The Ultimate Primary Suite: Bedroom features that add style and value

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Thursday, March 13, 2025

108 Leonard, #PHN (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Amidst the reckoning that took place across the country in mid-2020, the phrase "master suite" has gradually gotten phased out of real estate listings in favor of less fraught terms like "primary suite" or "main bedroom." But while the name is changing, the definition has not: It refers to the largest bedroom in a home, one that typically comes with the most storage space and an en suite bathroom.

That is the most basic definition, but luxury developers and designers across New York City have spent the past few years upping the primary suite ante, much to the delight of buyers. Case in point: Public records list former Disney CEO Michael Eisner as the buyer of a $4.3 million three-bedroom apartment at The Pierre where the primary suite offers a walk-in closet, a windowed en suite bath, and access to a private terrace overlooking Central Park. We look at listings with desirable features like these and many more bells and whistles.

Multiple walk-in closets

Astor Court, #11D (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2700994)

Storage space is at a premium in almost any New York apartment, and that can be especially contentious when dividing up closet space in the primary suite. More than one walk-in closet readily solves this problem.

Astor Court, #11D
$3,999,000 (-5.3%)

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

Astor Court, #11D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The elegant stone-walled foyer of this newly renovated mint classic seven leads to a grand-scale living room with an electric fireplace and custom built-ins, as well as a stately, open dining room that also offers a wall of storage and a hidden bar unit with accompanying full-size Sub-Zero wine fridge. The primary suite has custom built-in storage plus two massive walk-in closets (both with oversized safes) and a beautiful windowed en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Double vanity

524 Halsey Street, #303 (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2691846)

As two people try to brush their teeth or get ready at the same time, even the most spacious bathroom can feel a bit claustrophobic. Double vanities solve this problem by giving each person their own space.

524 Halsey Street, #303
$1,395,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,206 ft²

524 Halsey Street, #303 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Stuyvesant Heights history meets contemporary luxury in this beautiful condominium featuring exceptional materials, upscale appliances and a loft-like layout. The thoughtful layout begins with a spacious open-plan living/dining room and a signature kitchen. Head to the owner's suite to discover a king-size bedroom, a vast walk-in closet, and a spa bathroom with a large shower, custom double vanity, Restoration Hardware medicine cabinet and Waterworks fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

Enclosed water closet

Brooklyn Point, #42E (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2639153)

In primary bathrooms, spouses or partners may be forced to share the space at the same time. Separate water closets allow for privacy at this time, not to mention a more sanitary atmosphere.

Brooklyn Point, #42E
$2,849,000 (-1.7%)

Downtown Brooklyn | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,485 ft²

Brooklyn Point, #42E (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Upon entering through the European walnut entry door, a generously sized foyer greets you, guiding you into this luxurious southeastern corner home. This seamless flow leads to a spacious open-concept living room, dining area, and chef's kitchen, bathing in an abundance of natural light. The sun-drenched primary bedroom highlights south-facing views, a large custom-fitted walk-in closet, and en-suite spa bathroom featuring recessed medicine cabinets with Starphire glass, a double sink vanity, and a separate privacy glass-enclosed water closet. 25-year tax abatement in effect. See floor plan and full details here.

Bidet

53 West 53, #66 (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2688780)

Long a must-have for international buyers, domestic buyers have come around to bidets in recent years. Some primary suites offer bidets in addition to toilets, while other designers have opted to install smart toilets with bidet seats in new construction buildings.

53 West 53, #66
$39,950,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 6,279 ft²

53 West 53, #66 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Floating atop New York's iconic skyline and comprising the entire 66th floor of 53 West 53, this exquisite residence offers majestic scale with north-, south-, east-, and west-facing exposures. Museum-quality finishes coalesce with expressive architecture by Pritzker Prize-winner Jean Nouvel to create singular spaces of unsurpassed grandeur and elegance in both scale and proportion. The primary bathroom features two separate custom carved vanities with custom Thierry Despont-designed polished nickel automated mirrors, a cast iron Lefroy Brooks soaking tub, freestanding steam shower, radiant heated floors, private water closet with commode and bidet, and a large linen closet. See floor plan and full details here.

Windowed bath

1148 Fifth Avenue, #PARLORA (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2709744)

As bathrooms trap a lot of moisture, proper ventilation is essential. One way to accomplish this is with a window, which offers the bonus of more natural light.

1148 Fifth Avenue, #PARLORA
$4,250,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,700 ft²

1148 Fifth Avenue, #PARLORA (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: A true masterpiece designed by an award-winning architect for his own family, the apartment was renovated down to its studs offering a blend of prewar charm with contemporary sophistication. Enter the home through a private entrance leading to a welcoming foyer with stone flooring and a huge coat closet. The flow of the home creates an ideal layout for day to day living and entertaining. The king-sized primary suite has custom shelves, built-in speakers, two hidden wall safes, and a sophisticated windowed primary bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Free-standing soaking tub

111 West 57th Street, #70 (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2715867)

In modern bathrooms, shower heads above tubs have long since become de rigueur. However, free-standing soaking tubs add an extra touch of luxury, not to mention separation from the shower that allows two people to get ready or relax at the same time.

