If you’ve ever looked for a place to rent or buy, especially in Nigeria, you’ve probably come across terms like “one bedroom, room and parlour, studio apartment, self-contained room” and “master bedroom”.
At first, they might sound similar. After all, they all refer to places where you can live and sleep. But when it comes to a master bedroom and a self-contained room, these two living spaces are quite different.
It’s important to know the difference between a master bedroom and a self-contained room clearly, especially if you’re trying to choose the right accommodation you’ve budgeted for, or planned to stay in.
As a student, a working professional, a couple, or a landlord trying to get tenants, this article breaks down the difference between the two in simple terms. Let’s dive in.
What is a Master Bedroom?
A master bedroom is the largest bedroom in a house or apartment. It’s often the most private, spacious, and fancy bedroom in an entire building. It can also be called the “main bedroom” in a home, and it is usually reserved for the head of the house.
In most cases, a master bedroom is built with a private bathroom which is directly connected to the room, a large closet, and it might also come with extra structures like a dressing area or a small sitting area.
Features of a Master Bedroom:
- It’s often part of a bigger house or flat.
- It is usually the biggest bedroom in the house.
- It often has a bathroom attached to it.
- Sometimes it has a wardrobe.
- It is occupied by the main residents (who could be a husband/wife or landlord).
- It shares a kitchen and living room with other rooms in the house.
- The master bedroom feels like a “VIP room”, but it is still part of a house.
What is a Self-Contained Room?
A self-contained room (or self-con) is a single house that has everything you need to live on your own in one space.
That means it comes with a private bathroom, a small kitchen, and a bedroom (sometimes combined). Everything is in one space, and you don’t have to share with other people.
It’s popular among students, single professionals, and people who value their privacy and have a low budget. You’ll find many self-contained apartments in cities and around university campuses.
Features of a Self-Contained Room:
- Everything (bedroom, kitchen, toilet) is in one room/space.
- You live independently since there’s no need to share anything.
- It is usually smaller than a regular flat.
- It is affordable compared to full apartments.
- It is popular among students, single professionals, or even couples without children.
- It’s just like having your mini-apartment.
The Major Differences Between a Master Bedroom And a Self-Contained Room
- A master bedroom is usually bigger than other rooms in a house, while a self-contained room is a smaller and portable room.
- A master bedroom has a private attached bathroom; meanwhile, a self-contained room also has a private bathroom.
- A master bedroom has no personal kitchen, while a self-contained bedroom has a personal kitchen.
- A master bedroom is partially private since it still shares some spaces, while a self-contained bedroom is fully private because there are no shared spaces.
- A master bedroom is a unit inside a full house. On the other hand, a self-contained bedroom is an independent space.
- A master’s bedroom is often more expensive than a regular room, but part of the rent is shared, while a self-contained bedroom is usually cheaper than a full flat but more than a shared room.
Who Should Choose a Master’s Bedroom Or a Self-Contained Bedroom?
We’ll use practical scenarios, vocations, and situations to tell you who should choose a master bedroom or go for a self-contained bedroom. We hope this will help you decide which will suit you best.
1. A Student at the University
As a university student who wants a peaceful and quiet environment, a place where you can turn on the lights to study at midnight without explaining yourself or even justifying why your coursemates come around, a self-contained room is perfect for you.
It gives you your own space and reduces conflict with roommates. If you also love your privacy or want to stay alone, away from the issue of school hostels, a self-contained room is a great option too.
2. A Couple
You might want a full apartment, but if you do not yet have the finances for it, a master bedroom in a shared flat might be a good step to take.
You’ll enjoy some privacy because of the in-built bathroom and sometimes a passage that distances you from other compartments in the house, but you’ll still share the kitchen and living area with other tenants.
3. A Landlord Building a House
As a landlord building a house, you should include a master bedroom in your house design because this will increase the value and look of the building.
However, it depends on the area, the available resources you’ve got, and the demand for houses in the place you intend to build.
Again, if you want to build rental houses for profit, multiple self-contained rooms will be a great choice; they’re often in high demand.
