What Is A Studio Apartment? (Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks Explained)

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

A studio apartment is a self-contained living space that typically consists of a single large room serving as the living area, bedroom, and kitchen combined, with a separate bathroom. It is designed to maximize functionality and space efficiency, making it suitable for individuals or couples seeking an affordable and compact living arrangement. Studio apartments usually have an open floor plan, with minimal or no interior walls separating different areas.

What are some characteristics of a studio apartment?

The kind of house you opt to rent may depend on the cost, design, and lifestyle, among other factors. Some of the features of a studio apartment include: 

• The open floor plan. When walls separate the different rooms, that house is no longer a studio apartment. However, housing laws dictate that bathrooms should be separated with a wall and have a door; this is the only separate room in a studio apartment. 

• Affordable rent. An apartment can be expensive, depending on where it is. The differentiating part between the cost between a studio apartment and a traditional apartment is that the rent will always be lower. However, landlords and architects have made better and more sophisticated designs of studio apartments that are not costlier to rent.
• Smaller. This is not a defining characteristic of studio apartments; however, you will often find that they are not spacious. 

What are some types of studio apartments?

Though all studio apartments feature open floor plans, they come in different looks and layouts. Some of the types  include:

1. Alcove studio. Such an apartment follows the same concept as the typical studio apartment, except that it has an L-shaped partition. A clove or nook for the bedroom is created to increase privacy in certain parts of the house.

2. Convertible studio. In such an apartment, you have one big room that you can choose to build a wall in the middle and create two rooms, converting it into a two-room apartment. Building the wall will be from your pocket and not the landlord’s. Some apartment managers do not allow this.

3. Micro apartments. Such an apartment has a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in less than 350 square feet. They are common in highly populated areas.

How big are studio apartments generally?

Studio apartments are generally compact living spaces that are designed to accommodate the basic needs of one person or a couple. While the size of a studio apartment can vary depending on the location and the specific design, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Here’s an overview of the average sizes of studio apartments:

• Square footage: Studio apartments typically range from around 300 to 600 square feet in size. However, in major cities or highly sought-after locations, studio apartments can be even smaller, often measuring between 200 to 400 square feet.
• Layout: Studio apartments are characterized by an open floor plan where there are no separate rooms for bedrooms, living areas, or kitchens. Instead, everything is integrated into one single space, with only the bathroom separated by a door.
• Sleeping area: In most studio apartments, the sleeping area is either created by using a partition, such as a folding screen or curtains or by placing the bed in a corner of the room. Murphy beds or sofa beds are popular choices as they provide the flexibility to use the space for other purposes during the day.
• Living area: The living area in a studio apartment typically consists of a small seating arrangement, such as a sofa or armchairs, and a coffee table. This space serves as the primary area for relaxation, entertaining guests, and watching TV.
• Kitchen and dining: Studio apartments often have a compact kitchenette that includes essential appliances like a refrigerator, cooktop, sink, and microwave oven. Some studio apartments may also have a small dining table or a breakfast bar, but space constraints can limit the size of the dining area.
• Storage: Due to the limited space, storage solutions in studio apartments are crucial. Built-in shelves, closets, or under-bed storage are commonly used to maximize storage space and keep belongings organized.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a studio apartment?

Like other types of apartments, there are some benefits and drawbacks of living in a studio apartment.

Benefits of studio apartments

• Convenience. An open floor plan means you can be in your living room as you grab a jacket in your bedroom. There are no partitions or doors you have to open and distance to walk to get something in the next room. With everything within arm’s reach, the possibilities of what you can achieve without moving are endless.

• It helps to save energy and resources. Many people are concerned with the environment and the depletion of the natural resources at our disposal. Studio apartments offer an optimal solution to reducing energy consumption.

