D 5'-0" ROUNDABOUT SEAT
HO
V _4 l'-7" TABLE
H 3'-0  DIAMP 2O DEPTH 0F
H. 2 -6 DIAM . 4'-0"
 Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

1 . In all living rooms shown, main conversation group 2. Clearance between low coffee table (23) and easy chairs
centered about fireplace is dark gray . Bay or picture (6) ought to be maintained at 3'-4" even though table is low,
windows may be used as focal points, instead of fireplaces . because the aisle here constitutes a major traffic way.

3 . For larger families, or for those who entertain often, 4. Minimum length for a room which must contain a baby
seating for 7 to S persons in the primary group is a reason- grand piano is approximately 20'. If minimum clearances of
able design limitation . Off-center location of game group l' between piano and wall, and 3' between desk (15) and
provides for a corner entrance door . wall, are to be maintained, room length must be increased .

5. If sofa opposite fireplace is omitted, primary group can 6. Here, presumably, doors at ends of room indicate use of
be brought closer together . In schemes I to 4, note that one side of room as a traffic route. Primary furniture is
wide groups permit conversation without twisting to see grouped closely about fireplace ; wall pieces are all that can
speakers seated on sofa ; here this restriction is removed . be used on opposite side .
 Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

7. Grouping for door locations at both ends of room ; 8 . If living room has a "dead end" (no doors), primary unit
ideally, 1-ft clearance is desirable between piano and wall . may be spread to include entire end of room . Inclusion of
Chairs (6) are smaller than those previously listed, 2`-6" x 3'-0". music or game group would demand more area .

9. Primary group shown is one of most popular arrange- 10. Writing or study group at left, music or game group
ments. Unit placing suggests entrance at left end. Sec- at right, and center primary group, need minimum passages
ondary conversation unit often becomes music or game group. only when room is narrow .

11 . Ten persons can be comfortably seated in this type of 12 . Arrangement designed to permit door locations on side
arrangement, in which primary and secondary conversation walls rather than ends. Angled chairs (6) are small size
groupings almost merge into one . noted in Fig. 7, and often used in other arrangements .
 Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

13 . Previous diagrams have shown schemes arranged sym- 14 . Off-center rooms often divide naturally into two parts:
metrically about centered fireplaces ; on this and the fol- primary group, and other groups combined . Clearance no
lowing page are schemes for cases when foci cannot be greater than 2' will not accommodate a major traffic lane .
centered .

15 . If primary, music, and game groups are all to be con- 16 . In this case the primary conversation group is curtailed
tained in a small area, one must be curtailed. Here game to permit inclusion of a grand piano; use of corner bench
group consists of table and only two chairs . for game group may result in some loss of comfort.

17 . Two smaller upholstered chairs (6), each 2'-6" x 3'-0" 18 . In a room with only one door the minimum traffic lane
might be accommodated at the right of the fireplace in of 3'-4" needs to be increased to at least 4'-10", which will
this room with only a slight increase in room width. accommodate two persons side by side, without crowding .
 Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

19 . Another example of wide entrance lanes. Placement 20. Several doors may be accommodated with this type of
of doors so that at least 10" is allowed between room corners furniture-group unit arrangement. A traffic lane is assumed
to exist at the left end of the room .
and door trim will permit installation of "built-in" bookcases.

21 . Notice that a game-table group occupies almost the 22 . Larger rooms may contain four or more furniture-group
same floor area as a baby grand piano. Placement at an units; it may be desirable to increase clearances . Use of
angle is intended for informal rooms. chairs set at angles requires increased areas.

23 . Fireplace chairs set 3'-6" back from center line of fire- 24 . By using love seats instead of pairs of chairs at sides of
place permit occupants to gaze at the fire comfortably. fireplace, considerable space can be saved even though
General traffic cannot be accommodated in a 2°-ft lane . seats are not placed the minimum distance apart.
Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

r;

26 . One of the two

25 . In rooms with fire- groups may be adapted
places in end walls, as for dining, eliminating
in the schemes immedi- need for a separate
ately preceding, furni- dining room . Minimum
ture arrangements clearance around din-
often fall naturally into ing table should be
two distinct groups . 3'-0".

27 . In this scheme, by
placing the sofa on the
long axis opposite the
fireplace, furniture is
held together as a
single unit. There are 28 . Backing the pri-
two obvious positions mary-group furniture
for an entrance door . against walls eliminates
If is possible to back passage behind them
the sofa against a and reduces room
group of windows. width to a minimum.

29 . Here the 30. Placing the

left side and end sofa against one
opposite the fire- side of the room
place are avail- tends to open up
able for doors. the primary group-
Piano should, if in effect, to merge
possible, be with it the secon -
placed against an dary conversation -
inside wall . group furniture.

12
 Residential

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

32 . Here the plac-

31 . The entire area ing of the desk
may be treated as a group (14) allies it
single unit, all furniture closely with the fire-
being brought into the place unit . Four
principal group. units are included .

33 . By inter-
changing the
positions of 34 . Completely
the fireplace symmetrical ar-
furniture in rangement in com-
Fig . 32, a paratively small
grand piano space; music group
can be accom- might replace items
i modated. 14 and 25 .

35 . Type of sofa 36 . "Unit" types of

shown is becoming in-
creasingly popular.
Chairs (6) may be units
which can be added to
sofa, if desired. is'-
sofas are particular-
ly suited to corner
groupings . Scheme
shown contains three
5"t group units.
13
Residential

LIVING ROOM-FURNITURE SIZES AND CLEARANCES

SPACE w the small house for general living activities Sofa Sizes (B) :
must often serve a wide variety of functions . Thus, 2'-8" to 3'-6" deep
furniture can add greatly to the usefulness of living 6'-0" to 7'-2" long
area if it is adaptable in type and size to a number Love Seats:
of different purposes . 2'-0" to 2'-10" deep
Accompanying data give a working basis for 3'-6" to 4'- 6" long
providing sufficient space for general living activi- End Tables (A) :
ties. Dimensional information includes only a few 10" to l'-2" wide
of many available sizes and types of furniture . Di- l'-6" to 3'-0" long
mensions of groups refer to clearances necessary Occasional
for comfortable and convenient use. Tables (C) :
Necessary planning considerations include: pro- 2'-0" to 2'-4" square,
vision of adequate floor and wall space for furniture
round, oval, draw-
groupings; segregation of trafficways from centers
top, etc .
of activities; ease of access ; and a maximum of
flexibility .
Doors in constant use should be placed so that
traffic between them will not interfere with furniture
groups .
Flexibility implies the varying uses to which space
may be put. The lounging group of the right, for
instance, requires approximately the same floor
space as the card-playing group; the sofa, below,
may be a convertible bed. Thus, functions of other
areas-such as recreation, sleeping, dining and
even storage-may be applicable equally to living
Card Tables :
rooms .
2'-6" to 3'-0" square ;
folding type 1i/2"
thick folded )aver-
age)
Side Chairs :
1'-6" to 2'-0" wide
l'-6" to l'-10" deep

Desks, Sloping Top:

3'-0" to 3'-B" wide
l'-6" to 2'-0" deep
Writing Desks:
2'-8" to 3'-6" wide
l'-6" to 2'-6" deep
Secretaries:
3'-0" to 5'-0" wide
l'-6" to 2'-8" deep

Convertible Sofa-Beds (G) : 2'-9" to 3'-3" deep, 6'-2" to 6'-8" long

Living Room Tables (F) : l'-8" to 3'-0" wide, 3'-6" to 10'-0" long
Easy Chairs : Wing, 2'-4" to 2'-10" square ; Club, 2'-4" to 3'-3", 3'-9" square
Book Cases (D) : 2'-6" to 3'-0" wide, 10" to 12" deep

s. .- -..-- ..

