Deciding On Appropriate 1 Bedroom Apartment Size

When searching for a new home, one of the most important considerations is space. For many renters, a one-bedroom apartment strikes an appealing balance of size, affordability, and features compared to a studio or a larger multi-bedroom unit. But how much space is truly needed for a comfortable and functional living environment? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal apartment size depends greatly on lifestyle needs, location, budget, and more.

Defining a One-Bedroom Apartment

Before weighing size options, it helps to clearly define what constitutes a 1-bedroom apartment. While layouts and dimensions vary, a basic 1-bedroom unit contains the following core elements:

• A separate bedroom, typically able to fit at least a full-size bed and accompanying furniture like nightstands and a dresser
• A living space with room for seating, entertainment, dining, and potentially workspace
• A full kitchen with standard appliances and cabinets
• A full bathroom
• Dedicated storage space via closets and/or an on-site storage unit

One-bedroom units range greatly in overall size and layout. For instance, some feature an open concept combining the living and dining areas, while others have completely separate living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The number, size, and placement of rooms and storage areas also vary.

Minimum Recommended Size

Most building codes establish guidelines and legal minimums for unit sizes in apartment complexes and other rental properties. Requirements differ by city and state, but many jurisdictions call for a minimum of 450-500 square feet of living space in a 1-bedroom unit.

While meeting the legal minimum standards, units on the smaller end may pose functionality challenges depending on your lifestyle. Furnishing the unit, allowing proper appliance clearance in the kitchen, and creating separation between spaces can prove difficult with limited dimensions. Consider upsizing if you hope to have overnight guests, work from home, or simply value openness and flexibility.

Allowing for Necessary Furnishings

Unless furnished short-term rentals, apartments typically exclude furniture and major appliances. Even unfurnished units often supply pre-installed basics like kitchen cabinetry and light fixtures. Assessing what furnishings you need to bring helps gauge minimum space requirements.

In the bedroom, ensure enough area for your preferred mattress size, nightstands, plus a dresser, seating, or television if desired. Measure carefully if fitting larger pieces like a king-size bed frame and substantial dresser.

The living area should accommodate your TV, couch/loveseat, coffee table or ottomans, media console, and additional seating like accent chairs. Measure carefully if a dining set fits too, or if you hope to delineate separate living and dining zones.

Finally, consider workspace needs for an office nook, standing desk, etc. This holds especially true for remote work. Even small or shared work areas require measurements for a desk, office chair, and workspace clearance.

Average 1-Bedroom Sizes

Industry research helps benchmark average 1-bedroom apartment sizes both nationwide and broken down by metro area. RentCafe data puts the average 1-bedroom unit at 757 square feet nationwide as of 2021. Seattle ranks on the smaller side with an average of 671 square feet, while Jacksonville, FL tops cities analyzed at over 900 square feet on average.

Average sizes also dropped over the past decade, coming in 54 square feet smaller last year versus 2012. This likely reflects both smaller construction trends and renter preferences shifting towards more compact, eco-friendly living spaces in higher-demand downtown neighborhoods.

Regional and City Size Variation

Zooming in further, average 1-bedroom sizes and pricing show significant diversity across US regions. RentCafe puts the South at 767 square feet on average for a 1-bedroom rental, followed by the Northeast and West at 741 and 729 square feet respectively. Units in the Midwest average just 655 square feet.

At the city level, economic and geographic influences drive local size norms. Larger units prevail in lower-cost areas where land is abundant to build. Expect sizes closer to the national median in satellite cities with steady, affordable growth. Downsizing marks expensive urban cores like NYC and San Francisco where compact living allows supply growth.

Features Impacting Ideal Size

Key variables beyond location impact livable apartment size too. Open floorplans offer a more spacious feel and flexible use of space compared to compartmentalized layouts. Laundry configurations also play a role, alongside access to private or community green space.

Open Floorplans vs. Separate Rooms

Open concept living spaces lend an airier, less confining impression than their dimensional footprint implies. Knocking down walls between rooms also eases space- hogging clutter since possessions remain visible. Just be sure to measure furniture carefully to prevent chokepoints blocking doors or main pathways.

Those favoring privacy or hosting overnight guests may prefer units segmenting the bedroom, living area, kitchen, etc. This traditional approach offers flexibility by delimiting functions per room without encroaching. Just note that hallways and doorways occupy usable square footage too.

Laundry Configurations

In-unit laundry machines grant convenience but gobble precious real estate. Even stacked sets occupying just over two square feet of floor space require aisle clearance for loading and unloading. Laundry closets particularly eat into bedrooms or kitchens they adjoin. Shared complex laundry rooms however mean lugging baskets long distances.

If prioritizing space and open layouts, a laundry room on each floor or complex may suffice. Hauling laundries externally also pushes residents towards better space-saving habits regarding storage and minimizing clutter accumulation over time.

Outdoor Living Areas

While apartment square footage quotes traditionally focus on indoor areas, outdoor spaces factor into perceived roominess. An ample balcony, patio, or even windowsill herb garden enhances spaciousness beyond walls confining you. If lacking a private yard, larger community green spaces similarly decompress dwellers.

When touring prospective apartments, scrutinize outdoor dimensions and ingress access. Ensure enough area for patio furnishings or yoga stretches so the space gets enjoyed versus just supplying light and air.

Lifestyle Considerations Impacting Size Needs

Life stage and household variables also weigh into ideal apartment sizes. For instance, single occupants can comfortably inhabit much smaller spaces than couples or families sharing tighter quarters.

Singles vs. Couples

Studios and small 1-bedroom units adequately house individual renters without space feeling cramped. Optimize functionality using organizational hacks like floating shelves, underbed storage, and furniture doing double-duty like storage ottomans or fold-out desk beds.

Cohabitating couples require extra room to prevent tensions from simmering. Even harmonious partners need personal space retaining individual sanity. Minimums hover around 500 square feet for pairs, preferably larger to accommodate both parties' furnishings and belongings.

Pets

Welcoming furry friends eats square footage too, especially for active dog breeds requiring extra exercise area indoors. Their beds, crates, toys, and food stations occupy sizable real estate akin to human children. Cats also need climbing towers, play zones, litter boxes, and scratch pads tallying lost space.

If considering pets in tighter confines, build vertical via cat trees and wall-mounted shelving offering critters space to perch and play off the floor. Also assess pet fees, which often increase for larger animals in smaller units. Prepare accordingly through pet savings funds as needed.

Remote work's exponential rise following coronavirus shutdowns sparked apartment demand shifts too. Once occasional home office users now require functional daily workspaces meeting employers' remote requirements.

Ensure apartment floorplans accommodate a dedicated office zone aside from improvising on dining tables or couches. Measure to fit basic needs: desk, ergonomic chair, shelving, proper lighting, Wi-Fi router access, and ideally space allowing standing breaks.