Standard Interior Dimensions

How to use this resource

Use dimensions as a starting point, not a substitute for design judgement.

“Standard” dimensions help test whether a layout is plausible, but interiors are built around real people, products and buildings. Comfortable clearances may be larger than regulatory minimums, while accessible projects can require substantially more space.

Primary passage≈900 mmUseful everyday reference

Kitchen aisle1000–1200+Increase for multiple users

Wardrobe depth≈600 mmTypical hanging depth

Dining height740–760 mmCommon table range

Dimension hierarchy: applicable regulations / specialist requirements → current manufacturer data → verified site conditions → project-specific ergonomic needs → generic planning references.

Circulation + clearances

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Primary circulation path	900–1200 mm	Comfortable everyday movement; increase for shared or accessible routes.
Secondary passage	750–900 mm	Useful where traffic is occasional.
Wheelchair turning circle	≈1500 mm	Common reference only; verify the applicable accessibility standard.
Internal door clear opening	≈800–900 mm	Check local requirements and project needs.

Living room

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Sofa seat height	400–460 mm	Varies by sofa style and user comfort.
Sofa seat depth	500–650 mm	Deep lounge sofas may exceed this.
Coffee table height	350–450 mm	Typically close to or below sofa seat height.
Sofa to coffee table	350–450 mm	Allows reach and leg room.
Main passage around seating	750–900+ mm	Increase where it is a primary route.

Dining

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Dining table height	740–760 mm	Typical residential range.
Chair seat height	430–480 mm	Coordinate with table underside.
Table edge to wall	750–900 mm	Allows chair use.
Table edge to circulation	1000–1200+ mm	Useful behind occupied chairs.
Place setting width	550–650 mm/person	Increase for generous dining.
Pendant above tabletop	700–900 mm	Adjust to fixture and sightlines.

Bedroom

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Bedside clearance	600–750 mm	Comfortable everyday access.
Main circulation beside bed	750–900 mm	Increase near wardrobes.
Bed-end clearance	750–900 mm	Useful to opposite furniture/wall.
Wardrobe depth	≈600 mm	Typical hanging depth.
Space in front of wardrobe	900–1200 mm	Increase for hinged doors.

Kitchen

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Worktop height	≈900 mm	Common reference; tailor to users/system.
Base cabinet depth	≈600 mm	Typical nominal depth.
Wall cabinet depth	300–380 mm	Varies by system.
Worktop to wall cabinet	450–600 mm	Coordinate with reach and appliances.
Single-user aisle	1000–1100 mm	Useful planning range.
Multi-user aisle	1200–1400 mm	More comfortable for two cooks.
Island seating width	550–650 mm/person	Increase for larger stools.
Island knee space	250–350+ mm	Depends on stool and support.
Extractor above hob	Manufacturer-specific	Use appliance instructions, not a generic number.

Bathroom

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Vanity height	800–900 mm	Coordinate with basin and users.
Vanity depth	450–600 mm	Depends on basin/storage.
WC centreline to side obstruction	≥400–450 mm typical	Planning reference only; verify local standards.
Clear space in front of WC	600–750+ mm	Increase for comfort/accessibility.
Compact shower reference	900 × 900 mm	Practical starting point, not universal minimum.
Comfortable shower	1000 × 1000 mm+	More room for movement.
Towel rail height	1000–1200 mm	Adjust to rail and users.

Home office

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Desk height	720–750 mm	Common seated work range.
Desk depth	600–800 mm	Increase for large monitors/drawings.
Desk width	1200–1800+ mm	Depends on equipment.
Clearance behind chair	900–1200 mm	Increase if people circulate behind.
Book shelf depth	250–300 mm	Larger objects need more.

Storage + wardrobes

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Hanging wardrobe depth	≈600 mm	Check hanger and door system.
Short-hang zone	≈1000–1100 mm	Shirts/jackets.
Long-hang zone	≈1500–1700 mm	Coats/long dresses.
Folded-clothing shelf	350–450 mm	Coordinate with storage method.
Shoe shelf depth	300–350 mm	Larger footwear may need more.
Drawer clearance in front	750–900+ mm	Allow standing room with drawer open.

Doors + controls

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Internal door height	≈2000–2100 mm	Regional standards/design vary.
Door handle height	≈900–1050 mm	Check accessibility requirements.
Light switch height	≈900–1100 mm AFF	Studio convention/jurisdiction varies.
General socket height	≈250–450 mm AFF	Coordinate with furniture/skirting.
Kitchen worktop socket	≈1050–1200 mm AFF	Coordinate with actual worktop.
Thermostat/control	≈1200–1500 mm AFF	Consider accessibility/alignment.

Lighting + ceiling

Element	Reference dimension	Planning note
Dining pendant	700–900 mm above top	Adjust to fixture and sightlines.
Island pendant	750–950 mm above top	Coordinate with task light.
Curtain pocket depth	150–250+ mm	Depends on tracks/fullness.
Bedside wall light	Project-specific	Set from mattress/headboard/user.
Bathroom mirror light	Project-specific	Set from face height/mirror geometry.
Downlight spacing	Lighting-design dependent	Use beam/task/ceiling height, not a generic grid.

Standard Interior Dimensions