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Typical 1 Bedroom Apartment Size: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Typical 1 Bedroom Apartment Size: Finding Your Perfect Fit

A one-bedroom apartment can easily provide everything you need. You get a separate bedroom where you can sleep, as opposed to having one shared sleeping and living area for both yourself and your living activities. Additionally, you will not be paying extra for the square footage of a room that you rarely use. 

The features that matter most to you in your potential rental apartment will include the floor plan, the storage in the apartment, the dimensions of each room, and where the doors and windows are in the apartment.  

While the square footage that an apartment offers varies from one location to another, there is a typical size for one-bedroom apartments. Before you begin to search for the perfect apartment for yourself, research what the typical size of a one-bedroom apartment is and what the different layouts might look like.  


What Is the Typical 1-Bedroom Apartment Size? 

One-bedroom apartments can vary considerably in size. Many have between 550 and 850 square feet, but apartments outside of this range are also common.  Smaller one-bedroom apartments can be much larger than they appear to be when viewed from the outside. Many of them have high ceilings and plenty of natural light to make the apartments feel spacious and open, rather than cramped and enclosed. 

Larger one-bedroom apartments may have more square feet, but it may not necessarily translate into a larger functional area for you. Some of the square footage in one-bedroom apartments is taken up by the hallways and corners of the apartment. 

A man and a woman are sitting on the floor, facing a wall, with a measuring tape between them.

What Is the Average One-Bedroom Apartment Square Footage? 

There is no such thing as a universal average one-bedroom apartment square footage. All apartments tend to differ from one another in terms of their design and available square footage. Factors such as limited building footprints in densely-developed urban areas can lead to vastly different averages in rental markets across the country. 

When considering the size of the bedroom, you should also consider how you will likely use the apartment. For instance, if you travel regularly, you may be more comfortable in an apartment with less square footage than someone who spends most of their non-working hours in their home.

There are additional questions to ask about each apartment you consider. These inquiries will help you determine whether or not it will be the best fit for your specific needs: 

  • Is there enough space for my bed and bedroom furniture? 
  • Is there enough space in the living room for my sofa, television, and other furnishings? 
  • Are the closets large enough to fit my clothing and personal items? 
  • Is there a desk in the apartment? 
  • Is there enough space to walk comfortably in the apartment? 
  • Does the kitchen have enough counter and storage space, given my cooking habits? 


These questions will provide you with a more thorough understanding of the apartment than if you just looked at the square footage alone when making your decision. Measuring isn't just for determining the square footage, but also to make sure your furniture will fit. 



What Is the Average Square Footage of a Bedroom? 

The average bedroom size is approximately 132 square feet, according to Angi's guide to standard bedroom dimensions. Common bedroom dimensions range from about 10 by 10 feet to 14 by 16 feet. Your bedroom's ideal size will depend heavily on the type of furniture you have to fill the space. A bedroom that works beautifully with a full-size bed may feel crowded with a king-size bed and furniture.  

Always measure the furniture in your bedroom before touring apartments. Make sure to allow for clearance for drawers, closets, and a path for walking around the bed. This will prevent the deeply human tradition of finding that your beloved dresser occupies half the doorway.

A man and woman are moving a grey couch into a room.

How to Determine Square Footage of a Room 

Understanding how to determine the square footage of a room will make it easier for you to decide whether or not the furniture that you own will fit in the room. A tape measure or measuring wheel can help ensure an accurate measurement.  

For rectangular rooms, simply measure the length and width of the room in feet. Multiply these two values together. A bedroom measuring 11 feet in width and 12 feet in length, for instance, measures 132 square feet. 

Irregular rooms require an extra step. Divide the room into smaller rectangles, calculate the square footage of each section, and add the results together. Architectural Digest's square-footage guide also recommends measuring alcoves, closets, and other recessed areas separately when evaluating an entire space. 

Bring a tape measure to your apartment tour when possible. Floor plans are helpful, but checking important dimensions yourself can give you confidence before moving day. 



Benefits of Choosing a One-Bedroom Apartment 

One-bedroom apartments can be ideal for a variety of renters, including first-time renters, couples, students, people looking to downsize, and professionals still acclimating to a new setting after relocating for work. Some of the benefits of choosing a one-bedroom apartment include: 

  • Your own bedroom separate from the living area 
  • Lower rents and utility costs 
  • Fewer spaces to clean and furnish 
  • More privacy than a studio apartment 
  • Flexibility in how you use your apartment 

One-bedroom apartments can be outfitted in a variety of ways to maximize the use of your space. Buy multifunctional furniture that can double as seating and a bed, use shelves to add more storage to your apartment, or buy a bed that offers hidden storage to maximize every inch of your bedroom. 


Should You Consider a Two-Bedroom Apartment? 

While a one-bedroom apartment layout is suitable for many individuals, a two-bedroom apartment in Wichita may be a better fit for those who require a dedicated office, need to host overnight guests, would like to share the apartment with a roommate, or need additional storage options for their possessions. 

When considering a two-bedroom apartment, be sure to consider the total cost of the apartment each month rather than just the rent. Two-bedroom apartments typically contain more furniture and have higher utility costs. Find an apartment that meets your current lifestyle needs and does not add to your expenses. 

A woman in a grey dress and brown cardigan is sitting on a bed with a grey blanket.

Find Your Next One-Bedroom Apartment in Wichita 

The best apartment in Wichita does not necessarily have the highest square footage. The best apartment for an individual is one with the ideal layout, features, location, and atmosphere. What you need could be very different from what other renters require.  

MacArthur's Lake Apartments features scenic lake living with private entrances, walk-in closets, patios and balconies, ample kitchen cabinets, and all major kitchen appliances in each apartment. Our community also provides amenities such as a swimming pool, picnic areas with barbecue grills, a fenced pet play area, and a fishing lake. 

Explore the 1-bedroom apartments available in the MacArthur's Lake community in Wichita and schedule a tour of the apartments to see how their comfortable floor plans may suit your lifestyle. 

Explore the available 1-bedroom apartments in Wichita at MacArthur's Lake, where we offer two one-bedroom floor plans with different layouts.  Once you know which one better suits your needs, schedule a tour to see it in person and reserve your future home!