Deciding where to live in Chicago is a big deal, and one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to get a studio or a one-bedroom apartment. One offers a sleek, efficient layout, while the other provides the privacy of a separate room. It’s a classic trade-off between cost and comfort that every renter considers.
At The Oliver on LaSalle, located at the vibrant crossroads of the Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods, we see residents happily living in both. This guide is here to walk you through the pros and cons of each, so you can make a confident choice that fits your budget, lifestyle, and what you truly need from a home.
Key Takeaways
- Cost vs. Privacy: A studio offers lower monthly rent and utilities, while a one-bedroom provides a separate, private sleeping area for a higher cost.
- Lifestyle is Key: The best choice depends entirely on your daily routine—whether you work from home, entertain guests frequently, or prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
- Space is Relative: Features like high ceilings and smart layouts, found at The Oliver on LaSalle, can make a studio feel larger and more functional than its square footage suggests.
- Location Matters: Living in a walkable neighborhood with great transit access, like the Gold Coast, can extend your living space beyond your apartment walls.
The Core Differences: More Than Just a Wall
Before you can decide, it’s important to understand the fundamental distinction between these two popular floor plans. Let’s break down exactly what defines each space.
What Defines a Studio Apartment?
A studio apartment is a single, open-concept room where your living, sleeping, and kitchen areas are combined into one efficient space. The only room with a door is the bathroom. This open floor plan is all about maximizing every square foot.
Features like high ceilings and smart layouts, found at The Oliver on LaSalle, can make a studio feel larger and more functional than its square footage suggests.
The pros are clear: lower monthly rent, reduced utility costs, and less time spent cleaning. A studio also naturally encourages a minimalist lifestyle, forcing you to be intentional about what you own. However, the cons include a lack of privacy, cooking smells that can fill the whole apartment, and overnight stays usually mean getting a little more creative with your space for a comfortable visit.
What Defines a 1-Bedroom Apartment?
A 1-bedroom apartment features a distinct, separate bedroom with walls and a door. This creates a clear division between your private sleeping area and the main living space and kitchen.
The main advantage is enhanced privacy, which is great for couples or anyone who hosts guests often. For remote workers, having a separate room makes it much easier to create a dedicated work-from-home area and disconnect at the end of the day. The downsides are typically a higher monthly rent, increased utility costs, and more space to furnish and maintain.
Your Lifestyle, Your Layout: Which Apartment Fits You Best?
The best apartment for you goes beyond square footage. It’s about how the layout supports your daily life. Let’s look at a few common scenarios to help you see which option fits.
For the Work-From-Home Professional
If you work from home, creating a mental separation between your job and your life is crucial. A one-bedroom makes this easy—you can set up a desk in the living room or bedroom and physically close the door on work. In a studio, you might need to get creative with room dividers or clever furniture placement to avoid feeling like you live in your office.
For the Social Host & Entertainer
Do you love having friends over? A one-bedroom offers a more comfortable setting for guests, as you can keep your private bedroom area separate from the social space. Studios are perfect for a casual hangout with a couple of friends, but overnight stays can feel a bit cramped.
To see how these layouts compare, you can view our floor plans.
For the Minimalist & City Explorer
If you see your apartment as a home base for exploring Chicago, a studio might be perfect. It’s the ultimate “lock-and-leave” setup. The money you save on rent and utilities can go directly toward enjoying the city’s amazing restaurants, concerts, and events. For you, the city is your living room.
For Couples or Pet Owners
Living with a partner or a furry friend means personal space is a must. A one-bedroom provides that essential breathing room, giving each of you a separate area to retreat to. That extra door can make all the difference in living together harmoniously.
The Ultimate Comparison: Studio vs. 1-Bedroom at a Glance
Here’s a quick-reference chart to help you weigh the most important factors side-by-side.
| Feature | Studio Apartment | 1-Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | Lower monthly rent and utilities. | Higher monthly rent and utilities. |
| Privacy Level | Low (Open-concept living and sleeping area). | High (Separate bedroom with walls and a door). |
| Work-From-Home Viability | Challenging; requires creative separation like room dividers. | Ideal; easy to create a dedicated workspace for better work-life balance. |
| Guest-Friendliness | Good for 1-2 casual guests; difficult for overnight stays. | Excellent; guests can use the living room for more comfort and privacy. |
| Vibe / Atmosphere | Cozy, efficient, minimalist. Encourages an organized lifestyle. | Structured, private, more like a traditional home. |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Quick and easy due to less square footage. | More time and effort required to clean the larger space. |
Beyond the Floor Plan: Space-Saving Features at The Oliver on LaSalle
Sometimes, the apartment’s features can change the game, making a smaller space feel much more livable.
Making a Studio Feel Spacious
At The Oliver on LaSalle, our studio apartments are designed to feel open and airy. Features like high ceilings and large windows flood the space with natural light, making it feel larger than its footprint suggests. Paired with modern conveniences like smart locks, it’s an efficient lifestyle elevated. Smart use of multi-functional furniture can also make a huge difference in maximizing your living area.
The Neighborhood as Your Amenity
Your living space doesn’t end at your front door. Our location means the best of the Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods are right outside. With essentials like ALDI just a short walk away and major transit routes nearby, you can easily live a car-free lifestyle. You can check CTA schedules to plan your commute or your next city adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The primary difference is a physical wall and a door. A 1-bedroom has a separate bedroom, offering privacy, while a studio combines living and sleeping areas into one open space.
Yes, many people do! Success depends on creating separation with furniture like a room divider or a strategically placed bookshelf. It’s ideal for those who are disciplined and don’t require complete silence to focus.
Focus on vertical space with tall bookshelves, use multi-functional furniture like an ottoman with hidden storage, and install under-bed storage containers. Regular decluttering is also essential.
Find Your Perfect Fit in Chicago
Ultimately, the right choice between a studio and a one-bedroom is deeply personal. It’s a balance of your budget, your need for privacy, and how you want to live your life day-to-day.
The best way to know for sure is to see the spaces for yourself. We encourage you to tour both studio and one-bedroom apartments at The Oliver on LaSalle to get a true feel for the difference and see what our community offers.
Ready to find your perfect Chicago apartment? Contact The Oliver on LaSalle team today at (855) 459-1153 or schedule a tour online to see our beautiful studio and one-bedroom apartments for yourself.
