Telling the difference between a studio and a loft apartment is easy mostly because of the size and function. But when it comes to differentiating an efficiency from a studio apartment, it’s not so easy. These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably but in reality there are a few elements that can help us distinguish between one and the other. Of course, it all depends on the region.

Whether it’s an efficiency or a studio apartment, the two have in common the lack of a separate bedroom. But in the case of the remaining space, a few differences can be observed. For example, an efficiency apartment has a separate kitchen. Although it’s small, it’s not part of the main living area as in the case of studio apartments. Efficiency apartments usually have full kitchens whereas studio apartments only have limited kitchens with small appliances. But in some regions these two types of apartments are interchanged so the situation is exactly the opposite.

The size is also an important factor that helps determine the difference between these two types of apartments. Efficiencies are very small whereas studios can be quite large even though the number of rooms remains the same. In order to tell the difference between the two, it would be useful to know that the apartments found in upscale buildings such as warehouses that have converted into residential spaces are usually called studios.

There’s also another element that represents a difference in this case. Studio apartment, even though sometimes quite small, may come with a loft. Efficiency apartments, on the other hand, don’t offer this option. The optional loft in the case of studio apartments is usually a space that can be reached via a stairway. This room is still open to the main room but it is, however, a separate space. It can be sued either as a bedroom or an additional living room. It might also be converted into a home office, guest room, etc.

As you can see, the differences are not exactly huge but one thing that needs to be remembered is the fact that studio apartments offer more options and more flexibility then efficiency apartments, even though sometimes it can be difficult to say with certitude in which of the two categories a space can be placed.

Efficiency apartments have open concept designs that incorporate a sleeping and a living area into one space. These apartments also include a separate bathroom and a kitchen, often referred to as a kitchenette which is also an open area. In some cases, it’s possible for an efficiency rental apartment to have no kitchen at all.

Design and decorating ideas for studios and efficiencies:

Because the floor space is so limited, there’s no room for all the usual pieces of furniture. Still, this doesn’t mean that comfort should be sacrificed. So instead of a regular side table, a great alternative would be this piece which turns the armrest of the couch into a side table.Available on Etsy.

Obviously, having a walk-in closet is out of the question. Even a dresser can take up valuable floor space. So how about a hanging clothes bar? It takes zero floor space, is easy to make and use and lets you keep your clothes organized.{found on apartmenttherapy}.

Storage or the lack of it is one of the biggest problems but it can be dealt with through ingenious pieces of furniture such as this coffee table which has clever built-in storage inside of it. Moreover, it can also become a desk when needed. Available on WesElm.

And speaking of tables, one of the biggest inconveniences in the case of studio and efficiency apartments is not being able to accommodate a dining area with a large table. However, this Origami drop leaf table is a really great option.Available for $699.

Since the bedroom is not a separate room but rather a portion of the social area, perhaps it would be wise to combine the two by getting rod of the bed and the couch and getting a sofa bed instead. Use this convertible piece of furniture as a sofa during the day and as a bed during the night and feast your eyes on all the storage space it offers.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, and 4.