2 BHK vs 3 Bedroom Apartment Interior Design: Space Planning Differences

The physical characteristics of an apartment’s indoor environment (e.g., location, shape, type) play a significant role in how the apartment’s exterior appears.

The interiors of apartments vary greatly depending on the size of the unit (e.g., two-bedroom (2 BHK) and three-bedroom (3 BHK) units). The key to maximising the potential of the apartment’s interior design is to think about the number of rooms when creating an overall plan for the use of interior space and furniture.

Understanding these differences allows the homeowner to determine the best way to maximise the functionality and comfort of the apartment through interior design.

Living Room Design

A 2 BHK could have the largest “shared” room in a flat – often the living room. Designers strive for the most functionality in this room by creating an environment that provides adequate seating/comfortable seating, is designed for viewing TV, and sometimes has room for a small workstation. The selection of furniture is very important, so as not to crowd this space. Open layouts are favoured in most instances. The use of large windows and/or mirrors helps give the feeling of a larger room.

A 3 BHK can often be larger than a 2 BHK. Therefore a 3 BHK living room can have more features, such as a formal sitting area for guests/comfy seating for family activities. Designers have much more opportunity to include decorative furniture pieces, rugs, and accent walls and have much more room to create balance among their selections by finding larger pieces of furniture.

Bedroom Interiors

Typical 2 BHK properties will offer a master bedroom, along with approximately a second smaller bedroom. This master bedroom hopefully will allow for comfortable sleeping arrangements and ample closet space to allow for growth. The second bedroom could also double as a guest room, study, or children’s room. Those who want to maximise space will often use smart storage solutions, i.e., wardrobes with sliding doors and under-bed storage.

With the 3-bedroom apartment layout, each bedroom could have larger bedrooms, giving homeowners the ability to create a walk-in closet or a work desk and/or create seating areas in the individual bedroom’s space. Some homeowners may want to create a luxurious master bedroom, while other families may need to have rooms for children, guests, or even home office space to allow for flexibility to suit their needs individually.

Kitchen and Dining Spaces

Compact kitchens are the most common design aspect for 2 BHK apartments; therefore, the need for space-saving design elements is crucial. The majority of homeowners choose modular kitchen designs which feature multiple-level cabinetry that includes upper cabinets, pull-out shelving, and built-in appliances. The dining area often shares space with the living room and can be set up with either a small table or a breakfast counter. The use of energy-efficient light sources and light-coloured surfaces makes the area feel larger than its actual size.

For 3 BHK apartment designs, the kitchens are typically larger due to the space available, allowing for a separate dining room from the kitchen. As a result, the homeowner typically can use larger cabinet sizes, kitchen islands, or an additional pantry within the kitchen design. Additional space allows for the ability to accommodate a larger dining table, allowing for several guests to be seated comfortably at one time. Many designers see this additional space as a benefit to create a more open-airy look in the kitchen area of the 3 BHK apartments and enhance the overall feel of the home.

Bathrooms and Utility Areas

For the bathrooms in 2 BHK apartments, because of their smaller size, designers will lean toward wall-mounted fixtures and floating vanities as a way of maximising storage while keeping the bathroom from feeling overcrowded. The layout of the utility area also tends to be more compact, with many combining laundry space with the storage area.

Typically an apartment with 3 BHKs will have at least one additional bathroom or powder room, allowing each homeowner to have their own master ensuite. The additional space means there is more opportunity for larger vanities, bathtubs and/or a more decorative aesthetic. The layout of the utility area will likely allow for a larger area that can accommodate more storage, making laundry easier to do.

Space Planning and Multi-Functionality

Space planning for a 2 BHK flat (2 bedrooms, hall, kitchen) is more important than for any other flat type because every square inch makes a difference to the space available for living in. The rooms will usually serve more than one purpose, and the furniture must be designed and built to have more than one function or use. An example might be a sofa bed placed in a living room or a foldable dining table placed within the kitchen area, allowing the owner of such a home to have the flexibility to make use of that area differently throughout the day.

For a 3 BHK flat (3 bedrooms, hall, kitchen), in terms of space planning, the focus is on improving a person’s comfort while increasing the look of their home. Each room can have its own identifiable purpose, such as bedroom, living room, office space, etc. This creates opportunities for a homeowner to organise and place personal touches within a room, for example, reading corners, home office areas, hobbies, and so on. In spite of the size difference between the two types of flats, designers will still be aware of creating movement and access to the space, causing a balanced outcome to the finished interior.

Lighting and Decor Differences

The lighting of 2 BHK flats helps illuminate and create a sense of spaciousness. The use of ceiling fixtures, wall sconces and reflective surfaces provides an opportunity for the visual expansion of small rooms.

Minimalistic decor is the norm in these units, with carefully selected pieces of art and accessories that enhance function without overcrowding any one area.

3 BHK flats can have a very different feeling about how light can be used as it relates to style. Layered and decorative lighting adds interest and provides flexibility for designers to create unique atmospheres. In bedrooms and living areas, options such as chandeliers, floor lamps and accent lighting can be used. Decorative elements such as area rugs, window treatments and wall art add to the individuality of a room while also taking advantage of the added space for experimenting with style while still being comfortable.

Flooring and Materials

The floor of a 2 BHK apartment should be light coloured (laminated wood, vinyl or tiles). This maximises the feeling of space within a room. A durable type of floor can withstand high amounts of traffic while also being easy to maintain.

A 3 BHK apartment has the flexibility to include more than one flooring material and allows the option for different styles of interior. For example, it can have wooden floors in the bedrooms and tile in the living room and kitchen. There are many more options available due to the increased floor area, including rugs, accent walls, and distinctive pieces of furniture.

By being aware of these distinctions, a homeowner can more effectively create a good interior plan for a 3 BHK and 2 BHK apartment. A smaller apartment relies heavily on efficient storage and a multifunctional approach, while a larger apartment allows for greater design freedom and more opportunities for personalisation and luxury. Both types of apartments can be stylish, function well and create comfort through proper space planning.

Houzeome is a home design company that helps homeowners in Bangalore and other cities design interiors that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and practical for their lifestyles. With a variety of experienced designers and custom options available, Houzeome creates beautiful, functional and perfectly tailored interiors for their customers, whether it is for 2 BHK or 3 BHK apartments.