Type and hit ENTER
  • HOME
  • CATEGORY
    • Japanese Apartment Life
    • Moving Tips
    • Interior Design
    • Local Area Guides
  • COMPANY
  • PRIVACY POLICY
GET CONNECTED
Facebook
Instagram
  • HOME
  • Japanese Apartment Life
  • Moving Tips
  • Interior Design
  • Local Area Guides
  • Village House

ENG

  • 日本語
  • ENG
  • PT
  • VI
Moving Tips

What is the Layout of a Studio Apartment? Advantages, Disadvantages, and Differences to 1K and 1DK Explained! 

2024-07-11

A studio apartment is a typical layout for people living alone. However, many people may be wondering, “What exactly is the layout of a studio apartment?”, “What are the differences between 1K and 1DK?”, and “What are the advantages and disadvantages of a studio apartment?”

In this article, we will explain the characteristics of a studio apartment layout, the differences between 1K and 1DK, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. If you are wondering what kind of layout to choose for living alone, please use this article as a reference.

At Village House, we offer over 1,000 affordable properties all across Japan. If you are looking for a room, be sure to check out our website.

768x300 EN

What are Common Studio Room Sizes and Layouts?

image2 4

A studio apartment (One-Room) refers to a layout where the kitchen space and the living room are not separated. Therefore, there are no doors or partitions except for the toilet and bathroom. Additionally, studio apartments are sometimes written as “1R”. Studio apartments (One-Room) with a total area of more than 100 m2 are called studio-type apartments.

Common Layouts for Studio Apartments

Here, we will introduce five common layouts for studio apartments. Let’s take a look at the layouts of the rooms and the lifestyles they are suitable for.

  1. Corridor Type(A)
image5

Corridor Type (A) rooms have a layout with facilities such as a unit bath (UB), or a closet (CL) on both sides of the entrance. It is a very common type of layout for studio apartments and 1K apartments. The distinctive feature is a corridor created between the facilities placed on both sides.

However, since the kitchen is located inside, there is a possibility that odors may build up indoors. Therefore, when viewing the property, it is a good idea to check the ventilation efficiency and whether adequate airflow can be maintained. Corridor Type (A) layout is suitable for those who actively cook at home.

  1. Corridor Type(B)
image4

If you prefer having a separate bathroom and toilet rather than a unit bath, or if you don’t cook that often, we recommend Corridor Type (B). Since the facilities are concentrated near the entrance, including a dressing room and a separate bathroom and toilet, the living room is smaller than Corridor Type (A).

  1. Ultra-Compact Type
A floor plan of a small apartment

In prime urban locations, there is a tendency for ultra-compact layouts to be more common. These properties are often built on small plots of land in desirable areas, resulting in rooms that are very small or irregularly shaped.

In addition to the limited room size, these units may also have poor sunlight exposure, so it’s important to inspect them in person rather than relying solely on floor plans.

Ultra-compact properties are recommended for people who prioritize location over comfort and for those who enjoy creating their own unique interior living space.

  1. Loft Type
A floor plan of a house

A Loft Type is a good choice for those who want to live a minimalist or simple lifestyle. While it saves space, it also features a loft area separate from the living space where you can relax comfortably.

Additionally, Loft-type layouts tend to be located in areas with good locations. This layout is recommended for people who eat out frequently or do not often invite others to their homes.

  1. Spacious Type
A floor plan of a house

There is a common perception that studio apartments are small and cramped. However, Spacious Type studio apartments have an impressively spacious layout. Because there is a separate counter-style kitchen, it is possible to divide the living space.

Having a door between the entrance and the living room ensures privacy and can also help keep out the cold during winter. Additionally, Spacious Type studio apartments are relatively common in areas further from the city center, and despite their spacious interior space, they tend to have affordable rent.

However, Spacious Type studio apartments may be located far from the nearest station or require a car to get around, so be sure to check the location before considering one.

The Difference between Studio Apartments (One-Room) and 1K Apartments

A floor plan of a house

A studio apartment (One-Room) layout does not have a separate kitchen space from the living room. On the other hand, “1K” refers to a layout where the kitchen space is separated from the living room. A 1K apartment has a kitchen space of less than 4.5 tatami mats in size.

