When people think of studio apartments, they think of lofty yet artsy spaces containing minimal space or a plain and simple college dorm room. Sure, studios are cool, but what many don’t love about these living spaces is the simple fact that there isn’t a separate bedroom, since these studios are legit only 350 to 500 square feet.
Although studio apartments don’t have separate bedroom spaces, there are so many ways to create one. With this in mind, Interior Designer, Lisa Furtado took the time to provide us with ways to create a bedroom in your studio apartment and how to make the best out of it.
1) Rugs
Furtado suggests investing in a rug, as rugs are great for identifying a space. Placing a round rug under your bed and one throughout the living space is a great way to separate and give each space its own identity.
2) Room dividers
Room dividers are a great option because of they're easy to move around the room. If you decide to rearrange things or decide you want more privacy in certain areas you can swap them out or take them down.
3) Use the back of a sofa
Furtado loves using the back of a sofa to divide the living space from another space in an open concept. The long, flat surface creates the illusion of a wall dividing the space, but you can still see over the top of the couch so it doesn't feel too tiny.
4) Invest in a large bookcase
A large bookcase is a nice option to divide a bedroom from a living area. You can use an etagere that is open on both sides. Or you could use a standard bookcase with a solid back and hang a large piece of art to create the effect of a wall on either the bedroom or living room side.
5) Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains
Floor-to-ceiling curtains can provide total privacy with a solid fabric. You could even use a sheer fabric to provide that feeling of separation while still having light filtering through. If you want curtains to provide a double duty of privacy and light filtering as you need each, then opt for a double rod that will give options for both.
6) The power of open shelving and plants
Furtado suggests creating a living wall by using an open shelving unit and potted plants. Think vines on the top shelf that billow over along with down and taller plants on the bottom shelf.
7) Use a projection screen
When installing a projection screen, not only will you have a good amount of light coming into your studio, but you could also watch your favorite films.
8) Get a bar cart
A bar cart will naturally divide areas in your studio apartment and also includes counter and storage space for any of your kitchen appliances you don’t have room for. And of course, will store all of your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic spirits.
9) Position Your Furniture Wisely
Placing furniture in your studio apartment could assist with sectioning out. You could move your couch near the foot of the bed, which results in creating a living room area and a bedroom all at once.
10) Curate color zones
If adding more furniture to your studio isn’t in the cards for you, you could utilize paint to cultivate separation in your living space. A way to go about this is by color zoning the space and utilizing a variety of paint colors or even wallpapers to create a plethora of areas for specific activities.
11) Create a floating closet
Studio apartments rarely have closet space. With this in mind, building a floating closet with a rolling rack could create more storage space while adding a chic aesthetic to your studio apartment, while also giving you a separate bedroom space.
12) Use a platform frame
Utilizing a platform frame rather than a regular bed frame will provide you with extra storage space underneath, however, permits you to get creative towards the head of the bed, as you could paint an arch, install wall sconces, and even hang wood panels that’ll make it seem like you have a headboard without taking up too much space.
13) Install a Murphy bed
Nowadays, Murphy beds are the real deal. They’re only a snap away and are extremely seamless, as all you have to do is fold them into the wall once you are up for the day. The Murphy beds provide a comfy mattress and will also maximize your studio apartment's storage space, as more could be built around it to create the bedroom of your dreams.