13. Make use of vertical space
When you don’t have room to expand, look up. “When we’re working with an open plan, adding height instantly changes the room,” says Szandra Toth, interior designer and founder and partner at Cl-oth. From floating shelves and tall built-in cabinetry, to a vertical gallery wall and wall-mounted lighting, the idea is to draw the eye upward and add storage without cluttering the room’s footprint, says Joy Allen, the design manager at Next Stage Design + Build. “This helps the space feel both taller and more functional,” she explains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best design tip for decorating a studio apartment?
The most crucial design tip to consider when it comes to studio apartment decorating is to fill your apartment without making it feel overcrowded. “Everyone has a personal balance point: the ideal amount of belongings that creates a sense of coziness and warmth before tipping into clutter,” Yun says. “I’ve noticed that many people tend to acquire things beyond this point, often unintentionally.” In studio apartments, where space is limited, it’s especially important to understand your own threshold and thoughtfully edit your furniture, decor, and possessions to maintain a healthy balance, she explains. As Lisa Sternfeld, a WELL-certified interior designer and founder of WLLW says, “It’s not about the size of the space—it’s about living with greater intention.”
How big are studio apartments?
Most studio apartments in the United States are between 400 and 600 square feet. In 2024, the average size of a newly built studio apartment was 457 square feet, according to RentCafe. In dense urban areas, studio apartments can be as compact as 300 square feet, Yun says. Unlike one-bedroom apartments, studios typically have a main space that functions as a combined living room, bedroom, kitchen, and dining room. Larger studios—often featuring an alcove for a bed or a partially separated dine-in kitchen—can be closer to 600 square feet, she says.
How should you arrange furniture in a studio apartment?
When it comes to layout ideas, the key is embracing the studio apartment’s openness rather than fighting it, says Jen Baxter, interior designer and founder of Baxter Hill Interiors.” The goal isn’t to mimic a larger home, but to design with clarity so every choice adds comfort, purpose, and aesthetics,” she explains. “In a truly small footprint, it’s better to embrace cohesion than force separation.”
Baxter recommends positioning your larger pieces of furniture against the longest wall to maximize your central floor area. Use lightweight, moveable furniture that can be easily reconfigured—think nesting tables or folding chairs—and double-duty pieces like an ottoman with storage or a dining table that doubles as a workspace. Keep sight lines and pathways clear to maintain flow, she adds.
