What is a Den?

You’ve probably seen the word “den” pop up in real estate listings or heard people brag about their cozy den at home. But what is a den in a house? Is it just another word for a living room? A smaller bedroom? A fancy little library?

To be honest, it’s not that easy to answer. The meaning of a den room has changed over time, and today, it probably refers to different things depending on who you ask. We’ll get to that in a second, but first, let me answer a more important question: Why does this matter at all?

Well, if you’re looking for a new home or thinking about how to use extra space in your current home, understanding what a den really is, and isn’t, can help you make better decisions. So, let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways 

A den is a bonus space, neither a bedroom, nor a living room, but useful in its own way.

Lots of possibilities, but not always private.

Not officially a bedroom, so renting one out can be tricky.

What Is a Den in a House?

The word “den” might bring up images of a peaceful place where you can lose yourself in a book or have your “me time” away from the noise of the rest of the house. And that’s pretty much how the term started. 

Traditionally, a den was a small, informal room used for relaxation, often separate from the main living areas. It was more like a personal space, unlike a study or a living room, which were generally used for social interactions. 

Over time, though, the den room meaning has changed. In older homes, dens were often extra rooms with doors, sometimes even located in basements or attics. But today, a den doesn’t necessarily mean a fully enclosed space. It can be a part of the living room, a small room without a window, or even just a corner that you redesign for a specific purpose.

The problem is some people -and even realtors, for that matter- use the word “den” too loosely! A den is an extra space, but it’s not quite a bedroom, not exactly a living room, and definitely not just a random storage area. It’s a flexible spot that can be whatever you need it to be.

Pros and Cons of Having a Den

A den might seem like a nice and fancy bonus when looking at a home, but is it actually useful for you? Like pretty much anything else in real estate, it depends on your lifestyle and how you use the space. Let’s break it down.

Pros

• Versatility: A den is like a blank canvas. You can redesign it for any purpose. And who doesn’t like endless possibilities?
• Great for remote working: If you don’t want to clutter your living room or need a private space to focus on your personal or business project, a den can be the perfect solution.
• Adds value to your home: Even though it doesn’t officially count as a bedroom, a well-utilized den can make your home more appealing to buyers or renters -we’ll get to how renting a den works later. 

Cons

• Lack of privacy: Unlike traditional dens, most modern dens, especially in condos, are open spaces without a door, which makes them less useful as a proper home office or sleeping area.
• Can feel like wasted space: If you don’t have a plan for your den, it can just become another under-utilized space in the home.
• Lower value compared to a real bedroom: From a real estate POV, a den isn’t considered a bedroom, so it won’t increase resale value as much as an actual additional bedroom.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Place With a Den?

If you’re about to buy a new home with a den or renovate an unused space in your current home, consider the following criteria to make sure it’s exactly what you want:

• Size & layout: Depending on its purpose, a den could be very large or just a few feet wide. So ask yourself, how much room do you really need?
• Privacy: If you need a quiet office or a sleeping area, check if the den has a door or some kind of insulation to keep noise out.
• Natural light: Many dens don’t have windows. Of course, you can always get creative with lighting, but that can be a deal-breaker if you want to use it, for instance, as a potting station.

Difference Between Den and Living Room

Many people confuse a den with a bedroom or living room, but some notable differences help you understand the difference.

Den vs. Living Room

• Primary vs. secondary space: The living room is the main gathering spot in a home, while a den is more of a secondary area.
• Size & layout: Living rooms are usually large, while dens can be much smaller.
• Furniture & function: You often find couches, TVs, and entertainment setups in a typical living room. A den, on the other hand, can be designed as you wish.

Den vs. Bedroom

• Windows & closets: A legal bedroom typically requires a window and a closet, while a den may have neither.
• Design purpose: A bedroom is designed for sleeping. You can use a den as a sleeping space, but it may not always be ideal.
• Privacy: Bedrooms usually have doors for privacy, but many dens are open or semi-enclosed.

Can You Rent Out a Den as a Bedroom?

Renting out a den as a bedroom depends largely on local housing laws and the specific features of the den. For instance, according to the Ontario Building Code, bedrooms in dwelling units should have an area not less than 75 sq ft where built-in cabinets are not provided. Plus, in most cities, bedrooms must have windows for natural light and ventilation, which also serve as a means of fire egress.

Since dens often lack these features, they typically don’t meet the official definition of a bedroom. However, you can still use them as sleeping spaces. 

When it comes to renting them out, things get trickier. If a person agrees to stay in your den, it’s purely a contractual relationship, and they’re not legally considered tenants! Still, we always recommend checking local regulations and consulting with a lawyer to avoid any legal complications.

Dens in Condos vs. Houses: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to dens, condos, and houses offer distinct experiences, especially since we have different types of townhomes available. The den in apartments is typically smaller and more open, often situated near the living area without a door. 

On the other hand, houses are usually more spacious, so dens tend to be larger, enclosed rooms that offer more privacy, sometimes even located in basements or attics. 

Bottom Line

A den is a versatile space that can serve many purposes, from a home office to a cozy reading spot. But when buying a home, there’s a lot more to consider, and having expert guidance makes all the difference. 

That’s where we come in! At Platinum Condo Deals, our agents provide VIP access to all sorts of condos and townhouses, including exclusive promotions and first-look pricing. Get in touch today to secure your spot in the GTA’s hottest developments!