10 Best 1 Bedroom Small Apartment Floor Plans

Discover 1 bedroom small apartment floor plans that maximize style and function. Get expert tips on open-concept layouts, creative storage, and modern living solutions.

Let’s be honest—living in a one-bedroom apartment can feel a little like playing Tetris with your stuff, your style, and your sanity. But here’s the thing: with the right approach, your small space can become the coziest, smartest, and most enviable home you’ve ever had. It’s all about working with what you’ve got and making every inch count. If you’re searching for 1 bedroom small apartment floor plans that actually work for real life (and real people), you’re in for a treat.

Over the years, I’ve squeezed all kinds of living into all kinds of apartments—from studios where my bed doubled as my couch, to slightly bigger one-bedrooms that magically fit dinner parties of eight. I’ve learned that the secret isn’t having more space; it’s knowing how to use it. Whether you want to create zones for work and play, carve out a little sanctuary for sleep, or just figure out how to keep your shoes from taking over the entryway, it all starts with a smart floor plan.

The beauty of one-bedroom apartments is that they force you to get creative. You don’t need endless rooms or fancy built-ins to make your home feel both functional and fabulous. You just need a layout that fits your lifestyle—and a few clever tricks to keep everything organized and comfortable.

So, grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment here), and let’s dig into the best 1 bedroom small apartment floor plans. Whether you’re dreaming up a fresh start or looking to make your current place work harder, these ideas will help you live larger in less space.

The Best 1 Bedroom Small Apartment Floor Plans for Modern Living

1. Open-Concept Living with Separate Bedroom

If you want your apartment to feel bright and breezy, you can’t go wrong with an open-concept living area paired with a separate bedroom. This layout skips unnecessary walls in favor of one big multi-use space for cooking, dining, relaxing, and even entertaining. The key is letting natural light flow, making everything feel bigger than it really is.

Keep your living and dining areas visually distinct with a rug or a change in flooring. A small sectional or slim sofa helps create a “zone” without eating up precious square footage. Choose furniture that looks light—think exposed legs and low profiles—to keep things airy.

Your bedroom gets its own private retreat, often tucked behind a pocket door or down a short hallway. Make it feel extra cozy with soft bedding, layered lighting, and maybe even blackout curtains if you crave those weekend sleep-ins.

Don’t forget storage! Go vertical in both the living area and bedroom—mount shelves above sofas and nightstands, or opt for a bed with built-in drawers to hide away off-season clothes and extra linens.

2. L-Shaped Layout with Defined Spaces

The L-shaped layout is perfect if you want both openness and structure in your one-bedroom apartment. Here, your kitchen wraps around one corner of the living space, forming an “L” that naturally divides zones for lounging, eating, and cooking.

Consider placing a bistro table or breakfast bar at the intersection of the L for casual dining or extra prep space. Use a tall bookshelf or console table as a subtle divider between the kitchen and living room—this keeps things organized without closing them off.

The bedroom usually sits just off the main living area, often with enough room for a queen bed plus a compact dresser or wardrobe. Make the most of corners: add wall-mounted reading lamps or floating nightstands to save floor space.

Maximize every angle by using corner shelving in both the living area and bedroom. And if you love hosting friends, this layout makes it easy to mingle while still keeping cooking messes out of sight.

3. Studio-Style with Partitioned Bedroom

If you love the look (and efficiency) of an open studio but still want some privacy for sleeping, this one’s for you. Studio-style layouts with a partitioned bedroom use sliding doors, curtains, bookshelves, or even glass dividers to carve out just enough separation between your sleeping zone and everything else.

This flexible approach lets you change things up when you want—keep partitions open for more light and space during the day, then close them off when it’s time to wind down. You can even use foldable screens or tall plants for an easy DIY solution.

Keep your “bedroom” area simple: low platform beds or futons are ideal since they don’t overwhelm visually. In the living/dining zone, stick to furniture that doubles up on function (like ottomans with storage or extendable tables).

Don’t forget to personalize each zone! Use art, textiles, and lighting to create mini “rooms” within your studio-style space—each can have its own vibe while still feeling cohesive overall.

4. Corner Bedroom with Adjacent Living Area

If privacy is high on your wishlist (say, you work odd hours or just love having a peaceful retreat), go for a corner bedroom layout. Here, your bedroom is nestled into one corner of the apartment—sometimes even with windows on two sides—while the living area sits right next door.

This setup is fantastic for morning light if your windows face east or for sunset views in the evening if facing west. The adjacent living room becomes your hangout zone: arrange seating to face away from the bedroom for more separation.

Consider using a sliding barn door or frosted glass divider between spaces if you want extra quiet without shutting out natural light. A small entryway table or bench by the door helps keep clutter contained before it migrates into your serene sleep space.

Add cozy touches: plush rugs in both areas help define zones and absorb sound (a lifesaver in apartment buildings with thin walls!). Use tall shelving units as both storage and gentle room dividers between living room and bedroom.

5. Compact Design with Integrated Kitchen

When every square foot counts (hello, city living!), a compact design with an integrated kitchen is pure gold. In this layout, your kitchen runs along one wall—sometimes tucked into its own nook or simply blending right into the main living area.

Opt for sleek cabinetry that reaches all the way up to the ceiling—this creates extra storage for everything from dishes to cleaning supplies. Hide small appliances behind closed doors when not in use to maintain that streamlined look.

Your living area flows right from the kitchen: think compact sofa facing a wall-mounted TV, or a convertible coffee table that doubles as your dining spot when friends come over. Floating shelves above the sofa keep books and décor within arm’s reach but off valuable surfaces.

