Student studio flat – How should you arrange the space?

Twenty, twenty-five, sometimes thirty square metres: in a studio flat, every centimetre counts. The challenge isn’t just about fitting a bed, a sofa and a table into a single room — it’s about creating a living space where you can sleep, eat, work and entertain without feeling cramped.

The good news is that furnishing a small studio flat comes down to a few simple principles: making the most of the ceiling height, choosing furniture that serves dual purposes, defining different areas without putting up walls, and letting light flow through. Here’s how to go about it, step by step.

1. Measure and sketch out your studio before buying anything

The most common mistake: ordering a corner sofa before checking the width of the entrance hall. Before making any purchases, take thirty minutes to:

• Measure the dimensions of each wall, noting the position of sockets, radiators, windows and the front door.
• Measure the ceiling height. This figure determines whether a loft bed is feasible (minimum 2.20 m, ideally 2.50 m or more).
• Draw a scale plan – even by hand – and cut out rectangles to represent your future furniture.
• Check the walkways: leave 70 to 80 cm of clear space.

2. Make the most of the height: a loft bed frees up 3 m²

In a studio flat, the bed is the most space-consuming piece of furniture. A 140 × 190 cm bed alone takes up nearly 3 m² of floor space — that’s 10 to 15 per cent of the total area. Raising it frees up this space for other uses.

The ‘LENA’ metal loft bed is a perfect example of this concept. With a double bed measuring 140 × 190 cm raised to a height of 197 cm, it frees up all the space underneath.

Why this model works well in a studio flat

• A black metal frame, which is visually sleek: it doesn’t weigh down the room like a solid wood frame would.
• Built-in stairs rather than a ladder: safer and more comfortable for everyday use.
• Maximum load of 200 kg, suitable for a double bed.
• Floor footprint of 251 × 198 cm, but the space underneath is fully usable.

What can you put under the mezzanine?

Please check before ordering: the ceiling height in your studio. Allow at least 90 cm above the mattress so you can sit up in bed.

3. Choose multifunctional furniture

In a small space, every piece of furniture must serve at least two purposes. That’s the principle behind space-saving furniture.

The ‘Jong’ dining table with shelves is a good example: it’s a 120 × 54 cm table, but its vertical upright incorporates four shelves that extend up to a height of 154 cm. A table and a bookcase in a single floor space.

Its depth of just 54 cm means it can be placed flush against a wall: it serves as a dining table for two to three people, as a desk during the day, and its shelves hold books, plants and decorative items.

Other multifunctional furniture to consider

• The sofa bed with storage: a seat by day, a bed at night, and storage for the duvet.
• The storage bed: up to 400 litres of storage space under the bed base.
• The lift-top coffee table, which converts into a dining table.
• The storage pouffe, an extra seat that swallows up throws and cushions.

4. Define areas without building walls

A studio flat is still a studio flat: building solid partitions means losing light and floor space. Instead, use visual dividers:

• An open shelving unit, like a trellis, between the sleeping area and the sitting area.
• A rug to define the living area: the cheapest trick and one of the most effective.
• A workshop-style glass partition, which separates the spaces whilst letting 100 per cent of the light through.
• A change of wall colour to mark out the office area.
• The loft bed itself, which creates two levels: sleep upstairs, live downstairs.

5. Think vertical storage, from floor to ceiling

The rule: anything that isn’t on the floor saves space.

• Wall-mounted shelves above doors and windows.
• A tall, narrow bookcase rather than a short, wide one.
• Wall-mounted coat hooks in the hall, instead of a wardrobe.
• Uniform boxes on high shelves: visual clutter makes the room feel smaller.

6. Make the most of light and mirrors

A dark studio flat always looks smaller than it actually is.

• Never block a window with a tall piece of furniture.
• A large mirror facing the light source visually doubles the depth.
• Use multiple light sources: at least three light points per area.
• Opt for light-coloured curtains, hung right up to the ceiling to make the room feel taller.

7. Opt for a light (but not bland) colour palette

Light colours — off-white, beige, greige, linen — reflect light and make the space appear larger:

• Keep 80 per cent of the walls and large surfaces in light shades.
• Reserve 20 per cent for bold colours or striking materials (black metal, brown wood, velvet) for the furniture.
• Paint the ceiling pure white, always lighter than the walls.

8. Set up a proper desk area (even if it’s just 1 m²)

• A depth of 50 to 60 cm is sufficient for a laptop and a monitor.
• Whether under a mezzanine, against a wall, or by making use of a multifunctional table: the idea is to separate your workspace from the bed and the sofa.
• Provide an adjustable lamp and a power strip fixed underneath the tabletop.

9. The 5 mistakes to avoid in a small studio flat

1. Buying furniture that’s too bulky. A sofa 100 cm deep takes up too much space in the passageway.
2. Pushing all the furniture right up against the walls. A few centimetres’ gap creates breathing space.
3. Neglecting height. It’s the free cubic metre that everyone has at their disposal.
4. Filling the space with too many small pieces of furniture. Three well-chosen pieces are better than eight bits and bobs.
5. Forgetting to check the packaging. A loft bed arrives in two parcels weighing over 35 kg each: check that there’s enough space to get it up to your floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum floor area for a comfortable studio flat?

The Carrez law stipulates a minimum of 9 m² for a rental property, but it’s generally considered that a studio becomes truly liveable for one person from 18 to 20 m². Below 15 m², a loft bed or a sofa bed becomes almost essential.

Is a specific ceiling height required for a loft bed?

Allow for a minimum of 2.20 m and ideally 2.50 m. You need around 90 cm between the mattress and the ceiling to sit up in bed, and at least 1.10 m beneath the structure to fit a comfortable desk.

Is a double loft bed stable?

Yes, provided you choose a metal model with a specified maximum weight capacity. The LENA loft bed can support up to 200 kg. It is advisable to check that the screws are tight during the first few months of use.

How can you separate the sleeping area from the sitting area without a partition?

The most effective solutions are a double-sided open shelving unit, a workshop-style glass partition, a track-mounted curtain and a rug to mark out the area on the floor. The loft bed solves the problem by using height to create two distinct levels.

Which space-saving furniture should you prioritise?

In order: the sleeping area (loft bed, storage bed or sofa bed), then the table (multi-purpose, folding or with built-in storage), then vertical storage such as tall shelving units.

Taking it a step further

You now know how to furnish a small studio flat without sacrificing comfort. The next step is choosing the right furniture: slim-line designs, dual-purpose items and vertical storage.

Discover our selection of bunk beds, loft beds and dining tables to furnish your studio flat.