Seems rather self evident that the alcove to the right of the front door before you get to the bathroom/closet entrance is where the bed should be - just center it on that wall with a pair of nightstands and lamps flanking it.

Partitioning is unnecessary tho - It's a studio apartment, so just arrange it like a hotel suite with a separate sitting area by the bay window, a flatscreen TV mounted on the wall behind the refrigerator and a couple stools at the kitchen counter/bar.

would your bed fit into the closet space? I would do that then use that corner of the apt for storage and partition it off with with a tension rod and decorative curtains. You could create a faux wall and place some furniture in front of it but allowing for access.

I started typing a response, and then realized I was simply repeating what bepsf was saying. So, yeah, do that.

Exactly what bepsf said. The simplest solution is the most obvious one. You can put up a pair of screens or something if you don't want the bedroom area to be so open. I'd probably put a small sofa alongside the breakfast bar, tv against the wall (where the bathroom is) and have a big desk or couch in the bay window for study/work or relaxation/reading. Looks like a great layout! You're so lucky! I hope you post some pics when you move in.

Yep, by the closet. Don't want to sleep right across from the kitchen. I live in a studio also and I'm thinking of moving some things around. Don't want to use partition 'cause it will make my space look smaller. Wish I had those windows.

I love the idea of using some open shelving or a translucent curtain to partition your studio. That way, you have a little more of a sense of privacy while letting the room still feel open. Here are some good links:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/inspiration-using-a-bookcase-as-a-room-divider-080938

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/translucent-room-dividers-100318

(My personal favorite is the Flake & Flower divider.)

Also, I wouldn't mount a flatscreen right behind the refrigerator. That's awkward. Put it on the opposite wall, where the bathroom is, and then you'll be able to create a more well-defined living space. As for the bay window — yay! If I were you, I'd put a couple squashy chairs or a papasan there with a side table and make the perfect reading nook.

I can't believe that I am about to say this (because 9 times out of 10 I HATE it) but I would angle your bed at the bay window!

I would use a sofa with a console table behind to define the two spaces.

And I would consider making some sort of bed drape (think mosquito net but with better fabric) to enclose the bed. Or you could run a tension line between the wall in the kitchen and the opposite wall and put up floor to ceiling drapes. (I think the mosquito net type drapes would be more dramatic).

If you feel the need to partition off the bedroom area, the ikea expedit (as has been extensively documented on AT) is great. For something a little softer you could also do some gauzy curtains on a ceiling mounted curtain wire (see also, IKEA.

I personally would use all that great light and architectural detail in the bay window for your main seating area. A small loveseat or some armchairs and a coffee table would work. I don't see the need to make the tv a visual focal point and would put it to one side on a rolling cart (if you have a traditional model - perhaps on a swivel arm if you have a flat screen?)

I would use the area across from the breakfast bar as a double duty desk/office and kitchen table. As you are in a studio, I am guessing your entertaining is mostly limited to a few people at a time that could use the bar most of the time. If you have a kitchen table/desk set up you can clear the desk stuff off and use the table as a dining room table when you have larger numbers of guests or need a more formal situation (parents). Also, you won't get distracted by what's going on outside your window!

Enjoy your new place!

I would not put your bed near the bay window. It's bad feng shui to have your bed under a window, and whether or not you believe in that, you don't want drafts and you want a good solid wall behind your bed. The bay window is perfect for a cozy nook for entertaining and relaxing with friends. And ideally it would be nice to not block it with a sofa right under it, but have seating to the right and left of the window so that you can enjoy access to the window more. Hanging plants by the window are nice.
I think it would be a good idea to separate your bed area from the rest of the space with some kind of curtains hanging from the ceiling, that way they're easy to move out of the way and light and airy rather than a bulky screen that you have to move and find a place for. Ikea sells curtain rods that can be hung from the ceiling. Some sheer light-colored curtains would be good for such a small space. Another idea for the bay window is to use LED lights strung around the window as an inexpensive way to give light that's not too harsh, and highlight the bay windows. They use less electricity, too.

Remember, less is more with a studio. Don't clutter it up and only keep what you really need. It'll be easier to keep clean and feel bigger that way.

I agree with the top post, but I would personally want some sort of partitioning. I say get a large expedit bookshelf from IKEA and add some 'doors' that you can also get on their website. You can leave some of the shelves open if you like, and arrange books and odd items however you like. It will create a division without making the place look smaller.

"Also, I wouldn't mount a flatscreen right behind the refrigerator. That's awkward."

I disagree - If she mounts the TV on the wall behind the refrigerator, the TV will not be so dominant in the space. She'll easily be able to fit a good-sized sofa with a couple of end tables on the wall opposite and a pair of upright armchairs (Wing Chairs?) in the bay window with a @ 30-36" diameter/30" high cafe table in the window bay to serve as a Reading Nook/Dining area.

I agree that you'll get the most bang for your buck space-wise by putting the headboard against the closet wall- if you live alone you won't need both sides of the bed free.

I'll also have disagree with putting the bed in the closet- that storage will serve you well, and no windows in a small space makes your sleeping space too stuffy- maybe try using a bookshelf to separate the space (Expedit is a perennial fave because of the open back) and you can wake up every morning to sunlight streaming in your new bay window!

