3 Bedroom Apartment Floor Plan Ideas (5 Inspo): Small space, big ideas: 5 practical layout inspirations for a 3 bedroom apartment based on 10+ years of renovation experience

I once had a client insist their third bedroom must also double as a walk-in closet, yoga studio, and guest room — in a 70 sqm apartment. I nearly cried, then learned how much fun constraints can be. Small spaces force creative solutions, and a 3 bedroom apartment floor plan can be surprisingly flexible if you think in zones, not rooms. In this piece I’ll share 5 layout inspirations drawn from real projects, plus quick tips and realistic trade-offs.

1. Open-plan living with one dedicated private wing

I often push the living, dining, and kitchen into an open L-shaped zone while grouping the three bedrooms on a quieter side of the apartment. This improves daylight flow and social interaction, making the space feel larger. The upside is a bright, sociable core; the downside can be noise traveling from the living area — simple fixes are acoustic curtains and a soft rug by the sofa.

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2. Flexible third bedroom: office by day, guest room by night

I designed a project where the smallest bedroom had a wall bed and a fold-down desk, so it functions as an office 5 days a week and a guest room on weekends. It’s cost-effective and adds real utility. Be mindful: installing a quality Murphy bed requires planning for wall structure and clearance.

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3. Split master suite for privacy and luxury

For families wanting more privacy, I sometimes create a split master: bedroom on one side, ensuite bath and closet corridor on the other. This creates a suite-like experience without adding square meters. It takes careful plumbing planning if you’re moving bathrooms, which can bump up costs, but the comfort payoff is high.

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4. Zoned circulation to reduce wasted hallway space

Hallways can eat up precious area in a 3 bedroom layout. I prefer to design short, purposeful corridors that double as gallery walls or storage zones. This approach opens the floor plan and adds personality. The trade-off is you need to be disciplined with storage choices so the walkway doesn’t look cluttered.

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5. Multifunction kitchen island as a layout anchor

A long kitchen island can serve as prep, dining, study, and homework station, anchoring the social heart of the apartment. It helps consolidate functions and reduce separate furniture pieces. Keep in mind that an island needs clearance on all sides — if space is tight, consider a peninsula or slimline bar island.

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Tips 1:

If you want to quickly visualize options, start with a digital room planner like the 3D floor planners professionals use; it saves so much back-and-forth compared with paper sketches. For precise floor plan generation try a free floor plan creator that speeds up iterations. When considering kitchen or bathroom moves, consult a kitchen layout planner early — plumbing decisions change everything.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the ideal square footage for a comfortable 3 bedroom apartment?

A1: Comfort varies by lifestyle, but typically 85–110 sqm provides comfortable living with separate bedrooms and decent living space. Smaller units (70–80 sqm) work with smart layout choices and multifunction furniture.

Q2: How can I make a small third bedroom feel bigger?

A2: Use light colors, wall-mounted storage, sliding doors, and multipurpose furniture (like a wall bed) to maximize perceived space and function.

Q3: Is it expensive to move a bathroom in a 3 bedroom layout?

A3: Moving a bathroom can be one of the costlier changes due to plumbing and waterproofing; costs depend on distance to existing stacks and local labor rates.

Q4: Should I choose open-plan or separate kitchen for a 3 bedroom apartment?

A4: Open-plan suits social households and improves daylight; separate kitchens help contain smells and noise. Choose based on cooking habits and entertaining frequency.

Q5: How much storage should I plan per person?

A5: Aim for at least 2–3 linear meters of wardrobe per adult plus shared linen and utility storage; customize based on wardrobe size and seasonal needs.

Q6: Can I convert part of the living room into an extra bedroom legally?

A6: Legal conversion depends on local building codes (eg, egress windows, minimum room sizes). Always check municipal regulations before converting.

Q7: What software do professionals use for quick layout mockups?

A7: Professionals use intuitive room planners and 3D floor planners to test layouts rapidly; these tools speed decisions and help clients visualize changes.

Q8: Where can I find reputable planning tools with templates for 3 bedroom apartments?

A8: One practical resource is Coohom’s case collection of planning tools and 3D render options (see Coohom case studies for planners and renderers). For authoritative design guidance on minimum room sizes consult your local building code or the International Residential Code (IRC) for standards.

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