Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas: Use Your Limited Space to its Limitless Potential

After weeks of browsing apartment search websites, you finally got the keys to your new studio apartment. In the meantime, you’ve bookmarked organizational hacks and pinned enough color schemes to last you a lifetime of apartment living. So now you get to put it all into practice and use all of the studio apartment decorating ideas you want!

This is when the fun part begins! Transform your empty walls and make the new space truly your own. Take out the trinkets and your beloved items and use the tips below to make all the right choices.

Determine What You Need

Finding the right balance between functionality and comfort is a key studio apartment decorating idea, especially because your space is limited. So, before you get started, visualize what you want your studio to become.

For instance, is it strictly a haven for relaxation after a long day? If so, opt for comfortable pieces of furniture and whimsical decor that can help you de-stress as soon as you walk through the door.

Or are you working from home and need a designated office area? In this case, consider separating your working space from the rest of the studio with a curtain, shelf or any other type of room divider. Then, you won’t get distracted while working—or be reminded of unread emails outside work hours.

The Perfect Studio Apartment Furniture Is Out There

Browsing for studio apartment furniture ideas is a true experience. Of course, you can always choose a pre-furnished studio, but the chance of making the space truly your own is too tempting to pass up. This is especially true if your budget game is strong, in which case, furnishing a studio apartment could set you back as little as $1,000.

Either way, when confronted with limited space, multipurpose furniture is the way to go—for obvious reasons. Think hollow ottoman chairs and coffee tables with interior storage space, or container beds with incorporated closets, drawers, and shelves that are just perfect for minimizing clutter.

In fact, dealing with a smaller place might compel you to take the minimalistic route—and understandably so. But it’s not all about functionality: your studio apartment furniture can also be an extension of your personality. To that end—and for unique or vintage furniture pieces—visit your local thrift stores and flea markets and keep an eye out for garage sales. That small studio couch you’ve been looking for in order to tie everything together is waiting for you.

Don’t Sleep on the Sleeping Quarters

In a studio apartment with limited square footage, the space taken up by a bed is quite noticeable. And, while container beds are a great way to save space without sacrificing comfort, there are other choices, as well, that are just as smart.

As far as beds for studio apartments go, you may already be familiar with one of the best options (as it most likely fascinated you as a child): the Murphy bed. This hidden cot can come down only when needed and be completely concealed the rest of the time, leaving you with plenty of room.

Alternatively, you could also try to raise your bed. An elevated bed offers enough space below for storage. Or, depending on how high it can go, the area underneath could even serve as a relaxation nook, entertainment space or work area.

Test Out More Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas

The best studio apartment decorating ideas go hand in hand with functionality. For example, because you’re already challenged with limited space, it’s best to avoid trinkets on flat surfaces. Rather, think vertically and make the walls your canvas. Better yet, go for an accent wall, which can be a huge gamechanger in a tiny space.

Similarly, add usable surface space on the walls. Shelves and side tables work great for this. Additionally, try vertical gardens, as opposed to placing your potted plants around the studio.

To create the illusion of a widening space, hang a few mirrors to bounce light off of. Or choose light colors to make the studio feel bigger and brighter. Conversely, darker walls can create an intimate or dynamic atmosphere, while pictures or heavy tapestries can make your apartment feel like an art studio.

See What Fits & Make it Work

When it comes to studio apartment decor, the layout is crucial in picking what fits best — literally and figuratively. While the above suggestions are by no means rules, take some time to see which you can adapt for your own studio.

For example, if the multipurpose furniture you’d like to have is too bulky for your studio, turn to modular furniture, instead. Granted, despite its practicality, some find modular furniture dull-looking. To give it some oomph, consider fun patterns or custom upholstery that can give your studio apartment furniture some character.

Also, while a Murphy bed sounds like the Holy Grail solution to a cramped space, not every studio can fit one. In this situation, consider DIY or customizing your own version of a multipurpose cot, whether you elevate or hide it.

Working with limited square footage doesn’t have to limit your studio’s decorating potential. As a matter of fact, the end result may make you feel like you’re living in a palace!