4. A Bachelor or Someone Who Loves Their Privacy
If you don’t like people entering your space and taking your things, you prefer your space to look a certain way, and you hate queuing to use the kitchen, a self-contained room will give you the independence you want.
You’ll be all alone, enjoying your privacy without intrusion.
What is the Difference Between a Master Bedroom and a Normal Bedroom?
A master bedroom is not just a “bigger” version of a normal bedroom, it’s more in terms of comfort, space, and design.
While a normal bedroom is usually just a place to sleep with enough space for a bed and maybe a wardrobe, a master bedroom feels different. The differences are:
- Size: Master bedrooms are almost always larger than regular rooms. They’re made to accommodate extra furniture, wardrobes, or even a small sitting area, not just a bed.
- Privacy: Most master bedrooms come with their own bathroom, while normal bedrooms usually share a common toilet.
- Status: A master bedroom is often for the head of the home, while other rooms are for children, guests, or tenants.
- Depending on the house’s design, a master bedroom might come with special features like a small sitting area, dressing room, or wardrobe. You won’t find that in a normal bedroom.
What is the Difference Between a Master Bedroom and a Master Suite?
This is where it gets a little sophisticated. While a master bedroom already sounds better than a normal bedroom, a master suite is more luxurious. Here’s the difference between the two:
A Master Bedroom usually comes with an attached bathroom and maybe a wardrobe, while a Master Suite, on the other hand, might include:
- A walk-in closet or dressing area
- A private lounge or mini living area
- A study or workspace
- Sometimes it even has its own kitchen or balcony.
A master suite is like a small apartment inside a house. It gives you privacy, luxury, and customized spaces all in one place. If you love space, comfort, and convenience, a master suite is what you should be aiming for.
Pros and Cons of a Master’s Bedroom and a Self-Contained Bedroom
Every choice has its advantages and disadvantages, including choosing to stay in a master’s bedroom or in a self-contained bedroom. Let’s look at both together:
Master Bedroom
Pros:
- Bigger and more comfortable
- Feels/is luxurious.
- Often has better design (wardrobes, tiles, lights)
- Great if you live with family or flatmates, you know.
Cons:
- The kitchen and living room are shared.
- Partial independence
- There are tendencies for conflict with other occupants.
- It can be expensive in shared homes with high rent.
Self-Contained Room
Pros:
- Full privacy and independence
- No need to share a kitchen, etc.
- More affordable than a full flat
- Easier to manage your own lifestyle.
Cons:
- Usually smaller than regular rooms.
- Has limited space
- Some places have poor ventilation or a low water supply.
- May lack proper design
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no perfect answer to which one you should go for. Your decision should depend on:
- Your budget: In most cases, self-contained rooms are much more affordable for singles. Master bedrooms in shared flats may be cheaper if you’re willing to share with someone else.
- What do you want? Do you need your own kitchen? Do you mind sharing your space with someone? Do you love your privacy? This will determine whether you go for a self-contained room, a master bedroom, or any other kind of apartment at all.
- Your plans in the long run: If you’ll be staying in a house for a short time, a self-contained apartment might be easier to manage. If you’re settling into a rented house for a long time with your family, a master bedroom in a larger flat will be just great!
- Your location: Some areas have more self-contained houses than others, especially near campuses or in urban centres. Master bedrooms are more common in family homes or where full apartments are built. So, if you’re situated in a place where mostly self-contained rooms are built, you’re likely to lease such space and vice versa.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the goal is that you want a comfortable, affordable, and peaceful place to live. Whether you choose a master bedroom or a self-contained room, what matters most is how well it fits your personal needs.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys space and doesn’t mind sharing, go for a master bedroom. If you cherish your space and independence, a self-contained room is likely your best for you.
And if you’re a landlord or builder, understanding the difference will help you meet market demands better. RentHouse Surulere is here to help you get a comfortable and affordable place to rent in Surulere.
Reach out to us now, and we’ll get you a house that fits what you want and your budget.
