If you're wondering whether 700 sq ft feels tight or totally doable for two people, you’re definitely not alone. So many folks check out those 2BHK floor plans and think, “Will I actually fit my life in here?” Straight up: 700 sq ft isn’t huge, but it’s not a shoebox either. With some smart choices, it can be surprisingly livable.
This size usually gets you two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and maybe even a tiny balcony crammed in. Sounds decent enough, right? The catch is, every bit of space needs to pull its weight. You can’t really waste a corner. If you’re into simple living or you’ve learned how to skip clutter, this size might be just your jam.
But it’s not all about throwing stuff out. Sometimes it’s about thinking, “Do I really need a dining table for six?” (Spoiler: You probably don’t.) And if you have a pet like me—Rocky the dog—you’ll want to look at a 2BHK with a tiny outdoor spot, or at least easy park access. Trust me, your furry friend won’t care about the square footage as long as there’s space for belly rubs.
- Sizing Up: What Does 700 Sq Ft Feel Like?
- Room-by-Room Breakdown
- Space-Saving Tricks That Actually Work
- Privacy and Comfort: Can You Both Stay Sane?
- Living with Pets in Compact Spaces
- Real Stories & Final Thoughts
Sizing Up: What Does 700 Sq Ft Feel Like?
So, what does 700 sq ft actually mean in real life? On paper, it sounds like a number, but try to picture it this way: that’s about the size of a single badminton court, give or take a few feet. You can’t throw a big party, but it’s not like you’re living in a shoebox either.
Let’s break it down with the kind of rooms you’ll usually get in a standard 2BHK apartment in India or most cities:
- Living Room: About 120-160 sq ft. Room for a compact sofa, a coffee table, and maybe a slim TV unit.
- Master Bedroom: Roughly 100-120 sq ft, fitting a queen bed and a wardrobe.
- Second Bedroom: Around 80-100 sq ft. Good for a study, guest room, or a kid’s room.
- Kitchen: Typically 50-70 sq ft. Expect a single counter with just enough space to move.
- Bathrooms: Usually 30-40 sq ft each. Just enough for the basics.
Here’s how that all shakes out with real numbers:
| Room | Avg. Size (sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Living Room | 140 |
| Master Bedroom | 110 |
| Second Bedroom | 90 |
| Kitchen | 60 |
| Bathrooms (2) | 70 |
| Other (hallways, storage) | 230 |
You might notice—there’s not much wasted space. Everything is built for utility, not luxury. For two people, everyday routines work fine if you stay organized. Open layouts help a lot, so look for apartments without chunky walls dividing up every inch. If you work from home, that second bedroom can double as an office, but get ready to shuffle things around to make it work.
The best part? Cleaning 700 sq ft is a breeze. You'll be surprised how quickly you can tidy up the place. But, the second you let clutter pile up, it’s going to feel way smaller than it really is. The trick: keep only what you use, make furniture multitask, and you’ll find it totally manageable.
Room-by-Room Breakdown
Alright, let’s break down what goes where in a typical 700 sq ft 2BHK. You’ll get the big picture, plus some numbers so you know exactly what to expect as you hunt for the perfect small apartment.
| Room | Average Size (sq ft) | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 120–150 | Fits couch, TV, small coffee table |
| Bedroom 1 | 90–110 | Enough for double bed, wardrobe, and small dresser |
| Bedroom 2 | 80–100 | Guest room, home office, or kid’s room |
| Kitchen | 50–80 | Compact counters, space for fridge and stove |
| Bathroom(s) | 30–50 | Usually one, sometimes two |
| Balcony | 20–35 | Good for plants or a small chair |
The living room is really where you’ll both spend most of your time. Think about wall-mounted shelves or a compact sofa to keep the area open—it makes a huge difference in a snug spot. Bedrooms aren’t giant but can handle a double or queen bed, plus a wardrobe. If you’re a couple, the second bedroom could double up as a work-from-home office or give you privacy when needed. For singles sharing, roommates can have a bedroom each and avoid sleeping on the couch.
