Studio Apartment vs. 1-Bedroom Apartment: What’s the Difference?
Are you looking for a small, affordable apartment in the city? Are you planning to live alone, with a roommate or with a loved one? Multi-bedroom apartments are often expensive, so a studio and one-bedroom apartment are good options if you don’t mind living in a smaller space. We’re here to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two apartment types so you can decide whether a one-bedroom apartment or a studio is best for your lifestyle and budget.
What is a studio?
Studios are condensed living spaces that contain the kitchen, living room and bedroom in one space. A studio usually has a good-sized kitchen with sufficient counter space. Occasionally you will see a studio with the kitchen in a separate area that separates it from the main living room. Usually there is enough space in a studio for a small sofa or armchair as well as a small dining table.
Some studios have closet space, while others have creative closet organization solutions with bars, curtains, or colorful fabrics to help bring pops of color to the room. Privacy curtains and folding partitions can help bring a sense of privacy to your studio spaces, especially if you share it with someone.
What is a one bedroom apartment?
A bedroom contains everything a studio does, but with the addition of a separate room for the bedroom. One of the main reasons tenants choose to live in a one bedroom apartment is space and privacy. There is more room for a larger bed in the private room than in a studio. One bedroom apartments are ideal for a couple or if you are working from home, as there is more space. If you have overnight guests, you can slip into your room and close the door.
You will find several styles of floor plans with a one bedroom apartment. Some are open plan with the kitchen and living room sharing the same space. Other plans feature a separate kitchen or one that is partially closed with a walk-through shelf in the dining room. Whichever floor plan you choose for your one-bedroom apartment, it’s good to know that you can go to your bedroom when you want privacy.
Read also: What is a loft?
Studio vs 1 Bedroom Apartment
Simply put, the main difference is in size and equipment. Studios usually have the kitchen, living room and bedroom in one main room. So how big is a studio? Well, their size normally ranges from 400-600 square feet, but some studios in big cities are even smaller.
As the name suggests, a one bedroom apartment will have a sleeping area separate from the main room and kitchen. The average size of a one-bedroom apartment is around 715 square feet, although depending on the city, that number could be higher or lower.
One thing that all living quarters have in common and should respect is having the bathroom in an area separate from the living room and kitchen, according to a housing law of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Regardless of the size of the apartment you are renting, always make sure that the bathroom is in a separate room with a closing door.
Renting a studio or a one-bedroom apartment will help you save money on rent, especially if the apartment is in a high rent area. In addition, most apartments are normally located in a complex which offers amenities such as a laundry room, a fitness center and often a garden or courtyard.
Advantages of a 1 bedroom apartment
If you can afford a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll have more space and storage for your belongings, more room to put furniture in the living room, and more privacy for sleeping when you have guests.
If you work from home, it is often nice to set your office space in a corner of the living room or dining room instead of the same space you sleep in, as you would in a studio. Another advantage of living in a one bedroom apartment is that you will often have a larger kitchen with full size appliances and possibly a washer and dryer hookup.
Benefits of a studio
The main advantage of a studio is the cost of rent. A studio will almost always be more affordable than a studio, so if you are on a budget, a studio might be perfect for you. If you don’t have a lot of possessions and furniture, a studio is a good choice. Due to the smaller size, your utility bills are often lower than if you live in a larger space, and the area to be cleaned is smaller, so you won’t have to spend as much time sweeping, clean and wipe down counters.
While some studios may feel cramped, you can search for one with a loft. With a studio loft, the ceilings are high to let in lots of light, and many loft studios have large windows or interesting industrial-style features like exposed beams or ductwork. The bedroom is normally upstairs and often exposed with just a railing around the bed and a walking area.
Typically, loft studios have a larger living room and kitchen, so if you want a little more space than a normal studio, a loft is a good option. Loft studios are highly desirable, especially for those who like to live in an artistic or eclectic space. Keep in mind that due to their popularity, loft studios are often more expensive to rent.
Depending on your lifestyle, studios and T1s allow you to live in the city without paying the high rent that is often found in a multi-bedroom apartment. Search thousands of studios and one bedroom on Zumper.