Looks like a nice place. I would also put the bed in the back, next to the closet, on the opposite wall of the window. I used the Expedit bookshelf as a room divider between my desk and bed, you wouldn't need one. I also live in a studio and I just have one tall skinny dresser (Ikea Malm) and everything else in the closet. So, that could help save you some space in your bedroom area.

Why not mount the flatscreen on the wall by the bathroom and have your couch opposite it and leave the bay window area open and free? If you're just one person you don't need that much seating esp. if you have an eat-in kitchen.

Good luck

Well, I'm insanely jealous. That's a fabulous layout. Enjoy your new space!

As already suggested, I would put your bed in the alcove to the right of the front door. You could put your headboard against either the closet wall or the back wall. My preference would be against the closet wall, as I would find that more restful than looking into the rest of the living area. Additionally, you could place as small tv on the wall behind the coat closet which would be visible from the bed.

However, I would set up your living room area directly in front of the breakfast bar without any furniture against the walls. The sofa could divide your living area from your bedroom area, yet keep the area open. A coffee table in front of the sofa, two chairs with an end table between them facing the sofa. The tv could be mounted on the wall behind the bathroom. This would make it visible from the kitchen, and allow people setting at the breakfast bar to turn their chairs to watch also.

In the bay window area, I would put a round dining table with four chairs. In the morning, you could sit there with your coffee and enjoy the view. It would also be a lovely place to have a small dinner party.

This arrangement would give you three distinct living areas. You're really lucky to have such a large space for a studio apartment!

Good luck!

The closet! 5 feet wide will fit a queen bed, and all you have to do is wall-mount a shelf for a bedside table!

Then you can dedicate the rest of the apartment to living!

I would build in a loft bed on the back wall next to the closet, and hang drapes so you can screen it off to make a private alcove.

I'd also build in seating in the bay window, and as others have suggested, put a flat-screen tv on a swivel mount next to the fridge.

I think a lot of the posts covered anything I would have to offer, but I think its kind of crazy how everyone is suggesting flat screen wall mounted TVs. As a 22 year old student myself (also embarking on a living alone adventure) I can't even fathom being able to afford a fancy TV, let alone see the need for one in such a small place.
I say forgo it altogether and use a computer! I do all the TV watching I want online. It'll save you LOTS of money and free up space.

Presuming starting from scratch and presuming not a lot of money to spend, here's what I would do:

Expedit Bookcase(s) as you first walk in...as posted by more than one person above, in a configuration that creates "walls" but allows light to get to the bedroom. Were you inclined to want a tv in bed too (I don't, but some do), there's now a configuration for this. I would get enough pieces to take it to the ceiling (depending on the ceiling height). They're an inexpensive versatile piece of furniture. I would also run a thin/not bulky, but opaque, curtain around the inside or outside edge that could stay open most of the time. But if you wanted to block the sun so that you could sleep in, or if there were overnight guests and you wanted a bit more privacy. Otherwise, I would have them pushed up against the edge on the closet wall. The beauty of the Expedit is that one can decorate from both sides -- so it doesn't look like you're looking at the backs of things. And this apartment looks like it could use some storage. I would also put the bed up on a platform to increase underbed storage (I find it ideal to store suitcases with extra blankets and the like there).

Then, in the Living room area, I would get a sectional with a chaise. I would put the long end parallel to the bay window, essentially making a different area of the bay. I would then get one more chair to sit next to the short end of the chaise -- against the long wall. I would hang a flat panel tv across from that -- on the wall next to the breakfast nook.-- i just found one used on Craigslist for $70 dollars -- with luck and looking, I'm sure you'll find something...and find a small cabinet system for underneath for media players, dvd player, xbox or other video, ipod dock, whatever. Then I would add a coffee table. If you have a laptop it could also sit there if you wanted to send video to the bigger screen (if you had visitors). I would anchor all of this with a rug and get high stools for the counter that work with the living room furniture. I would then get 4 inexpensive wood folding chairs, paint them whatever awesome color you like, and hang them on the long wall -- with the chaise and chair. Call them art. Then when people come over, you have extra seating.

Then, I would have a desk custom cut (or would cobble one together depending on my finances) and create a desk nook in the bay window. Personally, I spend a lot of time at my desk and love having it face out the window --I get lots of sun -- and there's always eye candy to look at if I need a break. I also saw designer Candace Olsen do this once in a bay window and thought it was brilliant. Because it's behind the long side of the couch, it allows for cabinetry (more storage like file cabinets that support the desk) to disappear -- along with wires if cord management isn't a strength). I would add 5 blinds (1 per window)-- the kind that go from the bottom up...which would allow you to cut the light if getting glare and give privacy, but still allow light in -- my guess is with a bay, there aren't that many people in buildings that see DOWN into the space. You could close them halfway at night if you wanted to work at the computer but not have the sneaking suspicion that people could see you but you couldn't see them ....and then morning light could still come in.

Good luck! Post pictures when you get it all figured out! And if you're looking for really great ideas on how to configure small spaces - go to the Ikea showroom - even if you don't like their furniture they often have some really clever ways to make the most of small spaces.

