What to Consider When Choosing Between a Studio and a One-Bedroom
Choosing the right apartment is more than just picking a place to sleep. It’s about finding a space that suits your lifestyle and budget and makes you feel good when you walk through the door.
For many renters lucky enough to be able to afford to live alone or with just a partner, making the call between a studio vs. a one-bedroom apartment can be tough — each option offers unique advantages, but they come with different challenges, too.
Do you prioritize lower rent and more simplicity, or are you willing to invest a bit more cash for extra space and privacy? Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist appeal of a studio or the extra room of a one-bedroom, this decision of a studio vs. a one-bedroom can affect how you live, work, and entertain, not to mention your monthly bottom line.
The Case for Studio Apartments
With an open floor plan, a studio apartment combines the living room, bedroom, and kitchen into one large space. The simplicity of this setup can be a major draw, especially if you prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
Plus, they can save you money: “Studios are generally much more affordable than one-bedroom apartments,” says Shara Seigel, a public relations professional in NYC who lives in a studio apartment herself.
Another upside of living in a studio is the forced organization. With limited space, you’re less likely to accumulate unnecessary items.
“It forces you to not have too much extra ‘stuff’ around and keep things neat/organized,” Seigel adds. Studios naturally encourage you to adopt a minimalist mindset, where everything has its place. This can be a refreshing change for someone who enjoys decluttered living and doesn’t mind cozy quarters.
Additionally, studios can offer more freedom when it comes to layout. Without walls dividing up the space, you can easily arrange your furniture and decor to fit your needs. Seigel notes that, while her studio is compact, she was able to make it work for multiple functions.
“My apartment is my bedroom, living room, gym, and office in one.” This approach is common among studio dwellers, especially those who work from home. Seigel added that having her exercise gear near her bed means she works out more than if she needed to slog to the gym every day.
The Case Against Studio Apartments
The open layout of a studio can sometimes feel limiting, especially when it comes to privacy. If you frequently host guests or work from home, having all your spaces — sleeping, eating, working — in one room might not provide the separation you need.
Seigel admits that “one downside is I rarely have company over — there really is not much space to host or entertain.” While studios can be efficient, they may not be the best option if you need dedicated spaces for entertaining or privacy. Plus, if you share the space with a partner, it may be tough and require creativity when it comes to how to handle different bedtimes, mealtimes, and work meetings if you’re both remote.
The Case for One-Bedrooms
On the other hand, one-bedroom apartments offer distinct separation between the living areas. With a separate bedroom and living room, these apartments provide more privacy and a greater sense of space.
Grace Moser, owner of the women’s lifestyle blog Chasing Foxes, says that the reason she loves living in a one-bedroom is because she doesn’t live alone. “When you’re living with another person, having one open space can be a bit difficult. … It’s nice to have a separate living room where [my husband] can go to read and do his own thing.”
It’s obviously true that this extra space is especially valuable for couples. If one person works from home or has a different schedule, the separate rooms provide a level of privacy and flexibility that studios often can’t offer.
“Since we both work from home, it’s easy to get distracted with each other and talk. But having a different space where we can both focus on our work … has been super helpful!” Moser adds.
The increased space in a one-bedroom also extends to the kitchen and dining areas. Many one-bedroom apartments have larger kitchens, which can be a game-changer if you enjoy cooking or entertaining.
Moser says that one of the benefits of her one-bedroom is her bigger kitchen — “which means you’ll have a less crowded countertop or cupboards.” Not only does this extra space make day-to-day living more comfortable, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Having defined areas for cooking, sleeping, and relaxing can create a more balanced and less stressful home environment.
The Case Against One-Bedrooms
The biggest downside of a one-bedroom apartment is often the cost, but if you’re splitting the rent with a partner, a one-bedroom is cheaper than a two-bedroom (if you enjoy doing budget mental gymnastics).
“One-bedroom apartments can definitely be more expensive in terms of rent and utility,” Moser points out. Depending on where you live, the price difference between a studio and a one-bedroom can be significant. However, she also notes that studios can be just as expensive as one-bedrooms in some areas (cough, New York, cough).
And then there’s clutter. “When you have more space, you also have more room to bring in more items, which can lead to more clutter,” she says. While a one-bedroom provides more space, it also requires more intentional organization to avoid accumulating too many things. A smaller studio, on the other hand, forces you to be mindful of what you bring into your home.
The TL;DR: Studio vs. One-Bedroom
Choosing between a studio vs. a one-bedroom comes down to what suits your lifestyle and how you use your space. If you’re someone who thrives in a minimalist environment and values affordability, a studio might be the perfect fit. Studios work well for people who spend more time out of the house or don’t need much room for guests or activities.
They can be an excellent option for folks who don’t want to be “rent poor,” as Seigel puts it. “I’m not rent poor and therefore able to spend money on other things that are important to me — food, clothes, travel, experiences!”
On the other hand, if you value privacy, need more room for entertaining, or work from home, the extra space of a one-bedroom could be a game-changer. Having a separate bedroom provides a quiet, restful environment and a defined place to sleep, away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. For couples or those who prefer a more spacious home life, a one-bedroom can create a more comfortable and functional living experience.
As Moser puts it, “I would definitely choose a one-bedroom apartment over a studio. I don’t feel crowded in, and I feel more relaxed when I come home to a more spacious place. Things honestly just feel so much better.”
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
