If you’re living in a studio flat, your choice of decoration can make a big difference.
After all, making the most of limited space matters.
So, read on to find out how to decorate your studio flat in the best possible way.
What is a studio flat?
A studio flat is a self-contained unit where the living area, kitchen and bedroom are all in the same space.
In other words, there aren’t separate rooms or walls for each area.
The only room with a partition is the bathroom.
What size are studio flats?
Most studio flats are between 250 square feet to 600 square feet.
(For reference, this is approximately between the size of a one-car and a three-car garage.)
You’ll usually find studio flats in cities and towns where space is limited.
They are ideal for people on a low budget, typically the least expensive and smallest type of property in the UK.
Why decorating studio flats matters
Since studio flats have so much less space than other flats, your decoration needs to be on point!
A well-decorated flat is more pleasant to live in and easier to sell.
It adds value to your flat and makes it stand out from the competition.
After all, flats are the most common type of property in the UK, so selling them can be difficult.
Can you decorate a rented flat?
It depends on the tenancy agreement and how your decoration changes the flat.
You can often decorate with temporary items like paintings and potted plants but should avoid making permanent changes.
Furthermore, landlords may have the right to redecorate during the tenancy (but should communicate with tenants beforehand).
Tips for decorating a studio flat
Tips for selling flats don’t necessarily work with houses. This is because selling a flat is a different challenge to selling a house.
The same applies to tips for decorating flats, particularly studio flats.
1. Choose a theme
Your studio flat needs a theme. A theme can be a:
- Colour (or colour scheme)
- Motif
- Pattern
- Style.
You should select one that you find visually appealing. Then, be consistent with it in everything you buy.
Match your furniture, curtains, wall colour and even your appliances. Think about more minor details like your duvet or cushions.
Use the colour wheel to decide on complementary colours. These small details can all add up to create an excellent overall appearance.
2. Utilise the height of your studio
Decoration isn’t just about putting things on the floor of your studio flat.
You can utilise the property’s height to fit even more items in. You’ll have the same square footage to move around in but in a far more attractive setting.
Don’t put things on the floor that can be stuck to the wall or ceiling—for example, bookcases, lamps, and TV stands.
Hang artwork on your walls. Appropriately-sized paintings or photographs can improve a room’s appearance.
You’ll find that many studio flats in the UK have a loft bed or a bed that folds into a cupboard. These use the height of your room practically.
3. Put in a mirror
Mirrors serve two excellent purposes when you decorate your flat.
It increases natural light and gives your studio the illusion of being bigger than it is.
Position them intelligently (for example, beside the window), and you’ll almost certainly feel the difference.
4. Buy customised furniture
You need to be intelligent with your spacing in a studio flat.
One way to do this is to measure your room and put temporary markings on the floor, showing where all your furniture will go.
Once the design is laid out, you should buy custom-made furniture for your space.
This ensures that you optimise how you use the area. It’ll cost more but will make your living experience far more enjoyable.
And you will likely be able to sell the furniture with the flat later on. After all, you won’t need it, and the buyer won’t likely find better-fitting furniture.
5. Combine function with decoration
Is space limited in your studio’s kitchen? You can buy attractive-looking utensils to adorn the walls.
This allows you to store useful items while simultaneously decorating your flat.
You can buy colour-coordinated chopping boards. Or you can buy beautifully coloured straws to hang along the wall.
Even a patterned pair of oven mitts can complement your kitchen’s ambience.
6. Put in a room divider
Most studios have a living area, kitchen and bedroom all in the same space.
If you can divide these sections, it can improve your living experience and make the flat far more attractive.
Rugs can signal the end of one section and the beginning of another. Putting drapes or a curtain around your bed is another great example.
You can also use painted bookcases or wardrobes as decorative features that act as dividers.
This approach improves privacy in your studio. It might also make each section feel bigger or more aesthetically pleasing.
7. Use a fold-out sofa
Space is in short supply in your studio flat.
Consider a fold-out sofa if you’re struggling to fit everything in. It creates more space when you’re not sleeping.
You can choose one that matches the flooring or wall colours so it makes a positive visual contribution to your studio.
