6 Tips to Create a Stylish and Practical Studio Flat

Living in a studio flat means embracing a compact, open-plan layout. With the right design tricks, multifunctional furniture, and a bit of creativity, your studio can be both stylish and practical.

Here are six tips to help you make the most of every inch of your space.

Create different zones

Different zones in your studio allow you to move between distinct areas, so you don’t feel like you're eating, working, relaxing, and sleeping in the exact same place.

You can use room dividers like folding screens, tall plants, open shelving units, a clothing rack, or lightweight curtains, adding a sense of calmness around your bed. These will break up the space while making it feel open and light. Rugs are ideal for defining zones visually while adding interest and warmth.

Lighting is another simple yet powerful way to create different areas:

• Wall lights are great space-savers
• Table lamps can sit on shelves, side tables, or a desk
• Floor lamps provide ambient lighting over a sofa or dining area

If possible, install separate dimmer switches for your ceiling lights so you can use an overhead light in the kitchen without also turning on lights by the bed.

Focus on flow

Try to avoid making your flat feel claustrophobic and closed-off. A round dining table can fit well in a tight space and is easy to walk around. If you want the versatility to change the size of your dining table, go for an extendable option.

Mirrors reflect light and will visually expand your studio. Wall-mounted mirrors save precious floor space, and you can get creative with different shapes. Don’t forget about the back of the door if you want a full-length mirror in the bathroom.

Think vertically

Maximise your wall space with tall bookcases, shelving, or wall-mounted cabinets. These draw the eye upwards, adding height to the room and giving you more storage. Play with artwork, a gallery wall, or patterned wallpaper to decorate your walls without eating into valuable floor space.

Multifunctional furniture

In a studio flat, multifunctional furniture can take your space from chaotic to effortlessly organised. 

A storage ottoman is a stylish piece of furniture made for multitasking. A seat, footrest, and coffee table in one, with hidden storage inside. Just place a tray on top to provide a solid surface for drinks, snacks, or a vase of flowers. Ottomans come in various shapes and sizes, so don’t worry about not having enough room – Swyft’s Storage 03 model is ideal for small nooks.

From straight to chaise to U-shape, modular sofas offer the flexibility to rearrange your layout with ease whenever you need it – handy if you’re hosting a watching party or need to make room for a workout. You can find sofas with built-in storage, or for an open look, choose a more streamlined silhouette with exposed legs.

A bed frame with storage underneath is a no-brainer for linens, seasonal clothes, and anything else you need to stash away. There are different styles, such as ottoman storage beds that lift up, divans with drawers, or you can buy under-bed storage boxes separately. Think about where your bed will be situated and which storage solution will be most accessible. 

The days of sofa beds being a rickety frame that might collapse at any moment are thankfully over. A day bed or a sofa bed offer a great spot for lounging by day and a cosy bed by night for guests, or you if you have reduced space. Add a mattress topper for extra comfort and back support.

For extreme space-saving, try a wall bed, also known as a Murphy bed, that folds into a wall or cupboard when you’re not using it. These often have a shelf or desk attached, perfect for work or hobbies.

Kitchen tricks 

If you're designing or updating a kitchen, lots can be done to maximise functionality in a small area.

Counter space is key for anyone who regularly cooks and needs room to prepare food. An under-the-counter fridge/freezer, built-in microwave (or combined convection oven) or one on a shelf, and a hot tap instead of a kettle are effective solutions. If you don’t need four hobs, a two-hob hotplate is narrower, and a portable version can be stowed away when not in use.

For those who don’t have the time or willpower to hand wash dishes, a slimline dishwasher or dishwasher drawer still fits a surprising amount inside without taking up much room.

Open shelving is an attractive way to display glasses, crockery, and cookbooks. Just be mindful to keep it curated rather than cluttered. Use shelf inserts or racks in your cabinets to keep your kitchenware and pantry essentials neatly stacked, and hooks inside cupboard doors to hang items like a frying pan. Hide your waste, food scraps, and recycling bins under your kitchen sink and add a shelf or containers to store tea towels and cleaning products.

Keep it fresh

When your kitchen is in the same room you sleep in, you’ll want to ensure cooking smells don’t linger.

During and after cooking, keep your windows open and use your range hood or extractor fan to ventilate and quickly draw out steam and odours. Clean the carbon or paper filters in your extractor fans and replace them when they become ineffective. For extra help, consider an air purifier that neutralises odours and reduces allergens.

It can be hard to keep on top of, but having a clean oven and grill will reduce the smoke and smell each time you turn it on. Investing in a self-cleaning oven that incinerates food residue can be worthwhile. All you have to do is wipe up the remaining ash – life-changing.

Finally, scented candles or a diffuser help cover any lasting odours and bring a personalised, welcoming touch to your space.

Need more compact storage ideas? Read our tips on sneaky ways to add storage to your home and storage solutions for small spaces.