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.
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KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI
1
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.
Aimée Mazzenga
2
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.
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MARC MAULDIN
3
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
Carla Antonio
4
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
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Carla Antonio
5
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
Reid Rolls
6
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
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Reid Rolls
7
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
Adam Kane Macchia
8
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
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Read McKendree
9
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
Read McKendree
10
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.
Related Story: Bar Cart Styling Tips
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Nicolas Gourguechon
11
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.
Trevor Tondro
12
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.
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Manu Rodríguez
13
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.
Emily Followill
14
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.
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Gieves Anderson
15
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.
Marili Forastieri
16
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.
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Jonny Valiant
17
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.
Bjorn Wallander
18
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.
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Bjorn Wallander
19
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.
Alan Tansey
20
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.
Related: What Is a Murphy Bed?
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Ngoc Minh Ngo
21
Divide With “Floating” Art
Interior designer Max Sinsteden made his sleep zone feel separate from the rest of the studio apartment by hanging a floor-to-ceiling curtain and then suspending a “floating” painting to distinguish it even more. “I hate seeing a bed from the front door, so I added a curtain to partition that space. When you close it, you honestly feel like you’re in a Parisian hotel,” he tells House Beautiful. The living room he carved out is ideal for hanging out with friends.
Related: How to Get Good at Buying Art
Leanne Ford Interiors
22
Skip the Sectional
Think of fun ways to bring in additional seating to your studio apartment idea that doesn’t take up square footage. This eclectic and organic space designed by Leanne Ford Interiors is a lifesaver for anyone who loves to host guests but doesn’t know where to put them. Two small stools work as coffee tables, cushions piled on top of a ledge serve as a makeshift sofa, and a swing hangs from the low ceiling.
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Nicolas Sargent
23
Elevate Your Bed
Take your dreams to new heights with a swinging daybed like the one in this room designed by Tiffany Brooks for the Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House. It saves floor space and adds a playful element to your space.
Joshua McHugh
24
Create a Backdrop
Give your studio a grand feel with high-impact textiles on the wall and floor. This mural creates a sense of expansiveness. Pared down furnishings, like the chaise and simple side table in this space designed by Raji RM, keep the focus where it belongs.
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Mylene Fernandes
25
Add a Barn Door
Designer Shari Francis separated a bedroom alcove from an adjoining living room with a sliding barn door. Doing this in a studio apartment idea adds some privacy and helps to define dedicated spaces for different activities.
Thomas Loof
26
Use a Room Divider
When you want to break up an open loft or studio apartment but don’t want to—or can’t—install permanent dividers, use a folding screen to create the illusion of privacy and separateness. Designer Maureen Footer also accentuates the vertical space in this apartment with a super-tall bed cornice. “There’s no room to be timid” in a small space, she says.
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Tamsin Johnson Interiors
27
Make a Mini Mudroom
Even in a studio, there should be a section carved out for your grand entrance. This foyer designed by Tamsin Johnson proves that you just need a corner, not a designated foyer. All it takes is a chic mirror, accent chair, umbrella holder, and a couple of hooks. If you don’t have room for any of that, a mirror and a pedestal with a small catch-all for keys and mail will do.
Shade Degges
28
Take Advantage of Architectural Quirks
Every single inch counts, so be sure to take full advantage of your studio apartment’s architecture. That radiator by your window? Invest in a pretty radiator cover and customize a cushion so you can use it as a window nook to read and relax in. (And you’ll be able to forgo the bulky couch that’ll take up half the studio!) Pile on the pillows and add a pendant light for tasks, as Jae Joo did here.
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SIMON WATSON
29
Customize a Work Space
A custom fold-out desk is the perfect solution for a studio apartment idea. Just close it up and tuck it away when you need to convert your home office back into the living room, dining room, or bedroom. This one designed by Brockschmidt & Coleman proves that any corner can look and feel elevated, no matter the size.
PHOTO: Tessa Neustadt; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
30
Use One Paint Color
So you need to transform a big white box into something suitable to live in? Here’s your blueprint, brought to you by Leanne Ford Interiors. Different flooring in the sitting area reinforces the idea that the space has “rooms.” If you can’t redo your floors, no problem. Just add an area rug.
