How to Decorate a Studio Apartment: 13 Studio Decor Ideas

A studio apartment is a small living space in which the functions of the living room, kitchen, and bedroom all share the same square footage. Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, in which walls separate the sleeping area from the living area, studio apartments have a single, multifunctional room. Though they often have limited space, the open floor plan of a studio creates endless possibilities for interior design.

With some creative design ideas and DIY hacks, you can maximize floor space and implement your personal decorating ideas. Master your studio apartment layout with these layout ideas.

1. 1. Use furniture to divide spaces. When designing small spaces, a piece of furniture can help define one room from another. For example, a bookcase can help separate the living room from the bedroom area.
2. 2. Get a decorative room divider. A stylish folding screen is both fashionable and functional. A room divider can add a personal touch while also helping define the floor plan.
3. 3. Decorate with double-duty pieces. When you need to make the most of every square foot, focus on double-duty furniture pieces. For example, a daybed or futon decorated with lots of comfy throw pillows can serve as both your bed and extra seating. An expandable coffee table can double as a workspace or dining table.
4. 4. Use curtains to conceal. Hanging curtains can help create a more intimate sleeping space. They can also conceal clothes or cleaning supplies in open shelving units.
5. 5. Add mirrors to make a room feel larger. Mirrors not only give your space the illusion of being larger, but they also help reflect natural light.
6. 6. Keep your color scheme neutral. When picking out paint colors for your walls, opt for a neutral color palette to make the space feel airier. Opt for colorful accent pieces and home decor to keep your space feeling lively.
7. 7. Use a bookshelf for a headboard. Placing a bookshelf behind your bed adds extra storage space to a small bedroom and makes the most of otherwise empty wall space.
8. 8. Roll out the area rugs. Area rugs are a great solution for defining rooms in small-space living. For example, placing separate area rugs in the living room and dining room will help clearly define each space.
9. 9. Maximize vertical space. If your studio apartment has high ceilings, think upward. A loft bed can help open up floor space and make a small room feel larger. The space underneath a loft bed is perfect for an at-home office or dining area.
10. 10. Consider an open-air closet. Odds are slim that your studio apartment will come with a walk-in closet. If storage options are scarce and your wardrobe is large, create a dedicated open-air closet space by installing shelves and clothing racks on the wall.
11. 11. Invest in a Murphy bed. Murphy beds fold into the wall, allowing you to completely hide your bed at a moment's notice. They can be costly, but depending on your space, they may be worth the investment.
12. 12. Maximize the entryway. Whether you've got a small hallway or entryway, or if your front door opens directly into your space, place a bench and console table near the door. Store shoes, umbrellas, and coats here for quick access when coming and going.

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