-,
Double Bed Studio Couch
By GLENN H . BEYER AND ALEXANDER KIRA, Housing Research Center, Cornell University

DINING ROOM PASSAGE BEHIND CHAIRS If no one is seated at either end of the
table, the length may be reduced by ap-
The principal factors to be considered The minimum space recommended for proximately 4 in .
in planning the dining area are as follows : passage behind chairs is 22 in . ; a satis-
(1) Number of persons to be seated ; factory range is 22 to 25 in . If passage Space for total dining area
(2) Space used at the table ; (3) Space behind the chairs is not required, a mini- noted above
With the same conditions
for chairs and for passage behind them ; mum of 5 in . plus the depth of the chair and with on space for pas-
ample 42-in .
(4) Seating arrangement; (5) Size and must be provided for pushing back the sage on all sides of a 42-in .-wide table,
type of furniture ; and (6) Storage space chair when leaving the table (See Fig . 3) . required sizes are as follows :
for china, glassware, silver, and linen .
Size of table Persons W X L = Area
Recommended space dimensions, based
The minimum width recommended is 36 ft sq ft
on recent research, are provided below .
in .; a satisfactory width is 36 to 44 in . 4 101=2x12 126
SIZE OF PLACE SETTING
If 25-in .-wide place settings are pro- 101 " x14 = 147
6
The minimum width needed for each vided and if one person is seated at each 8 101=,x16 168
place setting is 21 in . ; however, a width end of the table, then minimum and rec- 10 10 1 =x18 = 189
of up to 29 in . is desirable for greater ommended table lengths are as follows : 12 10 1 :x20 = 210
freedom of movement . A 25-in . width is
Persons Minimum, in . Recommended, in .
usually adequate ; this permits chairs 19 If no one is to be seated at either end of
in . wide placed 6 in . apart . The
to be 4 54 60 the table, the length may be reduced by
minimum depth for a place setting is 14 1 (, 6 79 84 2 ft (21 sq ft) .
in . These dimensions allow space for 8 104 108
Storage space
china, glassware, silver, and elbow ex- 10 129 132

tension (See Fig . 1) . 12 154 156 Linear feet of shelf space required for
medium-income families, for both moderate
and liberal supplies of dishes and glass-
Table 1. Inside dimensions of drawers for storage of silverware ware, for everyday and guest use, is as
Adapted front Indoor Dining Areas for Rural Homes in the Western Region, follows :
Report 118, 1'ainersity of Arizona Agricidfural E.rprroneof Staboir, Trcr.soa 12-in . shelves, 20-in . shelves,
(June 19551 . ft--in . ft

Height, in . Moderate 21-0 2

Item Width, in . Depth, in .
Liberal 36-9 2
soupspoons ; 12 teaspoons, 11 181/.-, 2:
8 each forks, knives, Drawer space for storage of silver is shown
6 tablespoons, 4 serving pieces in Table 1 . Space for storage of table
20
12 each forks, knives, salad forks or others, butter 14 1 . , 3 linens is shown in Table 2 .
spreaders, soupspoons; 18 teaspoons, 6 table-
spoons, 3-piece carving set, 3 serving pieces
12 each forks, knives, soupspoons, salad forks or 17 19/' 2V4

butter spreaders ; 24 teaspoons, 6 tablespoons,

6 serving pieces

Table 2 . Dimensions of stacks of folded table linens

Adapted from Storage Space Requirements for Household Textiles, A . -
Woolriclr, :11. :11 . While, aid .11. A. Richards, Agricultural Rescarrh Rullefin
62--:;, U.S . L)eparfnzent of Agriculhzre, WaNhirrglon, D .C . 119551 . Dinlen-
.~ions gives are frond- la -b ack, ., id e-to-side, acrd heigld .

Space 16 in . deep Space 20 in . deep

Minimum, in . Maximum, in . Minimum, in . Maximum, in .

Item

14xl9x3 14x36x2 19x14x3 19x28x2

2 large tablecloths,
guest use
2 medium tablecloths, 15xl9xl 13x28xl 19x10xl 18x28x1

everyday use
4 small tablecloths, 14100 14x2Bxl 10x14x3 15xl4x2

everyday use
14x10x2 14x28xl 10xl4x2 15xl4x2
3 small tablecloths,
guest use
12 small napkins 7x10x3 7x10x3 10x 5x3 10x 9x2

(2 stacks of 6)
12 large napkins 8x10x2 8x10x2 10x 6x2 10x10x1

(2 stacks of 6)
13xl9xl 13xl9xl 19xl3xl 19xl3xl
6 place mats, everyday
use
1 table pad 13x21 x3 13x21x3 13x21x3 13x21x3
 Residential

DINING AREAS

must accommodate furniture-either

DINING AREAS
portable or built-in-for eating, sitting, serving and
possible storage . Equipment for these dining func-
tions may also be adapted to meet other possible
requirements for this space-as studying, game-
playing, etc.
Table space requirements per person are as fol-
lows: for crowded seating, l'-10" on the table's
perimeter; for comfort, 2'-0" . Adequate clearances
for use are indicated on diagrams .

Furniture Sizes :
Portable Tables, round (A)-
2'-7" to 5'-10" diam .
Portable Tables, rectangular (C) :
2'-6" to 4'-0" by 3'-6" to 8'-0" ;
or 2',-0" to 4'-0" square
Dining Chairs, portable :
l'-6" to 2'-0" by l'-6" to l'-10"
Serving Table (B) :
2'-6" to 3'-6" by 1'-2" to l'-q"
Sideboard or Buffet (B) :
4'-0" to 6'-6" by l'-5" to 2'-I"
China Cabinet (B) :
2'-8" to 3'-8" by l'-2" to l'-9"

16
 Residential

DINING AREAS

Furniture Clearances

To assure adequate space for convenient use of

the dining area, not less than the following clear-
ances from the edge of the dining table should
be observed .

32 in for chairs plus access thereto

38 in for chairs plus access and passage
42 in for serving from behind chair
24 in for passage only
48 in from table to base cabinet (in dining-
kitchen)

Figures 4, 5, and b illustrate proper clearances .

Various arrangements appear on the next page .

Fig . 6 Minimum clearances for dining areas . (a) one end of table
against wall; (b) serving from one end and one side of table . Source :
"Housing for the Elderly Development Process, " Michigan State Housing De-
velopment Authority, 1974 .

* From "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S . De-

partment of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

17
Residential

DINING AREAS

1 . Minimum requires 2-ft buffe+ 2. Typical dining-room suite, as used 3 . Long narrow area with some waste
space on one side only ; 3' more in East and on West Coast, requires space results when wall pieces are at
length is needed for extension table. furniture space on two sides of room . ends, and end entrance is needed .

