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12 Clever Ideas for Laying Out a Studio Apartment
Find tips for decorating a one-room apartment and making the most of a tiny space.
Make a Seating Area
Bethany Nauert
Do you really want your guests sitting on your bed? Well, maybe some of them. Having a separate seating area will help keep your bedding clean, meaning less trips to the laundry mat. Even if you only have a few square feet to spare, a designated seating area will make the space feel bigger with more purpose. Try a love seat or an apartment-sized sofa. There are plenty of models that also fold out to a bed if you have guests.
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Reinvent a Closet
Bethany Nauert
If you work from home, set up a separate office zone. Think about converting a closet. Take shelves up to the ceiling, and add rolling carts under the desk if you can’t give up all your storage.
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Use See-Through Furniture
Contemporary Seating Area With Barcelona Chairs
Two Barcelona chairs and a lucite coffee table carve out a contemporary seating area perfect for relaxation or conversation. Abstract art adds a bold splash of citron yellow to the design.
Photo by: D2 Interieurs
D2 Interieurs
Decorate with furniture that's transparent. Wicker, slatted wood or Lucite chairs and tables will make the space seem bigger if they blend into the surroundings.
Hide Storage Behind Artwork
Sam Zachrich
That word art on the wall not only displays a sweet sentiment, but it's also a cabinet that conceals jewelry, makeup and other personal items.
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Don't Be Afraid of Large Furniture
Custom Sectional in Small Apartment
This custom-built sectional provides loads of seating as well as a bed for houseguests — the sofa was designed to sleep two. Guests can also sit on the wide sofa back. Photography by Anastassios Mentis
It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes a sectional sofa works best in a small space because the corners are used for seating and not an accent table. Go for furniture without arms or with slim-line arms to avoid bulkiness.
Build Versatile Furniture
If a kitchen table or a desk takes up too much real estate, build a flip-down table that you can fold up when not in use.
Make It: How to Build a Flip-Down Table
Stage the Entry
Bethany Nauert
Fake a formal entry by placing a credenza by the door. Use it like foyer table to drop your keys and bags. Plus, you can use it to store shoes and sweaters.
Employ Curtains
Cozy Studio Bed with Luxurious Fabrics
A readymade bed was painted and built-in to look like custom cabinetry. Airy, floral curtains separate the bed from the rest of the apartment
If your bed or desk is in an alcove, simply hang curtains to lend some privacy and hide clutter when guests come over.
Divide With Storage
Shelving units make great wall dividers with a purpose. They can still allow you to have a full sightline across the apartment, yet they can create zones to separate living and sleeping areas. Plus, they provide extra spots to stash your stuff.
Use All Vertical Space
Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images
Install wall shelves wherever possible. Not only will it increase your storage, but it will draw the eye up and make the room feel bigger.
Go Big on Mirrors
Bethany Nauert
Mirrors are the oldest trick in the book when it comes to making a room feel bigger. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a large reflecting glass. Get more tips for decorating with mirrors >>
Make It Mobile
Put castors on furniture like coffee tables, storage cubes and side chairs. Now, they can easily be moved out of the way or serve a dual purpose.
The House Counselor
Find more small-space design ideas and tips on getting ready to buy your first house.