111 West 57th Street, #70
$20,750,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, Unknown Baths | 3,873 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #70 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Designed by the renowned Studio Sofield, recognized for their impeccable quality of craftsmanship, this residence offers a direct elevator entry gallery which leads into a sprawling full-floor Tower Residence. The Great Room is highlighted by 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows which showcase unrivaled, perfectly centered views over Central Park. The luxuriously appointed primary suite features southern skyline city views, a large dressing hall, and a windowed bathroom with a custom freestanding polished nickel bathtub by William Holland. See floor plan and full details here.

Dual shower heads

The Josephine, #2A (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2706305)

Rain showers have become fixtures in both luxury spas and residential developments alike for their relaxing atmosphere, but don't offer much in the way of versatile settings. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a rain shower and separate handheld spray.

The Josephine, #2A
$860,000

Bushwick | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 731 ft²

The Josephine, #2A (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to this brand new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo with a private balcony. This gorgeous home begins with an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen suffused with natural light. The primary bedroom boasts a stylish en-suite bathroom with radiant heated floors, Spanish tilework, polished chrome Remer fixtures, a wall-mounted toilet, and a walk-in rainfall shower. See floor plan and full details here.

Radiant heated floors

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The 74, #22B (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2695353)

On chilly mornings, stepping out of bed onto a cold bathroom floor can feel like adding insult to injury. This is where radiant heated floors come in.

The 74, #22B
$3,800,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,525 ft²

The 74, #22B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 22B is a half-floor home with east and west and north exposures. A gracious entry gallery opens to the spacious living and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows from Italy, allowing abundant light to stream across European White oak floors. The primary suite features one walk-in closets, two additional closets and an en-suite, five-fixture bath with Calacatta Vagli marble walls and floors and radiant heat flooring. See floor plan and full details here.

Heated towel rack

Jardim, #9A (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2709347)

There’s nothing like drying off with a towel fresh from the dryer, but it’s impractical to do laundry every day to get that sensation even with an in-unit washer/dryer. Heated towel racks offer the next best thing.

Jardim, #9A
$9,600,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,102 ft²

Jardim, #9A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: 527 W. 27th St. #9A, in the pedigreed Isay Weinfeld designed Jardim, is an immaculate and expansive four-bedroom. The residence itself is filled with stunning southern and northern light, illuminating the room's chic hardwoods, 10-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass. The primary bathroom is its own retreat, with a full wet room with soaking tub, floor to ceiling glass windows, dual vanity, Waterworks fixtures, heated towel rack, and separate water closet. See floor plan and full details here.

Multiple primary baths

77 Greenwich Street, #PH (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2712492)

As luxury developments started to introduce primary bedrooms with two en suite baths, brokers said this feature had the potential to save many a marriage. But in some especially well-appointed apartments, this could lead to bickering over who gets the soaking tub and who gets the stand-up shower.

77 Greenwich Street, #PH
$9,750,000

Financial District | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 3,531 ft²

77 Greenwich Street, #PH (Reuveni LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing The Penthouse at 77 Greenwich, the crown jewel of the ‘Cloud Club Residences’, which redefines luxury living. The penthouse is the only unit in the building to feature private outdoor space, with a 219 square-foot loggia that seamlessly extends the living spaces into the New York Harbor beyond, making it truly one of a kind. The gargantuan scale primary suite offers an unparalleled retreat, featuring an approximately 18’ x 18’ primary bedroom and separate bathrooms. Turn key furniture package available for purchase. See floor plan and full details here.

Dressing rooms

895 Park Avenue, #161718A (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2715459)

For serious fashion lovers, dressing rooms allow for better organization of one's wardrobe than simply piling clothes, shoes, and accessories in the closet. The separate rooms within the primary suite allow people to put a personal touch on their own space in terms of decor. Finally, dressing rooms allow couples on different schedules to get ready for the day and look presentable without waking up a partner.

895 Park Avenue, #161718A
$29,750,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

895 Park Avenue, #161718A (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Considered one of the finest homes on the Upper East Side, this palatial residence was renovated down to the studs and remains in mint condition. A private elevator landing leads to a circular marble gallery and a sweeping marble staircase with an intricate bronze balustrade. On the top floor, the primary bedroom suite includes his and her bathrooms, sitting and dressing rooms, and 15 windows and French doors offering multiple points of access to the outdoors. See floor plan and full details here.