4. Solid lines indicate minimum room 5. Table-and-passage unit in one cor- 6. Spaces smaller than the usual min-
with corner cupboards, no wall furni- ner permits use of minimum space for imum can be utilized if built-in seats
ture . Dotted lines indicate added multiple activities ; piano may be re- are included ; seating and table-
space for 3' breakfast table. placed by desk, love seat, etc. service comfort are sacrificed .

7 . The same set of clearances ap- 8. Arrangement of typical suite in 9. Dining rooms with fireplaces have
plies to the seldom used round table larger-than-minimum space, when a to be larger than minimum for the
as to the more popular oblong table. screen is used at serving door . comfort of those seated a+ table.

18
 Residential

DINING AREAS

Fig. 7 Dining room furniture. Source: "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S. Dept . of Housing
and Urban Development, 1973 .

19
Residential
COMBINED LIVING-DINING SPACES
COMBINED SPACES
Often several compatible living functions can be
combined advantageously in a single room . Some
of the benefits of such arrangements are that
less space is used but it is used more intensively,
its functions can be changed making it more flexi-
ble and serviceable space, it is adaptable to var-
ied furniture arrangements, while visually it can
be made more interesting and seem more gener-
Fig . 8 Combined living-dining room .'
20
ous than if the same functions were dispersed
into separate rooms .
For adjacent spaces to be considered a com-
bined room, the clear opening between them
should permit common use of the spaces . This
usually necessitates an opening of at least 8 ft .
Figures S and 9 show combined living-dining
rooms .
 Residential

COMBINED DINING AREA-KITCHEN

A combination dining area-kitchen is preferred chores and provides space which can be used
by some occupants of small houses and apart- as the family's day-to-day meeting place .
ments . This arrangement minimizes housekeeping

21" sink counter combined

with 21" range counter

Fig . 10 Combined dining area-kitchen, 2-bedroom living unit . Source: "Manual of Acceptable
Practices," Vol . 4, U .S . Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

One of the primary functions of the kitchen
has been to provide a place for informal or family
eating . This is different than guest or formal din-
ing in a separate dining room or area . The infor-
mal dining generally consists of breakfast, lunch,
snacks, or just serving coffee to a neighbor . This
eating area should be clearly defined as a sepa-
rate functional area .
A frequent and desirable arrangement is the
combined kitchen-dining area . The following
sketches (Fig . 11) show the various possible ar-
rangements . Another arrangement is the kitchen-
family room .

Fig. 11 Minimum clearances for dining area in kitchen . Source : "Housing

for the Elderly Development Process," Michigan State Housing Development
Authority, 1974 .

21
Residential

BEDROOMS

CHESTS

Fig. 1 Typical average furniture sizes .

22
 Residential

BEDROOMS

BEDROOM
DIAGRAMS indicate minimum clearances that
should be provided for use of the bedroom furni-
ture shown, dimensions for which are listed below.
Many types and sizes of furniture are available;
but those listed are most common and can serve
as a basis for bedroom design . At least 2 in should
be allowed as clearance between walls and furni-
ture ; 3 in between furniture units .

Beds:
Single (C), 3'-0" to 3'-3" wide; 6'-10" long .
Twin (F), 3'-3" wide ; 6'-10" long .
Three-quarter (E), 4'-0" wide ; 6'-10" long
Three-quarter (B), large, 4'-2" to 4'-6" wide ;
6'-10" long
Double, 4'-6" wide, 6'-10" long .
Roll-away beds, (A): 2'-0" by 5'-0" on edge, 3"
clearance on all sides

Bed Tables (G):

1'-2" to 2'-0" by l'-0" to 2'-0"

Bedroom Chairs (H):

Small, l'-8" by l'-8"; larger, 2'-6" to 2'-10"
by 2'-8" to 3'-2"

Dressers (3-drawer) (D):

3'-0" to 4'-0" by l'-6" to l'-10"

Chest of Drawers (4-drawer) (D):

2'-8" to 3'-4" by l'-6" to l'-10"

Chaise Longue:
2'-0" to 2'-4" by 4'-0" to 5'-6"

Day Bed:
2'-9" to 3'-3" by 6'-2" to 6'-8"

Dressing Table:
l'-3" to l'-10" by 3'-0" to 4'-2"

23
Residential

BEDROOMS

Fig . 2 (a), (b) Primary bedroom, (c) primary bedroom without crib.*

FURNITURE CLEARANCES

To assure adequate space for convenient use of
furniture in the bedroom, not less than the follow-
ing clearances should be observed (Figs . 2 and
3) .
42 in at one side or foot of bed for dressing
6 in between side of bed and side of dresser
or chest
36 in in front of dresser, closet, and chest of be placed against the wall except in bedrooms
drawers for the elderly (Fig . 4) .
24 in for major circulation path (door to closet,
etc .)
22 in on one side of bed for circulation
12 in on least used side of double bed . The * From "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S .
least-used side of a single or twin bed can Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS

The location of doors and windows should permit

alternate furniture arrangements.

Fig . 3 (a) Single-occupancy bedroom ; (b) double-occupancy bedroom .*

24
 Residential

BEDROOMS

Fig . 4 Single-occupancy bedroom for elderly ;

there is a 12-in allowance to make the bed .*

Where at least two other sleeping spaces are

provided, a dormitory is sometimes preferred by
larger families (Fig . S) .*

* From "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S .

Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 . Fig. 5 Dormitory bedroom .

25
 Residential

BEDROOMS

TYPICAL UNIT ARRANGEMENTS

1 . For comfort, 2 night tables are
desirable with a double bed. A
minimum double-bed unit arrange-
ment may be achieved by omitting
arm chair and one side chair, and
reducing to 3'-6" the traffic lane
at foot of bed.
2. Use of small chairs and chest
makes possible the addition of
conversation or lounging furniture
(2 chairs and table) to a typical
suite, without increasing square
footage . Use of 3-ft passages
eliminates crowding .
3 . Other types of arrangements
beyond the minimum include ad-
dition of a chaise longue (shown
dotted above), which is usually
placed at an angle to walls, re-
quires a table, and necessitates
ample passages .

4. Minimum twin-bed group (2 5 . Increased requirements for addition of 6. Twin beds with single night table require
night tables) needs 9'-6" wall . dressing table and boudoir chair. 8' of wall space.

7. Variations on this plan

may be developed by re- 8. Twin beds head-
placing the chair between ing toward a com-
the beds with a dressing mon corner may re-
table which serves also as quire less space than
a night table . This would is indicated if dress-
free other walls for twin ing table and bou-
ches+s . shown doffed . doir chair are
omitted.

26
 Residential

COMBINED LIVING-SLEEPING AREAS

11 . Unusual but
satisfactory arrange-
ment or long, nar-
row space; if units
E and F are reduced
2'-0" in length, room
length may be de-
creased 2'-0".

12 . Minimum for couch or

single bed placed sideways 13 . If position of chest is 14 . Door-swings may require in- 15 . Slightly more com-
to wall . changed room width may be creased clearance at foot of bed. fortable than Fig. 14, but
reduced b" . bed making is difficult.
COMBINED SPACES
A bed alcove with natural light and ventilation
and which can be screened from the living area
is desirable in a 0-bedroom living unit (Figs . 1
and 2) .

