Ways To Create A Bedroom In A Studio Apartment

So you've got yourself a studio. Whether you just bought one and can't wait to make it your own or just got a rental in a major (and wildly expensive) city, congratulations! These small spaces can be amazing challenges to traditional interior design principles, but also give you an opportunity to create a totally unique space. But one of the greatest difficulties is designing the space in such a way that you can cook, watch TV, and even work from home in the same space you're supposed to fall asleep in. 

If you've chosen studio apartment life, getting your bedroom set up ASAP is essential. Even studio owners need a sanctuary that is calming enough that you can doze off each night without feeling like you're in the kitchen. But even if you own your unit, putting up a wall isn't necessarily the best choice, even if you can get the building plans approved because it is expensive and can make the space feel even smaller. Instead, it's time to try zoning without walls, employ some strategic furniture placement, and even create a few optical illusions with area rugs and other decor elements. 

The first tip is probably the most important, and that is all about creating a barrier of some sort that gives a clear physical and individual divide between your bedroom space and the rest of the apartment. Obviously, we love a floor-to-ceiling sliding door moment, but that's more than likely going to require a contractor and jumping through bureaucratic hoops. Instead, get more creative with possible wall dividers. 

Curtains don't have to just cover windows. Using a tension rod and some long curtains is an excellent way to provide some privacy at night, but can be opened up during the day to open the space back up. If curtains are a bit too pricy, consider just buying some bolts of heavy fabric and using hem tape and clamps to turn them into DIY drapes. Another excellent divider is a bookshelf; we recommend one that doesn't have a back so you can see it from both sides of the apartment. And this means you get to add decor that has an impact on both sides and gives you some stylish but functional storage — a must in a studio flat. And buying a folding screen is also an excellent idea, especially if you want to move it or put it away during the day. If you don't care to DIY or have room for a permanent shelf display, a screen divider is the way to go. 

Getting furniture that makes spatial sense for your studio bedroom is not a step you can ignore. This can be really tricky if you've been someone who just collected a few furniture pieces over the years, or if you're downsizing with the move. But having furniture that goes with the layout can be the difference between a studio feeling cozy and homey, or cluttered and cramped. 

We aren't saying you shouldn't enjoy a full-size bed — in fact, using smaller furniture can actually make a space feel smaller. Instead, consider those temporary vertical dividers as permanent and fixed to help you get the most out of the space. For instance, structure your apartment so that the bed is in its own distinct zone, preferably with a small amount of walking room on either side. Then, find a sofa that can sit at least 1-2 feet away from the foot or side of your bed so it doesn't feel like your social gatherings are in your private zone. The same goes for rugs — don't let them over the room border. This makes it easier to visually and psychologically recognize the bedroom as a separate area. 

Beyond the DIY temporary walls and strategic placement, you can do a lot to create a bedroom zone in a studio with decorating alone. And as it happens, this tends to be the fun part. Much like you've created physical zones, you now need to decide how you'd like to continue that with décor. First, decide what you'd like your color palette to be throughout. If you want a bedroom that flows into the rest of the area seamlessly, just use 3-5 colors to use throughout the apartment. But if you're interested in creating more distinct zones, find 1-3 unique colors for the bedroom, and 1-2 that you'll use throughout the apartment so it has some cohesion. 

The best way to incorporate these colors without having to buy all new furniture is just with the magic of paint, especially on your walls. Consider an abstract organic-shaped mural or a wallpapered accent wall behind your headboard. For renters, consider a gallery wall or a large piece of artwork instead. While these aren't architectural dividers, they will clearly set the bedroom apart. You can also paint some furniture to match — ideal if you like a more maximalist aesthetic. Having a rug in your chosen colors is another great way to use every angle to create your studio bedroom.