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A mezzanine is a partial floor inserted into a taller room, open to the space below on at least one side. It can hold a sleeping area, an office or storage, without adding a full floor to the building.
What to look at
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How high is the ceiling above the mezzanine? | Headroom decides whether you can stand, or only sit or lie down |
| How do you get up there? | Steep or spiral stairs are hard with luggage, children or a bad knee |
| Is it open or closed on the room side? | Open sides share sound, light and cooking smell |
| Where does heat go? | Warm air rises, so upper levels run warmer |
| Is there air conditioning above? | Check whether a unit or duct serves the upper level |
| Is it counted in the area? | Always ask whether the area includes the mezzanine, and whether it is interior space |
A real example
The third-floor residences at Serena in Playas del Coco are described by the developer as having a flex mezzanine above the primary bedroom. Read our explanation of that layout.
For a plain-language guide to privacy, stairs and storage, see Mezzanine: privacy, stairs and storage.
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