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The good news? Smart interior design can transform your compact flat into a spacious, functional home that feels 30-40% larger than it actually is. Whether you're furnishing a 2-bed apartment in Dhanmondi or a 3-bed unit in Gulshan, these proven space-saving solutions will help you create a home that's both beautiful and practical.
In compact apartments, every piece of furniture needs to earn its place. Multi-functional furniture is no longer just a trend – it's a necessity for modern Dhaka living.
These fold-up beds are becoming increasingly popular in Dhaka's studio apartments and small bedrooms. During the day, your bedroom transforms into a home office or guest area. Quality murphy beds are available at showrooms across Dhaka, ranging from ৳35,000 to ৳80,000 depending on the finish and mechanism.
Perfect for Bangladeshi families who love hosting guests, especially during Eid or family gatherings. Modern designs from brands like Otobi and Hatil offer hidden storage compartments underneath – ideal for storing extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or children's toys. Expect to invest ৳25,000 to ৳60,000 for quality pieces.
A 4-seater table that extends to seat 8 guests? That's the magic of expandable dining tables. They're perfect for daily family meals while accommodating larger gatherings during special occasions. Local furniture markets like Elephant Road and Karwan Bazar offer custom options starting from ৳20,000.
These dual-purpose pieces serve as extra seating, footrests, and hidden storage. Place them in your living room or bedroom to store magazines, remote controls, or children's toys while adding stylish seating options.
Pro Tip: When shopping for multi-functional furniture, always test the mechanisms in-store. Quality hinges and sliding mechanisms make a huge difference in daily use.
When floor space is limited, the secret is to look up. Vertical storage maximizes your walls while keeping your floors clear and spacious.
Standard wardrobes waste valuable space above them. Floor-to-ceiling designs utilize every inch from floor to ceiling, providing 40-50% more storage. The top sections are perfect for storing seasonal items like winter blankets, old files, or luggage.
In Dhaka's climate, ensure your carpenter includes proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup during monsoon season. Quality modular wardrobes from Navana or Hatil range from ৳80,000 to ৳2,50,000 depending on size and materials.
Floating shelves are both functional and decorative. Use them for:
Many modern Dhaka apartments have 10-11 feet ceiling heights. Consider adding loft storage above wardrobes or in hallways for items you don't need daily access to – air conditioners during winter, festival decorations, or old documents.
Replace traditional low cabinets with tall units that reach the ceiling. These provide dedicated spaces for your rice cooker, blender, air fryer, and other appliances while keeping countertops clutter-free.
Budget Tip: Wall-mounted shelving is one of the most cost-effective solutions. A complete living room shelf setup can be installed for ৳10,000-20,000.
The kitchen is the heart of every Bangladeshi home, but it's often one of the smallest rooms. Here's how to make it work harder for you.
* Choose the Right Layout
L-Shaped Kitchen: Best for square or rectangular spaces (most common in Dhaka flats). Provides ample counter space and allows for a small dining area.
Parallel Kitchen: Ideal for narrow, galley-style kitchens. Creates an efficient work triangle between your cooking, prep, and washing areas.
U-Shaped Kitchen: If you have a slightly larger kitchen (8x8 feet or more), this layout maximizes storage and counter space.
* Pull-Out Drawers and Organizers
Deep cabinets waste space because items get buried at the back. Pull-out drawers give you:
Corner cabinets are notoriously difficult to access. Carousel (lazy susan) units make use of every inch, perfect for storing masala containers, cooking oils, and dry goods.
A 2-foot extended countertop can serve as:
Investment Range: A well-designed modular kitchen for a 1,000 sq ft flat typically costs ৳1,50,000 to ৳4,00,000 depending on materials (laminate vs. acrylic finishes).
Sometimes, creating space is about perception. The right colors and mirror placement can make your flat feel significantly larger.
Dhaka homeowners traditionally favor these space-enhancing colors:
Avoid dark colors on large surfaces like walls and floors – they absorb light and make spaces feel cramped. Save bold colors for accent walls or décor pieces.
Mirrors are powerful tools for creating the illusion of space:
A large mirror (3x5 feet) costs between ৳8,000 to ৳25,000 depending on frame quality.
Instead of solid walls, consider glass or frosted glass partitions between rooms. They maintain visual connectivity while providing privacy – perfect for separating the living area from the bedroom in studio apartments.
Good lighting expands space perception:
Design Principle: Keep the visual line uninterrupted. The more you can see across your flat without obstructions, the larger it feels.
Modern Dhaka apartments often feature open layouts. While spacious, they sometimes need subtle divisions for privacy and functionality.
Half-height (4-5 feet) dividers separate spaces without blocking light or airflow – crucial during Dhaka's hot summers. Options include:
Perfect for bedrooms in open layouts. During the day, slide them open for airflow and connectivity. At night, close them for privacy. They use zero floor space compared to traditional swing doors.
The most budget-friendly option (৳3,000-8,000 for quality fabric). Use floor-to-ceiling curtains to:
A double-sided TV unit or bookshelf can separate your living room from the dining area while providing storage on both sides. This works exceptionally well in 1,000+ sq ft apartments.
Create visual separation with a 6-inch platform for your bedroom area or a sunken living room effect. This subtle height difference defines spaces without walls.
Cultural Consideration: Most Bangladeshi families need a dedicated prayer space. A corner with a decorative screen or curtain partition provides the privacy needed while maintaining the open feel.
Before we wrap up, let's address some costly mistakes we see regularly:
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