A studio apartment, sometimes known as an efficiency, usually consists of one room that serves as the kitchen, bedroom and living space. A studio makes a good option if you want to downsize your belongings or have a limited budget for rent, but also poses a classic challenge for an interior designer: how do you make the most of such small space? These small studio apartment decorating ideas will help maximize the floor space you have while creating the impression of more room.
Light It Up with Wall-Mounted or Hanging Lamps
Providing extra light can make a studio apartment bright and airy, so decorate with light colors and let as much natural light shine as possible.
Instead of floor or table lamps that take up precious floor real estate, use sconces, ceiling fixtures or shelf- or wall-mounted lamps.
Reflect on Mirrors
One of the best-known methods to make a living area look bigger is by freely using wall mirrors, which amplify the available light while creating the impression of more space.
Mirrored tile as well as mirrored furniture such as chests and coffee tables provide a similar function.
Elevate Your Eyeline
Use open shelving storage systems and decor that takes advantage of the upper walls and draws the eye higher, conveying a taller ceiling.
You can also open up the space by hanging curtains above the window line, close to the ceiling.
Bring Down Your Furniture
Similarly, chairs, sofas, coffee tables and other pieces that are lower to the floor than standard also create the effect of tall ceilings and greater spaciousness.
Consider doing without a standard bed frame as long as you don’t sacrifice your comfort.
Put Storage on Display
Studio apartment ideas should include the fact that storage is often at a premium in a small apartment, so try open shelving and consider which of your items can double as creative decor.
- Hang your bicycle near the front door or hook pots and pans onto a kitchen ceiling rack.
- Use an empty wall as an open-air closet, especially if you have a fun assortment of hats or other items you want to show off.
Store Items Behind Doors
Consider the possibility of storing items on the back of the bathroom, closet or even the front door. Install over-the-door hooks to hang storage racks or baskets that fit the available space.
Raise a Loft Bed
If you’re comfortable with an elevated sleeping arrangement, install a loft bed. You can use the space underneath as a small home office, closet or computer nook. You can even close off the nook with decorative curtains when not in use.
Make Your Day Bed
Arrange your bed against a wall length-wise and choose covers and throw pillows to make it a comfortable, attractive sitting area during the day and a sleeping space at night.
A Murphy bed can be completely concealed and save a significant amount of interior space.
Divide and Conquer with Partitions
Dividers and other kinds of partitions can change the layout to make multiple rooms out of one.
A bookcase can serve as a wall between the dining area and the sleeping area, or block off a home office or storage space. You can also use portable shutter-style or panel dividers or curtains to conceal certain areas of your home if guests come over.
Furnish With a Dual Purpose
Choose furniture designed to have more than one function, such as a bed or sofa that has built-in storage, a coffee table that makes a comfortable dining surface or a trunk or ottoman that can offer extra seating.
Consider Bold Colors or Patterns
Decorating with bold colors or patterns on your carpeting, furniture and wallpaper, such as a monochromatic color scheme on the walls and furnishings, can have an oversized impact.
- White or bright colors maximize light and convey interior airiness.
- Stripes are a classic means of drawing the eye upward.
Think Minimal
Avoid a cluttered look with a minimal design, that includes simple artwork and smaller pieces of furniture with clean lines instead of ornate furnishings to keep your limited space from seeming cramped or busy.
Studio apartment ideas can inspire big goals even when the space is small. Less is more in the interior of a tiny apartment, so edit your belongings as much as possible before decorating. Ready to furniture your space? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.