How to successfully decorate your studio apartment, no matter how small

Living in a studio apartment doesn't have to mean skimping on style. Despite it being a bedroom, living room, kitchen and almost every other room in one, the right layout can make this compact space feel grand.

Imagine the possibilities: You can use a room divider to designate zones; place art (and kitchen appliances like a microwave) on ledges; install tall shelves to free up floor space; or try a space-saving Murphy bed (perfect for hosting overnight guests). And let's not forget that you can easily bring your space to life with the right paint color or graphic wallpaper!

To help you out, we've gathered creative studio apartment ideas and designer-approved tips to maximize every square inch of your space, even if it's less than 400 square feet.

Take Advantage of Ceiling Height

"Since there's typically not a plethora of floor space in studio apartments, utilize tall shelving units for display and storage purposes," says Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. "This will also make the room feel larger." Plus, you'll be able to see your favorite things clearly and quickly grab what you need.

Utilize Every Part of the Kitchen

A small yet practical built-in table or peninsula can offer just enough seating to work, entertain and enjoy meals in the kitchen. It replaces the need for a kitchen island, which consumes much more space.

Utilize Ledges on the Wall

This basement apartment in Mount Washington features a charming bedroom, complete with ledges to display art and collectibles. "We used vintage pieces and lots of found art depicting the neighborhood," says Julia Chasman of Julia Chasman Design.

Try an Accent Wall With Wallpaper

Designer Ruthie Staalsen recommends installing black and white peel-and-stick wallpaper behind your bed. "It gives it a designer look and makes your small space feel more fresh, open and fun," she says. The other elements, like your bedding, can be full of color.

Layer Color and Texture

Color "immediately gives you a joyful welcome," Staalsan says. It doesn't matter what style you want to replicate in your studio, get creative when mixing and matching colors in your design. Add texture by incorporating multiple patterns, such as florals, stripes and polka dots.

Go Small With Your Desk

Reconsider the size of your tables and desks, along with their placement. "A small organic desk fits nicely in a corner and takes up minimal space," says designer Glenna Stone. "It provides an artistic element and can also double as a unique dining table."

Install Plenty of Shelves

In a studio apartment, shelves will be your best friend. Install floating shelves anywhere you see fit — think above your couch or bed. Arrange belongings on bookshelves and add built-ins for more permanent storage.

Incorporate a Bar Cart

Squeeze in a bar cart for entertaining, similar to this industrial-inspired pick. Bar carts aren't just great for displaying drinks and glasses — they can also be used to store books, plants and small decorative accents. Plus, they can easily be moved around throughout the open space.

Upgrade the Bathroom

Your studio's small bathroom might not be as big as you want, making the layout all the more important. "We renovated the small bathroom with a 3/4 shower and vanity," says Chasman. The square corner shower doesn't require as much space as others, while the vanity has multiple drawers for essential items.

Remove Unnecessary Walls

Nicole White of Nicole White Designs removed a wall to create an open-concept kitchen, and you can do the same in your studio! This made "room for seating at a peninsula and easy conversation with guests at the dining table," she says. Then, she maximized storage with an apartment-sized fridge that was 28 inches wide.

Choose Simple Dining Furniture

Seating arrangements don't have to be grand and extravagant to make a design statement. In fact, your space may benefit from an elegant round dining table with minimal seating for hosting.

Make Room for Storage

Use a barn door to section off the hallway from the living space, similar to this setup by designer Ayca Stiffel of By Design Interiors. Carve out an area to use as storage space. Don't forget to add wall hooks and a storage bench!

Paint Everything White

Brighten a small studio apartment with white walls and furniture. This works great for spaces with minimal access to light and helps evoke a grander feel.

Use Double-Duty Furniture

According to Stone, "day beds can double as extra seating or a reading nook," says Stone. They're comfortable, functional and can be used as beds for you or your guests! "Scoot it up to a table to maximize seating capacity, or snuggle in to read a book with a comfortable throw," Stone says.

Rethink Your Seating

Carolyn Thayer of Carolyn Thayer Interiors designed this Boston studio with various seating throughout. A space-saving tip: Go for smaller stools to place in corners or under tables, similar to this layout under the television. "Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of seating, making the space available for small gatherings when the pieces are all in use, but interesting and organized when not," she says.

Install a Murphy Bed

We love Murphy beds for many reasons: they can be used as guest beds, look like a regular wall, and overall, they're just multifunctional! What's more, they can "transform the living room into a bedroom at night," says Thayer.

Create a Gallery Wall

One of the easiest ways to increase height in small spaces is to "create a gallery wall with different-size frames and a curation of interesting elements," says Staalsen. Hang a collection of mirrors, photos, paintings and objects to create an instant focal point.

Create a Multifunctional Dining Space

Use your kitchen island as a dining table or breakfast space. The island will help you when cooking or washing dishes, while offering guests a wide and longer table for eating together during gatherings.

Maximize Kitchen Space

If your kitchen's design has a smaller square footage, don't worry about space! "Make the most of a smaller compact floorplan by adding several storage options, such as cabinets, shelving and a small prep island," says Joseph.