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See how your furniture fits in a 600 sq ft 2BHK apartment with smart design tips.
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When you see a listing for a 600-square-foot 2BHK apartment, it’s easy to imagine a cramped box with barely enough room to turn around. But what does 600 square feet actually look like? It’s not just a number-it’s a real space where people live, cook, sleep, and sometimes even work. In cities like Sydney, where space is tight and prices are high, 600 square feet is one of the most common sizes for starter homes and young professionals. And surprisingly, it can feel surprisingly comfortable-if you know how to use it.
Breaking Down 600 Square Feet
Think of 600 square feet as a rectangle about 20 feet by 30 feet. That’s roughly the size of a small basketball court half, or two standard parking spaces side by side. In metric terms, that’s about 56 square meters. It’s not huge, but it’s more than enough for two people if designed smartly.
Most 2BHK apartments at this size have two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a combined living-dining area. No hallways. No wasted space. Every inch counts. In older buildings, you might find a narrow corridor leading to the bedrooms. In newer builds, the layout is often open-plan to make the space feel bigger.
How the Space Is Typically Divided
Here’s how a typical 600-square-foot 2BHK apartment breaks down in Australia:
- Living and dining area: 200-220 sq ft - enough for a small sofa, a coffee table, a dining table for four, and some wall storage.
- Master bedroom: 100-120 sq ft - fits a queen bed, a small wardrobe, and a nightstand. If you’re lucky, there’s a window.
- Second bedroom: 80-100 sq ft - works as a child’s room, home office, or guest room. A single bed or bunk beds fit snugly.
- Kitchen: 60-80 sq ft - compact but functional. A three-burner stove, small fridge, sink, and minimal cabinets. Many have under-counter storage or pull-out shelves.
- Bathroom: 40-50 sq ft - shower, toilet, sink. Often a walk-in shower with a glass door to save space.
- Storage: 50-70 sq ft - built-in cupboards, under-bed drawers, or a utility closet. No walk-in closets here.
That adds up to about 600. No extra space. No fluff. But it works.
What It Feels Like to Live There
Living in 600 square feet isn’t about having everything-it’s about having what matters. People who live in these spaces don’t own 10 pairs of shoes. They don’t collect decorative pillows. They don’t keep unused kitchen gadgets.
One couple in Surry Hills, Sydney, shares a 600-square-foot 2BHK. They use the second bedroom as a home office during the week and turn it into a guest room on weekends. Their sofa folds into a bed for visitors. Their dining table is a wall-mounted fold-down model that disappears after meals. Their kitchen has a magnetic strip for knives and hooks under cabinets for mugs. They use vertical space like pros.
They don’t feel cramped because they’ve learned to live with less. And they’re not alone. In inner-city Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, thousands of young couples and solo workers live this way. It’s not a compromise-it’s a choice.
What Doesn’t Fit
Not everything works in 600 square feet. Here’s what doesn’t:
- A full-sized sectional sofa
- A large dining table for eight
- Multiple big-screen TVs
- Stacked bookshelves from floor to ceiling
- A treadmill or exercise bike taking up floor space
If you’re used to a 1,200-square-foot home, moving into 600 square feet means letting go. It’s not about being poor-it’s about being intentional. You stop buying things you don’t use. You start valuing experiences over objects.
Smart Design Tricks That Make It Work
People who live well in small spaces use tricks most don’t think about:
- Murphy beds: Fold up into the wall during the day. Turns a bedroom into a living room.
- Sliding doors: Save space over traditional hinged doors. Especially useful for closets and bathrooms.
- Multi-functional furniture: A coffee table with storage, a bed with drawers underneath, a dining table that doubles as a desk.
- Light colors: White walls, light wood floors, and mirrors make the space feel larger.
- Vertical storage: Tall bookshelves, wall-mounted shelves, hooks on doors. Use the height, not just the floor.
- Smart lighting: Layered lighting-overhead, task, and ambient-makes small spaces feel warm, not cold.
One landlord in Newtown installed floor-to-ceiling mirrored closet doors in the second bedroom. It doubled the visual space and made the room feel like a boutique hotel. Tenants love it.
Is 600 Square Feet Too Small for a Family?
It depends on the family. Two adults and one young child? Absolutely doable. Two adults and two kids under 10? Possible, but tight. Two adults and three kids? Probably not unless you’re willing to get creative.