• They have impressive designs and interior décor. Studio apartments offer a different feel from that of the traditional apartment. With the small space with no partitions, it becomes easy to make the design and decor flow the same way all around.
• Relatively affordable. When living alone, it is far cheaper to live in a studio apartment and reduce the expense of renting out big rentals. The utilities needed for survival in this apartment are lower, which reduces the overall cost of living.

• Cleaning is easier. The apartment is one room; you can clean every corner in less than an hour. Also, since you can see almost every part of the room, you will be compelled to keep it tidy.

Disadvantages of studio apartments

• Reduced privacy. The apartment is open from corner to corner. When you have guests, everything you own will be on display. There is no room to hide your dirty laundry or other personal items you wouldn’t want people to see.

• No storage space. Most studio apartments do not offer cabinets or a place to store various household items. Your belongings will be in the open unless you come up with clever ways to keep them.

• It cannot accommodate a lot of furniture. Even with the different designs available, studio apartments cannot accommodate a lot of furniture due to their size and layout. 

What to consider before renting or purchasing a studio apartment

It would help if you thought of the following factors before deciding to rent or buy a studio apartment:

Your budget

How much are you willing to spend on monthly rent or purchase a residence? The cost of a studio apartment may vary depending on where it is, the amenities, and other infrastructures offered. If you have already set a certain amount for it, look for one you can afford, keeping other factors such as your preferred place in mind. 

The livable space available

It is important to access the apartment and see it for yourself before renting or buying. Apartment websites and listings can withhold or exaggerate the size of the apartment.

Amenities and features offered 

Before you agree and sign any document to lease or buy the apartment, you should scout it. Some apartments will offer more space, appliances, and furniture than others. Take advantage of the ones providing more for a lower cost.

Can you use dividers in a studio apartment? 

You can always use dividers if you want the privacy of different rooms.

Some of the dividers you can use include;

• Curtains

Room divider curtains are a great solution for separating the different sections in a studio apartment. They are available in different colors and themes so you can match the walls and décor of the room.

• Sliding doors

Unlike regular doors, sliding doors do not take up as much space. However, they achieve the same results in separating the two sections.

• Ceiling-to-floor shelves

You can erect shelves in your room to cleverly separate different parts of the house and also act as storage units.

• Screens

Screens are available in either glass or wood and make great dividers since they allow light and are easy to install.

The difference between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment

The main difference between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment lies in the layout and separation of living spaces. Here are some key points:

Studio Apartment:

• A studio apartment is typically a single, open-concept living space that combines the bedroom, living area, and kitchen into one room.
• It is usually smaller in size compared to a one-bedroom apartment, making it a more affordable option for individuals or couples on a budget.
• The lack of separate rooms means there is limited privacy and less storage space available.
• Studio apartments are often suitable for individuals who prefer minimalist living or spend less time at home.
• They are easier to clean and maintain due to their smaller size.
• Studio apartments are ideal for those who enjoy a cozy and efficient living space with minimal furniture and belongings.

One-Bedroom Apartment:

• A one-bedroom apartment consists of a separate bedroom, living room, kitchen, and sometimes a dining area.
• It provides more privacy and designated spaces for different activities, allowing for a more comfortable and functional living environment.
• One-bedroom apartments typically offer more square footage than studio apartments, providing additional storage options and room for furniture.
• This type of apartment is suitable for individuals, couples, or small families who value privacy and require more space.
• One-bedroom apartments are popular among those who work from home or entertain guests regularly due to the availability of separate living areas.
• They may come at a higher rental price or cost compared to studio apartments due to the additional space and amenities.

Final Thoughts!

Studio apartments combine all the living areas in one room. Some designs might have dividers separating one room from the other but still feature an open floor plan. They are readily available in urban areas and can house one or two people. You can opt to rent or buy studio apartments depending on your budget and your preferred features and amenities. 

References:

https://www.apartments.com/blog/what-is-a-studio-apartment

https://bungalow.com/articles/studios-vs-one-bedroom-apartments-learn-the-differences-and-how-to-choose