Studio vs. 1 Bedroom Apartments: Which to Choose?

Social March 25, 2024

0 513 5 minutes read

When searching for a new place to live, there are several factors to consider. These include the location, price, number of roommates, and number of bedrooms needed. This brief guide is to help you choose: studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment.

Renters often face the dilemma of choosing between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment, particularly in bustling cities like Lagos or Abuja. Whether you’re looking to save money or need more space, both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Indeed, there are more aspects to these two types of apartments than just a partition and a door for the bedroom. The purpose of this guide is to assist you in making an informed decision and facilitate your search for a new home in the city.

Contents

What is a Studio Apartment?

A studio apartment is a single-room living space that combines your living room, bedroom, and eating area into one open floor plan. There are no walls or divisions separating the different sections, except for the bathroom, which is typically separate. These apartments are typically small in size, ranging from around 300 to 600 square feet, making them an ideal choice for individuals or couples who prefer a minimalist lifestyle.

What is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

As the name suggests, a one-bedroom apartment features a separate bedroom from the main living space. Unlike a studio apartment, the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are in separate areas.

In larger apartments, the living or dining room may merge with the kitchen to create an open floor plan. Some spacious apartments also provide a separate dining area.

These apartments are typically more spacious, ranging from 500 to 900 square feet, offering individuals or couples a greater sense of privacy and room for customization

Generally, one-bedroom apartments offer more space compared to studios, making it easier to entertain guests.

Differences Between Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments

Before you begin your apartment search, it’s important to understand the differences between studios and one-bedroom apartments to find the right fit for your needs. Here’s are somethings to pay attention to before you choose between a studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment.

Size

The compact size of a studio apartment can be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences. If you prefer a minimalistic and simple lifestyle, a studio apartment might be ideal. It’s easy to clean, and everything you need is within reach.

However, if you crave more space and dimensions or value privacy, a one-bedroom apartment is a better choice. It offers enough room for a couple and allows you to split the rent, saving money.

Furniture and Decor

If you enjoy interior decorating, a studio apartment provides limited options. Your focus will likely revolve around creating divisions using screen dividers or plants. Additionally, you won’t have many opportunities to hang artwork or add unique pieces of furniture.

On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and prefer a minimalist approach, a studio apartment is a great option. Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, you won’t require much furniture or decor to make it feel like home.

Home Office Set-Up

While it is possible to work from home in both a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment, it may not always be practical or comfortable to eat, sleep, work, and relax in the same room every day.

Studio apartments often lack the flexibility needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. One-bedroom apartments offer more space, making it easier to set up a dedicated home office area. A small den, alcove, or spacious corner can be sufficient for your work-from-home needs.

Rent Prices

Due to their smaller size, studio apartments usually have lower rental prices compared to other types of apartments on the market. Choosing a studio apartment allows you to save money and potentially live in your dream neighborhood.

Even if cost savings aren’t your primary concern, living in a studio apartment promotes a more efficient and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. You’ll consume less energy, cleaning products, water, and overall resources in your day-to-day life.

However, it’s important to note that not all studio apartments are cheaper than one-bedroom apartments. Living in a trendy or upscale neighborhood will likely come with a higher price tag, regardless of the apartment size you choose.

Renting a Studio apartment in Nigeria will cost between N250, 000 to N1, 500, 000 per annum whereas that of One-bedroom ranges from N200, 000 to N3, 000, 000 per annum.

Price Difference Between Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments

Studio apartments tend to be approximately 5% cheaper than one-bedroom apartments. However, it’s essential to determine whether the price difference is worth it for you.

Competitiveness

While you can find one-bedroom apartments in many locations, they are often more competitive to secure in cities like Abuja or Lagos. Studios are generally less desirable, and you’ll face fierce competition when searching for a one-bedroom apartment.

Utility Bills

It’s natural for utility costs to be lower in a studio apartment. It requires less heating and air conditioning to maintain a comfortable living environment.

Conversely, one-bedroom apartments require more energy to provide comfort. If your apartment has high ceilings or a lofted area, you can expect even higher electricity bills.

Convenience

Multitasking is made easier in a studio apartment. You can watch Netflix, clean, and cook dinner in the same room. Tidying up your space before heading out is also quicker.

Studio apartments are often located in busy neighbourhoods, allowing you to reach your destinations quickly.

Hosting and Entertaining

When living in a studio apartment, your bed may also serve as part of the seating area, which means guests are constantly surrounded by your personal belongings and have limited room to spread out. Hosting a crowd can be challenging in a studio apartment.

Hosting out-of-town guests is also difficult in a studio apartment, as you’ll likely have to accommodate them with a blow-up mattress next to your own bed.

While one-bedroom apartments may not have a dedicated guest room, they still offer more space for hosting guests while providing privacy.

You can set up a couch or an air mattress in the living room or a small den. Additionally, a kitchen and living room are usually sufficient for hosting dinner parties or gatherings.

Closet Space

If you enjoy collecting shoes or jackets, a studio apartment may not be suitable, as it often offers limited closet space that can only accommodate a few coats. You may need to invest in a wardrobe or dresser or find innovative clothing storage solutions to make it work.

Should I Rent a Studio or a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Choosing between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

When it comes to choosing between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment, several factors need to be considered. If your primary goal is to save money, a studio apartment is likely the most affordable option.

However, if you prefer more space and a separate bedroom and can stretch your budget, a one-bedroom apartment is the better choice.

Final Thoughts

A studio apartment is ideal for someone with minimal furniture who won’t be spending extended periods of time at home. Before moving in, you may want to research how to declutter your apartment to optimise the limited space.

On the other hand, one-bedroom apartments are better suited for those who want a designated living space to entertain guests.

They are also ideal if you prefer separate and private areas for activities like watching TV, cooking, and dining. Individuals who work from home often prefer one-bedroom units to separate their living and working spaces.

The pros and cons mentioned above may hold varying degrees of importance for different individuals. Ultimately, it all boils down to your unique lifestyle, goals, and the area you reside in.

Consider all aspects before making a decision on where you want to live. Book an apartment tour today and explore the options available to you!