Studio Apartment Decorating Tips

Studio apartments are common in large cities like New York and Los Angeles. They can be a bit of an adjustment if you’re not used to living in such a small space, but there are still plenty of ways to make a studio feel like home.

No matter if this is your first studio apartment or your tenth, there are a few “golden rules” when it comes to decorating these spaces. As a matter of fact, decorating a smaller space can actually work in your favor in terms of time, effort, and money. To help get you started, try out some of these easy-to-follow decorating tips.

Keep It Simple

As you’re thinking of how you’d like to decorate your studio, remember to keep it simple. Simple doesn’t mean bland and boring, but carefully considered and strategic. After all, every inch and square foot counts when you’re working in a small space. Merging too many ideas or themes will result in a cluttered space. You need to edit your ideas down to those that will not only work in the size allotted, but feel coherent. Practice restraint in everything, from the amount of furniture you use to the number of pictures you hang on the wall. Draw design inspiration from minimalist principles.

Work with a Few Key Pieces

Pick out a few things you really like, whether it’s a striking piece of wall art, a fun rug, or a couple of interesting table lamps, and make those the focal points of your studio space. In all honesty, you’re not going to have much room for more than a few key pieces. If you pick one or two statement pieces, everything else can come together around them.

If you don’t have much to work with, consider replacing your old decor with something a little more updated. Working with a blank slate can be a lot of fun — even in a small space like a studio apartment.

Use Multipurpose Furniture and Accessories

Finding enough storage space is always going to be an issue in a studio apartment. That’s why it’s important to furnish your space with pieces that serve multiple purposes — storage being one of them. If you’re decorating with a coffee table or end table, be sure to use ones that have drawers or shelves built into them. When you’re looking to decorate the walls, consider hanging floating shelves to display some of your favorite keepsakes. Not only will you create visual interest, you’ll also create a place to put more things.

You don’t necessarily have to display storage units out in the open as decor, but be mindful of the need for a space to put things as you decorate. Consider purchasing furniture that sits higher off the ground so you can slide items underneath, especially when it comes to your bed. A loft bed gives you the option to place smaller pieces of furniture underneath, such as a desk, TV, or even a small couch. Just make sure to take some key measurements down when planning where to place all your furniture, as even one wrong measurement can make all the difference in a studio.

Keep the Walls Light

Studios and clutter can be a recipe for disaster, and this includes decorating walls. You want your studio to feel more homey, but if you overdo it with pictures, wall art, or other miscellaneous wall decor, you run the risk of making your space feel claustrophobic. Sometimes, the more isn’t the merrier. Play around with what you have, and see what you can work with.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors are great to hang in small rooms because they create the illusion of a larger space. They also reflect light and make a room look light and airy. If you have the space, consider a floor length mirror that faces a window in your studio. Not only will you have a functioning mirror to use, but you can also steal some sunlight from the window and give yourself more natural lighting. An added bonus is the potential to cut down your electric bill, since the sunlight can be your main source of light during the day time.

Decorate with Ease

Studio apartments can be challenging to decorate — especially if you love having statement pieces around your home. While people who live in studios tend to stay in their apartments less often, it’s still important that the space is comfortable and shows off your personality. With some careful consideration and the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and stylish studio space in no time.