How Big Is 1,000 Square Feet?

When searching for an apartment, listings often include the square footage of the space. However, it’s not always easy to picture exactly what that looks like.

How big is 1,000 square feet, really? Knowing how to calculate square footage can go a long way in helping you decide if an apartment will meet your minimum space requirements or if you should skip this cozy space altogether.

How to calculate 1,000 square feet

Although the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers guidelines for determining residential square footage, following them is not mandatory. So, what you see listed as an apartment’s square footage may not, in fact, be the actual square footage. It’s important for you to measure the square footage yourself to ensure you have an accurate measurement.

Knowing how to calculate square footage is a simple process. Before taking any measurements, be sure to list all the apartment’s different rooms on a piece of paper so you measure them all, including hallways and closets. Measure all the rooms, closets and hallways in the apartment and add these numbers together to get the total square footage.

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What does 1,000 square feet look like in apartments?

The actual layout of a 1,000-square-foot apartment varies, but it’s not uncommon to find an apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a combined living and dining area. While it’s hard to picture just how large this is, think of how big similar-sized items look.

For instance, the average two-car garage is 20-feet-by-20-feet, or 400 square feet. Picture two and a half two-car garages side by side. Another example is a regulation tennis court for singles matches, which measures 2,106 square feet, meaning the 1,000-square-foot apartment would be just less than half the size of the tennis court.

Live comfortably: tips for living in a 1,000-square-foot apartment

Decorating a small apartment can be a challenge, but the right décor can make a huge difference in creating the illusion of more space. By choosing light colors, utilizing mirrors and incorporating multi-functional furniture, you can visually expand the size of your living space. Adding textures and layers can also give depth and dimension to a room, making it feel more spacious.

Clever storage solutions can also help reduce clutter and make the space feel less cramped. With the right decorative touches, a small apartment can feel much larger and more inviting. If you decide to live in a 1,000-square-foot apartment, here are some ideas for making the most of your living space.

Use light colors to make the room look larger

If your landlord allows, paint the walls a light color that will reflect the light, making the room appear bigger. You can add pops of color and texture throughout by using pillows, flowers and artwork.

If you do want color on your walls, consider painting just one wall, known as a statement wall. This can add focus to the room without making it seem smaller.

Add plants to brighten up the space

Adding plants throughout the apartment also brings a touch of color and texture, which can make the rooms feel larger. If you don’t have the space for a small plant or tree to sit in a corner of the room, consider a hanging basket in a corner or placing some small pots on a wall shelf. Even the smallest of plants can give a small apartment more depth and dimension and make it feel larger.

Use a few large furniture pieces

You may feel prompted to fill the rooms with several small furnishings such as accent chairs, side tables and bookshelves. Instead, choose a few large pieces that give the room a clean, uncluttered look. For instance, skip the loveseat, side chairs, tables and ottomans and go with a large sofa, coffee table and chair instead.

You also can use the sofa or a side table as a border to separate the living area from the dining area. Because these furnishings are low, they can serve as room dividers without making the room feel smaller.

Maximize storage space

Storage is a challenge for most people and it’s no different in a 1,000-square-foot apartment. Add in storage where you can without stuffing the rooms with cabinets or bookshelves.

When shopping for a coffee table, look for one with a built-in shelf or drawers. Add hooks to the inside of kitchen cabinet doors to hang utensils and measuring cups to free up cabinet and drawer space. Adding shelf risers in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets can double your storage space. Other forms of multifunctional furniture include trundle beds, pull-out couches and retractable dining tables in a dining room.

Of course, bookshelves are a great way to incorporate storage into a small apartment, but be careful not to cram everything onto those shelves. Otherwise, the room looks cluttered and messy, which diminishes the room’s appearance.

Use design tricks to make rooms look larger

You can actually make small rooms feel bigger with a few design tricks. For example, adding vertical lines to the room in the form of wallpaper, paint or window treatments can make rooms feel larger with higher ceilings.

Placing a mirror in a room also adds depth. Before settling on a place for the mirror, experiment with the light and reflection by putting it in a variety of spots to see which one offers the best effect. You could also make a statement wall by putting together a collection of mirrors in varying sizes.

Make use of baskets

Various basket sizes and shapes can help clean up the clutter while looking stylish at the same time. Use large round baskets in the living area to collect magazines and books. Use rectangle baskets to store sweaters, shirts or shoes under the bed. Another option is to roll up and store towels in a basket in the bathroom.

Take advantage of unused spaces, by placing baskets in corners or underneath side or coffee tables. Hanging baskets in the bathroom or kitchen offers even more storage for a variety of items without taking up much space.

Making 1,000 square feet feel like home

Although 1,000 square feet doesn’t seem like much, especially when broken up into three or four different rooms, it’s actually quite comfortable. It’s just a matter of maximizing the décor, furnishings and storage options.

By utilizing smart design solutions and keeping things organized, a 1000 sq ft apartment can feel surprisingly spacious and functional. With careful planning and thoughtful decorating, anything from a single-person, one-room studio to a small family apartment can feel cozy and inviting while perfectly suiting your needs and lifestyle.