En suite home office

The Georgica, #3A (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2708131)

Home offices jumped to the top of many a homebuyer's wish list at the height of the pandemic, and this shows no sign of fading as a growing number of companies embrace a hybrid work model. Certain primary suites offer square footage that allows for a home office with optimal privacy from the rest of the apartment, and yet one with enough separation from the bed that it's easier to relax at the end of a workday. These are also perfect for a sitting area, meditation space, reading nook, TV room, mini home gym, or whatever else the buyer can dream up.

Georgica, #3A
$3,495,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,349 ft²

Georgica, #3A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: With no expense spared, this pristine residence highlights an array of luxurious features. A gracious entrance gallery leads to a generous sized living room. Across from the living room is a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen. The enormous primary suite boasts 3 walk-in closets, a dressing room which can double as a home office and an exquisite marble bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Midnight kitchen

Full-floor primary suite at 108 Leonard Street, #PHN (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2487278)

Between their mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, and/or coffeemakers, midnight kitchens in primary suites are not unlike the kitchenettes found in hotel suites. No one is likely to whip up a multi-course meal in the midnight kitchen, but they are ideal for a morning cup of coffee or a late-night snack.

108 Leonard, #PHN
$24,450,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 6,252 ft²

108 Leonard, #PHN (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Terrace Penthouse North, known as The Crown Penthouse, is a one-of-a-kind residence set within The Crown Collection at 108 Leonard. Upon arrival on the 14th floor, a gracious foyer leads to a ballroom-sized great room on the northeast corner of the building surrounded by massive arched windows and open views. The stunning primary suite occupies the entire 16th floor creating a private sanctuary with exceptional light, views from three exposures, a marble fireplace, midnight kitchen, ample walk-in closet space, and a separate sitting area/dressing room. See floor plan and full details here.

Spa-inspired features

362 West Broadway, #2B (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2700105)

As more of the city's luxury developments make health and wellness a priority, they have incorporated features like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and steam showers into their amenity packages. But for those who might not wish to run into a neighbor in these settings, these primary suites offer relaxation features in one's own home.

362 West Broadway, #2B
$4,995,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

362 West Broadway, #2B (Compass)

From the Listing: This east-facing loft, spanning around 3,000 square feet, is bathed in natural light that highlights its impressive 12’2" timber-beamed ceilings, timber columns, and expansive 44' living room. The primary bedroom suite boasts a spacious dressing area, abundant closet space, and an en suite bath with dual vanities, a deep jacuzzi tub, and a steam shower. See floor plan and full details here.

Private outdoor space

52 East End Avenue, #12AC14BC (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2708423)

In any apartment, a private terrace offers an outdoor escape. However, a balcony or terrace accessible only via the primary suite offers even more of one. These allow people to get a bit of fresh air with optimal privacy and without tripping over the furniture and toys that can take over common outdoor space.

52 East End Avenue, #12AC14BC
$3,995,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,107 ft²

52 East End Avenue, #12AC14BC (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Four apartments were thoughtfully combined and designed to make this wonderful layout with plenty of room, storage, entertaining space as well as privacy. Enter into the apartment from a semi-private vestibule into the expansive 40-foot-wide double living room and dining room with its elegant glass and wood staircase in between. At the top of the stairs, the primary bedroom suite feels unbelievably luxurious in size, with a balcony, a dressing room, enormous walk-in closets, and a primary bathroom with a wall of windows facing south. See floor plan and full details here.

Fireplaces

Aman New York Residences, #16B (https://cityrealty.com/n/I2709456)

In a New York City apartment, a fireplace in the primary bedroom elevates the space's decor and harkens back to manor houses of old. Some are purely decorative, but a working fireplace adds an extra touch of coziness to this private space.

Aman New York Residences, #16B
$21,500,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 3,646 ft²

Aman New York Residences, #16B (Aman Property DE)

From the Listing: Located on the 16th floor, with city views, 16B is an expansive two-bedroom and 2.5 bathroom residence. Celebrating open plan living, this inimitable home features a large kitchen dining space, which leads into a cozy bar and library separated from the formal living room by a functioning fireplace. The primary bedroom suite features a large walk-in closet, expansive bathroom including soaking tub, double vanity and rainfall shower, while the bedroom itself features the property’s second working fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

Astor Court, #11D
$3,999,000 (-5.3%)

524 Halsey Street, #303
$1,395,000

Brooklyn Point, #42E
$2,849,000 (-1.7%)

53 West 53, #66
$39,950,000

1148 Fifth Avenue, #PARLORA
$4,250,000

111 West 57th Street, #70
$20,750,000

The Josephine, #2A
$860,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

The 74, #22B
$3,800,000

Jardim, #9A
$9,600,000

77 Greenwich Street, #PH
$9,750,000

895 Park Avenue, #161718A
$29,750,000

Georgica, #3A
$3,495,000

108 Leonard, #PHN
$24,450,000

362 West Broadway, #2B
$4,995,000

52 East End Avenue, #12AC14BC
$3,995,000

Aman New York Residences, #16B
$21,500,000

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