How to furnish a modern studio by optimising space

Studio apartments are a type of dwelling with limited space, but this does not make them any less liveable. In fact, with good planning, it is possible to make the most of every nook and cranny, in some cases even having a more functional room than a larger one.

To make a small studio apartment cosy, however, it is essential to follow certain expedients, both stylistic and in terms of furniture choices. For example, focusing on light colours and natural materials that reflect light and give a feeling of space, allows spaces to be visually extended, giving more air and an impression of greater depth. White or pastel-coloured walls, combined with soft, warm fabrics such as cotton or linen, also create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere, which can be enriched with decorative elements such as colourful cushions, carpets and plants, which not only liven up the room, but also add a personal and natural touch. Lighting, however, also plays an essential role in defining the personality of the home: it is best to opt for soft lighting and strategic lighting points, which make the environment warmer and more inviting.

We have seen first of all how to make use of natural and artificial lighting and decoration to enhance the overall appearance of a studio apartment. However, when designing the interior of a small dwelling, a crucial issue is the choice of furniture, which must be functional and purposeful.

Multi-functional furniture is, from this point of view, essential to optimise space: for example, extendable tables that can be transformed from small tables for two into comfortable spaces for several people are an excellent solution for accommodating friends and family, minimising clutter when one is alone in the home. In the sleeping area, on the other hand, beds with storage, in addition to guaranteeing a good night’s sleep, offer extra space to store the change of season and other objects, representing a sort of additional wardrobe.

If, on the other hand, we want to divide the room into several zones, without closing off the space too much and allowing light to reach every corner, another interesting option is represented by double-sided modular bookcases, such as Novamobili’s Pontile model, while in terms of functionality, full-height hinged wardrobes make the most of the verticality of the studio apartment to organise clothes and accessories without taking up space.

How, on the other hand, should one choose a bed? Having only a few square metres available, in fact, it can be difficult to furnish a proper sleeping area. In this sense, the perfect solution may be a container bed to optimise space and have more volume for storing linen, blankets and clothing.

If space is particularly limited, however, it is also possible to think of a loft bed, so as to recover space in height and exploit the area underneath for other furnishings, such as a desk and bookcase, or a hide-a-bed, which can instead be folded up during the day and disappear completely from view.