What Is a Studio Apartment? 3 Helpful Examples (With Pictures)

One option you have when it comes to finding a more compact place to live is a studio apartment.

What is a studio apartment?
A studio apartment is the smallest type of apartment. In a studio apartment, you only have one room that will include every function of the space, except for the bathroom.   

However, there are tons of different styles of studio apartments.

This means that you are almost guaranteed to find the best one that suits your lifestyle.  With the right amount of research, you may find the living in a studio apartment is exactly what you need.

Here is everything you need to know about studio apartments so that you can begin your downsizing journey worry-free!

How Big Are Studio Apartments?

Before knowing if a studio apartment will work for downsized life, you need to know if the space is right for you.

The average size of a studio apartment ranges from 200 to 500 square feet.  However, it isn’t the size of the apartment that is important, but the way it is designed.

The size of a studio apartment all depends on the layout.

There are several different studio layouts that exist.  It is also important to remember that like people, each apartment has it’s own personality.  Studio apartments are also a great way to get creative with the space you are given.

By definition, a studio apartment is an apartment that features only one main room that includes everything:

• Bedroom
• Kitchen
• Living room
• Dining room

In fact, the only separate room that you find in most studio apartments is the bathroom.

How Much Does A Studio Apartment Cost?

We have written a very helpful article with rent prices for studios in 54 different American cities.

These are real numbers from the rental market in each city and it’s a very helpful resource when you are looking for a (very) cheap place to stay.

 

What Does a Studio Apartment Look Like?

The best way to envision yourself in a studio apartment is to know what they look like.

Each studio apartment will have it’s own look and feel, but there are great resources that can help you imagine your downsized life.

What Is The Standard Layout Of A Studio Apartment?

The layout of a studio apartment depends on the building it is housed in.  Older houses that were converted into apartments will offer a different experience than corporate built complexes.

However, the idea behind studio apartments is the same.

This beautiful studio shows you just what you can get with a studio located in a complex.

Large complex’s like this can run you a pretty penny, but you always have to comfort of amenities.  Residences like this one come fully equipt with pools and gyms on location.

These amenities can help to ease the blow of living in a smaller space.

One thing to keep in mind about studio apartments like these is that they run on average $1,000-$2,00o. See price per city here.

While the extras that you get are desirable, many people who want to downsize are also looking to downsize their rent.

Also, properties like these often are lacking that certain sense of character.

However, if you have the money to spare and are looking for more from an apartment, this may just work for you!

Another Layout Example

The best part about studio apartments is that they are easy to find.

However, finding one that suits your sense of creativity can be challenging.  Landlords have seen this need for more apartments with character and have found a way for tenants to get the best of both worlds.

Old historical structures are constantly being repurposed into beautiful rental units. 

Because these houses already lack space, they make excellent studio apartments. This means that you can still downsize your life without having to settle for expensive condos.

Studio apartments like these will typically cost 30-40% more than an old place that hasn’t been renovated. See price per city here.

Re-furnished Studio Apartment Style

Another option for studio apartments are rentals that have been renovated with the newest appliances and upgrades.

This is the great “middle of the road” choice for people who want both character and convenience from their studio apartment. 

Much like this Portland studio, these apartments are aimed at offering comfort and quality over quantity.

These types of studio apartments are either found in converted homes or in small complexes.  While you won’t be getting the same amenities that you would from studio condos, you won’t have to worry with aging home problems either.

Best of all, these types of studio apartments come at a reasonable price tag of $600-$1,200 a month on average. See price per city here.

How Many People Can Live In A Studio Apartment?

A studio apartment is best suited for singles, couples, and couples with one child. If you have more than one child you will need at least a one-bedroom apartment or a two-bedroom apartment space.

Knowing if you can comfortably live in a studio apartment will depend on how many occupants you have.

Also, different states have different rules when it comes to occupancy.

This has everything to do with the safety of the home.  Cramming six people into such a small space is not only unsafe, in many cases, but it’s also illegal.

This, of course, depends on the age of the child.  Most couples don’t mind sharing their sleeping space with a young child.

However, once the child ages, they will require their own sleeping space.

 

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Studio Apartment?

If you have decided to take the next step and find your own studio apartment, don’t get lost in the details.

Small spaces, like studio apartments, can seem overwhelming.  Don’t let the lack of floor space get you down.  There are plenty of ways to make every single square foot of your apartment count!

If you are decorating or optimizing a studio apartment space you DEFINITELY should check out our 32 tips on optimizing a studio apartment space.

The first thing you will want to do is to get a good idea of how much space you will be working with.

Measuring your studio apartment before figuring out how you want to furnish it is the way to go.

Remember, when working with smaller areas, it is important to keep the furnishings light to help the room appear bigger.

Bed Options

Perhaps the most important piece of furniture for a studio apartment is the bed.

This is because your bedroom will also be doubling as a living space.  This means that guests will more than likely be gathering around your bed when you entertain.

If you are planning on living alone, you should consider purchasing a bed that has less bulk and more guest appeal.  Day beds are a great option for these types of apartments because they can double as a sitting area for guests.

Also, their compact size allows for more floor space and a more open feel.

If you are in a couple, you should consider going with a Murphy style bed.  These beds fold up against the wall when not in use.

Here you can find our recommendations on where to find the cheapest Murphy beds.

This way your living space will look less like a cluttered bedroom.  Also, your guests will appreciate having other options for seating beside your bed.

Size Tricks

When it comes to making your place look bigger, it has less to do with the furniture and more to do with design.  They are plenty of ways to help your place feel small but mighty.

The first trick is to use mirrors in place of heavy artwork.

Mirrors give the illusion of a wide open space.  Perfectly places long mirrors will help your studio apartment to feel endless.

The most important thing you can do to make your studio apartment feel larger is to keep the light in mind.  Windows are studio apartments best friend.

Without windows, your home may feel like a closed box.  Utilize as much natural light in your home as possible.  Choose light and sheer window fabrics instead of heavy thick curtains.

This way your studio apartment will feel like a breezy and full of life.

Wrapping It Up!

Studio apartments are not only great for downsizing, but they are also pretty great on your wallet too.  The most important thing you have to do before moving into a studio apartment is to make sure you are prepared.

Studio apartments can quickly become cluttered with unneeded stuff.

So, before you make the move, make sure you are only bringing along the things you really need and want.

This way you won’t be tripping over stacks of newspapers and clothes each time you want to cross your apartment.

At the end of the day, studio apartments are the perfect vessel for your downsized life, as long as you do it right.