The Difference between 1K and 1DK Apartments

A floor plan of a house

The difference between a 1K and a 1DK is the size of the kitchen.

A 1K kitchen space is less than 4.5 tatami mats in size, while a 1DK kitchen space is between 4.5 tatami mats and 8 tatami mats in size. In addition, many 1DK apartments tend to be older, and with relaxed economic conditions, you may find properties with rents similar to those of 1K units.

768x300 EN

Let’s Judge a Studio Apartment based on its Size 

image10

When considering studio apartments, please judge based on the size of the room (floor area). Seeing measurements like 6.5 or 8 tatami mats might make you think it’s spacious.

However, the studio room size includes the kitchen and entrance. Therefore, a studio apartment labeled with a size of 6.5 tatami mats will have an actual living space of about 4.5 tatami mats, while an apartment labeled with the size of 8 tatami mats will have an actual living space of about 6 tatami mats, making it feel smaller than you expected.

On the other hand, in a 1K property, the kitchen space and the living room are separated, so if it’s labeled 8 tatami mats, the living room excluding the kitchen space will be 8 tatami mats, ensuring a more spacious feel.

Studio Apartments Can Help You Save Money! Top Advantages of Studio Apartments

image11

Low Rent

Studio apartments tend to have lower rent compared to 1K and 1DK. Even if the size is almost the same as a 1K, the rent for a studio apartment is often lower. If you’re looking to keep your rent low to save money, a studio apartment is recommended.

There Are no Partitions for an Open Feel

There are no partitions or doors between the kitchen space and the living space, creating an open space. For those who dislike the enclosed feeling of a 1K apartment, a studio apartment is recommended. Additionally, being able to oversee the entire room at a glance provides peace of mind in terms of security.

Minimal Temperature Difference within the Room

One characteristic of studio apartments is the absence of partitions, creating a single space and resulting in minimal temperature differences within the room. Moreover, when you turn on the air conditioner, the wind spreads throughout the room, making it easy to regulate the temperature.

Easy to Clean

Another advantage of a studio apartment is that you can clean the room with just a vacuum cleaner. A studio apartment is recommended for people who want to keep their room clean or don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.

Consider if the Open Space Layout of a Studio Apartment Works for You. Top Disadvantages of Studio Apartments

image13

When You Open the Door, You Can See Inside

One disadvantage of studio apartments is that there are no partitions or doors, so the living space can be seen as soon as you open the front door. When dealing with delivery people at the front door, your private space can be seen, which may be stressful for people who don’t want their interior to be seen.

Cooking Smells Spread Easily throughout the Room

Since there’s a kitchen within the same room, cooking will fill the entire room with the smell of food. Measures such as installing ventilation fans or opening windows for ventilation are necessary to prevent cooking odors from clinging to clothes, curtains, and other items in the room.

The Indoor Temperature Changes Easily when the Door is Opened

In a studio apartment, since the entrance is immediately connected to the room, opening the door allows outside air to enter, causing the indoor temperature to change easily. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful when entering the room to prevent outside air from entering.

Many Properties are Small

As mentioned earlier, the measurement of tatami mats indicated for studio apartments includes the kitchen and corridor. Therefore, even if it’s labeled as 6 tatami mats, in reality, only around 4 tatami mats may be available for use as living space. While it’s compact and easy to manage, those with many belongings may find it disadvantageous as furniture, appliances, and clothing may not fit as desired.

Although studio apartments have the advantage of low rent, they also have some disadvantages to keep in mind. However, depending on how you use it and the layout, it is possible to live comfortably in a studio apartment.

If you’re looking for rental properties, please check out the Village House website. We offer a wide selection of affordable rooms starting from 20,000 yen all across Japan.

Machiko ProfilePhoto
Machiko Doi

Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.

I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.

We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.

I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.

