Small-space living has never been more popular, with entire websites dedicated to tips for furnishing, organizing, and decorating studio apartments. Most studio apartments are 300-600 square feet, so every inch of space counts, and it takes creativity (and a few genius storage hacks) to get the most out of less space.
With a few simple tricks, you can fool the eye and learn how to make a smaller space appear larger. Start by maximizing vertical space, then check out our recommendations for multipurpose furniture, closet organization solutions, and under-bed storage.
If you live in a studio, remember, it doesn’t mean sacrificing style for function!
Survival Tip #1: Create Separate Spaces Within One Room
Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, a studio apartment has one main room, sometimes with a single-wall kitchen rather than a kitchen in a separate room. Only the bathroom–and possibly a closet space–are separated by doors. This means you may have to live, cook, and sleep in the same area.
Creating a sense of distinct separation for those parts of your life (work and play) will not only help you sleep better but create the illusion of multiple rooms.
You can use the following faux wall ideas in your studio:
These create the feel of a separate bedroom area while still maintaining the airy, spacious feel of your apartment. Pro tip: Use color, texture, and lighting to make your dividers decorative rather than utilitarian.
If you don’t have quite enough square footage for “walls,” rugs are another way to define functional zones. A rug can define a living area, a sleeping space, a dining area, or a home office. Combined with thoughtfully arranged furniture, rugs can make a tiny studio feel like a collection of different zones without breaking up sight lines.
If you’d prefer your studio to have a cozier feel (or you just prefer to eat on the couch while watching TV), you don’t have to divide your space into a bunch of separate “rooms.”. You can dedicate the bulk of your workable square footage to your bedroom area and skip a dining area. If you don’t work from home often, then you may not need a home office area.
Survival Tip #2: Buy Furniture Designed with Studio Living in Mind
Choosing the right furniture for your studio apartment is essential. If you choose wrong, your space could feel cramped. Your best bet is to look for pieces designed for small studio living with built-in storage and easy configuration for different uses.
For instance, a three-in-one convertible chair that effortlessly switches from chair to chaise to bed is perfect for guests. A loveseat sleeper provides a comfy spot to relax during the day and a cozy bed at night. A faux leather storage ottoman adds a touch of luxury to your living space and hides clutter.
Here are some other furniture ideas for studios:
- A kitchen table that folds away when not in use
- A bed with a headboard that doubles as shelving
- A day bed with pull-out drawers
- Nesting side tables that can be spread out or stacked to save space
- A standing rack for extra clothing storage
- A Murphy bed that is stored in a low-profile armoire
One of my prized pieces is a thrift store round drop-leaf table we use for our dining table. It normally has one leaf down and sits next to a window. For guests, we raise both leaves and move the table away from the window to seat everyone comfortably.
Survival Tip #3: Invest in Smart Storage Solutions
The real secret to an organized studio apartment is smart storage solutions. Remember: clutter can quickly take over a tiny space.
Investing in furniture with built-in storage can be a game-changer. A coffee table with a lift-up top or a storage bench offers hidden compartments for your belongings.
Think creatively about ways to create storage space:
- Slim storage bins under your bed are great for seasonal clothes or extra linens.
- Wall-mounted shelves add storage without taking up floor space.
- Under-sink storage frees up your kitchen counter space
- Attractive storage boxes can be displayed openly as part of your decor.
For rarely used items, such as holiday decorations or sports gear, consider renting a storage unit to keep your home clutter-free. You can also read our article on tips for downsizing if you need a little extra help letting go of items.
Survival Tip #4: Refer to Interior Design Tips for Small Apartments
Interior design isn’t just about making a space beautiful; it’s about transforming it into a usable and functional space. In a studio apartment, strategic design choices can turn “meh” into “wow!”.
A favorite trick for limited-space areas is using a mirror as a decorative element. Mirrors can visually expand your space, reflecting light and creating depth.
Embracing natural light can also make even the smallest studio feel open and airy. I hung sheers on our windows for privacy and kept the wooden blinds open during the day.
Some other great tips for tiny apartment design are:
- Paint walls, trim, and ceilings white, or use a monochromatic scheme in a light color.
- Use floor-to-ceiling curtains to add height and drama.
- Opt for light furniture, like glass or acrylic tables, to reduce visual clutter.
- Be creative with clothing storage.
Find personal touches to customize your own space with pops of color or unique decor to add character. If you need inspiration, search social media for interior design bloggers who are passionate about small space decor. Once you discover your style, you’ll live in a studio you love.
Survival Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Keep Your Space Clean
A clean studio apartment is a happy studio apartment. When your entire apartment consists of one small space, even a little mess feels overwhelming. There’s no hiding your daily messes behind a closed door. This is why savvy studio dwellers insist that you should make your bed every day.
To prevent messes from “harshing the vibe” of your small apartment, establish a regular cleaning schedule. Use easy-to-store tools like a stick vacuum and a Swiffer with wet clothes for spotless floors. We also recommend investing in an attractive hamper with a lid for our dirty laundry.
If you find that maintaining cleanliness is tough, consider hiring an apartment cleaning service.
Another tip is to declutter often. The ‘one-in, one-out’ rule is a great strategy: for every new item you bring in, another should go out. Donate your old items or place them in a community swap area.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve moved to a new city and are planning to live in a studio, you may have realized you don’t have room for your extra belongings. You might be considering renting an off-site storage unit, but you’re worried about the additional expense.
You can save on the cost of storage by renting through Neighbor–a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that can help you find storage prices 30–50% lower than traditional options. They offer self-storage spaces in all 50 states. Chances are, you can store your items with a trusted host in your neighborhood instead of a big-box storage franchise
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