A lot of us find ourselves wondering if moving to a studio is really the right move, especially when we first move out. The truth is, while no one can tell you what’s best for you, there’s a popular belief that one-bedroom apartments are inherently better than studios. However, this may not always be the case.
When searching for a new apartment, it’s common to weigh the benefits of a one-bedroom versus a studio. Many factors come into play, including personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between one-bedroom apartments and studios, including the pros and cons of each. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which type of apartment might be the best fit for you
What is a one-bedroom apartment?
A one-bedroom is an apartment that typically has a separate sleeping area and living area, which may be connected to the kitchen or separated by a dividing wall. The following image shows a typical one-bedroom layout.
What is a studio apartment?
A studio apartment offers a single space for all areas, meaning your bedroom, living room, and often your kitchen, will share the same room, although some studios offer a separate kitchen. The following picture shows a typical studio layout.
Different types of studios
Not all studios are the same and layouts can change depending on the type of apartment you rent. There are two different kinds of studios in addition to the typical studio layout:
- Studio with a sleeping alcove. These apartments offer designated nook for your bed, creating a separation between the sleeping and the living area. Example shown below.
- Junior one-bed. This type of apartment sections the sleeping area and the living/kitchen area. Said division offers either sliding or french doors to keep the space open if you wish so. An example of the layout is shown below.
Pros and cons of each
Studio
Pros
- Unless situated on a great location or in a building with amenities, they tend to be cheaper
- You won’t have to buy so much furniture to fill it.
- Easier to clean. Living in a small place can have its perks, studios tend to take less time to clean, but be careful, if you’re untidy, it will be more noticeable.
Cons
- It only fits one person, two tops. Apartments like this tend to be harder to share since you won’t be able to have privacy without a division between the living area and the sleeping quarters.
- There’s less storage. If you have a lot of clothes, trinkets or just things you like to keep around, studios are not for you.
- You can’t change your environment. As silly as it might sound, being in the living room is not the same as being in your bedroom. If you work from home, it may be difficult to separate your work space from your living space in a studio apartment.
One-bedroom.
Pros
- These apartments tend to be bigger than studios.
- They can easily be shared. Either it’s a partner, a friend, or family, you can live with someone else and make rent cheaper.
- There’s more room to have guests. We all love a nice dinner party, right?
Cons
- One-beds are usually more expensive unless situated in a not-so-good location.
- Harder to keep clean. Having more room is double the trouble when it comes to cleaning up.
- Furnishing a one-bedroom apartment can be more expensive as you may need to purchase more furniture to fill the space
Junior one-bedroom apartments offer a compromise between a studio and a traditional one-bedroom. They typically have a small separate sleeping area and a larger living area that includes a kitchen. One of the advantages of a junior one-bedroom is that it offers some separation between the sleeping and living areas, which can be important for those who value privacy. Additionally, some junior one-bedroom apartments have sliding or French doors that can be used to further separate the sleeping and living areas, while still allowing for an open feel. However, one potential disadvantage of a junior one-bedroom is that the sleeping area may be small and may not offer as much privacy as a traditional one-bedroom.
I would personally recommend a one-bedroom to those who work from home and don’t really like to go out. Having a nice, decently sized apartment is vital if you’re going to spend a lot of time at your place. On the other hand, some one-beds can be as small as a studio which can make things feel cramped, so it’s crucial to keep this in mind.
If you are most likely to be out for the whole day, and even night, a studio is the right move for you. Rent is cheaper and, at the end of the day, you don’t need more than a bed to sleep in.
Remember to make a list of your priorities and see what’s best for you! Ultimately, the decision between a one-bedroom apartment and a studio comes down to personal preferences.