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PHOTO: Max Kim Bee; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
31
Choose Curtains Over Doors
Installing a sliding door would take up precious space in a studio apartment idea, so in its place, hang a curtain to create privacy around the bed. A more diaphanous fabric means light can still stream through and doesn’t weigh down the room, like in this attic by Leanne Ford.
Reath Design
32
Think in Terms of Zones
A bench at the end of the bed signals a conversation area, keeping your sleeping area separate from the hangout zone. Reath Design used a small side table in lieu of a coffee table to save space.
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Krsnaa Mehta
33
Design Up, Not Out
Designer Krsnaa Mehta painted each wall in his apartment a bold jewel tone, hung meaningful artwork, and blended tons of fun prints. The actual furniture pieces, though bold in design, feature sleeker profiles so they don’t take up too much physical space.
BJORN WALLANDER
34
Go Dark
Though light walls tend to be the go-to for opening and brightening up smaller living quarters, a dark paint job can actually do wonders. In this studio apartment idea, photographer Bjorn Wallander used a deep chocolate brown hue to make the studio feel cozy, intimate, and warm.
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Bjorn Wallander
35
Place Your Furniture in the Center
It might not be your initial instinct, but floating furniture instead of shoving it against the wall can make a space feel bigger. Take it from Bjorn Wallander: Placing a desk at the end of the bed signifies a transition to a new activity zone, and you won’t have to stare at a wall while you work.
MICHAEL PERSICO
36
Hide the Kitchen
If you can’t wrap your head around sleeping in your kitchen, this is the tip you’ll want to write down. In this studio apartment idea, Matthew Ferrarini used folding wood pocket doors to conceal an entire wall of cabinets and appliances.
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Amber Interiors
37
Tuck the Bed Away
Establish a nook inside the front door as its own entryway with a sitting area. Then shove your bed as far away from the door as possible, like in this Amber Interiors home. Pro tip: Mounting sconces on the wall next to the bed frees up space on the bedside tables.
Anthony Dunning
38
Make Everything Count
Yes, everything, including—no, especially—your bulky appliances. Since there’s limited space for extras and less room to pile in all your favorite items, you’ll need to beautify everything. Here, Anthony Dunning turned a regular old refrigerator into a design opportunity by dressing it up in removable wallpaper.
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Leanne Ford Interiors
39
Edit the Space
A well-edited area gives you room to breathe. With its neutral color scheme, this studio apartment idea by Leanne Ford is anything but cluttered.
Nicole Franzen
40
Color Drench the Space
Using the same black paint throughout this room in the Paramount House in Times Square makes it feel cohesive and put together. Subtle touches of blue make the sleeping area feel distinct.
Related Story: Color Drenching Is a Must-Try Paint Trend With Enduring Appeal
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Shari Francis
41
Hang Tons of Mirrors
In a studio apartment idea, mirrors are your best friend. They bounce light off the windows, tricking your eye into thinking the space is much brighter and bigger, as exemplified in this apartment designed by Shari Francis.
@jockeono
42
Loft Your Bed
This small apartment by Fantastic Frank has a strategic layout that puts the kitchen and eating area under the lofted bed. The staircase also has a perk, functioning as a hidden closet.
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Laure Joliet
43
Forget Room Rules
Who says you can’t have a floating clawfoot tub in your studio apartment idea? This chic space by ETC.etera proves that challenging layouts can lead to cool, unexpected solutions that make your home feel extra personal.
Paul Raeside
44
Pick Low Furniture
If your studio has super-low ceilings, you can still include a seating area for yourself and guests to use. Just do what Andrew Flesher did and opt for lower furniture and have fun with color.
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Leanne Ford Interiors
45
Store Things on the Wall
If extra furniture is blocking a walkway or simply cramping your style and there’s nowhere to tuck it away, use your walls. In this studio apartment idea, Leanne Ford installed sturdy hooks to give folding chairs a lift.
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