What is a Studio Apartment?

Moving into your own space is exciting, and studio apartments offer a great way to live on your own — especially if you’re on a budget. Understanding what a studio apartment is, how it differs from other types of apartments, and its advantages and disadvantages will help you find the perfect apartments or studios for rent.

What is a studio apartment?

By definition, studio apartments are single-room dwellings in which the bedroom, kitchen, and living room are all part of an open floor plan, with the bathroom being the only room to have walls and a door. Though many people think the size of a space determines whether it’s considered a studio apartment, it’s actually the rooms (or, in the case of a studio apartment, that one room) that define an apartment.

Most studio apartments are between 400 and 600 square feet, although you can find larger studios and studios with L-shaped floor plans during your search for rent studio apartments. As for cost, studios typically fall on the lower end of the apartment price spectrum since you’re paying for less square footage.

Smaller studios typically offer some of the cheapest options for renters looking to live solo, but not all studios are less expensive and smaller than other possibilities in your city. For example, you might find a large, loft-style studio that costs more than a regular one-bedroom apartment. That’s why it’s always helpful to research the average rental prices where you plan to live before you sign your lease.

Benefits of studio apartments

Studio apartments offer plenty of benefits. Some of the best perks include:

• Affordability. Studios are more affordable than other apartments, making them a top option for budget-minded and first-time renters.
• Flexibility. Studios can be easily adapted to fit your changing needs. For example, you can use a divider to create a bedroom area or shelves to create more storage space.
• Easy cleaning: You can make cleaning tasks much easier when you have a smaller home. You also can’t escape clutter by moving into another room, so you may be more inspired to keep your studio apartment tidy.
• Neighborhood-focused lifestyle: Since you can’t change up your surroundings by going into another room, you’ll want to take advantage of downtime by exploring outside your living space.

Drawbacks of studio apartments

The small space associated with studio apartments also comes with some disadvantages, though. These includes:

• Not great for couples: If you live with a partner or roommate, you won’t get much privacy in a studio apartment. Studios with an L-shaped floor plan can offer a more appealing option for couples looking for a studio apartment.
• Minimal storage space: If you’re moving in with lots of belongings, figuring out where to put everything can pose a challenge in a studio. You may need to get creative with your storage solutions, such as using under-bed storage bins or installing shelves.
• Potential for loneliness: Solo apartment life isn’t ideal for anyone, and studio apartments can create an isolated home life. If you’re drawn to studio apartments because they fit into your budget but think this structure will have you feeling lonely, you might consider going for a multi-room apartment with roommates instead.

Studio apartments vs. other types of apartments

You might also come across efficiency apartments and one-bedroom apartments when looking for studios or apartments for rent. Therefore, understanding the main differences between these options will help you find the best apartment for your needs.

Studio apartments typically differ from efficiency apartments in these ways:

• Kitchen: Efficiency apartments may have a kitchenette instead of the full kitchen that studio apartments have. A kitchenette might only include a stovetop with just one or two burners and a mini-fridge.
• Size: Both studio apartments and efficiency apartments include one room with space for sleeping, lounging, and cooking within it, but efficiency apartments are usually smaller than their studio counterparts.
• Price: Because they have limited kitchen functionality and space overall, efficiency apartments usually cost less than studio apartments.

Studio apartments typically differ from one-bedroom apartments in these ways:

• Rooms, size, and privacy. Unlike a studio, a one-bedroom apartment has a separate bedroom with a door. Also, one-bedroom apartments generally have far more square footage than studio apartments. Therefore, one-bedroom apartments offer more privacy than studio apartments.
• Price. Although this can vary depending on location and size, one-bedroom apartments are generally more expensive than studio apartments.
• Amenities. One-bedroom apartments may offer additional amenities not found in studio apartments, such as in-unit laundry, dishwashers, and private balconies or patios.

How to maximize your space in a studio apartment

Decorating a studio apartment can be challenging. On the one hand, you want to make the most of your space. On the other hand, you don’t want your apartment to feel like a dorm room. Here are a few tips to help you strike the right balance.

• Distinguish spaces. Let furniture, area rugs, or even privacy screens define different spaces in your home. For instance, you could set a trunk or bookcase between your sleeping and living areas.
• Get double the functionality from your furniture. When it comes to studios, less is more. Stick with pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a couch that doubles as a guest bed or a coffee table that doubles as storage.
• Make hidden space your best friend. Use the extra space under your bed by putting under-the-bed storage bins there. Likewise, you can use space under your couch or the back of your bathroom door to store things.
• Use your walls wisely. Hang curtains to divide the space and create the illusion of separate rooms. Add mirrors to reflect light and make the limited space feel larger.
• Add personal touches. Take advantage of vertical space by hanging photos and shelves high on the walls to give your studio apartment personality and style.

Living in a studio apartment gives you the freedom to decorate exactly how you want. Again, these apartments are often a top option for renters on a budget or first-time renters. You can quickly turn a smaller space into a comfortable home by using your creativity.

Ready to look for a studio apartment? Check out thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find the one that’s right for you.