With less space to fill, every piece of furniture has to earn its place—choose items that fold up or offer hidden storage whenever possible. Even in a tiny apartment, this layout creates an organized hub where you can cook, relax, and entertain—all without bumping elbows.

6. Split-Level with Elevated Bedroom

If your building has soaring ceilings or you’re lucky enough to snag a unit with a loft option, the split-level with elevated bedroom layout is an absolute game-changer for small apartment living. Imagine your sleeping area perched on a raised platform or mezzanine, overlooking your main living space below. It’s architectural interest and space-saving genius rolled into one.

This layout instantly separates your daytime and nighttime routines. You can entertain, cook, or binge-watch TV downstairs, while your bed remains tucked out of sight—and blissfully undisturbed. Use the space beneath the lofted bedroom for a home office, walk-in closet, or reading nook. Spiral staircases or compact ladders are ideal for maximizing square footage and adding a bit of urban loft charm.

Keep the upstairs bedroom minimalist: a low-profile bed, wall hooks for essentials, and soft lighting for winding down. If you like, add some breezy curtains or sliding panels for privacy without blocking airflow. Downstairs, stick to multi-use furniture and streamlined décor so the whole place feels open and inviting.

7. Linear Layout with Central Hallway

For those who love a sense of order (and hate tripping over furniture), the linear layout with a central hallway could be your perfect 1 bedroom small apartment floor plan. This design runs everything in a line: you’ll usually find the entryway leading to a hallway, with the kitchen and bathroom on one side, then the bedroom and living area branching off.

The beauty of this setup is how it keeps spaces distinct without ever feeling closed in. Hallways double as gallery walls for art, lined with hooks for coats, or even lined with slim storage cabinets for cleaning supplies and shoes. Bedrooms at one end of the “line” offer maximum privacy, while the living area at the other becomes your social hub.

Keep things light and airy by using mirrors along the hallway or glass doors at either end if possible. Opt for pocket doors or sliding panels to save space and keep sightlines open. And don’t neglect lighting—wall sconces or LED strips bring warmth and function to what might otherwise be a dark corridor.

8. Dual-Entry with Shared Bathroom

If you ever have guests stay over or share your apartment with a partner, you’ll appreciate the dual-entry with shared bathroom layout. This smart design places your bathroom in a central spot, accessible from both the main living area and bedroom.

This means no more tiptoeing through the living room in pajamas—or having to clean up every time someone visits! It’s especially handy if you ever use your living room as a guest space (hello, pull-out sofa). Everyone has easy access to the bathroom without sacrificing privacy.

Use this plan to your advantage with clever storage—think linen cabinets above the toilet or wall-mounted baskets beside the sink. If you’re short on space elsewhere, add shelves over the door or under-sink organizers to keep toiletries neat. A pocket door between bath and bedroom saves even more precious floor space.

9. Penthouse Suite with Terrace Access

If you’re lucky enough to find a one-bedroom apartment with any kind of private outdoor space, don’t let it go to waste! The penthouse suite with terrace access layout brings light, fresh air, and serious wow-factor into your daily life.

Picture this: your bedroom opens directly onto a sunny terrace (or even just a Juliet balcony), while your living area sits adjacent for seamless flow between indoors and out. Use sliding glass doors or oversized windows to maximize sunlight and make both rooms feel bigger.

Think about extending your living area outdoors—add a bistro table for morning coffee, string lights for evening ambiance, and container plants for a touch of green. Inside, keep furniture lightweight and easily movable so you can host friends or lounge solo with ease.

If privacy is an issue (say you’re facing another building), use tall planters or outdoor curtains to create your own oasis. Your terrace becomes an extra “room” that makes your whole apartment feel much larger than it is.

10. Garden-Level with Private Patio

If you prefer being closer to the ground—and maybe even having a little bit of nature outside your window—a garden-level apartment with private patio might be your dream one-bedroom layout. Here, your bedroom usually faces the patio or garden area, giving you peaceful views of greenery and the ability to step outside without changing out of your pajamas.

The living and dining areas typically sit near the entrance, keeping the bedroom quiet and tucked away from foot traffic. Glass doors or oversized windows let in plenty of light (and provide great ventilation on cool evenings).

Use the patio as an extension of your home: set up a hammock, plant herbs in pots, or even add an outdoor rug to create another cozy lounging zone. Inside, keep window treatments sheer so you never miss out on that natural glow. If storage is tight, weatherproof benches outdoors can hold gardening tools, shoes, or seasonal décor.

Pet lovers will appreciate this layout too—it’s perfect for letting pets pop outside safely without trekking through hallways or stairs.

Conclusion

Living well in a one-bedroom apartment isn’t about having more space—it’s about making every inch count and finding a floor plan that fits your life like a glove. With these 1 bedroom small apartment floor plans—from open-concept layouts and L-shaped designs to split-level lofts and dreamy terraces—you can transform even the smallest home into a stylish retreat that feels uniquely yours.

Remember: clever storage is your best friend. Use hidden drawers, vertical shelving, and double-duty furniture wherever possible. Define zones with rugs, lighting, and thoughtful décor choices so each part of your home feels intentional (and never cluttered).

Most importantly: design for how you live right now. Whether you’re working from home, hosting friends for dinner, or simply craving a little peace and quiet after a long day, there’s a layout here to match your style and needs.

So go ahead—sketch out some ideas, move things around, and make your small apartment work as hard as you do. Because when it comes to home, it’s not about square footage—it’s all about how you feel the moment you walk through the door.