Zoning space with furniture in a one-room apartment

Recommendation points

• Planning zones in a studio apartment
• Sleeping area
• Living room and kitchen zoning
• Zoning space for children
• Convertible furniture is an ideal solution for space zoning
• Vertical zoning
• Conclusions on the arrangement of space in a one-room apartment

In any living space, there is a need to create a sense of comfort, where one of the criteria is the need of each family member for personal space. In a one-room apartment, zoning is possible with furniture. How to use this most affordable option – we will consider in the article.

The method of dividing space into zones is universal and suitable for any apartment, but it also has its own laws:

1. The height of the dividing structure over 1.2 m is a full-fledged partition and rigidly divides the space into zones.
2. Obstacles from 0.8 m (dining table) to 1.2 m (bar counter) are perceived as a full-fledged object, but retain the spatial and visual connection of all zones in the room.
3. An object below 0.8 m makes the space heavier, creating a sense of randomness if not justifying its location.

You should also pay attention to the space around the furniture:

1. The distance for the unhindered movement of one person is 0.75 m.The same space is required for the operation of wardrobes or dressing rooms.
2. Passages between kitchen furniture and bar counter should not be less than 1.0 m (ideally 1.2 mm).
3. A coffee table moved to the upholstered furniture closer than 25-30 cm will make it difficult to fit.
4. If the furniture is complex in shape and with sharp corners, it is likely that all family members will soon beat off their feet on it. When there are small children in the apartment (who often run and may fall), such objects pose a danger to their health.

Planning zones in a studio apartment

In any one-room apartment or studio apartment, several main zones can be distinguished: a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a work area, and often a nursery. Let’s consider in detail the ways to organize each of them..

Sleeping area

The most common case: the need to place an isolated bed in an apartment with a small area. The optimal solution is to install a cabinet or rack as a divider, which will also be an additional storage space. If there is no need for complete isolation, then it is possible to place a composition of chairs and a table, a high chest of drawers or a chest..

When there is no opportunity to place additional furniture, the sleeping area can be entered into a niche or any “uncomfortable” space using a podium. Such a stationary structure will allow you to avoid “dead” zones, occupying the entire space. Podiums allow you to organize lighting, creating a floating effect, and also contain boxes for storing bed linen. Another plus is the absence of cracks under the bed and narrow spaces, which are an additional dust collector.

Screens are used to separate the sleeping area. It is necessary to get rid of the stereotype that such an element is acceptable only for an interior in an oriental style. The variety of designs allows them to be used in classic, Scandinavian, and even country style. And mobility and compactness, combined with their insulating ability, makes screens indispensable.

Living room and kitchen zoning

In order to place a living room and a kitchen in one room (typical for a studio apartment), you can zone the space using:

1. Bar counter replacing the dining table.
2. Dining group: rectangular or round table with chairs.
3. Use a sofa with a high or wide back, facing the back wall to the kitchen area, and place a TV, home theater or projector screen on the opposite wall. A narrow (no more than 40 cm) bookcase, the height of which is equal to the height of the sofa back, will help to complete this solution. Using such a rack instead of traditional bookcases around the perimeter of the room will visually make the room wider and larger.

The central object of the entire interior can be a fireplace (for example, an electric one) that separates the living room and kitchen. A more costly and complex, but very effective way of zoning is a large backlit aquarium.

Another option for dividing the living room and kitchen areas is a swivel design for a TV. Installed in the center of the room on the border of two zones, it can work for each of them. At the same time, their design is so diverse that it will easily fit into any space: with a massive light construction in a classic style, a light chrome or blackened counter – in a modern one..

Zoning space for children

It is convenient to separate the working area, as well as the play area for children, with functional shelves with through open shelves: such an element not only does not “collapse” the space, but also provides additional space for storing documents or toys. If a child is engaged in music, a piano can be used to create a “children’s corner” – a musical instrument can also act as a “divider” of space.

The organization of the workplace can be performed with custom-made furniture – a work table of a complex shape, behind which, for example, two children can be accommodated. It is convenient to organize storage spaces under such tables in the form of bedside tables or roll-out drawers..

If the family has two children of different sexes or children with a large age difference, it is appropriate to combine such tabletops and shelves to provide each child with the same workplace. Hanging chairs are a good way of zoning, which can be used not only by children, but also serve as an additional seat for the living room…

Sometimes a children’s bunk bed can act as a space divider, provided that its back wall is decorated with decorative elements. A simple metal or wooden frame will make the bed feel “out of place” and you will constantly have the urge to push it against the wall.

Convertible furniture is an ideal solution for space zoning

A modern and practical solution is the use of transformers – pieces of furniture that by themselves can perform two or more functions. So, a bed, going into a closet or turning into a sofa or wall shelves, solves a number of zoning issues. The living room becomes a full bedroom, and vice versa.

There is a great selection of children’s tables and transforming beds. Such solutions are ideal for two children – the beds slide out from under the wide workplace into several levels and are a good substitute for bulky bunk beds.

Vertical zoning

If the height of the ceilings of a one-room apartment exceeds 3.5 m, then vertical zoning will be advisable. In such rooms, consoles may appear – the second levels on which sleeping or work areas are located. The staircase to the second level can also become an element of space zoning: in addition to its direct purpose, it turns into a bookshelf or lighting for the first level, and sometimes into a dressing room element.

Conclusions on the arrangement of space in a one-room apartment

Summarizing all of the above, there are several points that are important to pay attention to when zoning a room:

1. Consider carefully the set of features you need to fit into a one-room apartment. Decide which ones are convenient to combine, which ones to donate, and which ones are impossible to refuse. Consider the opinion of each of the family members living in the apartment so that no one is left deprived. All efforts will be in vain if a grandmother reading at night starts to wake up her grandchildren with the light of a lamp, or a play area for children is in front of the TV.
2. Decide on the stylistic solution for the interior. Often the chosen style dictates the furniture that needs to be installed. If you prefer light classics, chrome steel in the design of the bar counter will look as ridiculous as a massive carved cabinet – as a partition in a minimalist interior.
3. Do not seek to replace stationary partitions with massive furniture. It will not be possible to achieve this goal, but it will be easy to “litter” the space and split it into fragments devoid of logic.

Remember: when zoning, furniture is part of a single space with a specific function, and not a separate room.

4. Pay attention to the shape and dimensions of the furniture, as well as the passageways remaining for movement around the room. Don’t sacrifice comfort and safety.
5. Make the most of your space! If there is not enough space, turn to transformers: space saving and its versatility are guaranteed. For high ceiling heights, use a room on two levels.

These simple tips will help you create a cozy, comfortable space for living, adapted to the needs of your family in an apartment of any size..