Liz just moved in and has a good question: Dear AT, I just moved to the city on tuesday and am hoping for some advice on how to set up seating in my new studio. I don't have a sofa yet and am unsure of what kind to get, as well as where to put it.
Would it make sense to put it along the left wall (where there is a small dresser currently) or should i use a sofa to divide the space into two "rooms" by putting it across the middle of the space? Any suggestions on sofas that would work in this room and/or how do arrange the furniture would be much appreciated! --Liz
Liz, Welcome to Chicago and congrats on the new place. You have really nice colors going on - the rug, bedding and warm wood tones are working well together.
Here is one idea for a room plan:
It seems that you have room to swing your bed around and place it horizontally against the back wall of the room, thus enlarging what would be the seating/living area and allowing you to "float" a room divider across the space with a bit more room to spare and better flow. Then you could concentrate set up a seating area as it's own "room" without being concerned about the sofa having to do double duty as the divider.
Perhaps a piece of open shelving like this Thomas O'Brien piece ($239.) would work here as a room divider, allowing you to create a bit of a separate bedroom area, but still allowing for light/air. You could incorporate your books on to divider's shelving, freeing up more room in the sleeping area.
As for sofa suggestions, we're going to let the readers take it away...
I know I sound like a broken record, but I used the IKEA Expedit as a separating unit for my long, rectangular studio - and it's been great!
My other piece of advice would be to purchase a sleeper sofa, or one of the contemporary sofas that "unfolds" into a bed for guests. If you ever have a friend or two stay with you, that option is a LOT better than offering them the floor. Mine has saved me a lot of hassle and hostess guilt! Also, make sure you purchase a sofa that has an attractive back, since it probably won't go up against a wall.
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Parallelfirst, your record isn't broken, it's on repeat because it rocks.
I've seen the Expedit shelves on TV and in magazines often, or at least some variant of the shelves. It's great for storage and display and I personally think the value and quality is fairly reasonable. I would recommend the largest one for you, either the 5x5 or the one that can hold a flat screen TV (that's if you care about TV). It would separate your sleeping area from your living area. I have one: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/351454443_fc734be606_o.jpg.
As for sofa, it should be scaled to the size of the apartment, a two seater would work, armless to make the room still seem spacious. I put together a suggested layout with sofa and shelf placement (guesstimated the size based on the photos, so take it for what it's worth).
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/999862912_148cbb8fb2_o.gif
The couch is placed against the window wall. It frees up floor space and allows traffic to flow from entry hallway (?) to the kitchen (?).
view ChibiRobo's profile
I used IKEA Expedit as room divider back when I was in a studio and it provided privacy as well as hid my unmade bed from unexpected guests.
You might want to check out the flip flop sofa at CB2 if you really want a place for guests.
Color-wise I like the loft sofa in ember for room but I would think a smaller sofa/loveseat would work better, like ChibiRobo said. The annex Loveseat is an idea... I live near the CB2 store so I tend to suggest their stuff.
view ChicagoNicole's profile
I have to caution against the armless sofa. Try one out and see if you really like it. I have a studio and followed conventional wisdom that this would look better, but it was so uncomfortable. I sold it and bought a small-scale sofa with arms and love it. It's comfy and it fits well.
I use my sofa as a room divider. Even if you don't pack a lot of books in a tall bookshelf, it still would cut air flow to the bed (if it remains farthest from the window).
Welcome to Chicago!
view Cristabel's profile
I love the open bookshelf idea. You could get baskets for storage and leave those on the bottom shelves.
The other shelfs could have books or glass vases/object to add some color. Or a small lamp - the kind with a paper shade to fit in the shelf (would have to run cord under area rug and under bed for safety)
I am all about hiding an unmade bed!
And ditto on the armless furniture. Not comfy at all.
view Janella13's profile
it looks like the layout of your studio is similar to Ron Marvin's NYC hotel-turned-studio apartment. check out what he did (but be prepared to be very envious)...http://www.ronmarvin.com/RonMarvin/ron%20marvin%20-%20nyc%20apartment%201.html
but here's my question...is there any way at all to re-locate your bed? i live in a studio that actually has a laundry room, so i ordered a bed that exactly fit the little laundry room and now i have a living room and a "bed cubby". i know some studios have huge closets that you could fit a bed in and build clothing storage above...or are the ceilings tall enough to build a loft?
i agree with the others, you've got great colors going for you!
view goodnightdean's profile
for Ron Marvin's NYC apt: http://www.ronmarvin.com
then view the NYC1 apt, located under Interiors.
view goodnightdean's profile