Tips for designing a 2-bedroom apartment to feel spacious and comfortable

Owning a 2-bedroom apartment provides flexibility for its occupants. Whether for a small family, young couple, or remote worker, this type of apartment offers comfort and practicality in a compact yet functional space.

However, limited space can often be a challenge when trying to create a spacious and comfortable atmosphere.

This article provides inspiring design ideas for a 2-bedroom apartment that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and calming, in line with wellness living principles. Let’s explore the complete guide!
 

Best layout tips for a 2-bedroom apartment

Choosing the right layout is the first step in designing a 2-bedroom apartment that feels spacious and comfortable.

By understanding the occupants' needs, you can select the most suitable layout for their lifestyle. Here are some layout options to consider:
 

Understanding occupants' needs

Everyone has different space needs. A small family may require a safe play area for children, while a young couple might prefer a flexible space for entertaining friends.

Meanwhile, remote workers need a comfortable workspace without disrupting household activities.

Understanding these needs will help you determine the right layout so that the 2-bedroom apartment feels functional and comfortable to live in.

Read also: Minimalist Korean apartment design
 

Types of 2-bedroom apartment layouts

  1. Open-Plan Layout: This layout connects the living room, kitchen, and dining area without rigid partitions. You can add a rug as a divider between the living and dining areas to maintain a neat appearance. Open-plan layouts are ideal for young couples who enjoy hosting friends or family.
  2. Separate Room Layout: This design separates the bedrooms from common areas like the living room and kitchen, ensuring privacy and comfort. It is suitable for small families who want to maintain privacy between parents’ and children’s bedrooms.
  3. Vertical Layout with Mezzanine: Utilizing high ceilings to add space without reducing floor area. A mezzanine can be created as a workspace or additional bedroom, offering flexibility in space usage.This layout is highly effective for studio apartments with high ceilings.
 

Utilizing walls and corners for storage

To prevent a 2-bedroom apartment from feeling cramped, smart utilization of walls and corners is essential. Here are some tricks you can try:
 

Maximizing wall space for storage

Use wall shelves and hanging cabinets to maximize vertical space. Wall shelves not only function as storage but also as decorative elements that enhance the interior design of your 2-bedroom apartment. You can place wall shelves above the sofa or desk to store books and minimalist decor.
 

Utilizing unused corners

Corners are often overlooked in apartment design. In fact, with corner shelves or multifunctional corner tables, you can increase storage capacity without disrupting the room’s aesthetics.

Opt for minimalist designs with neutral colors to maintain harmony with a modern minimalist apartment concept.
 

Hidden storage ideas for a tidy look

Utilize under-bed drawers or sofas with hidden compartments to store items without occupying floor space.

With hidden storage solutions, your 2-bedroom apartment design will remain tidy and minimalist.
 

Color and texture combinations for a spacious feel

Apart from layout and storage, color and texture combinations also influence the spaciousness of a 2-bedroom apartment. Here are suitable color combinations for your compact 2-bedroom apartment:
 

Choosing the Right color palette

Choosing the right color palette greatly impacts the spaciousness of a room. Use neutral colors like white, beige, or pastels to create the illusion of a larger space. These bright colors reflect light well, making the room feel brighter and more comfortable.

For example, white walls can be paired with pastel-colored furniture to create a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.
 

Using textures

In addition to colors, textures also play a significant role in creating dimension in the interior design of a 2-bedroom apartment.

Combine various textures such as wood, glass, and soft fabrics to add character to the room without making it feel cramped.

For instance, use wooden flooring to give a warm and natural feel and a soft-textured rug in the living room to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
 

Lighting techniques for visual effects

Use LED strip lights or minimalist pendant lights to add depth to the room.

Proper lighting not only enhances the interior design but also prevents a cramped look caused by inadequate lighting.
 

Tricks for choosing modular and multifunctional furniture

Modular and multifunctional furniture is a smart solution for maximizing space without compromising comfort. Here are some tricks for choosing modular furniture:
 

Benefits of modular furniture

Modular furniture is an excellent choice for 2-bedroom apartments due to its flexibility and functionality.

Examples include folding tables, sofa beds, and storage beds that can be adjusted according to your needs.

Multifunctional furniture like folding tables can double as dining tables when needed and be folded away after use, freeing up more space for other activities.

Sofa beds are also practical for accommodating overnight guests without requiring an additional bedroom.
 

Recommended multifunctional furniture from IKEA

IKEA is known for its minimalist and functional furniture designs, perfect for small apartments.
Here are some recommended products to create a comfortable and stylish space in your 2-bedroom apartment:
  • Extensible Dining Table: This table can be expanded when needed and folded back to save space when not in use. Ideal for those who love entertaining but have limited space.
  • Multi-Purpose Shelving Unit: This unit can be used as a room divider and storage solution. Its open design gives a more spacious and light feel to the room.
  • Multifunctional Sofa Bed: IKEA offers various sofa beds that are not only comfortable for sitting and relaxing but can also be converted into an extra bed when needed.
  • Storage Bed: This type of bed is equipped with drawers underneath to store clothes, bedding, or other items, keeping the room neat and organized.
Read also: Reference for minimalist and comfortable studio apartment interior design
 

Designing a family-friendly or young couple's apartment

Designing an apartment for a family or young couple requires an ergonomic and flexible layout. Here are some tips:
  • Ergonomic layout: Ensures efficient space flow, like providing a safe play area in the living room or adding a small workspace with a functional bathroom.
  • Flexible design: For young couples needing flexibility, adaptable design elements are recommended. For example, a living room that doubles as a workspace when needed.
 

Create a comfortable and functional 2-bedroom apartment

Choosing the right layout, smart storage solutions, harmonious color and texture combinations, and modular furniture can make your 2-bedroom apartment feel more spacious and comfortable.

Explore more inspiration with IKEA products designed to maximize space in small apartments, and take advantage of IKEA’s interior design services.

With the right layout and modular furniture, you can create a spacious and comfortable 2-bedroom apartment.

Get a free room design consultation from IKEA and realize your dream studio apartment that is comfortable, functional, and full of inspiration!

Author: Ayu Nindyakirana as Web & Digital Content Specialist

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