In Partnership WithThe Home Depot

4 Tips for Turning Your Tiny Studio into a Bedroom That’s Actually Comfortable

Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney Balestier is the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio Senior Writer. She holds a master's degree in magazine journalism from NYU and lives in Pittsburgh, where you'll find her doing DIY projects in her new house with her dog and cat (who are not being very helpful).
updated Jul 29, 2022
Bedroom with dark gray bedding, green floral accent wall, large plant, and a knitted pouf on a patterned rug.
Credit: Stylist: Margaret Ward; Photo: Melanie Rieders

When you live in a studio apartment, making your bedroom feel restful is especially important — and can be especially challenging. For Peggy and Anthony, who just moved into an alcove studio apartment in New York City, the goal was to make the “bedroom” feel as separate from the living space as possible.

The couple turned to The Home Depot’s online collection of furniture and decor for assistance. Its space-saving furniture, smart storage solutions, and on-trend decor more than helped them fake that one-bedroom feel. And because The Home Depot has such a huge selection of exclusive brands and affordable designs, they were able to get everything they needed to set their bedroom area apart — in more ways than one.

“Coming from an even smaller studio space, I was doubtful that an alcove studio would feel any different than a regular shoebox studio,” Peggy says. “But now it feels even larger than a traditional one-bedroom!”

Need to make your small space work harder without sacrificing style? Borrow these four style tips from Peggy and Anthony.

Credit: Stylist: Margaret Ward; Photo: Christopher Broe

1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Rugs

The Dude wasn’t wrong: Rugs really do tie the room together. In open apartments like Peggy and Anthony’s, they also create mini rooms. The couple anchored their alcove with a neutral rug in a light pattern that adds visual interest with a whisper, not a shout. Bonus: They also chose a soft pile that would feel inviting for bare feet.

Credit: Stylist: Margaret Ward; Photo: Christopher Broe

2. Embrace a Little Bit of Pattern

Let’s talk about that lively floral wallpaper. Going bold on one wall helped create a distinct shape for the bed area. It also signals a mood shift from day to night. Plus, that rich color palette imparts a sense of depth, making the space feel even more like a comfy, cozy nook for cuddling.

Credit: Stylist: Margaret Ward; Photo: Melanie Rieders

3. Dare to Divide

This geometric room divider was such a smart way to help the “bedroom” feel like a bedroom. The goal wasn’t to mimic a door — hence the see-through design, which retains their home’s light and airy feel. Instead, Peggy and Anthony wanted a subtle layer of privacy and a soft border between the rest of the apartment. It’s a helpful mental cue (like getting dressed for work even if you work from home), and the divider can be easily folded and stowed when they don’t need it.

Credit: Stylist: Margaret Ward; Photo: Melanie Rieders

4. Keep the Bedroom Space Clean

In such a small footprint, a minimalist approach keeps clutter from overwhelming you, literally and mentally. It also just makes for a more peaceful sleep space! Peggy and Anthony opted for ultra-slim nightstands with drawers to keep their bedside odds and ends out of sight. And, our favorite: They installed these ingenious modern wall sconces, which don’t require hardwiring, to use as reading lights.