What Does 600sqft Look Like in a 2BHK Apartment?

Trying to picture a 600sqft space can feel like a guessing game, especially when you’re hunting for a 2BHK that won’t cramp your lifestyle. Below you’ll get a clear breakdown of how those 600 square feet are usually split, what furniture fits, and which tricks help you live comfortably without feeling boxed in.

600 sq ft is a compact yet functional floor area commonly found in 2‑bedroom, 1‑bathroom apartments, especially in dense cities like Melbourne. It typically offers just enough room for two adults, a modest living area, and a small kitchen, but getting the most out of it requires smart planning.

How 600sqft Gets Divided in a Typical 2BHK

Developers usually allocate space based on the most used zones. While exact numbers differ by building, a common split looks like this:

• Living/Dining area: 150‑180sqft - the social hub for meals and relaxation.
• Master bedroom: 120‑130sqft - enough for a queen‑size bed and a wardrobe.
• Second bedroom: 95‑110sqft - works as a kids’ room, home office, or guest space.
• Kitchen: 70‑80sqft - typically a galley or L‑shape layout.
• Bathroom: 45‑55sqft - includes a shower, toilet, and vanity.
• Utility/Storage: 20‑30sqft - for washing machine, broom closet, or linen rack.

Those numbers add up to roughly 600sqft, leaving a small margin for wall thickness and circulation space.

Furniture Choices That Fit Without Clutter

Choosing the right pieces is crucial. Here’s a room‑by‑room cheat sheet:

1. Living/Dining: A 3‑seater sofa (around 70sqft footprint) paired with a slim coffee table and a drop‑leaf dining table that folds against the wall when not in use.
2. Master bedroom: A queen‑size bed with built‑in drawers, a wall‑mounted nightstand, and a compact wardrobe (sliding doors work best).
3. Second bedroom: Opt for a loft bed or a daybed that doubles as a sofa; a tall, narrow wardrobe saves floor space.
4. Kitchen: Stick to essential appliances-fridge, stove, and a dishwasher if you have the budget. A pull‑out pantry instead of a bulky cabinet keeps the aisle clear.
5. Bathroom: A wall‑hung vanity and a shower curtain (instead of a glass door) free up extra inches.

Multipurpose furniture-like an ottoman with storage-adds hidden capacity without enlarging the footprint.

Visual Comparison: 600sqft vs. Larger Units

Notice how the rent jump isn’t linear; the extra 200sqft can add a few hundred dollars, but the lifestyle gain can be significant if you need more room for a family or home‑office setup.

Space‑Maximising Tricks for 600sqft

Even with a tight footprint, you can make the area feel larger:

• Open‑plan design: Remove non‑structural walls between living and dining zones to create a seamless flow.
• Light colours: Soft neutrals on walls and ceilings bounce light, making the space feel airy.
• Vertical storage: Tall shelving units, hanging racks, and floor‑to‑ceiling curtains free up floor area.
• Mirrored backsplashes: In the kitchen, mirrors reflect light and visually double the width.
• Sliding doors: Replace swing doors with pocket or sliding doors to avoid swing arcs that eat into usable space.

These tweaks cost little but have a big impact on perception.

Real‑World Example: A 600sqft 2BHK in Melbourne’s CBD

Meet Priya, a graphic designer who rented a 600sqft unit on Flinders Street. She applied the tips above and turned the apartment into a functional studio:

1. She installed a wall‑mounted desk in the master bedroom, letting the room double as a workspace.
2. Her living area uses a compact sectional sofa with a built‑in side table, freeing up a corner for a plant shelf.
3. The kitchen’s upper cabinets are finished in a glossy white, reflecting daylight, while the lower cabinets are shallow, keeping the cooking triangle tight.
4. A floor‑to‑ceiling wardrobe in the second bedroom houses her seasonal clothes, eliminating the need for a separate closet.

After these changes, Priya says the apartment feels “spacious enough for a nightly workout, a home‑office day, and entertaining a few friends”. Her rent sits at $1,950 per month, well below the median for 2BHKs in the same area.

Budget & Market Insight for 600sqft Units

In 2025, Melbourne’s rental market shows a growing demand for compact 2BHKs, especially among young professionals and downsizers. Here’s what you should know:

• Affordability: Average rent for a 600sqft unit is around $2,000/month, roughly 15‑20% less than a comparable 800sqft unit.
• Utility costs: Smaller floor plans mean lower heating, cooling, and electricity bills-usually $50‑$80 less per month.
• Resale value: Compact apartments hold steady value in high‑density precincts where land is scarce. Expect a modest appreciation of 2‑3% yearly.
• Availability: New developments often allocate 20‑30% of total units to the 600‑sq‑ft bracket to attract first‑time buyers.

Understanding these trends helps you negotiate better and plan long‑term.

Quick Checklist Before Signing a Lease on a 600sqft 2BHK

• Measure each room; verify that the layout matches the floor plan.
• Check for hidden storage-under‑stairs, overhead racks, or built‑in wardrobes.
• Inspect natural light sources; a well‑lit unit feels larger.
• Ask if sliding or pocket doors are already installed.
• Confirm utility meter placement-centralized meters can affect bill accuracy.
• Review the building’s common‑area amenities; gyms or co‑working spaces add value without expanding your unit.

Cross‑checking these points saves you from unpleasant surprises after you move in.