Fig . 2 0-bedroom living unit with sleeping alcove.`

15'' sink counter and 21'' 15'' range and
mixing counter combined refrigerator From "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S .
counters combined
Fig . 1 0-Bedroom living unit.' Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

27
Residential

COMBINED LIVING-SLEEPING AREAS

In housing for the elderly and handicapped,

the units suitable for wheelchair users often can
be placed advantageously on the ground floor
(Fig . 3) .

Night light
outlet

Fig . 3 0-Bedroom living unit for wheelchair user.*

Omission of an easy chair is acceptable to

give more space for occupant's wheelchair (Fig .
4) .

* From "Manual of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S .

Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 . Fig . 4 0-Bedroom living unit for wheelchair user .*

28
 Residential

KITCHENS
By GLENN H . BEYER AND ALEXANDER KIRA, Housing Research Center, Cornell University

KITCHENS Storage with a minimum of shadows, should be

The Kitchen design should be functional in planned throughout the kitchen . Adequate
kitchen is not a specialized work-
the sense of minimizing reaching and daylight or artificial lighting makes the
room, for it has many uses . It is used for
room more agreeable and attractive than
preparation of meals, food preservation, stooping . Storage facilities should be no
storage of food and utensils, and also, in higher than a woman can reach with both a dark or poorly lighted room .

many cases, for eating, laundering, enter- feet flat on the floor . There should be
sufficient space to store items so that they Ventilation
taining, and child care . In it a woman
uses her own labor and also makes full may be easily seen, reached, grasped, The kitchen should be well ventilated,
use of electric power, tap water, and man- and taken down and put back without with an exhaust fan to remove objection-
ufactured or bottled gas ; she uses re- excessive strain . With proper planning, able kitchen odors .
frigerators, stoves, dishwashers, mixers, stored items can be located close to where
they are first used, and unattractive items Safety
toasters, and garbage-disposal units, as
well as various kinds of storage compart- can be kept out of sight . Storage space Burns, scalds, falls, and explosions should
ments and work surfaces . should be sufficiently flexible to permit its be "designed out" of the kitchen . Sharp
Since more time and effort are fre- adjustment to varying amounts, sizes, and corners, exposed handles, and control
quently spent in the kitchen than in any kinds of supplies, and
food, utensils . knobs on kitchen equipment should be
other area of the house, careful planning Shelving should be adjustable . avoided, and there should be safety
is especially important . This requires care- catches on doors and drawers to limit the
ful selection of appliances and storage Counters and working surfaces exploratory activities of young children .
units and convenient arrangement of the The height of counters and working sur-
area . Some general planning guides are Accessibility
faces should permit a comfortable working
as follows : posture . The worker should be able to sit, There should be easy access to front
if she wishes, while doing certain kitchen and back doors, laundry area, telephone,
FOOD PREPARATION tasks, such as working at the sink . Con- and bathroom .
tinuous lines and surfaces permit ease of
Arrangement Decoration
movement, and are easier to keep clean .
It is important to keep the basic work Color, texture, and decoration should
area compact, even if the kitchen is of Servicing and replacement of appliances be used to create an atmosphere that is
the large "living" type . Consideration attractive, cheerful, and restful .
Consideration should be given to ease
should be given, however, to the possi- of servicing and replacement of major
bility of more than one person working appliances, especially built-in units . OTHER KITCHEN ACTIVITIES
there . The arrangement will vary accord-
ing to the size and shape of space avail- Nonworking areas
Materials
able, but we should always keep in mind Nonworking areas should be segregated
Materials and finishes that minimize
relationships among functions in different from working areas . Avoid interruption of
maintenance and cleaning should be used,
areas of the kitchen . work areas by breakfast nooks, general
and they should be sufficiently light in color
storage closets, rest areas, and other areas
Traffic lanes to create a pleasant work atmosphere .
not essential to normal food preparation
Traffic lanes through work areas should activities .
be avoided . Arrange the service entrance Lighting

and access to the basement so that traffic Good lighting helps to prevent fatigue, Eating facilities
not essential to food preparation, service, as well as promoting safety and a pleasant Most families want to eat some meals
or storage can by-pass the area . atmosphere . Comfortable levels of light, in the kitchen . Provision should be made
for this, if possible, even if a separate
dining room is also provided .

Child's play

In younger families, especially, there

is likely to be one or more children who
want to be near their mother . Provision
should be made for a play area out from
underfoot, but where adequate supervision
is possible . Storage space should be pro-
vided for toys and games .

Infant care

It is a well-known fact that many

kitchens are used for care of infants . If
provision is not made in the bathroom for
infant care and related supplies, then it
should be made in the kitchen .

Grooming

Washing hands and some personal

Fig. I Vertical and horizontal limits of reach . grooming frequently take place in the

29
Residential

KITCHENS

kitchen, especially if there is not ready
access to the bathroom . A mirror is de-
sirable.
CRITICAL DIMENSIONS
The "critical dimensions" for working
space are illustrated in Figs . 1-4. These
dimensions are recommended on the basis
of research and do not necessarily coincide
with either current practice or currently
available cabinets and equipment. Width
requirements for counter space, in particu-
lot, are based on research covering opera-
tions at individual work centers. Over-
lapping is permissible if work at adjacent
centers is not being carried on simul-
taneously .

Fig. 2 Minimum counter-width dimensions.

Fig. 3 Comfortable working heights.

30
 Residential

KITCHENS

Fig . 4 Minimum clearances-horizontal and vertical .

BASIC WORK AREAS

The work center concept, favorably sup-

ported by a great deal of research data
from many sources, emphasizes the planning
of the kitchen in terms of its major cen- Table 1. Equipment and food supplies stored at range center
ters of activity . These work centers, in
Number stored Storage space
turn, are planned in terms of their constit-
per item, in .*
uent parts, their proper functions, and
their ideal relationships, one to another . Side Front
Item
The actual design of the work centers to to
will vary with the size and shape of space Limited Liberal side back Height
available in each project . Four work centers
must be considered : sink, range, mix, and Equipment
serve. In addition, there is the refrigerator
1 1 31!~ 13 4! _~
(which functions as a closely related Potato masher_ _-

3 3 3~'z 13 3
storage center) and the oven, if it is not Knives, forks, spoons
1 1 11 171j 5!
an integral part of the range . Frying pan, 10!"y-in .
2 9!= 16 5
Frying pan, 9-in . 1
Each work center should have three
1 6 12 5
Frying pan, 6-in . 0
components : (1) Adequate storage space
for the various items used there ; (2) Ade- 2 4 10;<_' 101-'~ 1
Pot lids
quate counter space for the work to be 4 8 7 7 2f
Potholders
accomplished ; and (3) Necessary utilities
and facilities, such as water at the sink, Food supplies
-
heat at the range, outlet and space for 2 4
6 1,
the mixer at the mix center, and adequate Rice, 1-lb pkg ._
1 1 21!, 11 ?': 6
lighting at each center . Spaghetti, 1-Ib pkg .
5L_, 1 1 511 4
Equip each work center for the storage Coffee, 1-Ib can
1 1 6 6 11
of utensils, supplies, and dishes according Oatmeal, 3-Ib box
1 1 2 5
to their frequency and order of use . Macaroni, 1-Ib pkg .
1 1 21,(, 41,2 7
Tables 1-4 list the number of items and Tea, 8-oz pkg .