Use the alcove by the door and closet for your "bedroom" - if you really want the privacy, curtain it off. I would think a full size bed with two narrow nightstands should fit perfectly. A dresser if you have one could fit into the closet and be out of the way.

Either place the TV on a credenza or mount it on the refrigerator wall (I don't know what you own or your budget) and just place a sofa opposite. You probably have just enough space to do a sectional if you want plenty of seating.

Use the bay window for a nice sized table that could seat up to four - round would fit better, but if you want to use it as a desk as well I'd recommend a rectangular table.

Just add a couple stools to the bar that could be even more extra seating and probably your daily place to dine. I would almost recommend roman shades for the windows unless you have mini-blinds that have to stay.

POST PICTURES!

as a 12-year veteran of studio living, i'm gonna offer you some different advice. the apartment will look bigger, if you sit on the longest wall. it gives you a wider view of the space instead of the tunnel vision of the shortest wall.

i'll also caution that you don't need to physically close off your bedroom. you can create a sense of separation by simply hanging a single panel on the wall near the head of the bed (the closet wall). it gives a different vibe to the bedroom without actually closing it off - which looks like you're trying to hide something. simply painting the wall behind your *headboard* will give that feeling also.

considering you have three closets and few possessions, nothing should be underneath your bed. you'll sleep better and it will keep down the dust. and don't butt the bed up against two walls. keep three sides away from the wall to circulate air.

you don't need a sofa. unless you anticipate a lot of houseguests, consider getting two comfortable chairs at a thrift store. put them by in that huge bay window. it will keep that area feeling open, be a really neat place to sit and afford you the most interesting view of the apartment. (perhaps two papasan chairs?)

put an accent table between the two chairs. nothing fancy just something big enough for a plant and to put down cups and books. a small round coffee table (to counter all the angles of the studio) would be okay there too.

i think you should consider a long console for the wall opposite the kitchen. something long enough to hold your a/v, and also act as a desk.

i don't know if the bay window is actually sunny. that depends on the direction it faces and what's outside of it. perhaps hang a mirror in the bed nook to reflect back natural light.

looks like you need counter or bar stools (difference is the height) for the kitchen counter. and maybe one or two area rugs to delineate the living and sleeping spaces.

look to your specific needs and plan carefully. then you won't waste money on junk or over buy.

http://contests.apartmenttherapy.com/2009/small-cool/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauracattano/sets/72157607497700219/

Just my humble ideas...

Bed on the wall near the front door facing the window. But you don't want to be staring straight into the sun every morning so how about an expedit at the foot of your bed. Not directly on it but a couple of feet away. It will be the right length given the length of your largest closet and the size of a full bed. I would have recommended putting the head of your bed on the "closet" wall, but at 7'6" you won't have much room for bedside tables, and I'm a sucker for tables. I kinda like the little drawer inserts for the expedit too. Good for more private or unattractive stuff. The other good thing is that they make expedits with room for TV's and so if you put it on a swivel stand you can watch it from the living area as well as the bed area. (it will be a little close to the bed)

I'm a big fan of putting your dining area in the sunniest part (ie near the window). Something round with few legs will present the least obstruction of light to the rest of your apartment (e.g. something like the Saarinen tulip table). And maybe some lucite chairs. I love the CB2 vapor chairs. They are very comfy.

the couch I guess will depend on how you solve your TV dilemma. If you put it in the expedit then facing away from the window may be good. But either way, I think a good area rug in the center living area will be crucial.

Either way have fun. A lot of times it takes a while to know how a place should really be so don't rush and buy a lot of furniture. Live in it for a bit and the place will dictate what type of furniture and where it belongs.

Oh and PS... this article may help as far as ideas:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/garden/24cheap.html

I also live in a studio and I'm planning to purchase 2 things when I move into the new space. 1.Expedit shelves from Ikea to create a bed nook without closing off the space and to give me some storage for books, magazines, etc. 2. A credenza with some drawers (a low double dresser would also work) for my tv to go on and to function as a dresser for clothing storage. I agree with the others who said bed near closet area and seating in bay window. If you do 2 chairs (as mentioned) and then add a long bench or open back daybed across from it, you can accomodate 3 guests nicely.

Thank you so much for all of your amazing suggestions!

I love the idea of putting a dining space in the bay window. I love to cook and would want more seating than just two barstools, but I'm afraid that the counter would be too awkward on it's own. Thoughts??

I do have a TV, but it's super tiny and can be put just about anywhere.

As for the comment about the mirrors for more light in the kitchen, I have a window in the kitchen as well as the bathroom. I'm so lucky to have so many because I'm very much an advocate of natural light when possible.

I think that the Expedit shelves from Ikea would be perfect to divide the room up a little. I thought about that at first, but I wanted to see if anyone had other suggestions.

Lastly, my budget is pretty tight. As much as I'd adore getting a sectional with a chaise, it's not possible right now with the budget at hand. (Any suggestions for an inexpensive, yet comfortable couch?)

Thanks again, and keep 'em coming! I've still got a week to figure it out!