Even in a small studio apartment, the right layout can transform the space into a functional and personalized haven. A well-designed layout can make a studio apartment feel open and ample, even if it’s less than 600 square feet. The key is to utilize every square inch creatively with the right decor and organization.
Creating designated spaces and hidden storage areas can be achieved through the use of room dividers, multifunctional furniture, and storage systems. This allows for a more organized and spacious feel in a small apartment.
In this sunny 270-square-foot studio in Montmartre, Paris, smaller furniture helps make the space larger and brighter. Fantastic Frank shows how a loft bed can whip up more livable square footage if you have high ceilings. A 193-square-foot studio apartment layout is a perfect example. The Scandinavian charmer appears larger than its actual size due to gallery white walls and decor that blurs the ceiling start, creating an open and airy effect. Room-warming accents in metal and leather keep the bright white interior from feeling antiseptic. The staircase with built-in drawers is an exciting storage solution, but remember to add handrails for safety. Ludin Fastighetsbyra presents a railroad apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden, less than 190 square feet. Smartly placed decor transformed this minuscule dwelling into a tiny comfortable abode. Creating a multifunctional area for sleeping and socializing with a beautifully styled bed doubling as a sofa was the first order of business. A leggy desk and two small tables add function without detracting from the room’s openness. The cozy Moroccan rug is the perfect finishing touch. Life Edited shows that when it comes to optimizing tiny studios, Graham Hill is a wizard at making them feel twice their size. His company works with architects and developers to create ultra-livable micro-apartments. Hill’s current 350-square-foot studio, shared with his partner and two dogs, keeps the layout fluid for multifunctionality. Double-duty furniture like a modular sofa and expanding coffee table can transform the living room into a dining room. The storage wall across from the TV conceals a Murphy bed. Johner Images / Getty Images demonstrates making the most of every nook and cranny by using existing architectural elements. A shelf within the exposed brick wall is perfect for displaying art and a lamp, while a wide floorboard houses a small stereo. The sofa pulls out to a bed for day and night space maximization. A tiny, low-profile coffee table provides room for snacks, fresh flowers, and reading material. BAM Design Lab shows facing the sofa away from the bed to create two distinct areas in a bright and colorful micro-loft in downtown Los Angeles. The sectional sofa carves out a cozy enclave with a coffee table and basket of blankets further defining it. The cohesive color palette ties it all together, making the apartment feel bigger, brighter, and airier.
10 of 13: Add Built-In Furniture Pieces by Architects If you own your studio apartment, consider investing in clever built-ins and flexible furniture. Features like these can make your space feel huge and may add value to your home when it’s time to sell. The studio in New York’s first micro-apartment building designed by nArchitects has transforming furniture and integrated storage that maximizes square footage. The built-in cabinet wall behind the sofa conceals a Murphy bed. The unit below the TV provides extra room to keep stuff out of sight. Innovative solutions like the double-duty coffee table and expanding kitchen console create more space for dining or working. 11 of 13: Invest in Low-Profile Furniture by Laurel & Wolf Dividing up space for different uses in a box-shaped studio with low ceilings only seems challenging. The trick is using the right furniture. This San Francisco micro-loft is decorated with low-profile and leggier finds. The furnishings don’t take up a lot of vertical space, so the ceiling appears higher. This easy-to-copy layout places a full-sized bed near a low-profile sofa to create additional seating. A room divider at the head of the bed is the tallest object in the apartment. It carves out a dining nook decorated with industrial-inspired furniture. 12 of 13: Hang Curtains for Extra Privacy by White Stone Studios Make your bedroom feel more private with a partition. You can use a folding screen or install built-in sliding doors. But we prefer the simplicity of this room divider curtain spotted in an apartment at White Stone Studios in Phoenix. Just slide it closed at night or whenever you want to have two distinct spaces. 13 of 13: Fuse Function With Style by Homepolish Turn your cookie-cutter studio into a chic one-bedroom apartment with a few budget-friendly pieces. This studio pictured here is a perfect example. First, an IKEA KALLAX bookcase is a room divider with hidden storage space. Display your most artful objects, then stash everything from office supplies to scarves within the closed boxes. It’s a solution that won’t block sunlight, and it’s sized for the perfect small space partition. Next, a lovely, large ikat rug anchors the living room and differentiates the living from the sleeping space. Since the walls are bare, the colorful floor covering makes a big stylish statement. FAQ What is the minimum size of a studio apartment? The average studio apartment ranges from 350 to 600 square feet, though you’ll find a wide range of sizes. They can be as small as 200 feet or less. What’s the difference between a studio apartment and a studio flat? There is no difference between a studio apartment and a studio flat. These are interchangeable terms. What is the best way to separate a bed in a studio apartment? The best way to separate a bed in a studio apartment is to use a room divider. You can also hang curtains, use shelving units, or get a folding screen.