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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The most common reasons to choose a studio apartment include:
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?
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?
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.
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.