When searching for a new apartment, you might come across different types of apartments like studios, one bedrooms, and efficiency apartments, and wonder how to distinguish between them. Usually the smallest of these three apartment types, efficiency apartments are an excellent option if you're willing to compromise space for a great location or a better price.

If you're not sure what an efficiency apartment is or what it looks like, our guide covers all you need to know about efficiency apartments and why one might work well for you.

What Is an Efficiency Apartment?

An efficiency apartment is a small type of apartment that consists of a single room that doesn't have separate spaces for sleeping, lounging, or dining. The limited square footage often relies on space-saving or multipurpose furniture to make the most of floor space.

Efficiency apartments can be a fantastic option for living close to the center of a city, near public transit, or within walking distance to your workplace. These small-space dwellings can be located inside older, more historical-style buildings or part of new luxury developments.

These efficiency apartments are quite similar to studio apartments – they both have an open-concept layout that combines the living room, kitchen, and sleeping space in one room. While both types of apartments are on the smaller end of the housing spectrum, studio apartments can often be much larger with over 1000 sq. ft., while efficiency apartments are typically only 500 sq. ft. of space or less.

Additionally, many efficiency apartments only feature a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen. These kitchenettes usually include space-saving fixtures like a compact refrigerator, small sink, two-burner cooktop, microwave, or limited counter space. Similarly, the bathrooms may have smaller fixtures, or only have a shower rather than a bathtub.

Benefits of Efficiency Apartments

When considering an efficiency apartment, the limited space is most typically a trade-off for a more affordable rent in an upscale neighborhood. Here are some of the top benefits to living in an efficiency apartment.

1. Cost

Because these apartments are usually smaller than studios (and much smaller than one-bedroom apartments), efficiency apartments can cost less. The lower square footage can help you secure a spot in a pricey neighborhood at a better price than the studio or one-bedroom apartment around the corner.

2. Low Maintenance

The smaller footprint also translates to a smaller space to keep clean. The compact kitchen, bathroom, and living space won't take much time to tidy. Plus, the limited space also requires you to keep clutter to a minimum.

3. Building Amenities

Depending on the building that the efficiency apartment is located in, you might have access to premium amenities like gyms, pools, co-working areas, or outdoor spaces. Efficiency apartments in luxury buildings might also have in-unit amenities like dishwashers, two-in-one washer and dryer combos, and central A/C.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the pros, there are some cons that you also need to keep in mind.

1. Less Space

As an obvious caveat, efficiency apartments lack the space and separation that you might like for entertaining guests, cooking elaborate meals, or sharing the apartment with a roommate. If entertaining friends and family is a priority, make sure to look for an efficiency apartment building that has common areas like lounges, game rooms, or rooftop decks to suit your hosting needs.

2. Creative Planning

The limited space may require some creative thinking when it comes to furniture and storage. Small space furniture often includes built-in storage or multipurpose features, such as a lift-top coffee table that can double as a desk or be pulled up into a tabletop for dining or working from home. Other examples include storage ottomans, beds with built-in drawers, or sleeper sofas.

3. Lack of Separation

Unlike one-bedroom apartments or studios, most efficiency apartments are contained in the one room. The lack of walls or designated spaces can make you feel like there's little separation from your sleeping area, living space, kitchen, or home office. Simple tricks can help establish separate spaces within an efficiency apartment, such as putting up a room divider to keep the sofa separate from the bed or using a Murphy bed to free up valuable floor space during the day.

Tip!

Though the two aren't exactly the same, check out our guide How to Furnish a Studio Apartment to find tips on furnishing a similarly small apartment.

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