A studio apartment is a small space, typically 500-600 square feet. As a comparison, think of the size of your high school classroom or maybe an oversized two-car garage. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s the only space your budget permits or you’re a budding minimalist, this may be your perfect lifestyle. Living in a space of this size will present storage and decorating challenges, but we have some suggestions to make it work.

No matter your reasons for embracing studio living, the following suggestions will help you make the most of your cozy one-room apartment.

Make the Most of Your Studio Apartment Space

Self Storage is the Key to Happiness

No matter how hard you try, it’s going to be problematic to find a place for everything you own in a studio apartment. A self storage unit in a safe, secure facility will be the solution you need when you’ve exhausted your space. Handy Storage can help with a safe, affordable, climate-controlled storage unit to protect your belongings.

Instead of discarding your treasures due to minimal closet space, self storage is the perfect solution to store seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and sports equipment. Flexible short-term leases and a variety of types and sizes make it easy to expand or downsize your storage space. You’ll be more comfortable knowing that you can keep your favorite things and still have enough space to enjoy your apartment.

Small Doesn’t Mean Outdated

Your space may be small, but it can be chic and sophisticated. Before you begin decorating your space, think about how your apartment needs to function. Do you host guests frequently? Does your home need to double as your office space? In any case, clean lines and a zero tolerance for clutter are the staples of a chic studio apartment. Over-decorating will diminish your already tiny living quarters and clutter will overtake your contentment.

Define Your Space

Separate the bedroom area from the rest of your space. Try not to use curtains, shelving units or traditional room dividers that can make your room feel claustrophobic. Using art to define your areas will make your apartment feel larger and more open.

Another option is to visually anchor your bed with an area rug. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect rug with the countless styles and patterns available. Try Ruggable for gorgeous machine washable rugs. If you simply can’t abide seeing your bed during the day, consider a daybed or murphy bed.

If you want to make your bedroom a standout, build a platform with steps to your bed or use raised furniture. Having multiple levels creates the appearance of separate rooms.

Furniture Should be Multifunctional

Look for versatile furniture. Are you going to need to work in this space? How many people do you typically entertain at one time? You may need extra floor poufs and accent chairs depending on your lifestyle. Instead of buying a desk, TV stand, and bookshelf, install wall shelving that can serve all three purposes. Look for beds with storage drawers and ottomans that can be used as extra seating.

Furniture with exposed legs is best for a small space. Oversized, dense furniture will block natural light. Be on the lookout for bookshelves, dressers, and other pieces that are partially open and create a feeling of expansiveness.

Be Organization Obsessive

In a small apartment, you won’t have a catchall space as you do in a larger home. Your regular routine should include tasks like sorting mail, doing laundry and general decluttering of your space. This is where self storage will save the day. If you overbuy clothing, accessories, or decorative items (we’re all guilty of that occasionally), you can use your storage unit for the overflow. Self storage can’t help with mail, but a great tip is to open it over the trash and dispose of the junk.

Tried and True Design Tricks

Mirrors
Reflective surfaces create the illusion of expansiveness.Framed mirrors can be beautiful statement pieces that make your space look taller and wider.

Natural Light
Natural light is not only appealing and inviting but it will expand your space. Leave your windows unobstructed. If privacy is an issue, opt for lightweight, sheer curtains that will not block out the sunlight.

Statement Pieces To Catch the Eye
Choose some eye-catching features that will pop. Lush potted plants, a bright retro sofa, a bold boho bedspread, or a sparkly crystal light fixture will draw eyes away from the lack of space.

A Neutral Palette
Another way to plan your room is with a light and airy neutral color palette. Using quiet colors like, ivory, beige, taupe and terra cotta or sage green will keep your space looking modern and stylish but not cramped. An accent wall is another trick to draw the eye away from a minimal space.

If you incorporate even a few of these suggestions into your studio apartment experience, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying your cozy nest and feeling at peace with your perfect lifestyle.