the spacedimensions required for equip- *l)itnensiun of Iltc item (iitrludiog lid, if aoy) plus rlcaranre for handling .
ment and food supplies commonly stored 1Prorirh ,; fur -stack of 6 potholders .
Residential

KITCHENS

at each of the four centers. These lists however, greater choice of arrangements less than 20 sq ft in either wall or base
represent the storage space requirements is possible . In either event, the advantage cabinets .
for the average family, but they may be of a shorter distance between some re- Total countertop area : 11 sq ft minimum.
adapted to the needs of particular families . lated areas must be balanced against the Total drawer area : 11 sq ft minimum. (If
The storage space dimensions are based resulting increase in distance between other a 39-in . range is provided, it may be
on the most recent information available . related areas. An end-to-end alignment or counted as 4 sq ft of base cabinet shelf
a right-angle arrangement between areas area and 2 sq ft of countertop area .)
KITCHEN ARRANGEMENT of close relationship can eliminate trips Wall shelving : 74 in . maximum height .
The relative location of work centers and reduce the over-all travel distances. Countertop : 38 in . maximum height, 30 in .
should permit a continuity of kitchen ac- Functional relationships between key work minimum height .
tivities as follows : (1) Storage (gathering centers are, of course, accommodated more Height between wall cabinets and counter-
materials needed for the performance of ideally in some of the plans than others . top: 24 in . minimum over range and sink,
the task); (2) Cleaning and mixing (or 15 in . minimum elsewhere. (Shelving may
FHA REQUIREMENTS FOR KITCHEN
initial preparation) ; (3) Cooking; (4) be closer if it does not project beyond
STORAGE t
Serving, or storing for future use; and a line drawn from the front edge of the
(5) Cleaning up . (See Fig. 5.) Total shelf area : 50 sq ft minimum; not wall cabinet at an angle of 60 deg to
In principle, any plan that interrupts the bottom of the cabinet.)
this continuity with doors, or with non- IFroin11inimum'PropertyStandards for Depth of shelving : wall shelving-4 in .
One and Two Living Units, Federal Hous- minimum, 18 in . maximum; base shelving-
working areas or facilities, is faulty be-
ing Administration, Washington, D.C . (Re-
cause extra steps are required every time vised, July 1959) .
the gap is crossed, and, consequently,
convenience and working efficiency are re-
duced.
The actual plan may be U-shaped or
L-shaped, or it may be of the corridor
type .
The "U" arrangement affords the most
compact work area . Frequently, however,
this arrangement is impossible to achieve
because of the necessity of having a door
on one of the three walls. The resulting
"Broken U" arrangement still permits com-
pactness, but traffic is allowed through the
area . Therefore, special consideration
should be given to the arrangement of
the work centers in order to minimize the
effect of through traffic .
The "L" arrangement is ideally suited
where space along two walls is sufficient to
accommodate all of the necessary work
areas. This arrangement has the advan-
tage of concentrating the work area in
one corner, thus minimizing travel, but it
has the disadvantage of necessitating longer
trips to the extremities of the "L ."
The "Corridor" arrangement is satis-
factory where doors are necessary at each
end of the space . This arrangement fre-
quently has the advantage of the parallel
walls being closer together than in the
typical "U," but the disadvantage of a
greater distance along the corridor .
An important factor in determining the
location of specific work areas within any
of these over-all arrangements is frequency
of use, which in Fig. 6 is expressed as the
percentage of trips to and from each area .
Figures 7-9 provide floor plans illus-
trating some possible arrangements of the
basic work centers within each of the plan
types. If the space for the kitchen is al-
ready established, the number of possible
satisfactory arrangements obviously will be
limited. If the space is being planned,
 Residential

KITCHENS

Fig. 5. Flow of work in food

preparation

12 in . minimum, 24 in . maximum; counter-

top-15 in . minimum, 24 in . maximum.
Spacing of shelving : if depth of shelf is
4-6 in ., allow 5 in . minimum spacing, if
6-10 in . allow 6 in ., if 10-15 in . allow
7 in ., if 15-24 in . allow 10 in .
Backsplash (required where countertop
abuts walls) : 4 in . minimum height .
Steel cabinets : minimum gages-case and
drawer slides, 16 ; gussets and cross rails,
18; bottoms, door and drawer fronts and
sides, 20 ; elsewhere, 22 .
Exhaust fan (required in ceiling or wall
near range, or in hood over range) :
minimum capacity-15 air changes per
hour .

Fig . 6. Percentage distribution of trips

in food preparation

33
Residential

KITCHENS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bayer, Glenn H. The Cornell Kitchen!

Product Design Through Research . Cor-
nell University Agricultural Experiment
Station, Ithaca (1952) .
Handbook of Kitchen Design . Small Homes
Council, University of Illinois, Urbana
(1950) .
Heiner, Mary Koll, and McCullough, Helen
E. Functional Kitchen Storage. Bulletin
846, Cornell University Agricultural Ex-
periment Station, Ithaca (June 1948) .
Heiner, Mary Koll, and Steidl, Rose E.
Guides for Arrangement of Urban Fam-
ily Kitchens . Bulletin 878, Cornell Uni-
versity Agricultural Experiment Station,
Ithaca (1951) .
Minimum Property Standards for One and
Two Living Units. Federal Housing Ad-
ministration, Washington, D. C. (Re-
vised, July 1959).
Planning Guides for Southern Rural Homes.
Prepared by Southern Regional Housing
Research Technical Committee. Southern
Cooperative Series Bulletin 58, Georgia
Agricultural Experiment Station, Athens
(June 1958).
Roberts, Evelyn H., Wilson, Maud, and
Thayer, Ruth . Standards for Working-Sur-
face Heights and Other Space Units of
the Dwelling . State Bulletin 348, Oregon
Agricultural Experiment Station, Corvallis
(June 1937). Published also as Washing-
ton Agricultural Experiment Station Bul-
letin 345, Pullman.
Space Standards for Home Planners . West-
ern Cooperative Series Research Report
2, Western Region Agricultural Experi-
ment Stations (n .d .) . (Publication may be
obtained from Institute of Home Eco-
nomics, Agricultural Research Service,
U.S . Dept . of Agriculture, Washington,
D.C .)
Wilson, Maud . Considerations in Planning
Kitchen Cabinets . State Bulletin 445,
Oregon Agricultural Experiment Statioh,
Corvallis (November 1947).
---. A Guide for the Kitchen Planner.
State Bulletin 482, Oregon Agricultural
Experiment Station, Corvallis (September
1950).
Wood, Anna L., Ribelin, Shirley, and
Lange, Fay . Location and Counter Area
Requirements of a Mechanical Dish-
washer. Bulletin 526, Washington State
College, Pullman (1951) .

34
 Residential

KITCHENS

Fig . B "Corridor" plans. If a dishwasher is desired, it should be located

at the sink center .

35
 Residential

KITCHENS

Fig . 9 "Broken-U" plans. If a dishwasher is desired, if should be Fig . 10 L-shaped plans. If a dishwasher is desired, if should
located of the sink center . be located of the sink confer .

36
 Residential

KITCHENS

A work triangle is an efficient kitchen arrange-

ment (Fig . 11) . Figures 11-16 are from "Manual
of Acceptable Practices," Vol . 4, U .S . Department
of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 .

