Every now and then, we talk about the possibility of buying a new house. We haven’t gotten to the final-decision-point though–it’s just a kind of on-and-off open discussion in the family. One time, my 14-year-old daughter, Sam, saw me poring over some house plans. She sat on the bed and said, “Mommy, when we build a new house, all the bedrooms should be of the same size.”
Without turning around, I said, “If you and your sister will be sharing one room, well, fine. But if you want separate bedrooms, then, your bedrooms will be smaller than ours.”
Her voice rose a little and said, “Why? Because you’re supposed to have the master’s bedroom?”
“No, because your dad and I share a room. Two people need a bigger room.”
She snorted and dropped the subject. I wasn’t kidding her though with my reason. It’s just the way I see it–it’s a matter of physics. More people occupy more space. And it isn’t just a question of a bigger bed either. It’s a question of twice the storage space for clothes, etc. What it isn’t is an assertion of superiority.
In the first place, I don’t like the term master’s bedroom and the concept that goes with it. There was no “master’s bedroom” when I was a kid–there were simply bedrooms. And when we moved into my family’s house when my own kids were young, the bedroom they shared was bigger than the one that my husband and I occupied. Why? Because two single beds ate up more space than one queen-sized bed and toddlers needed room for their toys and to move around and play.
Second, I don’t like the idea that the parents’ room should necessarily be more expensively decorated and furnished or that it should be more comfortable. Parents are not a class above their children and the appearance and size of the bedroom should not be meant as a symbol of superiority.
Third… the word master itself makes me cringe. Why is it the master’s bedroom and not the mistress’s bedroom? The connotation is just so freaking medieval.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
noemi 10.26.06 at 9:05 pm
We’re in the process of buying a new house and nearly closed the deal. But found out that the house has the potential to be an Amytiville nightmare. Strictly speaking, our bedroom is much smaller than our kid’s room (each have their own room).The bed has its own room literally. I use the word “our room” instead of “master’s room” and only refer to the latter when I talk to real estate brokers. Anyway, B and I are back on our next househunting adventure.
Connie 10.26.06 at 10:36 pm
now that you mention the brokers… i think they intentionally use the term masters bedroom to create an impression of high-class. you know… as though by using the term masters bedroom, it would add grandeur and elegance to a house.
Tess 10.26.06 at 11:35 pm
I don’t know anyone who call it master’s bedroom anymore. I just call it just my parents’ bedroom or plainly, the biggest room in the house or whatever.
Oh yeah, you’re probably right, Sassy, that the term is just used to create an impression of “high-class”. And it does have a medieval ring to it. Master. So there are also “slaves”? Hmmm…
Connie 10.27.06 at 12:08 am
O, di ba, “master” is title used by slaves to address their owner? Sagwa ng connotation, di ba?
Miguel 10.27.06 at 12:25 am
But then again, in the olden days, “master” is used to refer to young boys.
Connie 10.27.06 at 12:33 am
Still sounds medieval… feudal actually.
Off topic, bakit “Miguel” na at hindi Migs hehehe sounds so formal.
Brian 10.27.06 at 8:36 am
In the UK the largest bedroom is referred to as the master bedroom, as in predominant or main bedroom.
Miguel 10.28.06 at 1:13 am
Miguel… part of the blog change!
Well, the real reason is … a bit unbloggable.
Connie 10.29.06 at 8:46 am
Brian, now I’m wondering… is the use of the apostrophe s an American thing that Filipinos inherited as a product of colonization…
Miguel (OMG I am so not used to calling you Miguel hehehe), i am really intrigued.
pinayhekmi 10.30.06 at 10:37 pm
Here in Texas it’s master bedroom…no apostrophe s. I don’t know how the apostrophe s got added over there.
Gloria 10.31.06 at 12:57 pm
ha ha ha!!! i agree, on all points.
screw the “masters” bedroom. 
Manang 10.31.06 at 11:59 pm
We also use the term master bedroom/bathroom (no apostrophe s) to connote the biggest bedroom/bathroom, which we parents (instead of kids) happen to have, as you have said, following the logic of physics and space. No slaves or masters here. Ironically, I feel we parents are the slaves, because we work harder than the kids, and for them directly or indirectly most of the time.
Frances 11.01.06 at 9:06 am
Hi Connie,
Here in the US the term used is also Master Bedroom, not Master’s Bedroom.
Miguel 11.01.06 at 2:45 pm
Oh, just call me Migs. I just want to use “Miguel” for my blog/online identity.
Connie 11.06.06 at 8:26 pm
I was watching a show called “Urban Zone” last night and among those featured was the two-storey penthouse unit of home bigwig Filipino interior designer (the firm is called Atelier something). Anyway, she was touring the show’s host and as she opened her bedroom door, she said, “This is the master’s bedroom.”
LOL I figured it isn’t just real estate agents using the term–interior designers do it too.
Hi Migs. hehehe I’ll never get used to calling you Miguel hahaha