Finding an apartment
What is the difference between a studio, a junior one-bedroom and a one-bedroom?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
A studio is one main room for living and sleeping, plus a bathroom and usually a kitchen area. A junior one-bedroom adds a partly separate sleeping area, like an alcove or a nook, without a full wall and door. A one-bedroom has a separate bedroom with a door, apart from the living room.
Listing terms vary by city and by landlord, so treat the label as a starting point and check the floor plan or photos.
- Studio: sometimes called an efficiency. The kitchen may be a full kitchen or a small kitchenette along one wall.
- Alcove studio or junior one-bedroom: an L-shape or nook that fits a bed out of the main line of sight. Some renters add a curtain or bookshelf to separate it.
- Convertible or flex unit: a layout large enough that a temporary wall could create a second room. Whether you can put one up depends on the building and local rules, so ask before you plan around it.
- One-bedroom: a separate bedroom with a door, and usually a window, since many local codes require one for a room to be called a bedroom.
When comparing prices, look at square footage and layout, not just the label. A well-designed large studio can feel roomier than a cramped one-bedroom, and it is usually cheaper to heat and cool. If you work from home or share the space, a real door between work and sleep is often worth the extra rent.
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