The kitchen in a 2BHK this size almost always comes as a straight or L-shaped setup. You’ll fit the basics: stove, fridge, some overhead storage. Not much space for messing around, so vertical racks and multipurpose cabinets are lifesavers.
Most 700 sq ft setups have one bathroom, though a lucky few will offer a tiny extra powder room. Plan for bathroom storage—wall racks and organizers will keep things from turning chaotic. If there’s a balcony, it’s a win. You can use it for drying laundry, letting your pet out for fresh air, or squeezing in a coffee table for weekend vibes.
Here are a few actionable tips for getting more out of each room:
- Stick to the basics—only keep furniture you actually use.
- Use mirrors in the living room and bedrooms; they instantly make spaces look bigger.
- Opt for folding furniture or beds with storage to sneak out extra space.
- Shelves above doorways work great for books and stuff you don’t need all the time.
Make each room work harder by thinking in zones—a corner for studying, a nook for your pet, or a pull-out tray table in the kitchen instead of a full dining table. In a 2BHK this size, every inch counts, but with some planning, you get a home that’s super functional for two.
Space-Saving Tricks That Actually Work
So, how do you make a 700 sq ft apartment feel roomy instead of crammed? There’s no magic wand, but there are simple tricks that really do make a difference. It’s less about buying fancy gadgets and more about making smart swaps and using every inch on purpose.
First up, go for furniture that does double duty. A bed with storage drawers eats up the same floor space as a plain bed, but suddenly your sheets, winter clothes, or random knick-knacks have somewhere to hide. Ottomans with storage do the same for the living room. If you can lift, tuck, or fold it, it’s already better than big bulky stuff that just sits there.
Wall shelves and hooks are game changers. I hung up all sorts of things—from Rocky’s leash to my headphones—because floors are precious real estate in 2BHK places like this. Skip bulky bookcases and use vertical space instead. The trick: keep shelves up high and put only stuff you actually use or want to see daily.
- Big mirrors: Not just for selfies. They bounce light around, making the place feel bigger and brighter.
- Foldable furniture: There are tables and chairs you can fold up and slide behind the fridge when you’re not using them. Handy for working from home.
- Sliding doors: If you can swap bathroom or closet doors for sliders, you save feet of floor area and banish awkward door bumping.
- Under-bed bins: You’d be shocked how much junk you can cram under there. It's a clutter lifesaver.
- Kitchen organizers: Stacking racks, pull-out baskets, and magnetic strips for knives actually free up countertop space you need for cooking.
Real talk: being cutthroat about clutter helps. I keep only what I use. If something just sits for six months, it goes to a friend, a shelter, or the bin. Less stuff means more room to stretch out—even with a dog kicking his toys all over the place.
Finally, use light colors for walls and furniture. Science backs it: lighter shades make rooms feel more open, while dark tones can make a small place seem even tinier. Add a few fun pops of color with pillows or paintings, but keep the base light and bright.
Privacy and Comfort: Can You Both Stay Sane?
Alright, let's get real about sharing 700 sq ft. The biggest question people ask isn’t just “Is it enough?” but “How do I stay sane with another person in such a small space?” Two separate bedrooms help, but walls won’t fix everything if you don't plan for privacy. With 700 sq ft, you quickly notice when you’re tripping over someone—especially if you're both working from home or have different routines.
Here's what helps the most:
- Use the rooms for separate stuff. Turn one bedroom into a den, study, or gym if you’re not both needing it for sleep. That way, when one needs alone time, it’s not a toss-up on who gets the bed vs. the sofa.
- Headphones are a friendship saver—trust me. Trying to watch sports when your partner is on a Zoom call? Put those on.
- Be chill about noise. Since there’s really no far side of a 2BHK, agree on some quiet times, or share a playlist you both don’t hate. It helps keep the peace.
- Keep the furniture compact. Bulky stuff makes the place feel even smaller and blocks walkways. Go for wall-mounted desks, foldable tables, and a couch that isn’t in constant turf war with the dinner area.
Stuff gets messier when you add pets—a dog, for example, means more stuff to stash and an extra body wandering around. Invest in pet storage bins and find a spot for the dog bed that doesn’t block the main walkway. It feels less crowded if your four-legged friend has a "home base."
