Furnishing an Apartment in Strathfield or Homebush: A Local Rugs & Furniture Buying Guide
Strathfield and Homebush sit right in the middle of Sydney's inner west: Strathfield is a mix of leafy streets and newer apartment towers around the station, while Homebush and the neighbouring Sydney Olympic Park precinct have seen plenty of apartment development. If you've just picked up keys to a one, two or three bedroom unit, furnishing it well comes down to scale. Here is how we help local customers get it right.
Start with the floor plan, not the showroom
Most apartments in the area have an open-plan living and dining zone of roughly 4 to 6 metres in length. Before you shop, measure the living area, the dining nook, the balcony door swing, and the lift and stairwell you'll be carrying furniture through. Note where power points, air-conditioning units and windows sit, because they decide where a TV unit or sofa can actually go.
- Living zone: allow at least 90 cm of walkway around seating.
- Dining zone: allow 90 to 100 cm behind each chair so people can sit and stand comfortably.
- Lift and doors: most lifts and doorways take pieces up to about 2.2 m long if tilted, but always check your building's rules and booking times.
Choose the right rug size for an open-plan unit
A rug is the quickest way to define a living area within an open-plan space. In a small or medium lounge, a 160 x 230 cm rug usually works, with the front legs of your sofa and armchairs sitting on it. In larger living rooms, step up to 200 x 290 cm so all seating sits comfortably on the rug. Avoid a rug that only touches the coffee table; it will make the room feel smaller.
For apartments, we suggest a low-pile modern rug in a mid-tone grey, beige or charcoal. Low pile handles rolling chairs, vacuuming and the wear of daily traffic. If you want a softer, cosier feel in a bedroom or reading corner, a shaggy rug is a great choice, while a round rug can soften a room full of straight lines. Hard floors such as tiles and floating timber are common in newer buildings, so add a non-slip underlay and, if your building has noise rules for neighbours below, choose a denser rug to help dampen sound.
Sofas that fit the stairs and the room
A 3-seater of around 210 to 220 cm is the sweet spot for most apartments. A corner sofa can be excellent in a larger lounge, but measure carefully: a 280 cm chaise setup can swallow a living room that is under 4 m wide. Look for slim arms, raised legs and modular or compact designs that let you see more floor, which helps a room feel larger. You can browse our full range of couches, and if space is tight, compare a smaller two-seater with a compact recliner.
Fabric is forgiving in a sunny apartment and easy to live with, while leather is easy to wipe down but can feel warm in summer. Whichever you choose, sit on it in person, because depth and seat height matter more than most people expect.
Dining tables for small dining nooks
Many Strathfield and Homebush apartments have a dining space just big enough for four. A 120 to 140 cm round table seats four comfortably and has no sharp corners in a tight walkway. If you host often, look for an extendable rectangular table, typically 140 cm closed and up to 180 cm open. Glass and sintered stone tops help a small space feel lighter, while timber adds warmth. Browse our dining table range and pair it with chairs that tuck fully under the table.
Use every centimetre: storage and slim furniture
- Slim console tables of 30 to 35 cm depth suit an entry or behind a sofa.
- Nesting or lift-top coffee tables give you extra surface only when you need it.
- Wall-hung or low TV units keep sightlines open.
- Bed frames with storage replace bulky wardrobes in smaller bedrooms.
Visit us before you buy
Homebush and Strathfield are a short drive from our Lidcombe showroom, so you can see the sizes, colours and finishes in person before you decide. Read more on our Lidcombe store page or see all locations on the Our Sydney Stores page. Bring your floor plan, a photo of your space and your rough budget, and our team can help you pick pieces that fit your apartment as well as your style.
Quick checklist before you order
- Measure the room, door, lift and stairwell.
- Mark the rug and sofa footprint on the floor with masking tape.
- Decide on low pile or high pile based on foot traffic and cleaning habits.
- Check your building's move-in booking rules and delivery windows.
Furnishing an apartment is a chance to build a home that feels bigger than it is. With careful measuring and a few smart choices, your Strathfield or Homebush place can feel comfortable, stylish and easy to live in.
