The floor plan of a home influences every aspect of the home from construction to design to everyday living. It’s important to weigh the benefits of open and closed floor plans when thinking about design. Open floor plans are hogging the spotlight right now receiving all of the attention from the real estate and interior design world. Although they’re trendy, open floor plans aren’t always the best fit for every home or family. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of open and closed floor plans to make an informed decision for your home.
Contemporary / Open Floor Plans
The contemporary floor plan is very popular right now. Buyers are seeking larger, open spaces and homeowners are knocking down walls to create them. Without walls to break up the flow of a room, people can move around and socialize more easily.
Advantages
Sense of togetherness
If you like to host company or enjoy socializing while you cook, the open floor plan is for you. Everyone can be included in the conversation while spread out in different spaces.
Easy accessibility
With more flexibility in how you arrange your rooms, an open floor plan allows you to create your own traffic flow. Make walkways as wide or narrow as you desire. This allows your layout to be more accessible for people who use mobility aids.
Open line of sight
Supervision is a breeze with an open floor plan. Caregivers and parents are able to keep a constant eye on elderly relatives or small children without walls blocking their view.
More natural light
Light from your windows has fewer walls blocking it allowing it to illuminate the open space. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it also limits energy costs as this is a FREE source of light.
Higher resale value
Homes with open floor plans reflect the styles of newer homes. Buyers are drawn to the open design boosting their value in today’s market.
Disadvantages
Appears messy
Dirty dishes, toys, shoes, and mail all collect in the same space. Less walls can make it harder for you to hide a mess and escape from incomplete chores.
Smells and sounds travel
There’s no barrier for smells and sounds. Some people dislike cooking smells in the house and are opposed to having the kitchen open to the main living area. It can also be hard to hear if there is more than one thing happening at a time. This can make it difficult for people to focus on different things simultaneously in the main living area.
Less privacy
Everyone can see and hear what you’re doing if you’re in the living area. It can be a challenge to find quiet, alone time with an open floor plan.
Fewer design options
Because it’s one large area, it can be harder to designate or give a space its own feel. Everything has to coordinate while serving different functions.
Traditional / Closed Floor Plans
The traditional floor plan was the go-to layout for homes built before the 1990’s and even in the early 2000’s. A closed floor plan is marked by having walls that separate main rooms. Often this layout makes homes more functional by having distinct private areas.
Advantages
More design options
A closed floor plan allows you to give each room its own look with unique design elements. You don’t have to worry about every room matching! Vary paint colors, wall decor, furniture styles and materials in each room to go with your overall home design.
Cozier feel
Smaller, separate spaces make for more intimate settings. In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the average family size in the United States is 3.14 persons. Most families don’t need huge spaces to gather, so a closed floor plan is a great fit!
More privacy
Walls and doors create both a visual and sound barrier. Each mess, conversation, and activity can be confined to its own room giving everyone their own space.
Better sound and smell control
Sounds and smells have walls and objects to travel through with a closed floor plan. This lends to a more peaceful environment in the home.
Lower energy bills
Walls also provide insulation. It’s typically more efficient to heat and cool small spaces, especially those that are well insulated. A closed floor plan could save you a few dollars each month.
Cleaner look
With guests coming over in a pinch, you can hide a mess by simply closing a door or hosting in a particular room. One or two rooms can be disheveled without the whole house feeling messy.
Disadvantages
Less natural light
Walls block the natural light coming in from your windows. Some rooms may not have a window at all making it harder to illuminate it. Click here for tips on brightening any room!
Rooms may feel cramped
It can be tricky to comfortably fit additional people when everyone gathers in one space. Hosting family gatherings, large holiday meals, and celebrations can be more difficult with a closed floor plan.
Less accessible
More hallways and doorways can make it difficult (but not impossible) for those with limited mobility.
Potentially lower resale value
The closed floor plan isn’t as desirable in today’s real estate market. Therefore, those are selling for a slightly less than those with an open floor plan.
