Tuesday, March 15th, 2022
If you’re looking for separation between your bedroom and living space but don’t want to pay 1 bed prices, a convertible could be a great option for you. The price of many convertibles with in unit laundry is often close to the pricing of 1 beds without laundry, so if having your own washer and dryer is important to you, renting a convertible apartment can be a great way to get that at a fraction of the cost.
The term, “convertible”, simply means that a layout is a hybrid of a studio and 1 bedroom layout and can refer a broad range of unit styles. Code requires bedrooms to have certain features (like a source of natural light and a closet) to be considered marketable as a true 1 bed. In some cases, a convertible may just be the same as a 1 bed layout with a closet outside the bedroom or no window. Some convertibles have sliding doors that create separation, a full bedroom but no door, a partial wall, or a mostly open floor plan with an alcove for your bedroom area. Renting a convertible can be a great option if your price range doesn’t allow for a 1 bed but you want more separation than a studio would typically provide.
Here are a few of our favorite convertibles.
Property 145- Gold Coast
Property 145’s convertible made the list because of the great use of space. High ceilings, oversized windows, and ample storage space make this unit feel much larger than it actually is. The bedroom is not fully enclosed but the layout is comparable in size to a 1 bed. If you don’t mind the absence of a bedroom door (or don’t mind crafting your own with a curtain or strategic bookshelf placement), this layout tends to run about $300 less than the traditional 1 beds in this building.
Property 131-Â Streeterville
With ample square footage, this Streeterville convertible is even larger than most 1 bedroom layouts in the area. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city bring in maximum natural light and thoughtfully placed cabinets and closets make for generous storage space.
The bedroom area in this floor plan has an alcove with two half-walls separating it from the living area. One of these walls is the back side of the kitchen area. Just beyond the kitchen, there is room for a full living room and dining setup. We love this building for its outstanding resort quality amenities and convenient location, as it provides covered access to Whole Foods and is right on the border of Gold Coast and Streeterville. (See the gallery below for more stunning photos of this creative convertible layout.)
Property 5- River North
Looking to be in the heart of River North without breaking the bank? Convertibles at River North Property 5 have full-sized one bedrooms with wooden, sliding doors, plenty of closet space, and even an ensuite Juliette balcony. We love this layout because it offers terrific separation and is currently $450 less than a traditional 1 bedroom apartment layout in this building and the only major difference is a sliding door versus a traditional hinge door.
A note to pet owners: the spacious dog run (adjacent to the building’s private portion of the riverwalk) makes this building a must-see! Looking for a dog friendly convertible apartment? Check out property 5!
Looking for a convertible, studio, or 1 bedroom apartment for rent in downtown Chicago or the Gold Coast and Near North Side near you? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search!
