I lived in a studio apartment for a year and let me tell you, it was not easy to decorate. While living in a studio certainly had its perks — cheaper rent, less space to clean — it also brought along its challenges. This room wasn’t just my living room, it was also my bedroom, office, and kitchen. Trying to make sure I had enough space for everything was tricky enough, but I also wanted a space that was cozy and stylish.
Though it was a challenge, I managed to make the space everything I needed it to be by following a few easy tips. It was functional and comfortable without feeling suffocating.
If you’re thinking about moving into a studio apartment, or are in one now but want to revamp the space, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some ideas that will help you to create an optimal studio environment.
Hide Your Bed With a Curtain or Book Shelf
Studios feel extra small if the bed is in the middle of the room. In order to keep things separate, try to put your bed in the corner of the room to create a division between your sleeping area and the rest of the space.
To create even more privacy, hang a curtain around the bed, or use bookshelves to divide the space. While curtains won’t weigh down the room, using bookshelves is a great way to give yourself more storage space.
Use a Room Divider
When wanting to break up an open room, just use a folding room divider to create the illusion of different spaces.
Storage is Everything
Utilize open shelving and don’t be afraid to hang extra shelves on the wall. And, to create even more space, put your bed on top of a custom storage unit. You can use this storage as your dresser or as space for other random items (such as cleaning products, extra sheets, and towels, etc.).
More Than One Function
It’s important that every single piece of furniture serves more than one function in your space. For example, if you work from home, find a table that works as an office workspace and a dining table. If you have room for a couch, maybe invest in one that is a pullout for guests.
If you don’t have room for a bed and a couch, get a daybed! You can use it as a couch during the day to allow for more seating and then use it as a bed for sleeping. If you go the daybed route just make sure to invest in great pillows and bedding, as your bed will be on display 24/7.
Find Furniture That Hides Easily
A Murphy bed is an obvious addition to any studio, but some people don’t want to have to pull their bed down every single night and put it back up in the morning. However, there are other pieces of furniture that can fold away to create space, such as a drop-leaf table.
Keep it Simple
Because you don’t have very much space to work with, it is vital that you keep everything as simple as possible. Don’t overcrowd the studio with unnecessary furniture or knickknacks, only add items that add value. It is also important to stay on top of the clutter. Stacks of mail on the kitchen counter and piles of boxes in the corner are only going to make the studio feel smaller.
