One Bedroom Apartments with a Den: Merging Luxury with Functionality in Chicago

Over the last hundred years or so, apartment living has evolved significantly. Once intended only for the less affluent members of society, many apartments today are the picture of luxury and modern living. But that doesn’t mean that apartment living has stagnated. On the contrary, the way people use their apartments continues to change — one of the biggest influences in recent years was the 2020 Covid pandemic. During lockdowns, people spent much of their time at home, leading to an increasing need for comfortable and multi-functional living spaces. One enduring trend that resulted from this is one bedroom apartments with a den.

In honor of that, let’s take a look at life in one bedroom apartments with a den and showcase some of the most luxurious accommodations in Chicago.

One Bedroom Apartments with a Den: What They Are and What They’re Not

First, what exactly is a one bedroom apartment with a den? Generally, if a one bedroom apartment has a den, that means the layout includes an additional space beyond the standard bedroom and living areas. However, because dens generally lack closets and sometimes even windows, they can’t be categorized as an official second bedroom.

That being said, dens are flexible spaces with versatile functionality. Located outside the bedroom and separate from the main living room, they offer the perfect blend of privacy and accessibility, and people often use them for home offices, workout rooms, and relaxation areas. In other words, dens reflect the broader desire for adaptable living spaces that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Living in One Bedroom Apartments with a Den

What does life actually look like in one bedroom apartments with a den? That all depends on how you choose to use the space! If you’re the lucky resident of one of these units (or you’re currently on the hunt), here are just some of the inventive uses others have found for their dens:

Home Office

With the rise of remote work, many people have transformed their dens into dedicated home offices. This setup provides a quiet, focused workspace that’s separate from the bedroom or living room, which is a major bonus for those who prioritize a healthy work-life balance.

Workout Space

For all you fitness enthusiasts out there, a den makes for a great compact workout area. Whether you’re a yogi, a Pilates devotee, or you go for the old school treadmill and weights, a den offers a convenient and private place to stay active from the comfort of your own home.

Guestroom

Again, a den is not an official bedroom. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use yours as a guest room. With a pull-out couch or daybed, a den provides a comfortable sleeping area for friends and family when they visit.

Hobby Room

If you’re a more creative person, you might consider turning your den into a hobby room. Whether it’s for painting, quilting, writing, or other activities, your den can be an ideal personal retreat for you to indulge in your passions without interruptions (and without leaving a mess in the rest of the home!).

Entertainment Room

Finally, you can transform your den into an entertainment space perfect for movie nights or game nights. With a top-of-the-line TV, sound system, or gaming console, you can create a cozy, dedicated space for relaxation and fun.

How Should You Furnish and Decorate Your Den Space?

No matter how you choose to use the space in your one bedroom apartment with a den, there are a few tried and true guidelines you can follow to ensure your den flows with the rest of the apartment:

Consider the layout options: First things first, make sure you know the dimensions of your den before purchasing furniture. Keep in mind that doorways, windows, and outlets may impact the layout.

Choose multi-functional furniture: Think daybeds with hidden storage, a desk that can double as a console, or a sofa with a pullout.

Enhance functionality with decor: Investing in stylish storage options and opting for small profile furniture can help you make the most of your den space. Utilizing layered lighting and vertical organizers (e.g. floating shelves) are also great options for dens.

Keep it consistent: To make sure your den integrates seamlessly with the main living space, pay careful attention to things like your chosen color palette, decor, and use furniture to further delineate the space without closing it off completely.

Peek Inside Some of Chicago’s Most Luxurious One Bedroom Apartments with a Den

For those interested in luxury one bedroom apartments with a den, Chicago has a lot to offer. Here are just a few of the accommodations available in some of Chicago’s most upscale apartment buildings:

The Saint Grand

The Saint Grand is a mixed-use development in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago. With amenities like a business center, co-working space, fitness center, and rooftop lounge, The Saint Grand is the perfect building for everyone from young professionals to empty-nesters looking for a strong community.

Amongst the available units, The Saint Grand offers several one bedroom apartments with a den. These pet-friendly apartments include full-size appliances, hardwood floors, an in-unit dishwasher, and balconies in select units.

The Elizabeth

Located in the heart of Fulton Market, The Elizabeth offers sophisticated living in one of the trendiest areas of Chicago. Surrounded by Michelin star restaurants and boutique shops, some of the stand-out amenities at The Elizabeth include in-house coffee service, EV charging stations, private dog run, and package concierge.

At the Elizabeth, one bedroom apartments with a den come with access to all of that plus coveted features like a kitchen island, quartz countertops, floor to ceiling windows, and balconies in certain apartments. Similar to the Saint Grand, these units are also pet friendly!

369 Grand

In the River North neighborhood is the 369 Grand, a luxury highrise building known for its fantastic views and easy access to some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Amenities at 369 Grand include an on-site arcade, business center, courtyard, and dog spa, to name a few.

This elegance is carried through into the one bedroom apartments with a den at 369 Grand. Alongside the in-unit dishwasher, hardwood floors, and washer/dryer units, residents also enjoy a 24-hour doorman and attached indoor parking options.

Old Town Park THREE

Our last spotlight property is Old Town Park THREE. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Old Town, Old Town Park THREE is the third phase of the Old Town Park development. In the neighborhood, residents of this building have easy access to some of the city’s most artistic venues. In-house amenities include an on-site basketball court, dog run, dry cleaner, resident lounge, and a rooftop deck, amongst others.

One bedroom apartments with a den at Old Town Park Three provide residents with the luxury of hardwood floors, quartz countertops, and in-unit dishwashers and laundry, all in pet-friendly units.

Find the Perfect Luxury Apartment in Chicago with Luxury Living

Are you looking for your ideal one bedroom apartment with a den in Chicago? At Luxury Living Chicago, we’re here to help you do just that. We’re a team of brokerage professionals who are passionate about making the apartment hunt an enjoyable and stress-free experience for all. Whether you’re relocating within the city or moving in from out of town, we’re here to support you through every step with services that include:

• Curating a short list of perfect-fit apartments
• Setting up and attending showings
• Getting you all the information you need to make a decision you’ll be happy with
• Filling out the paperwork
• And advocating for your needs from start to finish

Ready to start your search? Get in touch with us today and let us know what you’re looking for.