What is a Split Floor Plan? A Complete Guide

There are many different home styles and layouts out there. You might be familiar with two-story homes, back splits, bungalows and ranch-style homes. But what about homes with split floor plans? You may have heard the term used by interior designers and homebuilders, but what exactly do they refer to?

Many homeowners often look for this floor plan style when shopping for a new home or a new place to live. So what makes this layout so compelling? In this post, we explore what a split floor plan is and why it might be perfect for you.

What is a split floor plan?

A split floor plan divides the bedrooms into separate areas of the house. The main or primary bedroom sits on one side, while the other bedrooms are on the opposite side. This design creates more privacy between sleeping areas.

Think of it like this: if you walk through the front door, you might find the primary bedroom down one hall. The other bedrooms would be down a different hall or on the other end of the house. Common areas, such as the great room, kitchen, and dining room, are situated in the center.

What is a split-bedroom floor plan?

A split bedroom floor plan is the same thing as a split floor plan. Both terms describe houses where bedrooms are on separate sides. The split-bedroom design separates the main bedroom from the other bedrooms used by kids or guests.

This layout works well for families who want quiet and don't mind not having all the bedrooms on a single side. Parents can rest while kids play in other rooms. It also helps when you have a guest bedroom that needs to feel private.

Split floor plan vs split-level floor plan

Although they may sound similar, a split floor plan and a split-level floor plan are two distinct concepts. A split floor plan keeps all the bedrooms on the same floor but in different areas of the house. Everything is typically found on one level, like in ranch-style homes or bungalow homes.

A split-level floor plan features rooms on different levels. You might have bedrooms upstairs and living areas downstairs. Some rooms might be a few steps up or down from others. The split-level home utilizes vertical design instead of spreading out.

Benefits of split-bedroom design

Split-bedroom floor plans offer several key advantages, including enhanced privacy, improved noise control, and greater flexibility. Let's examine why many homeowners opt for this layout.

• More privacy: The biggest benefit of a split-bedroom design is privacy. Parents get their own space away from the kids' rooms. This helps with different sleep schedules and activities. When you have guests, they don't have to walk past your bedroom door to reach theirs. Everyone gets their own area to rest and relax.
• Better for multiple generations: Split floor plans work great when multiple generations live together. Grandparents can have their bedroom on one side while adult kids use the other side. Everyone has their own space, but they can still gather in common areas.
• Noise control: Bedrooms on opposite sides mean less noise transfer. Kids can play in their rooms without waking up parents who work different hours. This layout accommodates different schedules and provides a sense of privacy.
• Flexible use of space: The bedroom areas can serve different purposes. One side might have bedrooms while the other side has a home office or study. You can adapt the space as your family changes.

Drawbacks to consider

• More square footage: Split floor plans often require more space than other layouts. The house has to be wide enough to put bedrooms on separate sides. This can mean higher costs for having a larger property.
• Longer hallways: Getting from one bedroom area to another means walking through common spaces. This uses more square footage for hallways and connecting areas.
• Less natural light: Some split floor plans can feel darker. Since the interior walls separate spaces, they might block natural sunlight from reaching all rooms. However, good design can solve this with more windows and open floor plans in common areas.

Types of homes with split floor plans

There are several home styles that complement the split bedroom layouts. Both offer distinct advantages, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are the most common home styles that use this floor plan.

• Ranch-style homes: Many ranch-style homes often feature split floor plans. These homes are one-story and spread out instead of going up. The single level makes it easy to separate bedrooms while keeping everything accessible.
• Modern family homes: Many new home designs use split bedroom plans. Builders know families want privacy and separate spaces. This floor plan style has become popular in recent years.
• Custom homes: When people build custom homes, they often choose split floor plans. This layout gives them control over how much space goes to each area and where rooms are located.

Making the most of your split floor plan

Once you have a split floor plan, you need to design it effectively to maximize your space. These tips will help you create a home that works well for your family. Focus on flow, light, and function to make your house feel great.

• Create distinct living areas: Utilize the middle space to designate separate areas for various activities. Set up a dining area near the kitchen, family room and an entertainment area for watching TV.
• Consider traffic flow: Plan how people will move through the house. Make sure paths between bedroom areas and the central spaces feel natural. You don't want long walks just to get from your bedroom to the kitchen.
• Utilize natural light: Add windows where they'll bring the most natural light into common areas. This helps the house feel bright and open, even with interior walls separating bedroom areas.
• Consider storage: Split floor plans can offer more storage options. Each bedroom area can have its own linen closet or storage space. Use the extra square footage wisely.

Is a split floor plan right for you?

To determine if a split bedroom floor plan works for you and your loved ones, consider how you'll use the space and whether it aligns with your lifestyle. These factors can help you make the right choice.

• Ideal for those who value privacy: If you need quiet spaces and privacy, a split bedroom floor plan is a great option. Parents and kids can have their own areas while still sharing common rooms for socializing.
• Perfect for guests: Having a guest bedroom on the opposite side of your primary bedroom makes guests feel more comfortable. They have their own space without feeling like they're invading your privacy.
• Great for work-life balance: When you work from home, having your bedroom away from other bedrooms helps separate work life from family time. You can have a quiet space whenever you need it.
• Energy efficiency benefits: Split floor plans can be energy-conscious. You can heat or cool just the area of the bedroom you're using. This saves money on energy bills and makes the home more efficient.

Resale value considerations

Split floor plans often have good resale value. Many homebuyers seek this layout because it provides privacy and flexibility. However, some buyers prefer all bedrooms on one side for easier access to the kids' rooms.

Think about what works best for your area and typical homebuyers. You can also reach out to local real estate agents for advice on what works best in your location.

Planning your space

When deciding on split floor plans, consider how you currently use your space. Do you need bedrooms on opposite sides of the house, or do you want them closer together?

Don't forget about your friends and visitors, too. Do you often have guests staying with you who would appreciate their own bedroom area? Do you have visitors with mobility issues?

Bottom Line

A split floor plan places the bedrooms on different sides of the house while keeping common spaces in the center. This layout offers more privacy, works well for all members of your household and provides flexible room options.

The design works best in ranch-style homes and one-story homes where you have enough square footage to spread out. While it may require more space and property size, many homeowners find the benefits worthwhile.

Whether a split-bedroom floor plan works for you depends on your needs and how you use the different areas of your home. Take time to think about your home life, daily routines and what layout would make your home most practical and functional.

Split floor plans aren't right for everyone, but they offer a smart solution for those who want privacy, flexibility, and distinct living areas all under one roof.