Optimal Dimensions for Designing Comfortable Spaces - Expert Tips & Insights

5/17/20242 min read

Interior design for residential spaces is a vital process that significantly enhances the quality of life and comfort within homes. The success of interior design largely depends on understanding the optimal dimensions for different spaces within the house. In this article, we will explore the optimal dimensions for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms based on well-known reference books such as "Neufert" and "Time Saver Standards."

01. Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home, where family members spend most of their time. Therefore, it is essential for it to be comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate all family activities.

Optimal Area: Ranges from 18 to 25 square meters (m²) for a small living room, and 35 to 45 m² for a medium living room.
Optimal Dimensions: The ideal width is no less than 3.6 meters, with a length ranging from 4.5 to 6 meters.
Interior Layout: The space should allow for furniture arrangement that facilitates easy movement and access to windows and doors.

02. Bedroom

The bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, so it should be designed to ensure comfort and tranquility.

Optimal Area: Ranges from 12 to 16 m² for a master bedroom, and 9 to 12 m² for a secondary bedroom.
Optimal Dimensions: The ideal width for a master bedroom is no less than 3 meters, with a length ranging from 3.6 to 4.5 meters.
Interior Layout: There should be enough space around the bed to facilitate movement and access to wardrobes and windows.

03. Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in the home, so it needs to be practical and comfortable for daily use.

Optimal Area: Ranges from 7 to 12 m² for a small kitchen, and 12 to 18 m² for a medium kitchen.
Optimal Dimensions: The ideal width is no less than 2.4 meters for a small kitchen, with a length ranging from 3 to 4.5 meters.
Interior Layout: Implementing the work triangle (sink, refrigerator, stove) is recommended to ensure easy movement and efficiency while cooking.

04.Bathrooms

Bathrooms are essential facilities in any home and should be designed to ensure comfort and privacy.

Optimal Area: Ranges from 4 to 6 m² for a master bathroom, and 2.5 to 3.5 m² for a small bathroom.
Optimal Dimensions: The ideal width is no less than 1.5 meters, with a length ranging from 2 to 3 meters.
Interior Layout: The design should provide enough space around each fixture (toilet, sink, shower or bathtub) to ensure ease of use.

05. Hallways and Shared Spaces

Hallways and shared spaces play a crucial role in connecting different parts of the house and facilitating movement.

Hallway Width: The minimum width for hallways should be 0.9 meters, ideally 1.2 meters to ensure easy movement.
Shared Spaces: Areas like reception zones and entrances should be spacious enough to accommodate guests and effectively distribute movement.

06. Ventilation and Lighting Standards

Ventilation: Each room should have at least one window proportional to the room size to ensure good ventilation.
Lighting: Utilize natural lighting as much as possible, with well-distributed artificial lighting to cover all corners of the room appropriately.

Designing residential spaces requires a precise understanding of the optimal dimensions for each room to ensure the highest levels of comfort and efficiency. By using the standards and information outlined above, interior designers and architects can create residential spaces that meet users' needs and improve the quality of life.