How to Decorate a Studio Apartment With Minimal Furniture

The Plan

• 1

  On a piece of graph paper, draw the floor plan of the space, using a pencil and a straight edge. Indicate doors, windows and the kitchen area with precise measurements, using each square of the graph paper to represent one square foot of space.

• 2

  Cut a piece of graph paper into simple rectangles and squares representing the various furniture pieces you must have in the space. You will need a bed, a nightstand, a dining table, at least two dining chairs, a hide-a-bed sofa, a coffee table or end table, a chair and ottoman, and at least one chest of drawers. You probably own some of these pieces already, so measure them and create precisely scaled shapes to arrange on the floor plan. Color them in so they show up clearly as you try different placements. If you need to buy or rent some furniture, you will know what sizes can fit into your space. Creating a plan takes a little extra time, but the result is an attractive, comfortable and efficient space.

• 3

  Once you decide on your furniture arrangement, draw in the shapes on the floor plan, using precise measurements. Be sure to place the bed and nightstand against a wall in a place removed from the active space of the entry and the kitchen. Draw the table and dining chairs near the kitchen area. Arrange the seating area, using a fireplace, an outdoor view, a bookshelf or a work of art as the focal point of a conversation group that includes the hide-a-bed sofa, a coffee table or end table, the chair and the ottoman. Add the chest of drawers to the plan. If there is space, add optional pieces such as a computer station, bookshelves or a television cabinet.

Adding Personality

• 4

  Paint the walls a low intensity, light color or a warm white. In a smaller multi-purpose space, the walls should stay in the background. Neutral upholstery colors, preferably in light tones are a wise choice. A large dark shape will dominate the space. Bedding is best in lighter colors also, especially if it is visible from the living space. If you love strong colors, add color accents through accessories such as throw pillows, paintings and dishes. Add valances of brightly colored fabric at the windows, dress the dining table in vivid linens.

• 5

  Plan for storage. Clutter makes a small space seem smaller. Bookshelves take up a small amount of space, and provide storage and display space for possessions. Trunks or baskets add character and make places to put things. A chest of drawers can hold a television set, a lamp or serve as a buffet table.

• 6

  Capitalize on light, natural and artificial. Do not cover up windows with fussy drapes. If necessary for privacy, use plantation shutters or blinds that can be left open during daylight hours. Provide lamps to illuminate the seating area. Consider installing one or two small recessed lighting fixtures over the dining area for a stylish effect that you can control with a rheostat. Use mirrors to amplify light sources in the space.

• 7

  Add plants to give life and oxygen to your space. If you have an empty place to fill, use a large plant in a simple pottery vessel. If your space is limited, use small tabletop plantings. Consider an area rug to highlight the conversation grouping. Consider hanging a large, bold painting or a poster on one of the walls.