Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to interior design experts and historical housing examples.

When hunting for a new place to live, renters often encounter a range of apartment styles, each with distinct layouts, benefits, and potential drawbacks. While the classic studio and one-bedroom units are widely recognized, other configurations like railroad apartments, floor-throughs, and garden units offer unique living experiences that may better suit certain lifestyles. Understanding these differences is key to making a choice that aligns with your needs and preferences.

The most common apartment type is the one-bedroom unit, which features a separate living room, kitchen, and a bedroom that can be fully closed off with a door. This layout offers a clear division between private and communal spaces, making it a popular choice for individuals and couples. For those seeking a bit more space than a studio but not a full one-bedroom, the junior one-bedroom provides a middle ground. These units are slightly larger than studios and often include a nook that can be walled off to function as a separate bedroom, sometimes with glass doors or partial walls.

Studio apartments, known for their open-concept design, combine the living area, sleeping space, and kitchen into a single room. Interior designer Sarah Tract, founder of Sarah Tract Interiors, emphasizes the importance of creating a separation between the bedroom and kitchen areas. She recommends using different area rugs to visually delineate the living and sleeping zones. Efficiency apartments take this compact concept further, with even smaller kitchens that may only include a mini fridge and minimal prep space. These units are often ideal for short-term stays or business travelers.

Loft apartments, often housed in former warehouses, are celebrated for their spaciousness and high ceilings. Tina Ramchandani, founder of Tina Ramchandani Creative, describes them as "the original open concept" spaces. Many lofts feature large windows and an open floor plan, sometimes with a small secondary level used for sleeping. Designer Emma Kemper, founder of Emma Beryl Interiors, advises making the sleeping area solely for rest and designing the living area to be multifunctional for daytime use.

At the top of many buildings, penthouses offer luxury finishes and panoramic views, sometimes with private elevators. Cheryl Eisen, CEO of IMG Interior Marketing Group, suggests using low-profile furniture to avoid obstructing views and placing mirrors strategically to enhance the sense of space. In contrast, garden apartments, located between the basement and first floor, provide access to small backyard areas. While this outdoor access is a major plus, Christina Kim, founder of Christina Kim Interior Design, notes that these ground-level units may lack natural light and attract bugs from the garden.

Building Heights and Layouts

Apartment buildings also vary by height, influencing both cost and community feel. High-rise apartments, typically in buildings with nine or more floors, often command the highest rents and may have limited outdoor space and non-opening windows. Low-rise buildings, with four or fewer floors, tend to foster a community-oriented atmosphere with access to gardens and walking paths, along with more amenities and privacy. Mid-rise buildings, ranging from five to nine floors, strike a balance between the two, offering a mix of amenities and privacy.

Walk-up apartments, accessible only by stairs, are generally more affordable due to the lack of an elevator and other amenities like gyms or rooftops. These buildings are usually no more than five or six stories high. Floor-through apartments occupy an entire floor of a building, providing complete privacy and often considered luxurious. If located on the ground floor, they may include a terrace or patio.

Duplex and triplex apartments span multiple levels, connected by a staircase or sometimes an elevator. These can house a single family or multiple households. The Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments in Milwaukee, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1916, are notable historical examples of this style. Railroad apartments, named for their long, narrow layout reminiscent of a train car, feature rooms that connect directly to one another, requiring passage through one room to reach another. Christina Kim notes that these are great for single dwellers or couples but less practical for roommates.

Basement apartments, located on the lowest level, are often more affordable due to less natural light and a less desirable position. However, they can be styled to feel cozy, and it's advisable to inspect them in person for potential security or pest issues. Each apartment type presents a unique set of trade-offs, and understanding these can help renters find a space that truly feels like home.