A wide range of factors goes into choosing the ideal apartment to live in. These include the location, surface area, amenities, decor, and, of course, price.
Then there’s the number of rooms. In fact, this is probably the first factor you’ll consider. And as a single person or young couple looking at rental options, the core choice is likely between a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
The good news in Paris is, whichever you prefer you’ll have plenty of choice. The city is full of functional, convenient, and beautiful small apartments.
This article helps you tell the difference between these two forms of rentals, and helps you identify which is the best fit for you.
| Sommaire |
The difference between studio and 1-bedroom apartments
The key difference between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom is the number of rooms. A studio has a combined bedroom and lounge area, while a one-bedroom separates these two spaces with walls and doors.
Let’s continue this distinction by defining each apartment type individually.
What is a studio apartment?
A studio apartment is essentially one combined living and sleeping space. Of course it should still have a separate bathroom and toilet, but the lounge, bedroom, and often kitchen areas are all open in a single space.
Picture a hotel or motel room with a kitchenette, desk and small dining table. That’s essentially what you can expect in a studio apartment—minus the room service and concierge.
Studios are often home to students and recent graduates in their first solo living environment. The alternative is often a single room in a larger apartment with roommates.
What is a one-bedroom apartment?
A one-bedroom apartment has a sleeping space separated from the living and dining areas by walls. In most cases, this means a bedroom (or office) physically distinct from the lounge.
One-bedroom apartments are typically more expensive than studios, but still a relatively affordable option. Tenants are often young professionals and couples who don’t yet have families and a need for additional rooms.
Is a one-bedroom larger than a studio?
Usually, but not always. While many or most studios are smaller than one-bedroom apartments, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Some one-bedroom apartments have very small living and sleeping areas, with a total area under 30m2. Conversely, some studio apartments have relatively large surface areas, even up to 50m2 in one large space.
Studio vs 1-bedroom: which is better?
This is a highly subjective question, and the answer will depend on your particular circumstances. But if all other factors are equal, most people would choose a one-bedroom over a studio if given the choice.
There are good arguments either way, and in some cases you may not really have a choice. But if you’re contemplating a choice between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom, here are the likely pros of each living situation.
Why choose a studio?
The most common reasons to choose a studio apartment include:
- Price. If the location and amenities are equal, a studio apartment will usually be cheaper than a one-bedroom. This is the key reason why people choose a studio apartment.
- Interesting locations. Since the price is usually cheaper, you may be able to afford to live in more desirable neighborhoods. And in Paris, you’ll find some studio apartments built into attics with incredible views. Called “chambres de bonnes,” not everyone loves these former servants’ quarters. But many are unique and they can be a fun alternative to standard apartment living.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance. Fewer doorways, nooks and crannies typically make vacuum cleaning and dusting simpler. Of course, you’ll need to make your bed and keep the studio tidy whenever people visit.
- Energy efficiency. Heating and lighting one room also tends to be easier than two separate spaces.
- Less need for furniture. Some people are minimalists, while others enjoy collecting furniture and decorations. If you’re the former, a studio is a very efficient and convenient way to keep things simple.
Overall, a studio will likely be the cheaper and more convenient option. So why might you want to take the step up and add a separate bedroom?
Why choose a one-bedroom?
We’ll assume that your potential one-bedroom is more expensive than the studio option—or possibly in a less opportune area. So why might you make this choice over a cheaper studio?
- More privacy. Having a second room in your apartment gives you a private space to sleep or study. Even if you live alone in either scenario, you may prefer to have this closed-off area when you welcome guests into your apartment.
- Easier hosting. You may not feel comfortable having guests to stay and share your studio apartment space. But with a one-bedroom, you can easily install a fold-out couch and have guests to stay whenever you like. Expats may really value the opportunity to host family and friends and show off their new Paris life.
- Separation of living and sleeping areas. It can be nice to have a room dedicated to sleeping and relaxing. Especially if you work from home, this can help you switch off and transition to night time.
- Distance from the kitchen. Similarly, you may not want to have cooking smells and easy access to food in your sleeping quarters. In a studio, this dynamic can be hard to avoid.
- Personal spaces. You may want to create personal, private areas in the apartment, and not necessarily have visitors see them. These could be shrines, prayer spaces, or photo walls with mementos and affirmations. A separate room lets you build these spaces and keep them out of sight.
- Status. Unfortunately, some people look down on studio apartments. If you expect to have regular guests, dates, and other people to impress, you may feel more confident doing so in a one-bedroom apartment than a studio.
For many people, a studio feels like a real compromise compared with a one-bedroom. Even if the surface area is the same and you have newer or nicer amenities, the lack of a separate sleeping space can feel like a trade down.
The choice between studio and 1-bedroom is personal
Of course, the above factors are all highly subjective. Which you choose to prioritize depends on your own situation and what you’ll be happiest with in your own life.
While some people prefer the easy maintenance and lower costs of a studio, a one-bedroom has the benefits of more privacy and dedicated spaces.
Whichever you prefer is ultimately your choice. As long as you’re comfortable in your space and happy with the rental terms, that’s really all that matters.
Before making your decision, discover all the studio and one-bedroom offers available on the Paris Attitude website! The photos will help you get a better idea of what you're looking for.
More resources to rent an apartment
- Learn about the finer points of renting an apartment as a foreigner in Paris
- Read our explainer of the best neighborhoods for expats in Paris
- Explore the pros and cons of living in Paris, compared with other major cities
- Here’s a great guide to the average rent in Paris
- Discover the cost of living in Paris, and how to build your budget if you plan to make the move
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