What Are The Pros and Cons of Renting a Studio Apartment?

A studio apartment, otherwise known as studio flat or a self-contained apartment, is a living space that features one central room that has areas designated to serve different functions such as the kitchen area, bedroom area, and a living room. A studio apartment typically comes with a separate bathroom space as well.

What are the pros and cons of renting a studio apartment? Some advantages of renting a relatively smaller living space include cheaper rent and utilities, as well as reduced clutter since they are easy to clean. Disadvantages comprise the limited space a studio apartment offers, and difficulty in entertaining guests.

Renting a studio apartment is a convenient option for many since you get to pay less rent, which directly translates to more savings. Furthermore, you are less likely to clutter in a studio apartment, and it is generally easier to clean such a small space. There are a couple of downsides as well, which are mostly as a result of the compact size. Here are some pros and cons of studio apartment renting.

Advantages of a studio

1. Rent is relatively cheaper

Although rent rates from one city/state to another, studio apartments are generally cheaper than one bedroom apartments. As a result, you will be able to accumulate significant savings due to the affordable rent when you compromise the size of your living space. If you live in Denver, you could save as much as $924 on your monthly rate by living in a studio apartment. In New York, savings can reach a high of $867, while Los Angeles and Minneapolis studio apartment rentals offer similarly impressive savings ($500 and $427 respectively)

2. Utilities are similarly inexpensive as well

Other than the cheaper rent, utility costs in studio apartments can also be more affordable. This could be attributed to the fact that smaller spaces are cheaper to heat and cool, and with a reduced number of bulbs and electrical appliances, your electric bill will not be as higher as that of someone living in a one bedroom apartment. Per month, heating during the winter will cost you an average of $50, air conditioning will cost you anywhere from $30-40, electricity will come to $65 if you exclude heating and cooling, and water will cost about $40. Of course, this varies depending on consumption and location, but you get the picture.

3. It is easier to clean a studio apartment

With an apartment with several rooms, cleaning up can be a tedious task since you have

more square footage to cover. On the other hand, a studio apartment is just one room and a bathroom, meaning you don’t have to go room to room tidying up messes. With little effort and time, you will have a spotless apartment. Furthermore, since you are prone to cleaning up such a small space more frequently, it stays cleaner for longer.

4. You’ll accumulate less clutter

When you have such a small space, you have no option but to be more intentional about the stuff you keep around. There will be no space for unnecessary knick-knacks that only serve to occupy space. As a result, you will accumulate less clutter and maintain a generally neat environment.

5. You won’t need as much furniture

Since there is not much space in your studio apartment, to begin with, you will not have to spend too much on furniture. Furthermore, you will need to furnish the apartment with appropriately sized furniture, and with a few impactful pieces, you can put your budget to good use by focusing on high-quality pieces.

6. You’ll want to get out more

Sometimes living in such a small space will make you want to adopt a more outgoing lifestyle, which is not a bad thing. Hopefully, you will be encouraged to explore your city or go on some local adventures.

7. More environmentally friendly

Being in a smaller living space typically means you are making less of an impact on the environment. For example, since studio apartments are smaller in size, not much heat is required to increase internal temperatures during winter. Similarly, you will save on water usage due to the reduced size of the apartment, and your waste generation will probably be lower as well. Consequently, a studio apartment allows you more opportunities to be environmentally friendly.

8. Often conveniently located

More often than not, studio spaces are usually situated in apartment buildings that are in convenient locations with good travel links. You will probably find one near the office where you work or not too far from the college you are attending, which makes commuting back and forth manageable.

9. Many studios come with unique features

Many studio apartments often come with unique features that you will probably not find in one bedroom or two bedroom apartments. It is not uncommon to find a studio space with a charming brick wall or exposed ceilings that make for a quirky sense of style.

10. Multitasking is easier in a studio apartment

When you live in a studio space, it is easier to get more things done at once. You can simultaneously clean your entire apartment as you watch your favorite TV show, or prepare a meal and catch up with your family and friends while they are in the living room area.

Disadvantages of a studio

1. The small size

Studio apartments have a limited amount of space due to their small size. Currently, the average studio apartment in the USA is 10% smaller than it was, a significant reduction from 573 square feet in 2008 to 514 square feet in 2018. Due to the reduced space, some people find studio apartments to be claustrophobic.

2. It may prove difficult to have people over

Having visitors over when you rent a studio apartment takes some getting used to. For beginners, you cannot afford to close a door to hide the mess in your bedroom when you have people over since your room is visible from the living room area. Furthermore, the privacy of a studio apartment allows is very limited especially when you have company.

3. May not suit those with a lot of belongings

Hoarders will probably have a hard time adjusting to the restricted size of a studio apartment. Even if you are not fond of stocking items, you may find yourself getting rid of some of your belongings so that your space does not appear too cluttered.

4. You will most likely miss out on a closet

Many studio apartments, especially the smaller ones, do not come with closet space. This means you will have to find alternatives means of clothes storage such as dressers or clothing racks.

5. Best suited for only one or two people

The limited square footage of a studio apartment makes it suitable for not more than two people. If more inhabitants squeeze in such a small space, it tends to get very cramped, which makes the living situation generally uncomfortable. Therefore, mostly couples, single individuals, or just two roommates will enjoy the benefits of living in a studio apartment.

6. Limited scope for decoration

Since you can’t have too much of anything, whether it is furniture or ornamental pieces, decorating a studio apartment might feel restrictive.

Tips on how you can make your studio apartment seem bigger

Go for double duty furniture – Double duty furniture basically serves more than purpose. One of the best examples of this is a bed that transforms into what comes close to a comfortable sofa. With a few strategically arranged pillows and placing it with a long ledge against the wall just like a sofa, you can successfully create the illusion that you have a proper sitting area.

Maximize on height – By working with the height of furniture and accessories, you can create a space that seems bigger than a studio apartment. Go for bar-height seating in the dining area to effectively separate the kitchen from the rest of the living area. Long curtains can make your windows seem longer, and a big mirror will distract the eye.

Create different zones – Creating different zones is an effective way of making a studio apartment fell less like one central room. A bookcase or a wall divider are viable options you can use to create a visual divide, but they are not the only options, especially when your space is limited. For instance, an eye-catching rug and coffee table can be to establish the living room, while shelves and bar stools can be used for the kitchen.