How To Maximize Space in your Studio Apartment

When we began the “apartment search” with our oldest daughter, I hadn’t given any thought to studio life.  When I think of a studio apartment, I think of New York City or Chicago.  I guess because they are both big cities, and in order to maximize the amount of people they have, one room abodes are the norm.  Well, to our surprise, our daughter is now the proud resident of her very own studio apartment!  I have to admit, I could live quite contently in her charming digs myself.  In this post, I am sharing how to maximize space in your studio apartment.

Of course, not all studio apartments offer the same amount of square footage, but they all share a common layout 😉 We were able to create multiple living spaces within one big square by incorporating a few multi-functional pieces.

How To Maximize Space in your Studio Apartment

I have been a home decor blogger for three years, and one thing I have grown to love is multi-functional furniture. Below is a list of items we used in order to maximize space while also offering chic esthetic.

1. Ladder shelf
2. Privacy screen
3. Open shelves
4. Bar cart
5. Dresser
6. Shoe caddy

Ladder Shelf

These are great for several reasons.  They are a great way to offer extra storage without taking up too much space.  Typically the shelves are smaller on top and gradually get larger toward the bottom.  With a little creativity when placing your items your display will look pretty as well.

Privacy Screen

Even if you live alone, having guests over will most likely be in the cards.  A privacy screen can help hide more intimate areas.  Not everyone makes their bed daily, so this is also a way to easily mask untidy spaces.  It creates an illusion of another room which also may help you sleep better at night, knowing you aren’t out in the open.

Open Shelves

Chances are if you are living in a studio apartment, your kitchen is probably quite small.  Maximize your space by hanging open shelves. They will offer more storage and easy access to your most used items.

Bar Cart

Utilizing a bar cart is definitely one of my favorite multi-functional pieces.  Don’t be fooled by the wine shown here, these mobile carts can be used for many non-alcoholic purposes 😀  They are a charming tool when hosting guests as an easy resource for party supplies.  Use this caddy for appetizers, drinks, a place to display and store dinnerware, utensils, stemware, and of course booze 😉  I already mentioned the lack of cabinet space in the kitchen, so this another storage solution.

Dresser

The top is covered with a blanket, because in this case, the back isn’t esthetically pleasing.  Seated behind the larger sofa, this dresser serves multi-function by offering a place to store clothes and also an extra shelf for decorative items.  There are no items currently displayed, but you get the idea.

Shoe Caddy

Most likely, the entry into your studio apartment will be small.  In most cases, it may seem non-existent. Our oldest daughter found a way to maximize space by adding a shoe caddy and a multi-functional message center.

I hope you found these tips to maximize space in a small living space useful.  Multi-functional furniture pieces are great for more storage all the while offering a pretty solution for displaying everyday items.  There is bound to be many changes as our oldest defines her taste, so I’ll be back to share along the way.

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Author and photos – Martha Knake

Chief Editor – Emily Schunke