Ideas on Furnishing Studio Apartments

Choose Studio-Friendly Furniture

• Look for furniture pieces that can serve more than one function. Desks with drawer space can double as dressers, and bookcases can store your favorite books and media while providing an area to display your favorite accent pieces as well. Look for furniture with storage like ottoman cubes or trunk benches, which can also serve as a lounging area for guests when placed against a wall and paired with comfy accent pillows. Use a bed with a frame that allows for storage underneath. Look for flip-down wall tables and small chairs that tuck in neatly underneath for a small study area. Use two small armchairs instead of huge sofa, or stick with a love seat.

Arrange with a Purpose

• Your instinct may be to arrange everything so it sits flush against your studio walls. This actually closes up the space and creates a less functional home. Use small bookcases, curtains, credenzas and even rugs to divide the large space into smaller areas. Know what activity you'll be doing in that area, and arrange with that in mind. For instance, you might have a sleeping area, eating area and reading in an entertainment/lounge area. Cluster your furniture in each nook, leaving paths clear between areas. Create a main focal point for the entire studio, like your bed or a fireplace. Then, create secondary focal points with your other areas, and make sure each area has its own tiny focal point, like wall art, a hanging lamp or a rug or eye-catching furnishing.

Expand Your Space

• Remove your interior doors to create a more expansive feeling in your studio. Use curtains in bold colors or patterns to give the space texture, or use sheer curtains so you can see beyond the curtain and expand the space. Let plenty of light in through the windows, and use mirrors to reflect light and make the studio appear larger. If your studio doesn't have a window, make a faux window or use a large painting to create a focal point.

Lighting Is Key

• Track lighting focused on walls leaves your floor space free and can make the apartment seem larger. Use stick lighting underneath shelves to illuminate your apartment at night and make it feel warm and expansive. Full-spectrum bulbs and dimmers create an energized and homey environment as well. Don't forget to use your vertical space. Hanging a small chandelier or pendant lamp from overhead brings the eyes to a focal point and provides more ambient light. Place it over the bed, above an armchair in the corner, or over a table.