Renting a studio apartment is a great way to save money without having to get a roommate. However, the savings and privacy come at the expense of space! When deciding what to bring to a studio apartment and what not to bring to a studio apartment, it may help to rule out a few non-essentials. Here’s our guide for deciding what should (and shouldn’t) make the cut.
1. A sectional
Don’t take up all your space with a bulky sectional — a small sofa or loveseat will do the trick! Add one or two sleek-but-comfy armchairs or even stow away floor pillows for additional seating.
Planning to host overnight guests? A sleeper sofa does double duty by masquerading as a traditional sofa during the day and pulling out into a comfy mattress at night.
2. A bulky entertainment center
Many home entertainment centers are notoriously big and bulky, and therefore not ideal for a studio apartment. Opt for a low bookcase to maximize storage, or a wall mount for your TV to eliminate the bulk.
However, if you’re a media buff who needs the space for gaming consoles and Netflix on your laptop won’t cut it, opt for a media credenza that’s sleekly designed with plenty of storage and make it do double duty as a room divider.
3. Multiple sets of dinner- and drinkware
How often are you really going to host a dinner party for 10 in a studio apartment? With your limited space, probably not often. At least not often enough to keep that many sets of dinner plates, bowls, drinking glasses, wine glasses, coffee mugs — you get the idea — on hand.
Keep a small set of four to six for daily use and spring for some heavy-duty paper plates and plastic cups when you need them. It’ll help you keep a clutter-free studio apartment and make cleanup easier anyway. (Let your glasses do double duty, too. One type of wine glass will do — or ditch them altogether and give your juice glasses a promotion instead.)
Appliances, cutlery, and glassware can quickly overwhelm your space and budget. Save space (and cash) by renting your kitchenware.
4. A full-sized dining set
What about a dining table? The same logic applies here: a table for eight is unnecessary in a studio apartment. You’ll likely only need seating for two to four. Furnish for your regular daily needs and adjust accordingly if and when the time comes.
Here are four alternatives that will ensure you don’t miss that big farmhouse table.
- A table with built-in drawers to do double duty for dining and storage
- A rolling kitchen island that can be used as storage space, a counter for meal prep, and a dinner table
- A slim and sleek glass table that doesn’t visually obstruct the room
- A tall pub table and stools that take up less space
5. Clutter
No one likes a messy studio apartment! But with less space to work with, I’m sure you’re wondering how to keep your apartment clutter-free. Moving into a studio apartment doesn’t mean you have to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, but you probably do need to pare down some of the excess stuff.
When you pack up to move, take serious stock of your stuff. Make a master list of what to bring to a studio apartment: clothes that are in regular rotation, bedding, kitchen appliances you use regularly, all-purpose cleaning supplies, functional furniture, etc. Then, donate or toss anything you don’t need.
Find the right fit for your space with CORT.
Since there are plenty of studio apartment do’s and don’ts, you may need a little help. Thankfully, CORT simplifies studio apartment living. Our Move-In-Ready furniture subscription packages include furniture, decor, and housewares made for studio living. We’ll deliver and set up your furnishings when you move in and take them away when your lease is up. Enjoy the freedom of living with less. Visit us online or at your local CORT showroom and browse stylish, durable furniture that best fits your studio!
