What is a Junior One Bedroom Apartment?
Finding an affordable apartment is always a challenge, particularly if you’re working on a shoe-string budget. If you’re trying to search for an apartment in large cities where space is such a premium, rent that makes up a huge chunk of your monthly expenses is always on top of your factors to consider.
Fortunately, there are affordable residential options even in the most expensive cities to live in such as Boston and New York. One of these options is the junior 1 apartment.
The Definition of a Junior 1 Apartment
A junior 1 apartment (also called a junior 1 bedroom or short jr 1 bed) is a studio apartment that has an additional small space that can be walled off to create a separate area from the rest of the apartment. Along with the usual living space, kitchen, and dining, junior one apartments will have 1 bathroom.
This division creates a sense of space and makes for a nice upgrade from the typical layout of a studio apartment where you have all the areas of the apartment in one big room.
Floor Plan for a Junior 1 Apartment
There is no set rule when it comes to the floor plan for a junior 1 bedroom as the layout can vary depending on several factors. One possible factor can be the age of the building, as older buildings tend to have higher ceilings and larger rooms. Another factor can be the demographics of the area; obviously, affluent areas would have more space for apartments, even for junior one apartments.
This is why it’s important to be able to see a junior one-bedroom apartment for yourself, as even apartments in the same building can have different layouts and sizes!
Junior One bedroom vs. Alcove Apartment
You might have encountered the term “alcove apartment” when trying to search for a junior one apartment. Now, it might be a bit confusing to differentiate between the two, as the alcove apartment is also described as having an additional small space that is walled off to create a separate sleeping area.
In many instances, the small space that you would find in a junior 1 bedroom cannot legally be called a separate room because it does not comply with the state requirements for living spaces. In NYC, for example, a bedroom must have:
- at least 8 feet in any dimension
- a ceiling height of at least 8 feet
- A minimum of one window measuring at least 12 feet.
Alcove apartments typically have the separation built into the layout of the apartment, with the alcove area being large enough to accommodate a bed. In the case of junior one-bedrooms, you will typically need to place your partition to create the separation of space.
What are the Advantages of a Junior One?
While there’s no denying that a studio apartment is one of the cheapest options for affordable housing, many renters find the lack of distinct spaces inside difficult. Having to eat, sleep, work/study, and relax in the same room can feel muddled and even claustrophobic.
A Space Solely for Resting
Homes have separate areas for a reason: it creates a sense of order for the people living inside. You cook in the kitchen, relax in the living room, eat in the dining room, and sleep in the bedroom. Creating a separate space for sleeping will at least give you the chance to have an area in your home that’s dedicated solely for resting and recharging. Even the physical act of walking into a separated bedroom allows you to psychologically transition into a different mindset.
Improved Productivity
In connection to having a separate sleeping space, you’ll be able to create a mindset where your remaining areas are dedicated to working. When you have a separate sleeping area, this means that you are not sleeping when you’re in your living room or kitchen. You can then focus on mental energies into being productive because you know you have a space to fall back on when you need to rest.
More Privacy
If you have people over in your junior one-bedroom, having a separate space as your bedroom can be invaluable. You can change your clothes in privacy, keep your valuables hidden, or simply have your own area where you can be away from your guests for a short period of time.
Can I Convert a Studio Apartment into a Junior 1 Apartment?
If you’re looking to convert your studio apartment into a junior 1 bedroom, you need to consider the cost and whether the apartment owner will be open to the idea. While walls are obviously the best way to create a separate space, some owners might not be open to the idea because of the construction involved. Installing walls will create a permanent change in the layout of the apartment. For short-term rentals, permanent walls might not be the best solution because of the added cost.
A portable room divider is a quick and cheap way to transform a studio apartment into a junior one apartment. They’re affordable and they come in a wide variety of styles from folding partitions to bamboo. When you’re moving out of the apartment, you have the option of taking it with you or leaving it for the next tenant. Aside from being quick and cheap to install, a portable room divider can add some style to your apartment!
Is a Junior 1 Apartment Right For Me?
Junior one apartments are best for young professionals who are looking to save money on rent, college students, or single people. Considering the limited space, particularly in the bedroom, it might be the best idea for multiple people. Even for couples who don’t have children, living in a junior one apartment might be challenging because of the small sleeping area.
However, if you love compact apartments that are easy to clean, areas that are easily accessible, and don’t mind giving up a bit of space for extra privacy, then a junior one apartment is perfect for you.
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