2024-07-11
Email
PREVIOUS POST
How to Organize a Small Kitchen! 7 Kitchen Storage Ideas to Follow 
NEXT POST
Living Costs for College Students Living Alone: Tips for Saving Money! 
Image Not Found On Media Library

RANKING
  • thumbnail 3
    Guide to the Apartment Lease Signing Process
    2024-01-16

    Paperwork is an inevitability in Japan, more so when you’re …

  • Picture1 2
    The 10 Safest Cities to Live in Japan
    2023-01-08

    Japan is an amazing place, and with 772 cities in the countr…

  • Old apartment
    Home and Apartment Renovation in Japan
    2022-05-19

    If you are in Japan, renovation information is plenty but DI…

  • Cleaning tools
    What Do You Need to Clean Before Moving Out?
    2022-04-02

    With most rental apartments in Japan, you are usually charge…

  • trash in japan
    Recycling in Japan: Do’s and Don’ts
    2021-09-28

    Separating trash in Japan will vary from how you separate th…

SEARCH
CATEGORY
  • Japanese Apartment Life

    Japanese Apartment Life

  • Moving Tips

    Moving Tips

  • Interior Design

    Interior Design

  • Local Area Guides

    Local Area Guides

Image Not Found On Media Library

INSTAGRAM
ビレッジハウス / Village House

villagehousejp

🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣びれじろーくんのメモより📒 ビレッジハウス美濃加茂🔍岐阜県美濃加茂市✏️ 2DKのお部屋 ✏️ フルリノベーションされたお部屋 ✏️南向きのお部屋👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 Ville-Jiro-kun Notes📒 Village House Minokamo 🔍 Minokamo-shi, Gifu Prefecture ✏️ 2DK ✏️ Renovated apartments ✏️South-facing balcony 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Notas de Ville-Jiro-kun 📒 Village House Minokamo 🔍 Minokamo-shi, província de Gifu ✏️ Apartamentos de 2DK ✏️ Apartamentos reformados ✏️Sacada voltada para o sul 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣びれじろー君のぬいぐるみを抽選で5名様にプレゼントします! 🎉 タップで動画を一時停止し、びれじろー君が引っ越しする場所を決めよう!✅ 応募方法1️⃣ @villagehousejp をフォロー2️⃣ この投稿に「いいね」して3️⃣ びれじろー君に引っ越してほしい都道府県をコメントしてください!🗓 応募締め切り2024/3/5 23:59📣 当選者の発表当選者には、 @villagehousejp からDMでご連絡致します。メッセージリクエストは必ずご確認するようお願い致します!日本国内にお住まいの方のみが当選の対象となります。🇬🇧 We’re giving away a Ville-Jiro-kun plushie to 5 random winners! 🎉 Tap to pause the video and help Ville-Jiro-kun decide where to move!✅ How to enter1️⃣ Follow @villagehousejp2️⃣ Like this post3️⃣ Comment which prefecture you’d like Ville-Jiro-kun to move to!🗓 Application deadline2024/3/5 23:59📣 Winners announcedWinners will be contacted via DM from @villagehousejp . Please be sure to check your message requests! You must live in Japan to qualify to win.🇧🇷 Estamos dando uma pelúcia do Ville-Jiro-kun para 5 vencedores aleatórios! 🎉 Toque para pausar o vídeo e ajudar o Ville-Jiro-kun a decidir para onde ir!✅ Como participar1️⃣ Siga @villagehousejp2️⃣ Curtir esta postagem3️⃣ Comente para qual província você gostaria que Ville-Jiro-kun se mudasse!🗓 Prazo de inscrição: 05/03/2024 23:59📣 Anúncio dos vencedoresOs vencedores serão contatados por mensagem pelo @villagehousejp . Verifique suas solicitações de mensagens! Para estar qualificado para ganhar, você deve morar no Japão.
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣これで二度と、パプリカの種取りに手間をかけずに済みますね!😁🇬🇧 Never waste time cleaning up paprika seeds ever again! 😁🇧🇷 Nunca mais despedice tempo removendo as sementes do pimentão! 😁
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣静かで穏やかな雰囲気が漂う城崎温泉(兵庫県豊岡市)に降る雪を見ると、なんとも癒されます❄️✨🇬🇧 Watching the snowflakes fall at the quiet and peaceful Kinosaki Onsen town is so soothing ❄️✨🇧🇷 Apreciar os flocos de neve caindo no tranquilo e pacífico vilarejo de onsen de Kinosaki é tranquilizante ❄️✨🎥 @kyoto__diaries
