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Studio Apartment Layouts and Floor Plan Inspiration

Studio apartments may be small, but with the right floor plan and design ideas, they can be stylish, functional, and surprisingly spacious.

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3D floor plan of a studio apartment.
Trude Carlsen

A studio apartment, or studio flat, is a compact living space with one main room plus a bathroom. The main room functions as the kitchen, living room, office, and bedroom, all in one open layout.

Most studios are around 250 sq ft (about 25 m²), making them smaller than loft apartments, which typically offer more room and can be divided into separate areas.

Because of their size, studio apartments are best suited for one person or a couple. For two roommates, the lack of privacy can be difficult, but they can be a practical choice for students or anyone used to compact living.

Studio apartment floor plan with measurements.
Compact Studio Apartment

Common Studio Layouts

The most common studio apartment layout is a simple rectangle, with all spaces flowing into one another. Another popular option is an L-shaped plan, which allows the sleeping area to be tucked away to the side, giving a little separation from the living and kitchen space.

Some studios even include smart storage solutions, such as a stacked washer and dryer hidden in a closet, a linen cupboard, or, if you’re lucky, a small walk-in closet.

Side-by-side floor plans of a compact studio apartment. The left shows a 2D plan with measurements: 186 sq ft living and sleeping area plus a 27 sq ft bathroom. The right shows a 3D view with a bed, sofa, coffee table, dining counter with chairs, and a modern bathroom.
Monochrome Studio Apartment

Kitchen layouts

In the kitchen, every inch counts. Upper and lower cabinets help maximize storage, while a corner or wall nook often doubles as space for a dining table that can also function as a desk. Since the bed is in the same room as the kitchen, quiet appliances are an important feature—no one wants to fall asleep to the hum of a refrigerator or the clatter of a dishwasher.

Flexible storage ideas for small kitchen

Bathroom layouts

Bathrooms in studio apartments vary in size and style. Some include only a walk-in shower, while others have a bathtub. A vanity with built-in storage and a mirrored medicine cabinet will help make the most of limited space.

3D floor plans of two small bathrooms. The left bathroom includes a toilet, sink, and bathtub with tiled floors and wooden cabinets. The right bathroom features a toilet, sink with vanity, a corner shower, patterned floor tiles, and a stacked washer and dryer.
Small Bathroom Layouts

How to Design a Functional Studio Apartment

Making a studio apartment feel spacious and comfortable comes down to smart planning. Since every function of daily life happens in the same room, it helps to think in steps. Follow this simple process to create a layout that actually works.

3D floor plan of a small container studio apartment with a bathroom and kitchenette on one side, an open living and sleeping area with sofa, bed, and armchair, plus an outdoor patio with lounge chairs and a table, surrounded by greenery.
Container Studio Apartment

1. Define Your Zones

Start by deciding where you’ll sleep, cook, relax, and work. Use rugs, curtains, folding screens, or a tall bookshelf to visually mark each area without closing off light.

2. Choose Space-Saving Furniture

Pick pieces that do double-duty: a platform bed with drawers, a convertible coffee table, or an entry bench with cubbies. For more flexibility, consider a wall bed or loft bed that frees up floor space during the day.

3. Shape the Atmosphere With Light

Mirrors and large windows make a studio feel bigger and brighter. Prefer a cozier vibe? Use blackout curtains to control the morning light.

4. Experiment and Refine

Move furniture around until the flow feels natural. Then, test your ideas in the RoomSketcher app — create 2D Floor Plans, switch to 3D Floor Plans, and walk through your layout in Live 3D to see it all come together.


Split view of a compact studio apartment showing both a 2D floor plan and a 3D rendered layout. The apartment features an open living area with a sofa and coffee table, a sleeping area with a double bed partially separated by a wooden slat divider, a small kitchen with a round dining table, and a bathroom near the entrance. The design maximizes space efficiency with a clean, modern aesthetic.

Create Your Studio Apartment with RoomSketcher

Design your studio the way you want before you move in.

With the RoomSketcher app, you can draw your floor plan, try different layouts, and see the results instantly.

Switch between professional 2D Floor Plans, detailed 3D Floor Plans, and even walk through your apartment in interactive Live 3D.


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