Small studio flat into bachelor pad?

Question

I'm moving into a nice studio flat shortly but it's lacking in space. The flat consists of 1 medium sized sitting room/bedroom and sperate bathroom and kitchen. What pieces of furniture do I need to turn this space into a comfortable bachelor pad.

Note that money and space are limited.
All advice and any useful websites welcome
Thanks

Answer 1

Buy the best futon sofa/bed you can afford and for a coffee table look for the kind that has a top that can be raised and pulled forward so it can be used as a dining table from the sofa. Two smallish side chairs with armrests can be placed on either end of the coffee table,flanking the sofa and are easily moved out of the way for bedtime. For end tables,purchase 2 small chests of drawers about 25-30" high and they will do triple duty as end tables,night stands and clothing storage. The coffee table I described also has a large storage drawer for blankets,etc. An entertainment center that has some drawers and door cupboards will provide some extra storage as well as providing space for your books and electronics.

Answer 2

If you have an Ikea near you, definitely visit it. They have great furniture for small spaces at excellent prices.

I think you should start off with four basic pieces: a coffee table, a couch/fold-out bed, kitchen table and a tv stand (which can double as storage space if you buy one that's chest-like and has drawers). If you can get these items, a neutral but modern colour like black or dark brown always seems to work best. This way, you have your 'main' pieces that match, are classic, and can work with any other colours, so you're not constantly changing your furniture and spending a fortune.

Since it's a small space, if you're going to paint the walls, maybe just do a few accent walls in an interesting colour like red. I always think apartments look really closed in if they're entirely painted with a really saturated, bright colour.

For windows, keeping them relatively light would help to keep the space feel open. You can also try using bamboo or wooden blinds, it looks really modern and not 'fluffy' like sheer drapes; plus, they're usually not pricey.

If you need additional lighting, something like a tall, free-standing light is usually good. They don't take up a lot of space, are cheap and easy to clean.

A full-length mirror, simple bedding (like beige, or blue and white stripes) and a medium-sized area rug for the living room tend to be good accents, too. Anything that can be used again throughout the years without looking dated.

Answer 3

If you don't mind buying used stuff, craigslist.com is a great option if you're low on budget. You can always pick out lightly used furniture and yet get a good bargain.

I suggest the following(I'd do much better if I could see the floorplan):
- Get a queen bed and push it to a corner. To conserve space you might have to compromise by putting one edge of the bed all the way to the wall. If you do not have ample storage space in the aptt, get a bed with some height. You'd be amazed how many suitcases and boxes you can push out sight by having a bed which is about a foot above the ground
- If you'd like to keep some distance between living and sleeping quarters, you could divide by putting up curtains or a room dividing screen. A bookshelf such as this one , meets multiple needs. http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/53301_PE155934_S3.jpg

It would divide the room as well as offer space to display/store your stuff. Another way to divide the room is to have an entertainment unit as the divider. You can keep a sofa/couch facing it.

If you're big on entertaining and would also like a stylish layout, I suggest, making a "low" seating area in the living space. Surround a low coffee table with floor cusions, maybe even have a low futon or a twin bed mattress as sitting furniture. This can then double as a dining area(like in a Thai or Mediterranenan restaurant).

I hope my suggestions help you. Even if you don't like these, one thumb rule that will help you most is - have some patience to find the right stuff for your apartment. Don't be in a rush to go IKEA in one day and pick everything up. Also, use online sites to do your research...so you know what you want, and what you don't.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

I'm going to assume that you mean for entertainment purposes. A comfy bed with supple sheets in lush colors and patterns. Lots of animal print, paisley, purples, reds, pinks, greens. A padded headboard. Candles, an oil lamp simmering patchouli musk. A big mirror. Lots of pillows. A chaise lounge. A large club chair. A drawer nearby to hold play things and hand towels (for perspiration!). Red wine. The refrigerator has prepared finger foods and cut fruits, iced tea. A stereo with a wide selection of music (and a remote), that's hooked up to the whole house. Lots and lots of fun "clothes." NO animals (oh well).

Answer 5

There's a book available used on amazon.com called "How to decorate a dump". I have a copy, and I like it. The emphasis is on creativity, starting with cheap stuff and "trading up" as the budget allows.

You might wish to check it out.

Two other good books for the budget-wise are "Affordable Splendor" by Diana Phipps and "Paint Magic" by Jacosta Innes. Great inspiration!

Answer 6

DO NOT get a bed. buy a futon...you can buy one for like 100 bucks at walmart. go to yard sales/goodwill/secondhand stores to get small end tables (which will double as night stands). your furnature doesn't HAVE to match...a good way to show you're not broke...go to the store and buy semi-gloss white paint and paint your end tables...oh...when buying end tables...try finding ones with drawers so you can put your folded stuff in there (underware, socks, etc.)...if that doesn't work, you can get a bathroom organizer with cabinets to put over your toilet and sink where you can put your stuff (or the kitchen cabinets) in the kitchen all you really need is one large pot (and lid) one medium pot (and lid) a cookie sheet, a caserole dish, a slotted spoon, and a serving spoon....and like 2 sets of dishes, cups, and silverware. (use the extra space for clothes)....OOOOOH.. i saw a commercial where i think it's like ziplock---has collapseable dishes now. as far as entertainment...get a walmount tv stand to put your tv up (up to like a 27 inch tv)...and get a surround sound system to hang up on the walls too...ooooh one last thing. buy small, cheap, plain lamps... buy sheer fabric to put over them (you can change this with the seasons or to match your decor) good luck!

Answer 7

ikea usually has reasonably priced UNIQUE items