Today it seems like going small in the biggest trend in apartments. In some cities like New York and San Francisco where space is limited it’s somewhat of a necessity, and in other cities like Austin, officials are now considering how small apartments can address the issues of affordability and handling the influx of new residents.
As a result you’re probably noticing a lot of tiny terminology in the apartment industry. Efficiency, studio, micro apartment – there’s so many types of smaller apartment spaces it’s no wonder many renters are confused. If you’re interested in a modestly sized living space keep reading to learn what all the different terms mean when it comes to apartments.
How the Layouts Differ
One of the key differences between a studio, efficiency and micro apartment is the layout. They are usually as follows:
Studio – Open all around with no walls or partial dividers between any area except the bathroom. However, renters can find creative ways to partition areas off once they move in.
Efficiency – Usually the kitchen/dining area is segmented off from a combo living/sleeping area.
Micro Apartment – Many are like a miniature studio, but without the soaring ceilings, etc. A more sizable micro apartment may have the sleeping area separated from the living quarters or a nook tucked away for a bed. These have more of an efficiency feel.
Some may argue that the term micro apartment can be applied to any small living space and that it’s interchangeable with efficiency and studio apartments. To a certain extent that is true, and it does seem that “micro apartment” is the new industry buzz word that’s synonymous with small.
Size Isn't So Different
Size is one thing that efficiencies, studios and micro apartments have in common. They are all scant on the square footage compared to regular apartments. All three are typically under 500 sq ft. – sometimes well under. In the recent wave of micro apartment construction cities are creating their own definition for what a micro apartment is, and square foot limitations seem to be a factor in all of them. For example, in Seattle micro apartments are capped at 285 sq ft. or less while Boston considers them to be 450 sq ft. or less.
When it comes to efficiencies and studios, efficiencies tend to be the smaller of the two. How big an efficiency, studio or micro apartment feels all depends on the layout of the space itself and the furniture. A studio that’s wide open may have the same floor area as the others but feel larger because there are no dividers.
Apartment Amenities Are Similar
For the most part the different types of apartments have the standard, big-ticket amenities like a kitchen or bathroom. That said, the some super small micros may not even have a sink outside of the bathroom so saying it has a kitchen is being generous. The possibility of having any closet or storage space at all also becomes an issue the smaller any of these apartments get.
One differentiator that has come about as more micro apartments are being constructed is the fact that these units are purpose built. They tend to be very utilitarian with built-ins and multifunctional features whereas studios and efficiencies lean towards a standard apartment design, just smaller.
