Two-level apartments: layout options, design ideas, styles and staircase design

Apartment layouts

The project of a two-level room assumes a clear division of space into public and private areas. According to the plan, the ground floor contains a corridor, kitchen, dining room, living room and sometimes an office.

The second level is occupied by isolated bedrooms and children’s rooms, a bathroom and a wardrobe. Such an apartment, according to the technical plan, is distinguished by the presence of static elements that remain unchanged during redevelopment. Here, it is impossible to move the front door, communications and stairs.

Small-sized apartments

In small housing, it is especially important to think through the arrangement of large pieces of furniture, such as wardrobes, sofas, tables, beds, etc. Ergonomic mini-constructions or models with additional functions, such as a transformable sofa, a folding chair, a roll-out table, and others, will be appropriate in the interior.

Hanging cabinets, shelves, or under-stairs space will be an excellent storage place. With a limited number of rooms, you can use zoning with partitions.

The photo shows the interior of a small two-level apartment with a wrought-iron spiral staircase.

Large and spacious

A large room provides the opportunity to implement the most incredible and interesting design fantasies to create an original and individual interior. At each level, you can create a stylish, luxurious, functional and comfortable design. Spacious two-level three-room or more apartments have a window on two floors, through which the maximum amount of light penetrates and a beautiful view opens up.

The photo shows the design of spacious two-level loft-style apartments.

Layouts of two-level studios

In a studio apartment, on the second floor there is a sleeping area with a bed, a sitting area with a sofa or sometimes a dressing room. The first floor is mainly occupied by a combined kitchen-living room.

The photo shows a layout option for a two-level studio apartment.

The second level, due to the lack of natural light flow, requires additional high-quality lighting. To visually increase the height of a low ceiling, it is suitable to install floor lamps or sconces directed upwards.

The photo shows a two-level studio apartment with a second floor equipped as a sleeping area.

Pros and cons

Like other apartments, a two-level living space has its advantages and disadvantages.

In terms of comfort and convenience, two-level apartments are equivalent to private houses.

Utilities for a two-story apartment are expensive.

When decorating such a room, it is possible to implement a large number of design ideas.

The staircase may not be located in the most convenient place, which complicates operation.

The doubled area suggests the allocation of various functional zones.

Constant redevelopment and repairs can lead to an emergency condition of the room.

How to arrange the room?

A two-level space needs sufficient lighting. To organize the second light, panoramic windows can be installed. Excellent artificial sources will be a bright central chandelier, local wall sconces, table lamps or floor lamps. Spotlights or LED strips are appropriate as additional lighting.

Such multi-level rooms have high ceilings, which are decorated with stretch fabrics or suspended structures of various configurations.

For an apartment, you can choose furniture in a single style, with identical facades, thus creating a complete interior composition. An interesting look is distinguished by the heterogeneous furniture that fits into any square footage and forms an eclectic design.

The photo shows a suspended ceiling with lighting in the interior of a two-level apartment in high-tech style.

The color scheme of the walls and floor should have a common motif. It is not advisable to choose flashy tones that will quickly tire. In a large room, it is possible to use cladding with large patterns and designs. Thick curtains will help to decorate the window opening in the bedroom, for other rooms, lightweight curtains, Roman or roller blinds will be appropriate.

Photos of interiors in various styles

A selection of interior design options in popular styles.

2-level loft apartments

The main element of the loft style is brickwork. Also, paintable or plastered wallpaper is used for wall decoration. Very popular decor is wooden or metal beams on the ceiling or open communications, such as pipes or wires.

The floor is made of parquet boards or laminate. The decor is complemented by large posters or abstract, graphic and avant-garde paintings.

The photo shows a small two-level studio apartment, designed in the loft style.

The color palette consists of neutral gray, brown or black shades. The interior can feature bright accents in upholstery, textiles or decorative items. The casual and free arrangement of furniture makes the room look more lively and spacious. Loft can harmoniously combine items in a wide variety of styles, for example, these can be antique armchairs, chrome chairs, a sofa with leather or textile upholstery.

The photo shows the design of a two-level studio apartment with a circular staircase leading to the second floor.

Ideas for apartments in Provence style

The main background in Provence style is pastel, dusty white, cream, pinkish or blue colors. Natural materials are used in the cladding in the form of lime whitewash, wooden surfaces, linen and cotton fabrics, etc. The furniture is lightweight construction, decorated with forged elements.

Scandinavian style

Light, not overloaded with unnecessary decorative items and furniture, the Scandinavian style is highly functional and practical. A characteristic feature of the Scandi interior is a floor made of wooden planks of almost any shade.

The furniture has clean lines and a more modern design or, on the contrary, rare retro fragments. Living plants add special comfort to the environment, helping to create a favorable microclimate in the room.

The photo shows the interior of a two-level apartment in Scandinavian style.

Minimalism

Thanks to its charming simplicity, beauty and conciseness, minimalism is a very popular interior design trend. This design is characterized by built-in furniture and appliances, clear geometric shapes in the form of squares, rectangles or circles.

The room has minimal decor, the decoration uses light colors in combination with high-quality artificial and natural lighting.

The photo shows the design of a large apartment, made in a minimalist style.

In a classic style

Luxurious and at the same time strict classics assume a restrained color scheme and expensive, exquisite decorative elements. Smooth lines and unusual shapes are present in accessories and furniture fittings. Carving and beautiful patterns are used to decorate facades and stair railings. The decor is complemented by floor lamps and chandeliers with glass or mirror details.

The photo shows a staircase with openwork railings in the interior of a two-level apartment in a classic style.

Design options

A two-level apartment with an attic has much more usable space. Thanks to such additional functional space, it is possible to create a cozy corner for privacy. Quite often, housing located on the top or attic floor can be equipped with a terrace, which is a private courtyard.

The photo shows the interior design of a two-level apartment with an attic.

This type of housing is decorated with interesting and original decor in the form of sculpture, painting, or a false fireplace is installed. The main accent in the design can be an interestingly played-out staircase.

The photo shows the design of an open terrace in the interior of a two-level apartment.

Examples of stairs to the second floor

Thanks to various execution techniques, a flight of stairs can give the interior uniqueness and originality. A flight of stairs is considered reliable, durable and very convenient, which organically complements almost any style. Such structures take up a lot of free space, so they are better suited for spacious rooms.

A narrow bolted flight of stairs, which involves fastening the steps to the railings, has special ergonomics, compactness and a modern look.

The photo shows the interior of a two-level apartment, decorated with a cantilever flight of stairs.

Console flights of stairs without railings are very elegant and beautiful, creating a feeling of floating in the air. This design can be quite dangerous for a small child. An incredibly elegant spiral staircase conveys the atmosphere of an ancient luxurious castle and embodies style and elegance. Such a product will be a profitable addition to modern, empire, high-tech and other styles.

The photo shows a wooden spiral staircase in a two-level apartment in the modern style.

Photos of two-level studios

In a two-story studio, you can divide the zones by cladding the surface of the walls and floor, as well as with the help of various screens and a podium. It is desirable that the areas are in harmony and logically flow from each other.

The photo shows the design of a two-level studio apartment with a bedroom on the second floor.

To isolate the superstructure, they think through partitions that protect from noise and odors. Transparent or translucent structures will look lighter and airier.