What is a Split Floor Plan and What Benefits Does it Provide?

A house’s floor plan significantly impacts a homeowner’s quality of life. Floor plans shape the look and feel of a home, influence residents’ lifestyles, and dictate the flow of the space. One timeless option that remains in vogue for home buyers and designers is the split floor plan. But what is a split-floor-plan layout? And what are the benefits it provides?

A split floor plan, also known as a split-bedroom floor plan, is a home style defined by the location of the property’s bedrooms. In a split floor plan, other areas, such as a kitchen or living room, separate the primary bedroom from the other bedrooms in the residence. This allows the primary bedroom to be in a relatively private and secluded location. 

This floor plan style became incredibly popular in the 1950s and is most common in ranch-style homes, although there are multi-story houses that employ split floor plans. The end goal of a split floor plan is to separate bedrooms and create distinct living areas. 

A floor plan that has been popular for nearly 100 years has to have a clear upside for buyers and home designers. This is certainly the case with a split floor plan. Let’s explore the significant benefits a split floor plan brings for homeowners. 

Privacy is the big reason why many homeowners pursue a split floor plan. Having a split floor plan means a little added separation distances the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Often, split-floor-plan layouts also position the primary bedroom away from the living room to make the space even more secluded.

A split floor plan also helps homeowners to maximize their space. Hallways take up a substantial amount of square footage in many homes, but with a split floor plan, homeowners can mostly eliminate them. Instead, rooms border on other rooms, separated by doors and walls, rather than extended hallways. This serves to get the most out of a home’s space.

Without many walls and hallways, split floor plans lean toward an open-concept style. By using common areas to help define the different spaces, a split floor plan centers the home around its communal rooms, which creates comfortable, family-oriented feel. 

For all the reasons mentioned above, a split floor plan is highly desirable to buyers. Homes with split floor plans can help increase a home’s value and make it easier to sell. For those designing or purchasing a new home, implementing a split floor plan could improve its long-term value going forward.