5 Small 1-Bedroom Home Plans I Love: Practical, stylish small 1-bedroom layouts with space-saving tricks from a pro designerMargo LinJan 21, 2026Table of Contents1. Open-Living Studio with Zoned Bedroom Nook2. Kitchen-First Layout with Integrated Dining3. Multifunctional Living Room with Murphy Bed4. Bathroom-Efficient Core with Pocket Doors5. Flexible Entryway That Doubles as MudroomTips 1FAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce I put a washing machine in a bedroom closet because the client insisted on keeping the kitchen layout untouched — terrible idea, but a hilarious lesson. Small spaces force you to get creative, and that’s exactly why I love designing 1-bedroom homes: constraints spark better solutions. In this post I’ll share 5 compact layout inspirations I’ve refined over years, proving small spaces can inspire big ideas.1. Open-Living Studio with Zoned Bedroom NookI often convert a narrow 1-bedroom into an open-living plan with a bedroom nook separated by shelving or a low partition. It keeps sightlines long, maximizes daylight, and the shelving doubles as storage and a room divider. The trick is balancing openness with privacy — built-in curtains or sliding panels are great when guests visit.save pin2. Kitchen-First Layout with Integrated DiningFor cooks who entertain, I make the kitchen the hero: a galley or L-shape with a peninsula that serves as dining and prep. This minimizes wasted circulation and gives the apartment a social heart. The downside? You must be disciplined about clutter, so I always add concealed cabinetry and vertical storage to keep counters clear.save pin3. Multifunctional Living Room with Murphy BedMurphy beds are my secret weapon for tiny 1-bed apartments that double as home offices. During the day it’s a productive workspace; at night the wall bed folds down into a cozy bedroom. It’s budget-friendly compared to a full renovation, but you need precise measurements so the bed and furniture don’t conflict — measure twice, install once.See an interactive example of compact layouts in the 3D floor planner case study to visualize how pieces fit together.save pin4. Bathroom-Efficient Core with Pocket DoorsBathrooms steal a lot of square footage if planned poorly. I usually stack plumbing and use pocket doors to reclaim swing space, making room for a larger shower or laundry closet. The trade-off is less wall space for towel racks, so I design vertical niches and hooks to compensate.save pin5. Flexible Entryway That Doubles as MudroomSmall homes need smart entry zones. I design an entry that’s a mini mudroom with built-in benches, shoe storage, and a coat gallery that folds away. It keeps the rest of the home clutter-free and feels surprisingly luxurious for a compact footprint. The only challenge is ensuring the entry doesn’t become a dark, narrow corridor — mirrors and good lighting solve that.save pinTips 1:Budget note: small doesn’t always mean cheap. Custom joinery and clever fittings can cost more, but they pay off by saving space and adding value. My rule: invest in the essentials that are used daily (storage, kitchen, bed) and simplify decorative elements.save pinFAQQ: What is the ideal square footage for a comfortable 1-bedroom home?A: A comfortable 1-bedroom is often between 500–700 sq ft; under 500 sq ft is doable with efficient planning and multifunctional furniture.Q: How can I make a small bedroom feel larger?A: Use light colors, keep furniture low, install wall-mounted lighting, and maximize natural light with sheer window treatments.Q: Are Murphy beds durable long-term?A: High-quality Murphy beds with proper installation can last many years; choose reputable mechanisms and professional installation.Q: What are the best storage solutions for a small kitchen?A: Vertical cabinets, pull-out pantries, deep drawers for pots, and appliance garages keep counters clear and improve usability.Q: How do I add laundry in a tiny 1-bedroom?A: Stackable washer-dryers or a washer-dryer combo tucked into a closet near the bathroom or kitchen is often the best option.Q: Can I get professional floor plans online?A: Yes — many services offer easy-to-use planners; one example is the floor planner case studies showcasing practical small-home layouts (Coohom provides several helpful examples).Q: How do pocket doors compare to swinging doors?A: Pocket doors save swing space and improve circulation, but they require wall depth and can be tougher to soundproof.Q: Where can I find authoritative guidance on accessibility for small homes?A: Consult local building codes and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design for precise requirements (U.S. Department of Justice, ADA Standards).save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE