Before dipping your feet into renting your first studio or loft, it’s good to know that they aren’t two peas in a pod. Although they may have similarities, choosing between a studio and a loft apartment can sometimes be challenging, especially if you don’t know how to tell the difference between these two property types. Thankfully, we will help you see precisely what differentiates one from the other.
What is a Loft Apartment?
If you are looking for a space that tells a story of its building and the community around it, loft apartments are a timeless treasure. From the moment you step through the front door, you may be taken aback by the above-normal high ceilings, exposed brick walls, exposed pipes, and very large picture windows. When you walk into the living space, you will feel as if you’re in a single-family home with so much to see, including an open second floor that overlooks the open-concept first floor. Adding extra space is possible in a loft apartment if you want more than one bedroom and bathroom. In a loft, you may find unique quirks, including no bathroom doors and open kitchen shelving. However, those are what make a loft so special and beautifully unique.
What is a Studio Apartment?
If you enjoy living life to the fullest without having many materialistic possessions, studio apartment living is the perfect solution. Like a loft apartment, studios are an open concept from the moment you open the door, with the average size spanning between 300 and 400 square feet. If you imagine a typical floorplan, it will consist of one room that includes a kitchen, living room, and bedroom, with the only other room being a bathroom and possibly a closet. Studio apartments are much more compact, but they don’t lack functionality and superior space-saving solutions. If you have ever wanted to experience “tiny house” living, a studio apartment is the perfect first step to see if you like it without living in a space that’s too large.
The Difference Between Studio vs. Loft Apartments
One key difference between a studio and a loft apartment is location. You would find loft apartments in urban areas, while studio apartments are widespread and can be found anywhere. One reason why studio apartments are easily accessible is because of their attractive price tag. In terms of size, studio apartments are compact, perfect for either a single person or a couple who don’t have a lot of items. On the other hand, lofts can be used for several things, including a home office, studios, stores, and more beyond a typical place to call home. As mentioned above, studio apartments are a popular option due to the price tag; Lofts, on the other hand, are more expensive due to their rich history, architecture, and character.
Speaking to the space and functionality of both, studio apartments are open spaces on a single floor. Lofts usually have a second-floor space that is just big enough to accommodate a small home office or storage space, which overlooks the bottom floor, which is a reason why they are so appealing to renters.
The Pros & Cons of a Loft Apartment
Pros
With a loft apartment, you will discover that each apartment home is a little different, which adds a “custom” feel to the space. Lofts also have an added space on the second floor, providing a more open, expansive feel as if you’re in a single-family home. Loft apartments also can have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing ample room to house family, friends, or another roommate!
Cons
Some downfalls of a loft apartment are availability, utility cost, and price tag. For example, since lofts are unique based on their location and the building it was constructed in, they come at a higher cost. Also, if you are someone that prioritizes privacy, lofts may not be the best option as they are very open no matter where you are. A lot of the time, loft windows are too big for curtains or blinds, which makes it easy for neighbors to see you day or night. Additionally, it’s rare to find a loft that has a lot of closet space. Due to all of the open space, you will see a larger utility bill every month, which may come as a surprise to those who haven’t considered this monthly cost.
Sadly, not every loft experience is like that of the show New Girl or Big.
The Pros & Cons of a Studio Apartment
Pros
Studio apartments are widely popular for their open-concept floor plans, beautiful interior features, and small space-saving solutions. Don’t let the small size fool you—you can live comfortably. If you prefer living alone and would rather go out than entertain at home, studios are an ideal fit for your living preferences. From a functionality perspective, studio apartments require very minimal upkeep. Additionally, you may see lower utility bills too, since there isn’t much space to heat or cool.
Cons
If you are someone that enjoys having a little more legroom, studio apartments may not be the right solution for you, as they normally aren’t larger than 600 square feet. Also, storage space is not the best in a studio apartment either, which is why a lot of tenants incorporate multi-functional furniture pieces such as a Murphy bed and foldable dining tables. If you are living with a second person or more than one animal, the studio may feel too cramped too quickly, as they are best fit for only a single person.
How to Determine Which One is Right for You
As you can see, there are positives and negatives to living in both a studio apartment and a loft apartment. It can become overwhelming when deciding which apartment type best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle preference. While there are many factors that may determine whether you’ll decide on a studio or loft, here are some things to consider that may help.
• Size: Studio apartments are more compact and on a single floor, whereas lofts normally have an extra second-story space that overlooks the main floor.
• Geography: Studio apartments are easily accessible in a lot of neighborhoods, whereas lofts are mainly found in large, repurposed industrial buildings.
• Availability: Depending on where the apartment is, lofts may be more difficult to find due to their growing popularity. Renters love living in loft apartments due to their unique look, feel, and story.
• Functionality: Do you enjoy living life simply without many material goods? Are you someone that would be happier with a little extra legroom? The answer to this question is a great way to decide which space works best for you.
• Cost: Studio apartments are cheaper due to their small, compact spaces, while lofts have a higher price tag based on their unique features, floor plans, and locations.
• Benefits: Studio apartments will normally come with lower utility bills since the space is smaller, and they’re easier to maintain and clean, but you can get creative when designing either a studio or loft apartment.
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