This article presents a reflection on four virtual reality (VR) research projects to foreground questions about how physical and sensory interactions are incorporated into VR narratives. The four projects explore a range of experiences, from interactions with digitally mediated and found objects, to sensory interactions and outdoor play. Bringing these projects together here offers an opportunity to contribute insight into conceptualizations of diegetic design and the ‘design space’ of VR, providing questions and considerations towards designing sensory experiences for narratives in VR.