Fig . 11 Minimum distances from appliances to inside

corners of base cabinets.

Fig. 12 Typical cabinet dimen-

sions .

21" sink counter combined Sink and range counters combined

with 36" mixing counter with 36" mixing counter

21" range counter combined 21" sink counter combined

with 15" refrig counter with 15" refrig counter

Fig . 13 Kitchens for 2-bedroom living unit (with minimum storage, counter area,
fixtures) .

37
Residential

KITCHENS

Sink and range counters combined 18" sink counter combined

with 30" mixing counter with 15" refrig . counter

18" range counter

combined with 15"
refrig . counter
Sink counter
combined with
30" mixing counter

Fig. 14 Kitchens for 1-bedroom living units (with minimum storage, counter area, fixtures). For
kitchens for 0-bedroom living units, see pp . 27-28 .

Fig . 15 Kitchen for 3-bedroom living unit (with minimum storage,

counter area, fixtures).

Fig . 16 Kitchen for 4-bedroom living unit (with minimum storage, counter
area, fixtures) .

38
Residential

KITCHENS

39
Residential

KITCHENS

40
 Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

By GLENN H . BEYER AND ALEXANDER KIRA, Housing Research Center, Cornell University
(including material adapted from previously published article by Larch C . Renshaw in 3rd ed . of Time-Saver Standards)

LAUNDRIES order of use : (1) Clothes chute (with or most women when sitting or standing to
without bins or hampers), (2) Sorting and iron . The choice of either a built-in or a
Laundering includes a host of tasks-
pretreating table or counter, (3) Washing freestanding board depends upon personal
collecting and sorting dirty clothes, pre-
machine, (4) Laundry tray (if available), preference . Freestanding boards should be
treating, washing, drying, sprinkling and
(5) Dryer, (6) Ironing board (and ironer, if stored where they are readily accessible .
ironing-all of which are tiring, for they
available), and (7) Standing or hanging The space needed to use a hand iron at a
require a great deal of stooping, lifting,
bar and counter for ironed items . In addi- board is shown in Fig . 2 . The space needed
and carrying . To reduce the amount of
tion, a storage closet or cabinet is neces- to use an ironer, with auxiliary equipment,
effort required, a laundry center (either
sary for cleaning supplies . In some in- is shown in Fig . 3 .
separate or combined with another area)
stances, a hot plate is also needed . Some The storage closet should be large
should be carefully planned . Some basic
of these facilities and equipment are de- enough to accommodate soaps, spoons,
planning considerations are as follows :
scribed in more detail below . sieves, bleaches, bluing, stain remover,
Arrangement Clothes chute : In two-story houses, the starch, clothespins, and the like . If a
The sequence of
laundering operations chute is a handy device for delivering storage cupboard 9 in . i n depth is placed
should determine the planning of space and clothes from upstairs . It should empty on over an automatic washer, it should be at
facilities and the placing of equipment . or near the sorting table so that the clothes least 20 in . above the washer; and if 12
will not have to be carried or handled in . i n depth, it should be 24 in . above the
Traffic lanes
more than necessary . It should be vertical, washer . This clearance allows for head
With automatic equipment, many fam- because curved sections are likely to cause room when using the water faucets .
ilies now wash clothes three or four days clothes to clog the chute .
a week . Therefore, laundering should not Sorting and prefreating table : Ample SPACE ARRANGEMENTS
be done in any of the congested areas of space should be allowed on a table or
Laundering may be done in a room de-
the house . Passageways should be at least counter for sorting and dampening the
signed especially for this purpose, or in a
4 ft wide . If the laundry area adjoins the clothes, and for a clothes basket, as well
multiuse room, designed also for food
kitchen, there should be a barrier of some for the worker using the table .
as space
preparation, sewing, child play, and the
type, at least a counter, between the two The table size required will depend upon
like .
areas . the size of the average wash load . Research
The best location, of course, is convenient
at Pennsylvania State University indicates
Equipment and facilities to other work centers, such as the kitchen,
that a table 6x2 1/2 ft is required for a
To reduce the amount of effort required, and to the drying yard so that there will
32-Ib, 4-load laundry . For pretreating, an
a laundry center should have a sorting be a minimum of carrying necessary . Gen-
area 20x36 in . i s adequate for work and
table, a heating surface (such as a hot erally, basements are not considered de-
equipment (pan, brush, soap, and kettle) .
plate), and storage facilities for soiled washers sirable locations because of their incon-
Washing machine : Automatic
clothes, washing supplies, and baskets, as venience, dampness, and lack of adequate
and dryers permit much more convenient
well as a washing machine, dryer, and light .
and compact arrangements than were pos-
ironing board ; some may also have ironers . Figures 7-13 provide floor plans illus-
sible with nonautomatic equipment . The
A laundry tray (usually a 14-in .-deep por- trating various arrangements of basic
total floor area needed is determined by
celain enamel sink) is desirable for pre- work areas needed for the laundering
the type of washer, the other equipment
washing, soaking, or starching some items . process . In some of the plans shown, the
needed, and the space for the worker . The
space needed for laundering is treated as
Space old-fashioned, galvanized tubs are not re-
a separate area ; in others, possible com-
quired with automatic equipment, but, as
The space should be dry, heated, and binations with other areas are indicated .
indicated earlier, a laundry tray is desir-
well lighted, with sufficient electrical out-
able . To ensure that a laundry area is both
lets, properly located . The space should be
economical in use of space and convenient EQUIPMENT
ventilated to remove moisture and odors .
to work in, the dimensions shown in Fig . 4 Figure 1 and Tables 1 and 2 provide
Accessibility
should be followed . basic dimensions of a typical automatic
Laundry centers today con be more con- Drying : The research at Pennsylvania washer, dryer, combination washer-dryer,
veniently located because of the compact- State University revealed that 124 lin ft of and ironer . These dimensions may be
ness of automatic washers and dryers and line is required to hang a 4-load laundry used for preliminary planning purposes,
the elimination of much of the dampness of 32 lb . but final selection of equipment and de-
and disorder formerly associated with The space requirements for different tailing of working drawings should always
household washing . Although many loca- styles of dryers, and for operating them, be based on specific manufacturer's data .
tions are possible (such as the kitchen, are shown in Fig . 5. The combination Dimensions have been drawn from the
bath, separate laundry room, or utility washer-dryer or the stacked arrangement current catalogs of leading manufacturers
room), the laundry center should be acces- of washer and dryer requires less floor of each type of equipment . Special and
sible both to the work areas of the house area than other arrangements . These di- nonresidential equipment are not included .
(since frequent trips to and from them may mensions are shown in Fig . 6 . Dimensions are generally given only to the
be required during any of the laundering Since some garments must be hung to nearest half inch since dimensions of new
processes) and to outdoor summer drying drip-dry, a pull-out drying rod or- similar models vary slightly from year to year .
areas. arrangement should be provided, prefer- Door swings, location of vents, and the
ably above a laundry tray (or a floor specific requirements for power, waste, and
FLOW OF WORK drain, if the laundry is in the basement) . water supply should be checked against
Convenience and efficiency are achieved Ironing : An ironing board adjustable the manufacturer's data after units have

by placing the equipment in their natural from a height of 23 to 37 in . accommodates been tentatively selected .

