How Big Is 200 Square Feet?

An apartment that is 200 square feet is comparable to a single-car garage. Considering 400 square feet is the standard measurement for a two-car garage, splitting that in two is the best way to get a feel for a 200-square-foot apartment size.

If you’re already in search mode, you’ve likely browsed the different types of apartments out there. However, it’s hard to get a physical sense of square footage when you’re not there. To help you on that front, we've created a visual for you to get a sense of the space along with tips to maximize what you'd be working with.

200 Square Foot Apartment Guide

How to Calculate 200 Square Feet

Knowing how to calculate square footage as a renter can help you accurately compare apartments, plan your space, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. Here’s how to measure the square feet in each room of an apartment:

1. Gather your materials, including a tape measure, a pencil, paper, and a calculator.
2. Measure the length and width of a room using the tape measure. Round up to the nearest inch.
3. Find the square footage of a room by multiplying the length times the width in inches.
4. Repeat this process for each room
5. Add the square footage of all rooms to determine the unit's square footage.

Now that you know how to measure 200 square feet for yourself, let’s explore further to understand if this is enough space for your lifestyle.

How to Visualize 200 Square Feet

"What does 200 square feet really look like?" To help paint a clearer picture, consider the size of a standard master bedroom in many homes. A decent-sized bedroom often falls in the range of 200 square feet, giving enough room for a king-sized bed, a dresser, and some walking space. Just as you'd assess how to arrange furniture in such a bedroom, examining a floor plan of a 200-square-foot space give you time to think about potential layouts.

Is 200 Square Feet Livable?

You may find 200 square feet livable if you lead a minimalist lifestyle and don't need a lot of space for activities or storage. It's essential to consider the layout of the space and ensure that it's well-designed, with enough natural light and ventilation.

While it may feel cramped at times, if you value simplicity and functionality, you can make 200 square feet work for your needs. It's crucial to remember that the livability of the space depends on your preferences and needs, so be sure to take those into account when making your decision.

5+ Tips for Living in 200 Square Feet

Have you decided that living in 200 square feet is doable? Here are some pro tips to help make the most of your space.

1. Understand Your Space

For starters, it's imperative to truly grasp the dimensions of the space you're considering. Before diving into any form of decoration, pause and evaluate the area's layout. Sketching it out on a sheet of paper, even if it's just a rough draft, can bring clarity. This simple visualization can give you an idea of the room's potential and challenges.

Once you have this outline, you can begin to consider furniture placement. Think about not only what fits physically but also what suits the room's purpose and flow. The goal isn't just to fill space but to ensure that every piece of furniture or decor enhances the room's functionality and aesthetic.

2. Use a Neutral Color Palette

Color holds a lot of power in the world of interior design, with the potential to dramatically alter the perception of a space. While vibrant and deep colors might convey warmth or intimacy, lighter shades, especially neutrals, have a unique capacity to open up a space. Soft creams, gentle grays, and muted beiges can create an illusion of expansiveness, lending an airy feel without being overpowering.

Before you plunge into a painting spree in your new apartment, there are a few steps to consider. It's essential to discuss any painting plans with your landlord or property manager. Many rental agreements have stipulations about altering wall colors. So, before you dive into those calming neutral palettes, always refer to your lease guidelines.

3. Declutter

In a 200-square-foot apartment, every inch is precious. A smaller space like this can quickly become overwhelmed by even the slightest accumulation of clutter. It isn't just about aesthetics; an uncluttered environment plays a significant role in mental well-being and the overall functionality of your living space. Within such confines, the phrase 'less is more' rings especially true. The key to mastering this is to ensure that everything has a designated place.

Getting into the habit of decluttering can be super helpful. Find cute baskets, fun shelves, or quirky hooks—whatever matches with your style—and give all your items a home. Keeping things tidy not only makes your space look bigger but also gives you that sweet, calm feeling of coming home to a place that's just right.

4. Stay Organized

When working in a smaller space, organization is everything. It's not just about keeping things neat; it's about being smart with the space you've got. Extra storage containers? They're your new best friends. Whether it's sleek bins under the bed or funky baskets on the shelves, they can be both stylish and practical. And hey, don't forget to look up! Going vertical, like using tall shelving or hanging organizers, can be a game-changer. It’s all about squeezing out the most from every nook and cranny, and making it work for you.

5. Use Dual-Purpose Furniture

Navigating tight spaces with a growing list of furniture wants can be a bit of a puzzle. But there's a savvy solution we love: dual-purpose furniture. This MVP can truly shine in compact apartments. Think of a nightstand that doubles as a desk or a coffee table that’s game for dinner parties. It's all about maximizing functionality without compromising style. Having furniture that can juggle roles? That's smart living.

6. Hang Mirrors

Using mirrors to give your space a boost will probably never go out of style. It's not just about checking your outfit before heading out; mirrors have this magic way of making a room feel bigger. Plus, they’re like sunlight's BFF. When positioned right, they can bounce around that lovely natural light, giving your apartment an extra dose of brightness and warmth. So, while they're undoubtedly stylish, they're also working double-time to open up your space.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to visualize 200 square feet, hopefully, you can decide whether 200 square feet is a livable option for you. If you think you need more, you’ve still got plenty of options!

No matter what size place you’re looking for, Apartment List can help! Come explore the thousands of apartments we have for rent with our customized quiz today.