Many families in this size range use the second bedroom as a shared kids’ room with bunk beds. They add curtains or partitions for privacy. They use under-bed bins for toys and clothes. They rotate seasonal items into storage elsewhere.
It’s not ideal for everyone, but it’s not impossible. The key is flexibility and routine. Kids learn to play in the living room, do homework at the kitchen table, and sleep in a cozy corner. They adapt faster than adults.
Why People Choose This Size
Why would anyone pick 600 square feet over a bigger apartment? Here’s why:
- Lower rent: In Sydney, a 600-square-foot 2BHK rents for $450-$600 per week. A 900-square-foot one costs $700-$900. That’s a $250 weekly difference.
- Lower bills: Less space to heat, cool, and light. Electricity and water bills are noticeably lower.
- Location: You can afford to live closer to work, trains, cafes, and parks.
- Less cleaning: You can clean the whole apartment in under an hour.
- Freedom: No mortgage stress. No long-term commitment. Easier to move for a job or travel.
For many, it’s not about sacrifice-it’s about trading space for freedom.
What to Watch Out For
Not every 600-square-foot apartment is built well. Here’s what to check before signing a lease:
- Windows: Do both bedrooms have windows? Natural light makes a huge difference.
- Ventilation: Is the kitchen and bathroom properly ventilated? Poor airflow leads to mold.
- Storage: Are there enough built-in cupboards? Or will you need to buy bulky furniture?
- Layout flow: Can you move from the kitchen to the living area without walking through a bedroom?
- Noise: Are walls thin? Are neighbors close? Check at night.
One tenant in Redfern moved out after six months because the bathroom had no window and the walls were so thin she could hear her neighbor’s TV. She learned the hard way: small space doesn’t mean poor quality.
Final Thoughts
600 square feet doesn’t mean you’re living in a shoebox. It means you’re living with purpose. It means you’ve chosen a lifestyle that values location, affordability, and simplicity over square footage.
People who thrive in this space don’t miss what they don’t have. They enjoy what they do have: a quiet street, a short commute, a coffee shop around the corner, and a home that fits their life-not the other way around.
If you’re thinking of renting or buying a 600-square-foot 2BHK, don’t judge it by the size. Judge it by how it feels. Can you breathe here? Can you live here? Can you be happy here? Those are the only questions that matter.
Is 600 square feet too small for a couple?
No, 600 square feet is perfectly suitable for a couple, especially in urban areas. With smart storage, multi-functional furniture, and open layouts, many couples live comfortably in this space. The key is minimizing clutter and using vertical space effectively. It’s not about size-it’s about how you use it.
Can you fit a full-size bed in a 600-square-foot apartment?
Yes, a queen-size bed fits comfortably in the main bedroom of a 600-square-foot apartment, which is typically 100-120 square feet. That leaves enough room for a nightstand and a small wardrobe. Some people even opt for a king-size bed if the layout allows, though it makes the room feel tighter. The real challenge is finding space for storage around the bed, which is why built-in drawers and under-bed containers are popular.
How much does a 600-square-foot 2BHK cost in Sydney?
As of late 2025, a 600-square-foot 2BHK in Sydney rents for between $450 and $600 per week, depending on the suburb. In inner-city areas like Surry Hills, Newtown, or Redfern, prices are at the higher end. In outer suburbs like Lakemba or Campbelltown, you might find one for $380-$480. Buying prices range from $650,000 to $850,000, depending on condition and location.
Is a 600-square-foot apartment a good investment?
Yes, in Sydney and other major Australian cities, 600-square-foot 2BHK apartments are among the most in-demand rental properties. They attract young professionals, students, and couples who prioritize location over space. This high demand means strong rental yields and faster resale potential. Properties in good condition with modern finishes often appreciate faster than larger, older units in the same area.
What are the best storage solutions for small apartments?
The best storage solutions include under-bed drawers, wall-mounted shelves, over-the-door organizers, fold-down desks, and multi-functional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage. Built-in cupboards are ideal, but if they’re not available, vertical storage units that reach the ceiling maximize space. Avoid bulky furniture-opt for slim profiles and light colors to keep the space feeling open.
Do 600-square-foot apartments have good natural light?
It depends on the building. Many newer 600-square-foot apartments are designed with large windows and open layouts to maximize natural light. Older buildings may have smaller windows or poor orientation. Always check how much sunlight enters each room, especially the living area and bedrooms. North-facing windows in the Southern Hemisphere get the most light. Avoid units with only one small window-if the apartment feels dark during the day, it’ll feel even smaller.
