How to furnish a studio apartment (and make it feel cozy)
A studio has to be a bedroom, living room, office and entryway in one. The trick is to create zones, hide the clutter and use light instead of extra furniture.
Our picks
Hidden storage
Under-bed storage bags (4-pack)
Clothes, linens and off-season items go under the bed and out of sight.
Rated 4.3★ by 17,000+ Amazon shoppers
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Slim shoe cabinet with flip drawers
Hides shoes in just a few inches of depth beside the door.
Rated 4.4★ by 570+ Amazon shoppers
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Corner floor lamp
Washes a dark corner with warm light, so the room feels bigger at night.
Rated 4.4★ by 11,900+ Amazon shoppers
Check price on AmazonAccent wall
Peel-and-stick floral wallpaper
Gives the sleep zone its own personality and peels off when you move out.
Rated 4.6★ by 840+ Amazon shoppers
Check price on Amazon1. Divide the studio into zones
Decide where you sleep, sit and enter. Use a rug, a bookshelf or the back of a sofa to separate the bed from the living area, so the space reads as rooms instead of one big box.
2. Choose furniture that hides storage
Beds with drawers, ottomans that open, and under-bed bags keep the floor clear. Clutter is what makes a studio feel small.
3. Keep furniture low and leggy
Pieces on legs show more floor, which makes the room look bigger. Skip bulky sectionals; a loveseat and one accent chair are usually enough.
4. Light each zone separately
A corner floor lamp for the living area, plug-in sconces by the bed, and a cordless lamp on the table. Three light sources at different heights make a studio feel layered and cozy.
5. Add one renter-friendly accent
Peel-and-stick wallpaper behind the bed or a large mirror gives the studio character without risking your deposit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make my studio apartment feel bigger?
Keep the floor clear with hidden storage, choose furniture on legs, use a large mirror and light the corners.
What furniture do you need in a studio apartment?
A bed (ideally with storage), a small sofa or loveseat, a table that can double as a desk, and slim storage by the door.
How do you separate a bed in a studio?
Use a bookshelf, a curtain, a rug under the bed, or place the sofa with its back to the bed to create a visual divider.