Decorating

15 Ways To Carve Out A Bedroom In A Studio Apartment

It’s cozy, it’s convenient, but hey, where’s the bedroom supposed to go? Creating a bedroom in a studio apartment might seem difficult but it’s doable. Carving out a cozy sleep space requires some creativity and smart space planning.

I’m here to help you get those creative juices flowing! I’ve got a treasure trove of creative ideas to help you create a distinct bedroom area in your studio apartment, without sacrificing style or space. You’re going to love these!

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how to create a bedroom in a studio apartment

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Use Room Dividers To Create A Bedroom In A Studio Apartment

Let’s start with the classics. One popular way to create a bedroom in a studio apartment is to employ room dividers.

Room dividers or folding screens not only visually section off areas; they’re style statements too! They’re available in so many different styles, materials, and designs.

create a bedroom in a studio with a room divider

Try bamboo screens for an earthy, boho look or a slated divider for a modern vibe.

Shop Stylish Room Dividers from Bed Bath & Beyond!

See-through room dividers work great for small studios because they maintain those sightlines throughout the space.

Creating clear sightlines in your apartment will make your space feel more open and airy, thus creating the illusion of more space.

The beauty of room dividers and screens is their movability. Feel like a change? Just switch them around to give your space a fresh look!


Glass / Plexiglass Partitions

Another way to create a bedroom in a studio apartment is to install a partition. If your lease allows and you’re feeling a bit handy, temporary walls or partitions are an option. Temporary walls or partitions are DIY opportunities to create a bedroom in your studio.

Build a temporary plexiglass partition to maintain sightlines and keep the space open and airy. A removable wall system won’t damage your apartment’s structure.

If you like the look of this window pane partition below I found a great video tutorial here that will achieve a similar look. It’s easy to follow with beautiful results!

glass partition in studio apartment

Ceiling Hanging Divider

Many dividers can be hung from the ceiling to help you create a bedroom space in your studio. They’ll provide that much-needed privacy without any bulky, space-hogging barriers. This studio dweller installed window shades to separate their bedroom from their living room. It’s a simple and genius hack that’s worth a try!

Use A Clothing Rack For Some Privacy

Let your clothing rack double as a room divider and privacy screen! Place your clothing rack beside or at the base of your bed to carve out a sleep space. To add a touch of style, try color-coordinating your clothing for a chic look.

IKEA

Loft Beds Or Raised Platforms

Sometimes all it takes to make a bedroom in a studio is to elevate your sleep space! A loft bed or raised platform can redefine your studio entirely. Try building a raised platform for your bed or mattress. You can even use the space underneath for extra storage!

loft bed in small apartment

Use Your Sofa To Separate Your Sleep Space

Who knew furniture could be so powerful? Strategic placement is the secret weapon to draw invisible lines between different areas. A well-positioned sofa, console table or a sleek sideboard—can all create a visual barrier and define spaces effortlessly.

Put a sofa at the foot of your bed to carve out both a bedroom and living room space. Place a small dining table between your kitchen and living room and now you have 3 separate spaces without any walls!

Pinterest | Cupcakes For Breakfast

In the images above the sofa clearly defines two separate living spaces effortlessly, without creating visual clutter or bringing in additional furniture.

DIY A Temporary Half Wall…But Check With Your Landlord First.

This one is for the DIY enthusiasts! Install a half-wall partition to carve out a bedroom in your studio apartment. It’s a sleek, modern way to create separation in an open floor plan. It will require some work and know-how but the results can be transformative! I found a tutorial on how to do it here.

half wall studio bedroom divider

Create Zones with Paint, Wallpaper Or Decals

For the DIY-challenged like me, you don’t need to build walls; just create a visual boundary. Do this by painting the wall behind your bed in your favorite shade or adding a beautiful wallpaper or large decal!

This serves as your makeshift headboard, making your bed the focal point and creating a sense of enclosure. With the right design, wallpaper can create the illusion of more space! See 6 Wallpaper Patterns That Make Small Rooms Look Bigger!

