Picking an apartment size comes down to so many factors — from lifestyle to family size and whether you work from home. Let’s say you find a deal for a bigger, 1500-square-foot apartment.
How big is 1,500 square feet, really? It’s about the size of three two-car garages. You usually get three bedrooms, enough to stretch out for an office and a guest room or to care for your small family.
Keep reading to get more familiar with this apartment size and see if it’s the right one for you.
How to calculate 1,500 square feet
Did you know that back in the 1970s, the average size of a single-family home was 1,500 square feet? These days, the average size is double that number, but you can still thrive in a space that size.
While most contractors have guidelines when building structures, it’s essential for you to also measure the space on your own. Start with a list of all the rooms in the apartment and find a tape measure.
You’ll want to measure the length and width of each room in the apartment. Once you have it, multiply the two numbers and write them down next to each room. For example, if a room is 12 feet by 9 feet, multiply 12 by 9, which means that the room is 108 square feet.
Measure each room, then add up the square footage to get the apartment’s total square footage. Here’s a handy calculator, too, that will help measure your new apartment.
What does 1,500 square feet look like?
A 1500-square-foot apartment is bigger than you think. You can see this square footage in a townhome, an apartment or even a shotgun house for rent. It often includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, in addition to the kitchen, living and dining areas.
It’s enough room for you to set up an office space, have a guest room and even a dinner with a few friends in the dining room space. For context, most houses in the U.S. are 2,000 square feet or more. In 2019, the average square footage was 2,301 square feet.
Now, picture your new 1,500-square-feet apartment. Two examples that help visualize the size are a single-match tennis court measuring 2,106 square feet. Your apartment would be three-quarters of that court. Also, a two-car garage is about 400 square feet. A 1500-square-foot apartment would be three and a half of those garages.
Courtesy of The Domain Apartments
Tips for living in a 1,500-square-foot apartment
As opposed to a 1,000-square-foot apartment or a 500-square-foot studio, you get a lot of space in a 1,500-square-foot apartment. There are plenty of ways to make this rental feel like a home.
Pick a dedicated space for your office
If you work from home, separating your office space from your living space is important. Use one of the bedrooms as an office area so you can quickly disconnect at the end of the day and use a door to hide any clutter you may leave behind. It will allow you to make your living room the relaxing space you need.
Use mirrors to take advantage of natural light
In the same way light wall colors make the room bigger, mirrors also help make the space more airy and open. Place the mirrors near a window that gets lots of light. It will help reflect off it into the rest of the room.
Add slim furniture to your living room
Furniture can make a room feel clunky very quickly. Instead of heavy-looking wood pieces, aim to add slim furniture with thin legs, glass tops and openings. For example, a metal leg coffee table with a glass top looks sleek in a small space. It makes the small rooms look cozier but also bigger at the same time.
Rethink your storage solutions
Yes, 1,500 square feet is a good amount of space, but it can quickly dwindle if you’re not careful with your clutter. Add vertical storage in your living room, office and dining room for books and kitchen items like plates. Don’t forget under-the-bed storage — it’s a great option if your closets are small.
How to live in 1,500 square feet
Living in 1,500 square feet brings all the space. It’s more than you think! You’ll be highly comfortable as often, apartments this size have enough room for multiple bedrooms and even more than one bathroom. Work hard to make it feel cozy, and you’ll have a home in no time.
Source: apartmentguide.com