41
Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Fig . l . Dimensions of household laundry equipment

Fig. 3. Space requirements for ironer

Source (riy. 2 and J) : C"Cile P . Sinden mid Kathleen

Fig. 2 . Space requirements for ironing board A . Johu4oi, Space for Home Laundering, B«lletin
65b', Peo,isylvania Stale l'txiversily Agricullnral
E'xpcriwnt Stalimz, University Park (July 1,95 .9) .

42
 Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Fig . 4 . Space requirements for two types of automatic washers

Fig . 5 . Space requirements for two types of automatic dryers

Fig . 6 . Space requirements for combination washer-dryer

Worker's clearance (Fig . ,t, 5, anal 6) can overlap to either left or right of
machinea . Source (Fig . y, 5, and 6) : Cecile P . Sinden and Kathleen . A .
Johnstoo, Space for Home Laundering, Bulletin 658, Pennsylvania State
University Agricultural Experiment Station, University Park (July 1959) .

43
Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Key

1. Storage closet
2. Laundry chute (ventilated)
3. Sorting shelf (ventilated bins below)
4. Laundry tray with mixing faucet and
cover
5. Washer
6. Dryer (should be ventilated)
7. Ironer
8. Ironing board

Fig . 7 . Kitchen-laundry plans

44
 Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Fig. 8. Separate laundry rooms

45
Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Key

1. Storage closet
2. Laundry chute
3. Sorting shelf
4. Laundry tray
5. Washer
6. Dryer
7. Ironer
8. Ironing board
9. Electric plate
10 . Home freezer

Fig. 9. Separate laundry rooms

46
 Residential

LAUNDRY ROOMS

Fig. 11 . Combination laundry-sewing room

Key

1. Storage closet
2. Laundry chute
3. Sorting shelf
4. Laundry troy
Fig. 10 . Combination laundry-sewing room with storage area 5. Washer
b. Dryer
7. Ironer
B . Ironing board
9. Electric plate

Note : Home freezer

may be substituted for
ironer

Fig, 12 . Combination laundry-breakfast room Fig. 13 . Combination laundry-playroom

47
Residential

BATHROOMS

By GLENN H . BEYER AND ALEXANDER KIRA, Housing Research Center, Cornell University

BATHROOMS permit more than one family member to use Sound control
its facilities at the same time (Fig . 8) .
Activities commonly performed in the Lack of acoustical privacy is one of the
bathroom include washing of hands, face, most common complaints with regard to
Illumination
and hair, bathing, elimination, and groom- bathrooms . Noise can be reduced by
Lighting should be adequate for all of proper placement of the bathroom in re-
ing, and also such activities as hand laun-
the activities performed . For grooming, lation to other spaces, by the use of
dering and infant care . Often it is also
used as a dressing room . Major problems direct sources of light are essential in or- closets and storage walls as sound barriers
in bathroom design include planning for der to illuminate the face from all angles . between it and adjacent spaces, as well as
optimum all High strip windows, clerestory windows, and by the use of soundproof
convenience and privacy of partitions and
skylights provide excellent over-all illumi- tightly fitted doors .
bathroom functions for all members of the Acoustical treatment
nation in the daytime, while still affording of the ceiling makes the room more com-
household, adequate provision for storage
privacy . Luminous ceilings are also effec- fortable to use and reduces somewhat the
of supplies and equipment, and ease of
tive, particularly in interior bathrooms . amount of sound transmitted through the
cleaning .
Some general planning guides are as walls. Acoustical tiles for use in the bath-
Ventilation
follows , room should be moisture resistant and
Good ventilation is essential in bath- easily cleaned .
rooms, both to reduce humidity and to
Arrangement
dispel odors . If a window is relied upon Auxiliary heat
Facilities should be conveniently ar- as the sole means of ventilation, care A heat lamp or a radiant wall panel
ranged, with special attention given to should be taken in its selection and place- can be used to provide quick warmth in
clearances . The room arrangement should ment to minimize drafts
to permit and the bathroom .
easy access . Exhaust fans in the wall or
ceiling are often used to supplement nat- Materials

ural ventilation . In interior bathroom It is essential that all surface materials

1 1lanp a( these snggestiuns are by rottr-
te.slt of the Atneriran Radiator and Standard spaces, a mechanical exhaust is, of course, used in the bathroom have moisture-re-
Sanitary Corporation . essential . sistant finishes .

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Storage

Adequate storage should be provided for

currentand reserve supplies . Articles in
current use be located near their
should
place of first use . A closet opening from
the bathroom and hallway or laundry is
convenient for such items as bathroom linen
and cleaning supplies . Medicine cabinets
should be as large as possible since in-
creasing numbers of toiletries and medi-
cines are being used by American families .
Hamper space is desirable for soiled linen
and clothes . Install a cabinet with a self-
contained hamper, or, in two-story houses,
install a chute from the second floor to the
laundry . The minimum requirements for
storage of bathroom linens, based on re-

cent research, are shown in Table 3 .

Increased countertop space

Larger lavatories and increased counter-

top surfaces provide excellent facilities for
light laundry, hair washing, and bathing
and dressing the baby .

Children's convenience

Children's height should be considered

in the placement of accessory equipment .
A dental lavatory can double as a child's
lavatory . If a combination lavatory-dressing
table is installed, a step-up retractable
stool should be provided for children's use .

Mirrors

An atmosphere of luxury and spacious-

ness is created by mirrors . A full-length
mirror is always desirable . Also recom-
mended is a medicine cabinet with a
three-way combination of mirrored doors
on either side and a mirror in the center .

Safety features

Grab bars should be used vertically fc

bathtub and shower and should be located
for convenient use . They should be of ade-
quate size and securely fastened to sturdy
backing or studs. Use nonskid finishes for
flooring .
Install a door lock that opens
automatically from the inside, and from the
outside in case of emergency . Locate light
switches out of reach of the bathtub or
shower-preferably the bath-
just outside
room . Electric or radiant heaters should be
recessed or protected . Provide a lock for
medicine compartments .

Drying facilities and accessories

Add extra racks for drying women's

hose and other light laundry . Racks may
be concealed in well-ventilated cabinets,
which, if desired, may include a receptacle
for a low-wattage light bulb to facilitate
drying . Sufficient robe hooks, bag hooks,

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Recent research has provided some rec-

ommendations for the space required
around the three basic fixtures : lavatory,
toilet, and bathtub and shower . The basic
clearances are given in Tables 1 and 2 and
Figs . 1-3 .

Miscellaneous activities

In planning the bathroom, the designer

should remember that families with infants
usually prefer to bathe them in the bath-
room . The lack of adequate space has, in
the past, caused many families to use the
kitchen, which obviously is less appropriate
for this activity than the bath . The mini-
mum space needed to bathe and dress an
infant is 1 ft b?._, in . deep by 4 ft 11 in .
wide by 3 ft high .
In addition, other important activities are
often performed in the bathroom . Most
women, at least occasionally, launder small
items in the bathroom, and provision for
this should be made . Many adults, and
children, like to use the bathroom for
dressing . Since this requires a considerable
amount of space, it should be provided
only when requested .