Worried about personal space and actually getting along? Check out the numbers in this table—these are taken from a 2024 survey by Indian real estate firm NoBroker:
| Living Space Size (sq ft) | Comfort Level (Out of 10) for 2 Adults | Privacy Complaints Reported (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 600-700 | 7.1 | 22 |
| 700-800 | 8.3 | 16 |
| 800-900 | 8.7 | 10 |
So, yeah, grabbing a bit more space will give you a little more comfort and fewer privacy problems. But if you work with what you have and stay flexible, 700 sq ft doesn't have to turn into a never-ending wrestling match over who's hogging the bathroom or couch.
Living with Pets in Compact Spaces
Got a dog, cat, or maybe a couple of guinea pigs? Fitting pets into a 700 sq ft 2BHK isn’t as wild as it sounds, but things get tight fast if you’re not smart about your setup. The good news? Most small pets actually thrive in cozy places. It’s about giving them the right spots and daily routines so nobody feels cramped—including you.
Here are some hacks that actually work:
- Dedicated corners: Create a spot just for your pet. Even Rocky, my dog, has his own bed wedged between the sofa and window. It gives him a safe zone without hogging your main floor space.
- Vertical space rocks: Got a cat? Build up instead of out. Wall shelves, cat trees, or window perches mean they get plenty of action above ground level without taking up your walking area.
- Smart storage: Hide pet toys in baskets or under-bed bins. Use hooks near the entrance for leashes or poop bags. You’ll spend less time tripping over stuff, which you need in a smaller home.
- Daily exercise is a must: Space is limited, so take your dog for regular walks or hit the stairs together. Pent-up energy can lead to trouble faster in a compact apartment.
- Pet-proofing matters even more: In small spaces, one chewed wire or toppled vase can mess with the whole vibe. Use covers and tuck away anything breakable or dangerous.
One thing people forget: odor management. In a compact space, you’ll notice smells way quicker. Air purifiers really help, and so does a solid cleaning routine—especially with litter boxes, cages, or if your pet sheds a ton.
And hey, don’t worry—pets adapt quickly. Rocky's figured out the best sunspots for napping, knows when it’s balcony time, and honestly just loves being wherever we are. Small doesn’t mean stressful, as long as you keep things organized and make a couple of thoughtful changes to fit your pets’ personalities.
Real Stories & Final Thoughts
Let's get honest about how people manage in a 700 sq ft 2BHK, because hearing from folks who’ve actually done it beats any theoretical advice. Rhea and Aditya, a working couple in Mumbai, made the switch from a massive suburban flat to a 700 sq ft apartment when their office commute became a nightmare. Rhea says, “The first month felt cramped, but once we ditched extra furniture and went vertical with bookshelves, it clicked. Cooking is cozier, sure, but everything is within reach.”
Another example: Naresh and his girlfriend in Bangalore share their tiny 2BHK with a cat and swear that keeping a clear division between work and chill zones changed everything. “Don’t cram in a bulky sofa. Get a sleek futon instead. We slide our dining chairs under the table after meals and use foldable desks for work,” says Naresh.
If you’re worried about closet space, there’s a smart fix: invest in beds with built-in drawers or get those vacuum storage bags for winter clothes. Space-saving hacks not only save you headaches—they’re now proven to reduce daily stress for small-home dwellers, according to a 2023 Smart Home Study by Urban Ladder.
Now, the privacy bit. If both people work from home, it can get a little “too close for comfort.” That’s when headphones and a clear routine become your best friends. Setting up a bedroom workstation and a living room mini-office has kept arguments low and productivity up, at least according to my friends who survived the 2020 lockdowns in cozy flats.
“Small spaces require intentional living, but with the right mindset and smart storage, they deliver surprising comfort and intimacy,” – Priya Rao, Architect & Urban Space Consultant (reported in The Hindu, April 2024).
Wrapping up, compact living isn’t for everyone—but for people who value location, easier upkeep, and cutting down on clutter, 700 sq ft absolutely works. And you’ll probably clean the whole place faster, leaving more time for Netflix, board games, or in my case, chasing Rocky around the house.
