Are you looking for a small, cost-effective apartment?
If you are, you’re not alone! Rent prices are increasing quickly across the US, pricing out many homes that would previously be affordable for the masses and making smaller apartments a better option for many.
One of the best options for those looking to save money on rent is living in a studio apartment. But, the idea of a one-room space can be offputting to a lot of people, especially those used to having one bedroom or more.
But how big is a studio apartment and could you really live in one?
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How Big Is a Studio Apartment?
The average size of a studio apartment in America is 600 square feet or 56 square meters. However, what defines a studio apartment has less to do with size and more to do with layout. A studio apartment combines a living room, bedroom, and sometimes a kitchen into one room, creating an open-plan living space that’s typically smaller than other apartments.
What Defines a Studio Apartment?
The main feature of a studio apartment, big or small, is the combined living area and bedroom. Rather than having one room that you sleep in, another that you watch TV in, and another that you eat in, all of these are in one space. It may sound a little cramped, but these apartments can actually be very spacious and open, creating a cohesive apartment that’s lovely to live in!
There will be a separate bathroom with a toilet, sink, and bath and/or shower. Some studio apartments will also have a separate kitchen off of the main room, dividing the space into three separate rooms, while others will incorporate the kitchen into the main room. Those with a separate kitchen will often be a little pricier, but if you love to cook and would enjoy the separation it might be worth it!
Studio apartment sizes vary wildly. You can find very tiny apartments that are brilliant for student living, giving you all the independence of a larger apartment but without the hefty price tag. You can also find massive, lofty studio apartments that are as expensive as a one-bedroom layout and offer even more space.
To get a better idea, we’d recommend having a look at studio apartments in your local area. This will show you just how much the layouts and sizes can vary.
How Small Is a Small Studio Apartment?
If you’re on a tight budget, you might be looking to get the smallest studio apartment possible. As mentioned earlier, the average studio is around 600 square feet, which is roughly the same size as a high school classroom. But you can find spaces a whole lot smaller than this, especially in cities where space is at a premium and rent is at its highest.
Some studios can go down to as little as 350 square feet, which is very small! However if you don’t have many belongings to store and no need for a large room, it can be the perfect little space to call home.
How Large Is a Big Studio Apartment?
If you’re looking for a larger studio apartment, the average size of 600 square feet (56 square meters) might feel a little too cosy for you. Luckily, apartments can be a fair bit larger than this, especially when they include a separate kitchen too. The largest studio apartments are usually outside of heavily populated areas, and can be as large as 1000 square feet or 93 square meters!
These apartments will be a whole lot more expensive than smaller studios, especially if they’re well designed and contain modern appliances. However, they may still be the same price as smaller studios in cities, where rent is automatically higher!
Ways to Make Living in a Studio Apartment More Comfortable
When thinking about studio apartments size and styles, you might be a little wary of living in one. But many people who are already living in one will tell you that it can be done, and with ease too! With just a few little tricks up your sleeve, you can make studio living a wonderful, contemporary, and cosy way to live.
Here’s a run through of some top tips for studio living.
Invest In a Good Sofa Bed
To maximize the space in your studio apartment, why not opt for a sofa bed rather than a bed and a sofa? These two bulky items can be incorporated into one sleek piece of furniture, giving you more space to live your life during the day. But, one piece of advice we would give is to invest in a quality sofa bed – you don’t want to compromise good sleep by skimping in this area!
If you would prefer to have one of each, check out our guide to styling a sofa in your bedroom.
Use Your Desk as a Dining Table
Whether you’re studying, working from home, or are often browsing your laptop, most people need a desk. Save space by choosing a desk that can also be used as a small dining table (or the other way around) and buying some collapsible or foldable seating for when you have guests.
Movable Seating Is a Must
If you have people over, you’re going to want to make sure everybody has somewhere to sit. But stationary seating is a nightmare in a small studio apartment! Buy pieces you can move easily, like camping chairs or foldable chairs, small bean bags, and large cushions that can double as seats.
Clever Storage Makes All the Difference
A studio apartment can feel cluttered easily, but with some clever storage you can fill your living space with all of your belongings while keeping it neat and tidy. Anything that incorporates hidden storage (including your bed, desk, and footstool) is a definite winner, and having some open shelves with deep baskets to hide your belongings in a way that is less imposing than a large wardrobe is a great idea. Focus on minimalistic storage solutions that won’t crowd your room but will give you plenty of space to store.
Find Your Dream Apartment Size
Now we’ve answered how big is a studio apartment? you should have a better idea of whether this is an option you could look into. With a lot of others moving into their own tiny spaces, definitely don’t say no before you’ve had a look! Or, if you think it just isn’t your cup of tea, check out our blog to different housing sizes to find out more options you can choose from.