ARRANGEMENT

Bathrooms can be classified into four

categories : (1) The conventional three-
fixture bath ; (2) The larger, compartmented
bath; (3) The lavatory or "guest" bath ;
and (4) The "utility" both .
Three-fixture both : The conventional
three-fixture bath without separate com-
partments has traditionally been designed
for the occupancy and use of one indi-
vidual at a time. This type of bath, with
combination tub-shower, averages about
40 sq ft of floor space (Fig. 5). A still greater expansion of this plan 4 in . wide to permit passage of equipment
Compartmented both : To avoid the ex . provides a separate dressing room and as required . In general, bathrooms should
cessive humidity common in the usual three- connecting bath, with a compartment for contain only one door .
fixture bath, tub and shower may be the toilet . The required floor space ranges Door swings should be arranged so that :
located in a separate compartment, with from 110 to 140 sq ft . (1) The door cannot strike any person
or without on additional lavatory . This In all plans for baths, showers should using any fixture ; (2) The door will shield
plan also affords greater privacy for use be included, either as stalls or over tubs . or conceal the toilet; and (3) The door may
of the toilet. Separate doors, possibly with Guest both : The lavatory, or two-fixture be left fully open for ventilation in warm
a small entry, are desirable . Connecting "guest" bath, for living portions of resi- weather .
doors between compartments are also pos- dences may vary in size and appointments Customarily, doors swing into the bath-
sible but are not recommended as the from a minimum area of about 14 sq ft to room . If hall areas are sufficiently large,
only means of access (Figs . b and 7) . rooms of 22 to 25 sq ft or larger when a doors to small bathrooms can sometimes
Another variation is to make the toilet a dressing table is included (Fig . 4) . be designed to swing out . In-swinging doors
separate compartment, affording complete Utility bath : The "utility" bath provides should be set to clear towel-bars or radi-
privacy . In even the minimum-sized both of an area larger than the minimum size ators . Sliding doors are frequently desir.
this type there is generally room for an required for the three basic fixtures, for able, as space savers, between various
additional lavatory, and the bath proper other functions, such as laundering . compartments within the bathroom .
is often enlarged into a combination both- The shape and position of bathroom
dressing room . Dressing tables may be a DOORS AND WINDOWS windows is important from the standpoint
combination of lavatory and table or in- of light, ventilation, and privacy . Gen-
dividual fixtures . In the latter case, tables Bathroom doors can be as small as 2 ft erally, the higher the window, the better .
should be sufficiently far from lavatories to wide, except for utility bathrooms, for Preferred locations include : clear wall space
prevent damage from splashing water . which doors should be not less than 2 ft reserved for portable equipment, space

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BATHROOMS

At lavatory
A . Mirror and medicine cabinet . Size is
governed by use of shelf or shelf-topped
lavatory ; mirror should swing 7 in . over
any shelf . (A .1) Fixed mirror is desirable
immediately above lavatory for children
7 to 14 years .
B . Shelf . Preferably recessed flush with
wall. May be part of medicine cabinet
or part of lavatory .
C, D, and E . Soap, toothbrush, and tum-
bler holders . May be separate units or
combined ; flush or projecting type .
F . Receptacle for electric razor and hair
dryer . Should be above and to right of
lavatory; dead front type .
G . Razor blade disposal slot .
H . Towel bars . May be at level of shelf or
lavatory top . In congested space pro-
vide upper bar for face cloths, lower
bar for towels.

Fia. 7 Dimensions at lavatory, bathtub, and shower .

Fig . 3 Bathroom accessories . The accessories shown are typical .

Many other types and styles are available.

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BATHROOMS

At shower At bathtub Not illustrated

A . Shower head . Height is governed by A, B, and C . Shower head, shower controls, Full-length mirror . Usually on
client's preferences ; may be overhead bath valves and spout . Location is op- door .
for men only . tional with client but must be accessible Bathroom scale . May be built-in
B . Shower valves or mixing valves . Always from outside of tub . See shower stall for or portable .
place near entrance to shower . recommended heights . Linen hamper . Optional ; may be
C . Shower curtain rod . (C .1) Optional ; D . Combination soap and sponge holder part of cabinet-type lavatory,
glass shower enclosure door ; place and grab bar . Draining-lip type pre- built-in or portable .
hinges on edge opposite shower control ferred . Auxiliary heater . Built-in radi-
valves. E . Vertical grab bars . Optional but rec- ant type desirable ; should
D . Combination soap and sponge holder ommended . radiate toward open floor
and grab bar . Use draining-lip type . F . Towel bar . Do not use over tub space .
May be on rear wall or on side wall equipped with shower .
opposite shower head . G . Curtain rod . Keep within inside face of
E . Shower ventilator . Desirable to remove tub . (G.l) Alternate ; glass shower en-
steam ; may function as vent for bath- closure in place of curtain . Various
room . types, with and without doors, are avail .
F . Shower stall light . Optional ; must be able .
vapor-proof fixture .

Fig . 3 (cont.) .

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BATHROOMS

Fig. 4. Two-fixture plans

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BATHROOMS

Fig . 5 . Three-fixture plans

54
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BATHROOMS

Fig . 6 . Compartmented plans

55
Residential

BATHROOMS

over a dressing table, and space above or

on either side of the lavatory . Windows
should not be placed over the bathtub
unless they are of the casement or awning
type opened by a crank . A window behind
the toilet is seldom desirable . Skylights
may be used to serve top-floor bathrooms
if they are large enough to provide ade-
quate light and ventilation . Inside bath-
rooms without exterior windows are some-
times used but require a dependable sys-
tem of exhaust ventilation by natural or
mechanical means, and greater artificial
lighting in lieu of natural light .

ACCESSORIES

The medicine cabinet should be related

in size to the type of bathroom or toilet .
For guest baths or toilets, space is needed
only for dentifrices, shaving accessories,
toilet preparations, and a few simple rem-
edies . A bath serving several bedrooms
may require a complete supply of medicines and length to serve the need : of ea_h quote wall space for essential accessories
in addition to the items mentioned above . member of the family regularly using the (Table 4) .
Every bathroom should have a storage bathroom, or of guests likely to use its
closet for cleaning utensils and supplies facilities, before supplies can be replen-
and for reserve stocks of toilet paper, ished . For each person regularly using the
towels, and sundries . bathroom, thera should be separate bar
Floor space should be left in every bath- space for bath towel, face towel, and face
room for portable accessories desired by cloth, as well as an additional rack for
the owner or needed on occasion for the guest towels .
care of infants or invalids . Also consider Linen storage may consist of towel cabi-
allowing space for such items as scales, nets recessed in the thickness of plumbing
stool or seat, infant's bath and dressing walls (either over fixtures or as full height
table (portable type requires about 3 by cabinets) or may be expanded into com-
4 ft of floor space in use), soiled-linen plete linen closets. Dressing-rcom baths may
hamper, exercise devices, dressing table include completely fitted wardrobes . (See
or vanity with bench, and ultra-violet Table 3 .)
radiation equipment . Minimum-sized bathrooms and toilets
Towel bars should be ample in number require special planning to ensure ade-

56
 Residential
BATHROOMS

Fig . 8 Bathroom arrangements . Source: "Planning Bathrooms for Today's Homes," Home and Garden
Bulletin No . 99, U .S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D .C ., 1967 . S%