The Vintage Apartment Style That Deserves A Comeback

Apartment hunting can be an exhausting process. Between the time commitment it takes for viewings and the high competition in certain markets, finding a new place to call home comes with an emotional toll. On the flip side, getting to see different styles of apartments and letting your imagination run wild with potential decor ideas is a dream come true. From studios to walk-ups, there are a wide range of apartment styles out there, but there is one in particular that deserves a comeback — railroad-style apartments. 

This vintage style originally rose to popularity in the 1850s and remained a common option for tenants throughout the 1920s. Characterized by their long rectangular shape and lack of hallways, this style of apartment excels at using every inch of available space. With its efficient layout and typically lower price tag, this style is perfect for today's modern minimalist. 

Despite the name, these apartments aren't found next to the train tracks. Instead, you will commonly find railroad apartments in dense neighborhoods where the need to utilize all available space is high. Cities like Brooklyn, New York and San Francisco, California are prime examples of this. The name is due to the layout's similarities to a train car, where you have to pass through one section (or room) to get to the next.

Despite all their benefits, railroad apartments do present some challenges when it comes to decorating. For example, the middle rooms typically do not have any windows. This means you will need to use some renter-friendly ways to add more light to your room — brighter white bulbs, flameless candles, and tons of accent lighting can help here. Depending on how you choose to lay out your apartment, odds are you'll likely have to walk through your bedroom to get to the living room or kitchen as well. Luckily, there are a few decor ideas that can give your apartment bedroom more privacy. For example, placing curtains or a canopy around your bed, storing dirty laundry in closed bins, and adding strategically-placed room dividers can all work to increase the privacy factor when you have guests over.

Also keep in mind that these apartments are often located in older buildings that may not feature an elevator. Though, if the railroad apartment does make a comeback in new builds, this problem could be easily rectified. While these layout and decorating challenges may seem like a hassle, there are always tons of renter-friendly DIY decor tricks that can beautify your home. And when you consider the often lower rent, charming character, and efficient use of space, the railroad style does feel worth the potential cons.