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This post is all about studio apartment decor ideas.
POV: you just moved to a big city and signed the lease on a small studio apartment. You can’t wait to explore and become a local in the new city, but you’ve got a bigger task on your hand — decorating your apartment.
When it comes to studio apartments, there are so many ways to make the space cozy, functional, stylish all the while making your space appear bigger than it actually is. A combination of storage solutions, design tricks and gorgeous furniture will help you turn your studio apartment into a place that truly feels like home.
Keep scrolling for our studio apartment decor ideas that’ll transform your small space.
15 Studio Apartment Decor Ideas
1. Create Zones in Your Space
One of the best ways to make your space function is to create designated zones. Not only will this help with the flow of the space, but it will make it feel like you do have different “rooms” in your studio apartment.
2. DIY Renter-Friendly Entryway
How stunning is this mid-century modern, renter-friendly entryway? It’s such a beautiful way to segment the space into a proper entryway while still creating an open, light feel.
Watch this video to see how they made this wooden entryway vestibule.
3. Create a Small Dining Nook
Any way you can maximize every square inch of your studio apartment, do it! We love how this renter created a small dining nook in a corner. She used every bit of wall space to create functional, booth seating and added a small round table and gallery artwork on the walls to complete the dining space.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
build your own: Hargrove banquette
4. Have Fun with Color
Do you love eclectic, colorful design? If so, don’t be afraid to use it in your small space. Paint walls to divide a space and use colorful furniture to make a statement. Doing this will add so much character to a studio apartment that’s super basic.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
riley velvet platform bed
backdrop paint
5. Create a Cozy Bed Nook with a Large Bookshelf
Create even more storage than you ever thought possible with this cozy bed nook ideas. Adding a floor to ceiling bookshelf will not only define the space but it also gives you storage for books and decorative storage baskets to conceal personal items.
Baking the bed into a corner like this makes your bed feel like a cozy reading nook.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
stetson wide bookcase
6. Multipurpose Kitchen Island with Seating
Living in a studio apartment, most everything is multifunctional. You kitchen likely lacks storage and counter space, so adding a small kitchen island is a great way to add prep space. Plus, it can also act as a dining table with a couple of counter stools.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
frame kitchen console
kaysville curved wood counter stools
7. Use Large Scale Art on Large Empty Wall Spaces
You would think that installing large artwork in a small space would make it feel even smaller, however it has the opposite affect. Adding a large art piece to a large empty wall will make your space feel larger and less cluttered.
8. Have Fun with Colorful Maximalist Design
We are slightly obsessed with this gorgeous colorful design and can not believe that this is actually a studio apartment. This renter used bold patterned wallpaper and colors to define different spaces in her home. Despite the maximalist design, it still feels open and cozy.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
fleur peel & stick wallpaper
citrus grove peel & stick wallpaper
9. Float Your Living Room Sofa
Floating your sofa in a large open space will define the space into different zones, and it will make it feel more open. This renter used this technique beautifully in her space. By floating her sofa in the middle of the room, you get a sense of the space having a “bedroom” and a “living room” but they all still share the same space.
10. Add a Pop of Color to Define A Space
If you’re in a super small studio apartment, you’re going to have to get even more creative with the design of your space. We love the idea of painting your bed wall a gorgeous color. Not only will this create a focal point in the room, but it also helps to ground and define the space.
11. Use a Neutral, Bright Color Palette
A super simple way to make your studio apartment feel bigger and brighter is decorating with a neutral palette. Creams, tans, and light woods will keep the space feeling fresh.
We love the idea of adding a light colored shade to the room to add an opportunity for division, while still letting the light seep through.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
roller blind
12. Decorate with Rich Wood Tones
The Scandinavian style is marked by light tones, dark rich woods, and black and white accents. Adding this design style to a studio apartment is such a great idea, because it effortlessly blends the light and airy feeling with cozy elements —like dark wood accents and cozy textures.
13. Install a Murphy Bed
Another creative way to maximize your space is installing a Murphy bed that converts into a sofa. While this may not be super practical for some, it can be the perfect option for super small spaces. During the day, your space is a functioning living room, but at night, it transforms into your bedroom.
Recreate this studio apartment decor idea:
ellwyn murphy bed
14. Use Appropriately Scaled Furniture
No matter the size of your studio apartment, using appropriately proportioned furniture is a must! Since many studios are on a smaller scale, you’ll want to keep your eye our for small pieces of furniture.
Stores like West Elm and Article have great small space solutions.
15. Make Open Closet Storage Stylish
A popular way to add closet storage in a studio apartment is creating open closet storage. Adding floating curtains rods and closet cubbies to a wall in your studio will provide ample storage. To make it more stylish, categorize your clothes by color or display your more aesthetic pieces.
Decorate the remaining empty wall space with art pieces and a large floor length mirror.
