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A thorough explanation of the features of the living room in a share house and how to spend your time there! How is it different from co-living?

Last Modified:2025.03.14

Many people may wonder, "Aren't shared house living rooms and coliving the same thing?" In this article, we will explain in detail the differences and characteristics of each. If you are interested in shared houses and coliving, please read to the end.

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What is the difference between a shared house living room and coliving?

We will explain the difference between a shared house living room and a co-living room. Although they have many similarities, there are some differences, so we will explain them in detail.

Share house living room

  • Facilities: In addition to private rooms, there are common spaces, and residents will share these with each other.
  • Composition of residents: Share houses are generally a type of housing where multiple people share a common house. Residents can be friends, students, working adults, or an unspecified number of people who have signed a lease at the same time.
  • Community size: Share houses are relatively small, typically with just a few to a dozen people.
  • Facilities: In addition to private rooms, there is a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom, and most apartments are fully furnished.

Co-living

  • Facility: In addition to being a place where multiple people can live, the facility is also unique in that it serves as a "coworking space" where people can work.
  • Composition of residents: Residents with similar goals and lifestyles tend to gather together. For example, remote workers, startup founders, and creators are common.
  • Size of the community: Coliving facilities tend to be large, housing anywhere from a few dozen to even a few hundred people.
  • Facilities: They often offer more extensive shared spaces, events, and services. In addition to a shared living area, they may also have workspaces, gyms, cafes, and event spaces.

Features of the living room in a share house

Below are some features of the living room in a share house. The living room in a share house is the central shared space where you spend time with other residents. The size and layout of the room will vary depending on the share house property, but they are generally characterized by spaciousness. The living room in a share house is not just a place to rest, but also plays an important role as a place where residents can connect with each other.

Living room size

Generally speaking, they tend to be spacious enough that all the residents can gather in the living room without feeling cramped. Although it depends on the number of possible residents, they tend to have an open layout where the living room is integrated with the kitchen and dining room. As residents often enjoy cooking and eating together in the kitchen, they tend to be designed with an open feel. Since it is sometimes difficult to tell from just the photos on the website, we recommend contacting the management company and viewing the property.

Interior and design are good

The atmosphere and comfort of the living space changes depending on the interior and design of the share house. They are often designed to be as relaxing as possible. When looking at various properties, you can see many interiors with bright colors and natural tones. Such decorations brighten the mood of the residents and provide a comfortable living space.

Fully furnished and equipped facilities

Most share houses are fully furnished, making moving very easy and cost-effective. Having all the necessary facilities is a very important point for making life comfortable. One of the attractions of share houses is that they reduce the burden of moving and allow you to start a new life right away. When viewing the house, be sure to check what facilities are available.

Issues with living in a shared house

Next, we will introduce some issues that may arise in the living room of a shared house. Unlike a rental property, a shared house is different because you live with other tenants, which can lead to some unique issues. Let's take a look at what you need to be careful of.

Privacy is difficult to ensure

Ensuring privacy is one of the biggest issues in a share house. If you have your own room, you can maintain a certain degree of privacy, but the reality is that your private space is often more restricted than in a rental property. There are many shared spaces with other residents, so it is important to be considerate of each other.

House rules are very important

House rules vary depending on the share house property. Be sure to check the house rules before moving in. For example, there may be the following rules:

  • Cleaning is done on a rotation basis
  • Wash the dishes immediately after use and return them to their original place
  • Taking out the trash is also done on a rotating basis, and if it is difficult to do so, we will discuss it with the housemates and take action.

Setting clear rules like these can help prevent problems in your daily life.

Problems with usage and usage time occur

Living rooms in shared houses are often equipped with televisions, audio equipment, projectors, and other facilities. However, if there are no rules regarding how and when these are used, problems can arise between residents. For example, it is important to treat shared equipment with care and follow the rules, such as not playing games late at night, not turning up the volume on the television too high, and returning the projector to its original position after use. In the unlikely event that a problem does occur and it is difficult to resolve, one option is to consult the management company and have them help you deal with it.

How to spend time in the living room of a share house

So far, we have talked about the issues and things to be aware of regarding the living room in a share house, but if all residents follow the rules and manners, they can live comfortably. Here, we will share some points on how to spend time in the living room of a share house.

Enjoy movies and games

The living room is also used as a place for residents to interact with each other. On weekends and holidays, we often enjoy watching movies and playing games together. Living alone can be lonely, but in a share house, there is always someone there, so it is a good opportunity to have fun together.

Hosting events and enjoying social interactions

Each share house has its own characteristics, and some hold events on a regular basis. There are seasonal events such as Halloween parties and Christmas parties, as well as events that double as international exchange events. The living room of the share house can also be used as a place to hold events, which is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy interacting with other residents.

Share a meal with your roommate

You may use the living room as a shared space to eat alone, but if you live in a share house, enjoying meals with your housemates is also a way to spend time in the living room. Eating with someone will make your daily life feel more enjoyable. Cooking together is also a way to spend more fulfilling time.

summary

This time, we have explained in detail the characteristics of the living room in a share house, how to spend time there, and the recently increasing number of "coliving" options. The living room in a share house and coliving have different characteristics, so please understand these differences and find a property that suits your lifestyle.


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