Pinterest

You have so many creative options here too! You can paint an arch or a geometric color-block design to frame your bed. Create a large wall decal, use peel-and-stick wallpaper or a calming scenic mural, or even create a gallery wall with your favorite photos or art.

The point is to delineate this space and visually separate it from the rest of the room. You’ll be amazed at the transformation and character they add to your space.

Hang a Canopy or Drapes

Dreamy and romantic, canopies or drapes over your bed instantly bring a sense of separation to your sleep zone. Not only do they add a touch of fairytale charm, but they also create a visual boundary.

hang canopy to create a bedroom area in studio

Soho Rock House via Pinterest

Try a Bookcase Divider

Another way to create a bedroom in a studio apartment is to repurpose a bookcase and use it as a room divider. Tall bookcases are multitasking magicians for small spaces.

Not only do they create separate zones, but they also provide ample storage for your books, décor, plants, and more. Add a bookcase at the base or side of your bed to section off this space from the rest of the room.

Choose an open bookcase like the one below to maintain the visual flow in the room (remember to maintain those sightlines!).

Then arrange your favorite books, showcase stylish décor pieces, and sprinkle in a few plants. Now you have a stylish room divider that doubles as storage!

bookcase room divider

Pro Tip: Remember those sightlines we talked about? Choose an open bookcase to create separation and maintain the visual flow in the room. Closed bookcases can create visual clutter in a small room. Prevent this by opting for a backless bookcase.

Use Curtains or Hanging Fabric To Create A Bedroom

For a budget-friendly option, install a Ceiling Curtain Track Set like this one on Amazon and play with curtains or fabric panels to create separation. Choose light, sheer fabrics for an airy feel or heavier, opaque ones for extra privacy.

Experiment with patterns, colors, and materials. Curtains are a versatile and flexible way to create separation and transform your space whenever the mood strikes.

curtain partition to create bedroom in studio

Source

The sheer white curtains in this studio work well to maintain that airy and open feel while still creating separation for the bedroom. As a result, the space feels bright and spacious.

Install Sliding Doors or Barn Doors

If you’re handy and have a bit more cash (and time) to spare, try installing sliding or barn doors to create a bedroom space in your studio. Sliding doors is that they won’t take up too much space and they can be a stunning design feature. Depending on the materials you choose a sliding bard door will add a touch of rustic charm to your studio.

Pinterest

Affordable Barn Door Options On Amazon:

Use Rugs To Dilneate

Rugs aren’t just for decoration; they’re room delineators! Lay down a sizeable rug under your bed area to subtly distinguish your sleeping spot from the rest of the room. The rug should be larger than your bed in order to create that visual separation between your bedroom and the rest of your space.

If you’re looking for a rug that will go with any decor I handpicked these 20 Stunning Neutral Rugs from Lulu & Georgia’s Sale. For those with busy lifestyles, kids, and these machine-washable rugs would be a better option!

Pinterest

Try An Elevated Platform with Curtains

Try elevating the bed area and enclosing it with curtains for privacy and an elegant aesthetic. It not only defines the sleeping space but also adds a touch of grandeur to your studio.

elevated bed with curtains in studio apartment

Create a Visual Focal Point For Your Bedroom Area

Designate the bedroom space with a visual focal point, whether it’s a large piece of art or a decorative headboard, guiding the eye to your sleep haven.

A visual anchor can define your sleeping nook. Whether it’s a large piece of art, an ornate headboard, or a hanging tapestry, this focal point draws attention and separates the space with style.

dark accent wall ideas for small spaces

Creating a bedroom in a studio apartment requires a bit of creativity, a dash of resourcefulness, and a sprinkle of your personal style. I hope this list inspires you to create beautiful multifunctional spaces in your open floor plan.

Studios can be a challenge to decorate but with a little guidance and inspiration, you’ll learn to embrace your small space. There are lots of ideas and resources here at Curated For Small Spaces to help you make the most of your compact space. Go ahead, poke around, and get inspired! Happy decorating!

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