When choosing a place to rent, you have many different options available to you. One option is a loft apartment, which is an open living space that can vary in size and style. If you’ve ever wondered, what is a studio loft, this guide can help clarify for you. Lofts at a glance A loft-style
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When choosing a place to rent, you have many different options available to you. One option is a loft apartment, which is an open living space that can vary in size and style. If you’ve ever wondered, what is a studio loft, this guide can help clarify for you.
Lofts at a glance
A loft-style apartment is usually set up like a studio, with a flexible open spaceStudio loft apartments are often found in converted industrial structures
What is a loft apartment?
A loft is traditionally an elevated level or upper story of a structure, sitting beneath the roof. Loft apartments are often found in converted industrial structures, providing more of a modern vibe. However, newer residential developments have started mimicking the style of an industrial loft, adding exposed beams and pipes, brick walls, and high ceilings to meet demands from renters. A loft-style apartment is usually set up like a studio with flexible, open space, aside from the bathroom, which has walls and a door. Some studio lofts have staircases that lead into other areas, such as sleeping spaces or living spaces.
Closets and bathrooms are typically the only spaces that have doorsThe kitchen, living room, and dining area flow into one another or overlapBedrooms are often separated from other living spaces with partitions, half walls, and other features
Types of loft apartments
Depending on where you’re looking to rent, you may find two different kinds of lofts:
Hard loft: A hard loft embraces the more rugged, industrial features of traditional lofts, including steel beams, exposed brick, exposed pipes, and large industrial windows. You typically find these lofts in repurposed warehouses and industrial buildings in old factory neighborhoods within cities.Soft loft: A soft loft has some of the industrial features of traditional lofts but often uses raised platforms to mimic the feel of a lofted space. They usually have less of the rugged appeal of traditional lofts because they are typically located in apartment buildings that have been redesigned to be more industrial-looking.
If you are attracted to the truly rugged feel of traditional lofts, you might want to find a hard loft. If you like the industrial look but want more of a modern feel, consider a soft loft instead.
Advantages of a loft apartment
If you like the idea of living in a modern and open space, a loft might appeal to you. Some of the additional benefits of choosing this style of unit include:
Flexibility to create your own living areas and adjust the layout of the spaceModern design elements that are particularly on-trendHigh ceilings that make the space feel even biggerLarge windows that let in plenty of natural lightSubstantially more space than you’d get in a traditional studio apartment
Drawbacks of a loft apartment
Some of the cons of living in a loft include:
Minimal traditional storage spaceMore space to care for and cleanLess of a cozy feel than a more traditional apartmentChallenging to furnish due to the open spaceHigher utility bills due to outdated appliances and systems, plus more space to heat and coolFewer amenities than you might get in an apartment complex, such as a gym, pool, clubhouse, or access to outdoor space
Differences between a loft and a studio apartment
Though there are a few similarities between lofts and studio apartments, many key differences make them unique rental properties. Here are the main differences between a studio apartment vs. a loft:
Overall size: Lofts tend to be much larger than studios, which are known for their small size at around 400 to 500 square feet. Lofts can have multiple bedroom areas and living spaces, while a studio typically has just two total rooms: a bathroom and the entire living/sleeping space. In addition, the notoriously high ceilings found in lofts make them feel much bigger than studios, and lofts can feature staircases and multiple stories to separate sleeping or working areas from other living spaces.Function: Studios can be a great fit for young professionals, singles, or couples looking for a place to sleep and relax but not necessarily host guests. Lofts, on the other hand, are great for all types of renters, including singles, couples, and families. Lofts allow you to host guests as well as keep a professional or creative space, such as a home office, studio, retail space, or entertainment space.Manageability: You might consider how manageable you’d like your space to be, especially when it comes to furnishing, decorating, and cleaning. Lofts have more space, so that means more space to place your things, decorate the space, and keep it tidy. Studios, on the other hand, have less space to store items and decorate but can be less time-consuming to clean.Kitchen size and amenities: Studios do not typically feature a full kitchen, while many lofts do feature a full kitchen, complete with full-sized appliances that are often very modern. In a studio, however, you may find a kitchenette with stovetop, microwave, sink, and/or small fridge/freezer, or you may have to bring your own.Location: While you can find both studios and lofts in cities with industrial buildings, you typically don’t find lofts outside of these areas. Also, lofts are almost exclusively found in former industrial buildings or apartments remodeled to look industrial, whereas studios can be found in many building types, from apartment buildings to above-garage spaces. Trendiness: Lofts are often considered luxury living and very trendy, while studios are typically considered cozy and homey. While the trendiness of lofts may change in the future, they are, and have been for quite a while, considered some of the coolest places to live in a city.Price: Studio apartments tend to be much less expensive than lofts due to the square footage and fewer appliances. Lofts can also be more expensive because of their size, trendiness, open floor plan, ability to be customized, and desirable location. Since these rentals are often in older industrial buildings with less efficient insulation, utilities may be more expensive to keep the space at the ideal temperature.
Loft apartments and studio lofts both offer fantastic spaces for you to customize and make a home. Knowing the difference between these spaces can ensure you’re informed of the many rental options you have. Ready to find the loft of your dreams? Check out the listings on Zumper to find the rental unit that meets your needs.
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