Typical Space Inside 2 Bedroom Units

Finding an apartment that meets your needs can be a challenge, especially in crowded cities where space is at a premium. When searching for a new home, one of the most important factors to consider is size - will there be enough room for your furnishings, storage, and lifestyle?

For many renters, a two bedroom apartment strikes the right balance between space, affordability, and features. But how big is a typical two bedroom unit? What layout and dimensions can you expect?

Average Square Footage for 2 Bedroom Apartments

Across the United States, the average size for a two bedroom apartment is around 900 square feet. However, average sizes can vary greatly depending on your city and specific building.

In dense, space-constrained cities like New York and San Francisco, two bedrooms often clock in between 700-850 square feet. More sprawling metros in the South and Midwest see larger units, sometimes exceeding 1,000 square feet on average.

Newly constructed buildings also tend to have more spacious floorplans. As cities grapple with housing shortages, modern real estate developers are building more compactly to maximize the number of units.

Typical Room Layouts and Dimensions

While exact room dimensions depend on your individual floorplan, most two bedroom apartments share a similar configuration to make the best use of limited space.

Main Living Areas and Common Spaces

The central "public" areas of a two bedroom include an open concept living/dining room, kitchen, and hallway entry. These common spaces typically occupy about half the total unit square footage.

Living rooms in a two bedroom generally range from 150-300 square feet. This allows space for seating, entertainment stands, and other furnishings.

Adjacent dining areas measure 80-150 square feet on average. Kitchens themselves average about 100 square feet or less.

Hallways and entry spaces take up another 50+ square feet for access between rooms.

Bedrooms and Sleeping Quarters

The defining feature of a two bedroom is having two distinct sleeping areas, which usually occupy the other half of the residence.

The larger "master" bedroom often ranges between 120-170 square feet, which accommodates a queen or king-sized bed and additional furniture.

The second bedroom is typically smaller at 100-150 square feet, outfitted with a double bed or as an office/guest room hybrid.

Most two bedroom units also include one or two bathrooms, averaging 40-60 square feet each.

Kitchens, Dining Rooms, and Storage

While not explicitly counted in the bedroom tally, most two bedrooms also incorporate eat-in kitchen and dining areas within the main living space.

As mentioned, kitchens claim about 100 square feet or less. Combined dining areas allow for table seating within 80-150 square feet.

In-unit storage can also be limited, with many units offering just a few closets plus pantry and cupboard space in the kitchen. Some feature additional bulk storage rooms if space allows.

Factors Affecting Exact Unit Sizes

As shown above, average two bedroom sizes can deviate significantly based on several structural and geographic factors.

Location and Building Type

New building developments with higher rents often cater to more affluent tenants with more spacious floorplans. Location also plays a role, with suburban and mid-sized city apartments trending larger compared to dense urban cores.

Converted buildings have more variability depending on what past purpose they served. For example, former factories or warehouses make unique, artistic loft-style residences.

Ages of Units and Remodel Status

Apartment size and layout standards have changed over decades of construction. Pre-war units built before the 1940s often have smaller, compartmentalized rooms.

Mid-century architecture from the 1950s-60s features more open concepts with slightly larger rooms. But the biggest two bedrooms were built between 2001-2014, exceeding 900 square feet on average.

Kitchen and bathroom remodels can also expand or reconfigure usable living space over time.

Variances in Room Shapes and Layouts

Creative architecture and custom floorplans allow for unique room shapes and dimensions.

Some apartments maximize natural light and ventilation with large windows, skylights, and exterior-facing spaces.

Others have unusually shaped living areas, bedrooms, and pathways throughout due to arched doorways, built-in shelving, or structural beams.

Overall footprint and room dimensions depend on whether units are in standalone buildings, embedded townhouses, or dense complexes built wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.

Researching Accurate Sizes Before Renting

While the averages above offer a ballpark estimate, it's wise to research exact dimensions when apartment hunting. Even within the same building, individual units can measure differently.

Checking Floorplans and Listing Details

Online listings from landlords and real estate platforms often disclose unit square footage. Pay attention to the exact breakdown across rooms too.

Listings also tend to feature floorplan visualizations. Compare these blueprints relative to furniture pieces and your family's needs.

Touring Spaces In-Person Before Moving In

No amount of digital touring beats walking the actual apartment yourself. Bring a measuring tape! Verify room dimensions and see if spaces feel right.

Also inspect potential storage areas like closets, attics, basements, etc. Take notes and capture pictures to compare options.

Considering Future Growth and Lifestyle Needs

Think ahead when evaluating space. Do you hope to live here for years with a chance your storage needs and family size changes? Small units can adapt over time, but anticipate future needs like having kids or accumulating more belongings.

Strategizing Storage Solutions Within Constraints

While hunting for two bedrooms optimized for storage, also be ready to make the most of whatever square footage you land. These tips help maximize limited bedroom, kitchen, and closet capacity.

Multifunctional Furniture and Hidden Storage

Look into dual-purpose furnishings like storage ottomans, daybeds, pull-out sofa beds, bunk beds, kitchen islands with stools, and Murphy beds that fold back into walls.

Also leverage "dead space" like under sofa cushions or awkward corners to stash personal items out of sight.

Careful Measurement for Large Furnishings

Pay attention to furniture dimensions too - a few inches make a difference in a compact apartment! Measure doorways and corridors to ensure couches, beds, shelving units, etc. actually fit into rooms and building entryways.

Editing Down Possessions to Absolute Essentials

Consider what you truly use daily vs. possessions that occupy space without purpose. Edit down decor clutter to create breathing room and reduce cleanup.

For off-season clothes in overflowing closets, use storage bags and trunks under beds. Or, rent storage units for treasured items with less regular access needs so your daily living environment feels simplified.

Adapting Small Spaces Through Clever Design

While you can't physically grow a compact two bedroom, strategic interior design elements visually expand rooms for increased livability:

Light Colors, Mirrors, and Open Plans

Painting walls white or neutral colors makes spaces appear larger and brighter. Hang mirrors across from exterior windows to reflect more natural light deeper into rooms.

Removing or limiting interior walls creates open concept kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas that feel more continuous.