Soundproof Room Size Selection | Optimal 1, 1.5 & 2 Tatami Solutions

When deciding to buy a soundproof room, size selection is often the biggest dilemma.

“Will 1.5 tatami be enough?” “Is 2 tatami too big?” “Will 1 tatami be too cramped?”

This article explains optimal solutions for each size based on actual user experience.

Size Specification Comparison Table

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Let’s start with a comprehensive comparison of main sizes.

Basic Specifications

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Weight & Installation Requirements

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0.8 Tatami: Ultra-Compact

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Representative Products

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Danbocchi (Yamaha):

• Price: 60,000-150,000 yen
• Interior: 80×80cm
• Height: 165cm
• Use: Streaming, vocals

Advantages:

• Extremely affordable
• Minimal space requirements
• Easy setup
• Perfect for streaming/calling

Disadvantages:

• Very cramped
• Unsuitable for instruments
• Ventilation challenges
• Gets hot quickly

Best For: VTubers, podcast recording, online meetings

1 Tatami: Compact Single Size

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Specifications

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• Interior: ~90×180cm
• Can fit: Chair + small desk or standing person
• Weight: 400-500kg

Advantages:

• Manageable pricing
• Suitable for some instruments
• Less space than larger sizes
• Easier transport/assembly

Disadvantages:

• Still quite tight
• Limited to smaller instruments
• Difficult to add equipment inside
• Not comfortable for extended sessions

Best For: Violin, guitar, light vocals, compact streaming setup

1.5 Tatami: The Golden Standard ★★★★★

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Why Most Popular

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1.5 tatami is the most chosen size with good reason.

Specifications

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• Interior: ~120×180cm
• Can fit: Upright piano or chair + music stand + small equipment
• Weight: 500-700kg
• Price: 980,000-1,300,000 yen

Advantages:

• Optimal size-cost balance
• Adequate for most instruments
• Comfortable for extended use
• Best resale value
• Widest product selection

Disadvantages:

• Requires 2.5-3 tatami installation space
• Still tight for some uses
• May need floor reinforcement

Best For:

• Piano (upright)
• Wind instruments
• Vocals
• Professional streaming
• General multi-purpose use

Detailed Assessment:

Piano Players: ★★★★★

• Upright piano fits comfortably
• Space for bench and music stand
• Adequate movement room
• Industry standard size

Wind Instruments: ★★★★★

• Ample space for all types
• Room for equipment
• Comfortable practice environment

Vocalists: ★★★★☆

• Standing room available
• Can add recording equipment
• Slight cramping with lots of gear

Streamers: ★★★★☆

• Desk + chair + equipment fits
• May feel tight with multiple monitors
• Adequate for standard setup

2 Tatami: Spacious Comfort

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Specifications

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• Interior: ~180×180cm
• Can fit: Piano + additional equipment, or small ensemble
• Weight: 700-1,000kg
• Price: 1,300,000-1,800,000 yen

Advantages:

• Spacious interior
• Comfortable for extended sessions
• Room for equipment expansion
• Multiple instrument storage

Disadvantages:

• Requires 3.5-4 tatami space
• Higher cost
• Floor reinforcement often needed
• More complex installation

Best For:

• Piano + additional instruments
• Professional recording setups
• Teaching (instructor + student)
• Comfort-priority users

Detailed Assessment:

Piano Players: ★★★★★

• Very comfortable
• Room for teacher beside student
• Equipment storage space
• Future-proof

Wind/Brass: ★★★★★

• Ample movement space
• Multiple instrument storage
• Recording equipment fits easily

Vocalists: ★★★★★

• Excellent freedom of movement
• Professional recording setup possible
• Comfortable for long sessions

Streamers: ★★★★☆

• Multi-monitor setup possible
• Full equipment array
• May be overkill for solo streaming

2.5-3+ Tatami: Professional/Specialty

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2.5 Tatami

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Rectangular Configuration:

• Interior: ~150×240cm or equivalent
• Price: 1,800,000-2,200,000 yen

Best For:

• Grand piano (small)
• Multiple musicians
• Professional teaching
• Full production studio

3+ Tatami

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Custom Configurations:

• Interior: 3+ tatami
• Price: 2,500,000+ yen

Best For:

• Grand piano (full-size)
• Drum kits
• Band practice
• Commercial studios

Considerations:

• Requires significant space (5+ tatami total)
• Heavy (1,000kg+)
• Floor reinforcement essential
• Professional installation required

Size Selection Decision Tree

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Step 1: Determine Your Instrument

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Compact Instruments (Violin, Guitar, Vocals): → 1-1.5 tatami sufficient

Medium Instruments (Piano, Wind): → 1.5-2 tatami recommended

Large Instruments (Grand Piano, Drums): → 2.5+ tatami required

Step 2: Consider Usage Duration

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Occasional Use (<1 hour/day): → Smaller size acceptable

Regular Use (1-3 hours/day): → Comfort becomes important, size up

Professional Use (3+ hours/day): → Prioritize comfort, choose larger

Step 3: Evaluate Available Space

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Limited Space (4-6 tatami room): → Maximum 1.5 tatami unit

Moderate Space (6-10 tatami room): → Can accommodate 2 tatami

Ample Space (10+ tatami room): → 2.5+ tatami possible

Step 4: Budget Reality Check

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Budget <1M yen: → Focus on 0.8-1.5 tatami or used market

Budget 1-2M yen: → 1.5-2 tatami options available

Budget 2M+ yen: → 2+ tatami or custom solutions

Common Sizing Mistakes

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Mistake 1: Choosing Too Small

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Symptom: Buyer’s remorse, cramped feeling, limited use

Solution: When in doubt, size up. Resale value better for larger sizes.

Mistake 2: Choosing Too Large

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Symptom: Wasted space, higher costs, installation difficulties

Solution: Be realistic about actual needs, not future hypotheticals.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Installation Space

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Symptom: Can’t fit desired size in available room

Solution: Measure carefully, account for exterior dimensions, access clearance.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Comfort

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Symptom: Avoid using due to discomfort

Solution: If daily use planned, prioritize comfort over cost savings.

Optimization Tips

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Maximizing Small Spaces

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For 1 Tatami:

• Wall-mounted equipment
• Compact furniture
• Vertical storage solutions
• Minimize clutter

For 1.5 Tatami:

• Corner shelving
• Foldable music stand
• Efficient cable management
• Multi-purpose furniture

Utilizing Larger Spaces

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For 2+ Tatami:

• Zone planning (practice, recording, storage)
• Acoustic treatment optimization
• Equipment organization systems
• Comfortable seating/workspace

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Size

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The ideal soundproof room size balances:

1. Instrument requirements
2. Comfort needs
3. Available space
4. Budget reality
5. Future flexibility

Quick Reference

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Most Recommended: 1.5 tatami (best all-around choice) Budget-Conscious: 1 tatami or 0.8 tatami Comfort-Priority: 2 tatami Professional: 2.5+ tatami

When uncertain, visit showrooms to experience different sizes firsthand. Many users regret choosing too small—if budget allows, size up for long-term satisfaction.

Remember: You’ll spend hundreds or thousands of hours in this space. Comfort and functionality matter as much as cost savings. Choose wisely for a soundproof room you’ll actually enjoy using.