2-Room BTO Floor Plan Ideas for a Small But Functional Space

Living large in a tiny space.

Ranging from approximately 38 to 49 sqm, one of the biggest challenges in designing a 2-room BTO is that of space planning.

And here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ layout for a 2-room BTO. Instead, your home’s layout should be optimised according to your lifestyle habits and needs. For instance, are you planning to host guests often? Do you need a study area? How much storage space will you require?

Common 2-room BTO floor plans

All 2-room BTOs come with a living area, a kitchen, one bedroom and one bathroom.

The main differences in 2-room BTO floor plans are thus as follows:

• Size of the apartment: Type 1 units are typically between 36 to 41 sqm, while Type 2 units are typically between 47 to 49 sqm
• (Partitioned) flexible space: For some newer Type 2 units only
• Relative position of rooms and structural walls: Determines whether you have the option of an open-concept kitchen, a studio apartment setup etc.

Type 1 units

Type 2 units

Do note that this list is by no means exhaustive, as there are many permutations when it comes to 2-room BTO floor plans.

2-room BTO layout ideas, based on real-life examples

But don’t fret over that just yet!

Regardless of whether you’re moving into a Type 1 or Type 2 unit, or the relative positions of the rooms and structural walls, there are 3 broad categories of layouts you can consider.

The feasibility of each will, of course, depend on the position of your unit’s structural walls.

1. Closed concept 2-room BTO layout

Should you like to keep each space separate — or if there are structural walls you can’t hack away — a closed concept layout is your best bet.

Keep all doors and walls, but make it sleek

However, we’d recommend switching out the doors for a sleeker look.

Despite its simplicity, black framed glass sliding doors give this kitchen at Punggol Point Crown a bold, contemporary look. Practically, they allow light to pass through even when the doors need to be closed (like when heavy cooking is in progress), keeping the space from looking crammed.

Applying the same concept, the bathroom wall has a frosted glass cutout that stands out as a design feature while retaining privacy for the user.

Meanwhile, the bedroom makes use of a wooden pocket door that ‘disappears’ into the wall when open, lending the space a clean, minimalist look.

Space-saving tip: Use sliding/pocket/barn doors instead of swing doors to eliminate the need for a clearance area (i.e. dead space)

Go thematic

Sporting a completely different look, this 2-room BTO at Tengah is a modern take on a traditional ryokan, perfect for those who love the Japanese aesthetic.

To maximise storage space, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry lines the entire length of the bedroom, with one section for open shelves so that the interior doesn’t look flat.

In the living area, a multi-purpose bay window settee serves as a dining bench with storage underneath, maximising every square inch available.

Extend the bedroom outwards

If having a larger bedroom matters more than having a roomy living area, one option would be to have the former eat into the latter’s space. For newer Type 2 units, this could mean merging the bedroom and adjacent flexible space.

In this example, the wall was hacked and replaced with display cabinets further out, while the bedroom’s entrance is concealed among fluted panels. Together, this full-height feature draws the eyes upwards so you won’t feel claustrophobic despite being in a small living area.

With a larger bedroom, you can then include a study area and a larger-than-usual wardrobe.

Explore: Tight on Space? Walk-In Wardrobes for Your HDB Flat, NO Hacking Needed

2. Open-concept 2-room BTO layout

Prefer an open concept? Here are some ideas to steal:

A studio apartment layout with flexible spaces

In this 2-room BTO, the wall between the bedroom and living area has likewise been hacked. The difference? The ‘in-between’ space now houses a home theatre system.

Here, the kitchen walls have also been hacked, giving the unit a layout similar to that of a studio apartment.

To maximise space, a Murphy bed was then installed so that the owner can stow it away neatly when there are guests over, or if the space is required for other activities (a workout or mahjong session, perhaps?).

Turn it into a ‘hotel suite’

Alternatively, opt for a freestanding TV that can be turned to face the sofa or bed, depending on where you’re watching it from.

What we particularly love about this 2-room BTO at Anchorvale is the way it’s been furnished to look like a cosy hotel suite. Think fluted panels, accent lighting and an open capsule wardrobe in place of bulky carpentry.

Way to live it up despite the small floor area!

Build a platform to demarcate functional zones

Another way you can make use of that ‘in-between’ space is to build a study table in place of the wall separating your bedroom and living area.

Here, a platform was built not only to demarcate both areas, but also provides seating for the study table!

That’s not the only space-maximising idea though. A swing-out dining table has been carefully placed next to the TV, such that it can be flushed neatly against the wall and used as a pantry when it isn’t meal time.

Design tip: Use full-length mirrors to make the space look twice its actual size!

3. Semi-open 2-room BTO layout

Don’t want to feel boxed in, but don’t want your bedroom to feel completely exposed either? Consider a semi-open layout like in this apartment where a ‘hanging’ TV feature wall is used as a room divider.

To maximise storage, the designer also included storage under the dining benches, as well as a pull-out drawer in the kitchen so that condiments kept at the back are easily accessible.

After all, every square inch counts when you’re living in a 2-room BTO.

Planning a 2-room BTO renovation?

We’ve only scratched the surface! Ultimately, it’s best to consult a professional who’s able to customise a design that’s fully suited to your unique lifestyle needs and unit’s original floor plan.

To get started, click on the button below and we’ll link you up with interior design firms based on your requirements — free of charge!