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ビレッジハウス(福島県いわき市)✅ 2DK、1LDK、3DKのお部屋 ✅ フルリノベーションされたお部屋 ✅ 駐車場有素敵なお部屋を見つけたよ!ホウホウ!👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 Village House Kurosuno in Iwaki-shi, Fukushima Prefecture ✅ 2DK, 1LDK, 3DK ✅ Renovated apartments ✅ Parking lot. I love finding great apartment deals! Hoot hoot! 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Village House Kurosuno em Iwaki-shi, Província de Fukushima ✅ Apartamentos de 2DK, 1LDK e 3DK ✅ Apartamentos reformados ✅ Estacionamento. Eu adoro encontrar ótimas ofertas de apartamentos! Queente! Queente! 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣【びれじろー君プレゼントキャンペーン!】🎁 引っ越しシーズンを記念して、限定のびれじろー君ぬいぐるみを抽選で5名様にプレゼント!✅ 応募方法1️⃣ @villagehousejp をフォロー2️⃣ この投稿に「いいね」して応募完了🗓 応募締め切り2024/2/27 23:59 JST📣 当選者の発表当選者には、 @villagehousejp からDMでご連絡致します。メッセージリクエストは必ずご確認するようお願い致します!日本国内にお住まいの方のみが当選の対象となります。🇬🇧 Ville-Jiro-kun plushie giveaway!🎁 To celebrate moving season, we're giving 5 random winners a limited-edition Ville-Jiro-kun plushie!✅ How to enter1️⃣ Follow @villagehousejp2️⃣ Like this post🗓 Application deadline2024/2/27 23:59 JST📣 Winners announcedWinners will be contacted via DM from @villagehousejp . Please be sure to check your message requests! You must live in Japan to qualify to win.🇧🇷 [Campanha de Presente do Ville-Jiro-kun!]🎁 Para comemorar a temporada de mudanças, vamos dar a 5 vencedores aleatórios um Ville-Jiro-kun de pelúcia de edição limitada!✅ Como participar1️⃣ Siga @villagehousejp2️⃣ Curta esta postagem🗓 Prazo de inscrição: 27/02/2024 23:59📣 Anúncio dos vencedoresOs vencedores serão contatados por mensagem pelo @villagehousejp . Verifique suas solicitações de mensagens! Para estar qualificado para ganhar, você deve morar no Japão.
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣通称「パノラマロード江花」(北海道上富良野町)は、その名にふさわしい風光明媚な道路です。ビレッジハウス赤平から、日本有数の素晴らしい景色を眺めてみませんか!👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 The so-called Panorama Road Ehana in Kamifurano, Hokkaido truly lives up to its name! Enjoy one of Japan’s most scenic landscapes from Village House Akabira! 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Conhecida com a Estrada Panorâmica, em Kamifurano, Hokkaido, realmente faz jus ao seu nome. Desfrute de uma das paisagens mais lindas do Japão saindo do Village House Akabira! 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!@trunks10969さんより素敵な写真をお借りしました。どうも有難うございます📸
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣寒い日に温泉に浸かるのが嫌いな人なんていませんよね🐒地獄谷野猿公苑(長野県下高井郡)では、なんと温泉に浸かる日本猿を見ることができますよ。機会があれば、ぜひ訪れてみて下さいね!🇬🇧 Who doesn’t love a hot bath to warm up in the cold weather? 🐒 Watch the Japanese Macaques relaxing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture!🇧🇷 Quem não gosta de um banho quente para se aquecer nesse clima frio? 🐒 Veja os macacos japoneses relaxando no Parque dos Macacos da Neve de Jigokudani, na província de Nagano!
Follow on Instagram
GET CONNECTED
Facebook
Instagram

Sign up for the latest blog updates below! 新しいブログが投稿されたらお知らせします! Ser notificado quando novos blogs forem postados! Được thông báo khi blog mới được đăng!

  • COMPANY
  • PRIVACY POLICY

©VILLAGE HOUSE. All rights reserved

What is the Layout of a Studio Apartment? Advantages, Disadvantages, and Differences to 1K and 1DK Explained!  - Village Blog