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Just wanted to share a final update to the original post and the previous update now that I am settled. This is what a single, early middle-aged college instructor, writer and artist can afford on a lower-mid income (with outstanding debt). $550 per month for ~150sq ft main space (bathroom is maybe ~50sq ft) all utilities included, no kitchen. I had next to no furniture prior to moving out of my previous spot- an RV I rented on rural land. Most of the furniture and appliances were scored cheaply, second-hand from graduating college students, suburbanites and used furniture stores. The mattress was an inexpensive online purchase. I’ve lived from coast to coast in several major American cities - from punk houses and live/work commercial art spaces to old Edwardians, studios and one bedrooms. I’ve always maintained the preference for some basic elements - light, privacy, simplicity and coherent order. Thanks to all for the feedback and suggestions on previous posts. America is a beast and economic survival isn’t easy, but you can still live an enchanted life with a little creativity. Peace be with you.
...approx 120 sqft, not including the bathroom and small foyer.
So, I'm an older woman (early 60s) who used to own a three-bedroom home in the 'burbs. After a long spate of challenges, though (layoffs, catastrophic illnesses etc), I've had to drastically downsize. But I didn't want to feel like I was living in someone else's bedroom (which is how I've lived for the last several years). I wanted to feel like a grownup again, even in a very tiny space.
I've also wanted to move into the city for a very long time, but even a traditional studio apartment is far out of reach for my limited income, especially if it's near downtown. I was about to give up ... when I saw this "sleeping room" advertised on Craigslist. It's actually a converted butler's quarters in a huge 1920s apartment building.
The neighborhood is safe and extremely walkable, literally in the middle of everything. And because it's so small (and lacks a kitchen), the monthly rent is HALF half the going rate for a modest one-bedroom.
Still, my funds for moving were pretty limited so I did everything as inexpensively as possible. Furniture is almost all IKEA (I had to measure everything down to the inch). The hideabed is an Älvdalen (less than $500!), surprisingly comfortable even for my old back, and unfolds sideways compared to traditional hideabeds; this saves tons of space.
Anything else new I had to get came from Black Friday and other discounts/sales, mostly. I really couldn't do thrift stores much because things had to be very specific sizes, and there was no room for anything that wouldn't fit and work perfectly.
Also: It was important to me that the decor be intentional and not cluttery, so I limited the color scheme. I think it works. 🙂
“I’m curious what small furniture, storage, or layout changes helped make your studio feel more open, organized, and comfortable.”
Bathroom not pictured
Not a fan of the open shelves in the kitchen but making it work
Planning to live solo in secret, not wanting to move out yet completely until I’m ready. Little by little i’ll make my secret home base as my own. Got not clue where to start after getting an apartment tho
First time in a studio and could use some outside eyes.
The space: ~19'7" wide x 9'7" deep, L-shaped with a kitchen running along the top wall.
Big windows along the bottom which is the main selling point. Entry door is on the right side.
My priorities:
Furniture I'm working with: Full size bed, couch, desk setup. Fairly flexible otherwise.
Attaching some sample floor plans I've made so far. Curious on your opinions or completely new design tips.
I just moved out and am living alone for the first time and have no furniture! I’m getting a bit of option overload and have been on facebook marketplace constantly.
The main problem I’m running into is the closet space, which has no rack to hang clothes on. Not sure if I should. A) install drawers onto the shelves, take off the doors so it’s easier to access with my current bed placement or B) get a dresser/clothing rack.
I also thought about moving the bed to the nook next to the closet but I share that wall with my neighbor and when they close their front door I get woken up.
I want to get a desk but not sure what size and what the placement should be :/
I’m definitely overthinking it since I’m trying to be frugal and get most of my furniture second hand which takes lots of time. I’m having a difficult time committing to a layout and would appreciate any guidance or advice.
As you can tell I do not like colour 🥹, I'm waiting for my curtains to be installed and a TV mount on the wall and some other bits for decor.
Sorry for the mess I haven't properly moved in yet, in terms of the dining table and chairs should I swap them so it's where the sofa is?
Thank you!!
Thoughts on how to furnish this studio?
I don’t need a desk/office space.
Thanks!
I moved to a 408 sq foot studio and need help with arranging my furniture - mostly my full size bed and a large 9.5 foot sofa that has a cuddler at the end.
This is how I have it laid out rn, except I don’t have a tv or computer desk yet.
It feels awkward having my bed face the sofa. I don’t want my bed to be in the corner closest to the kitchen, and I don’t want too much furniture blocking the patio door.
Any ideas would be appreciated 🫶
First image is the rendition from the website, and the others are images I took when I toured. I’m going to be moving in the next two weeks along with 350+ books and lots of plants. How can I add renter friendly shelving, or break up the space to allow for tons of books with still having room to walk? 🤣
I’m also looking to have a small desk to WFH on once a week, but am not sure how to do that without sacrificing a dining room table. I plan to replace my queen bed with a full. Any thoughts are welcome!!
Hi All,
I am moving to a studio apartment for the fird ttime and wondering if the community here has some ideas on how I can set it up.
TIA
Im about to move into a studio apartment - my first time living alone. I need to some suggestions on how to make the most of this living space.
Ideally, id like to create some sort of “separation” between the bed / sofa area, and the kitchen
Hi all, I am in the process of looking for an apartment in the northern Virginia/DC area for August of this year and had some questions about studio living. I’ve been looking around the sub for a while, and have a general idea of studio life but want some advice.
Thank you all, I am torn between a studio and a one bedroom so anything really helps.
Just looking for some advice/opinions on this layout for my partner and I. Does it seem viable or what can make it more efficient? The kitchen area seems like there is space that can be used. The sofa is an L shape and probably won't be swapped out for a different one. We also plan to put some stuff in weather proof bins out in the terrace.
Thanks!
First time living in a studio and fully alone! Excited to make it my own but have zero idea on how to set it up. I have a queen size bed and a fairly small desk. Debating getting the hemnes daybed from iKea and getting rid of my bed so I don’t need to allot separate space for a couch. I also have a medium/large dog that loves looking out the window so would like to put my sleep setup against the wall unless that’s not advisable.
Any and all ideas appreciated!!! TIA!!
It’s been 6 months since I’ve been going out every weekend either to stay at a friends house or just travel somewhere. I have the money I know 4.5k for a studio with own sink/cr seems nice and even has own parking space. It’s kinda tiring sneaking out every weekend for a fake night shift work as a student. I budget it out I can still help pay for my parent’s bill while I secretly rent an apartment for my own.
Yes, I do have my own room at home but I can’t even rest well anymore people at the house are all awake in the morning in which case I’m asleep and literally traveling 17-20km just to go to work is exhausting and not so fun anymore.
Home to school 7km
School to work 10km
Work to home 20km
If i get an apartment in secret
Every free time I get after school I would go directly here
School to apt 11km
Apt to work is 7km
Home to apt is 25km
Yes it sounds wasteful to get apt all while having my own room but I wanna know independence for real because I’m already planning to go abroad after graduation and that’s a big shift, this secret getaway apt is my practice.
Should I get it or no?
Any suggestions on improving this layout for my studio? Feeling awkward with the hallway leading straight into the couch but can’t think of any better ways or situating the furniture.
Please don’t mind my very rough renderings