Experts Reveal How to Decorate a Studio Apartment so It Doesn’t Feel Cluttered
A little creative thinking goes a long way.
Decorating for a small space can be challenging, especially if that one area holds your bedroom, living room, and kitchen. A studio apartment presents a unique set of design challenges, but that doesn’t mean this space is destined to be cluttered. When figuring out how to decorate a studio apartment, creative thinking is a necessity.
Storage, or a lack thereof, plays a huge part in why studio apartments aren’t most people’s first choice. Getting strategic in how shelves are hung, the type of furniture chosen, and the layout of everything can help you hide away a lot more than you might think possible, and can even make this space feel larger. To maximize square footage, prioritizing built-ins, storage furniture, and the vertical space in your home is essential.
For designer tips on how to decorate a studio apartment, keep reading. There’s plenty of inspiration to look at that’ll hopefully make you love your space, no matter the size.
Additional copy by Medgina Saint-Elien and Meghan Shouse.
Opt for a Daybed
Not enough room for both a sofa and a bed frame? Choose a piece of furniture that can do both. A daybed is a great option for equally comfortable sitting and sleeping places. Plus, a daybed can easily be disguised as a chic sofa when it's time to entertain guests. Take inspiration from this salon in House Beautiful's 2023 Whole Home.
Swath Your Space in One Hue
The quickest way to get a cohesive look in such a small room is to choose one pattern/color/print and use it on everything. And we really do mean everything. This studio apartment idea comes from this bedroom by designer Wendy Labrum where large-scale checks are used on all the walls, upholstery, and even window treatments.
Use Light Colors
One of the easiest ways to make a studio apartment—or any small space—feel larger is by painting the walls white. Gabriela Eisenhart from Silo Studios explains that in this Atlanta apartment, they wanted to enhance the use of natural light, but with the old walls being painted a dark gray color, it was hard to make the space feel airy. “We brightened up the space with white paint on the walls and light white oak floors, which instantly gave it a larger, more open feel as it invites the light to reflect throughout,” Eisenhart says.
Related Story: The 13 White Paint Colors Designers Swear By
Maximize Vertical Space
When you're limited on square footage, there's only one thing left to do: Build up, not out. One of the 2024 Creator Class members and an expert in designing small spaces, Alexandra Gater, says, “While your first instinct might be to fill your walls with art, consider using them for storage, especially when floor space is limited. A desk like this not only provides functionality but also adds significantly more storage than just placing an art print above it.”
Related Story: Stylish Design Ideas for Small Bedrooms
Create Intentional Division
When your studio apartment is made up of only four walls, simply add your own in a renter-friendly way. “Using furniture to create division in your studio apartment is a great way to add a visual divide, plus it’s functional too!” Alexandra Gater explains. “I used a Kallax shelf from Ikea at the foot of the bed and made it look built-in with trim on the top and bottom. That, paired with a curtain installed on the ceiling beside the bed, helps give the illusion of a bedroom in this tiny 150-square-foot space.”
Related Story: 39 Unique Room Divider Ideas
Use Smart Storage Solutions
While some may find themselves lucky enough to have a studio apartment with a good layout, that isn't always the case. And if you're one of the unlucky ones, then you're going to have to get clever with your storage solutions. Sarah Tract says that in this NYC home, her team “maximized every corner of this apartment” in part by adding this wall-to-wall dresser into this little nook. The best part is it still leaves room to build up the wall with shelves or more lighting.
Related Story: 25 Expert Storage Ideas for Bedrooms with No Closets
Choose an Unconventional Layout
How you set out your furniture in a studio apartment idea can make or break the space. “Consider layouts that may be unconventional but segment your space in meaningful ways,” Dan Mazzarini,
principal and creative director at Mazzarini & Co., explains. “Think of floating a bed with a dresser behind to create a sleeping nook and dressing area, or consider an extra large banquette in lieu of a sofa to pull up a table and chairs. Voila! You have a place to work, lounge, dine and entertain, all in one,” he adds.
Related Story: The Feng Shui Bed Placement Rules You Should Always Follow
Layer Your Paints
Not only does painting your studio apartment immediately make the space feel more personal, but it can also affect how you see the size of the room. Dan Mazzarini explains that while painting a big rectangle on your wall can be a great backdrop for art, it can also add dimension and depth, making the space feel taller.
Related Story: Using the 60-30-10 Color Rule Will Help You Coordinate Any Room
Go Maximalist
We know, we know—maximalist style in a studio apartment idea can so easily become cluttered and overwhelming. However, designer and 2021 Next Waver Nicholas Obeid explains, “In a small space, too little can be as dangerous as too much.” He says to combat the cramped feeling, he had to pay attention to the scale of the furniture he put in his Chelsea studio. This variation makes the whole apartment feel more dynamic.
Related Story: 16 Maximalist Decorating Ideas That Interior Designers Love
Create Multifunctional Areas
Everyone loves a smart storage solution, but it's especially important to do so in studio apartments. In the same Chelsea apartment as above, Nicholas Obeid used this vintage cabinet as both a place to hold his sneaker collection and as a makeshift bar. “Who doesn't want a cocktail while shoe shopping?” the designer mused.
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Choose Smaller Furniture Pieces
A spindle-y chair and a square side table are right at home in this bite-sized entryway designed by Devin Kirk. Thanks to their smaller stature, they don't overwhelm the tight corner and instead feel right at home.
Use Seating as a Side Table
If you love to entertain, like designer J.P. Horton does, you know the qualms of ensuring there's enough seating for all your guests. But in a studio apartment, there's no attic or basement to store those extra seats in. Instead, use your spare seating as a nightstand or side table to keep it out of the way until your next dinner party rolls around.
Create an Illusion
With studio apartment ideas, you sometimes have to trick the eye into thinking there is more space than there really is. In this bedroom designed by Rayman Boozer, these nightstands feature chrome legs that reflect light and give the appearance of floating.
Add Top-Shelf Storage
To maximize space in this bedroom, designer Melanie Millner wrapped the cubby-like bookcase built-ins over the doorway. This allows for extra storage space without taking up too much room.
Vary Your Seating
To give an airy and light appearance in this small city apartment, David Frazier opted for many different styles of seating with plenty of negative space. This allows for a less full appearance; a club chair or armchair would've looked too heavy for the small space.
Add Cohesion With Paneling
In order to bridge the various zones in this apartment, designer Rodney Lawrence wrapped a thin strip of paneling around the entire room.
Wall-Mount Your Lighting
Rather than have a floor lamp take up more valuable square footage in a studio apartment idea, Devin Kirk chose to install wall sconces instead for this seating area. This keeps the floors clear which minimizes the look of clutter.
Forgo a Kitchen Table
In Bjorn Wallander's 350-square-foot studio apartment, there's no room for a kitchen table. Instead, the photographer chose counter stools that can easily be tucked under the counter when not in use.
Store Knickknacks on Windowsills
One of the hardest parts of decorating a studio apartment idea is running out of flat surfaces too quickly. Make sure your beloved trinkets get valuable real estate by showcasing them on your windowsill, like photographer Bjorn Wallander, instead of another side table or bookshelf that you don't have room for.
Try a Murphy Bed
Double your square footage by simply folding up your bed when you're not in it. This chic option, designed by Michael Chen of MKCA, boasts a two-tone color palette and a paneled exterior for added architectural detail.
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