Furnished studio vs. one-bedroom apartments: Which short-term rental fits your Brussels stay?

During my years living in Brussels, I’ve noticed just how common it is for people to weigh up furnished studios and one-bedroom apartments when searching for short-term rentals. Both options offer a move-in ready solution and save you from furniture shopping or managing utility accounts, which is a relief if you’re new in town, on a work assignment, or studying for a semester.

Furnished studios usually combine the living, sleeping, and kitchen areas into a single room, making them straightforward and efficient if you value simplicity and don’t mind a more compact environment. One-bedroom apartments, on the other hand, give you a separate bedroom and a bit more space to spread out, something I valued whenever I needed a clear division between work and downtime.

In Brussels, both choices are popular with expats, professionals, and students because they often come with flexible rental terms, essential amenities (like Wi-Fi, cleaning, maintenance), and, with some providers like rezidentz, all-inclusive pricing. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that choosing between the two really comes down to how much space, privacy, and flexibility you need for your particular stay.

What is a furnished studio?

When I think about short-term living in Brussels, a furnished studio is often the first option that comes to mind, especially if I want something simple, efficient, and ready to move in. These studios usually combine living, sleeping, and cooking areas into a single open space, which makes it easy to manage everyday routines, with less hassle and no wasted room. The key feature is that everything I need is already in place: a bed, desk, sofa, wardrobe, kitchen essentials, and a private bathroom all fit into one streamlined environment.

Key amenities and qualities

For a short stay, I value the fact that a furnished studio typically includes:

• Compact kitchenette (with fridge, microwave, stove, and basic cookware)
• Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and usually a small dining table and we manage to add a little working space!
• Essential cleaning and laundry services (offered at places like rezidentz:)
• Secure access and inclusive utility costs—so I never need to worry about organizing bills

These features make it easy for me to arrive with just a suitcase: that’s a huge relief if I’m moving for work, study, or a temporary project in the city. Weekly cleaning and easy laundry access are extra perks that come in handy after long days or if I’m busy exploring Brussels.

Who benefits from furnished studios?

I often recommend this type of apartment to people like myself who value efficiency, central locations, and lower costs. Studios suit individuals who don’t need separate living areas, such as solo professionals, interns, or students. For me, it means fast move-in, simple upkeep, and a smart use of space. Sometimes we even have couples in our studios (like in our La Chasse building)

From my experience, choosing a furnished studio with an all-inclusive rental like rezidentz means I avoid hidden fees and stay flexible, which matters a lot in Brussels’ competitive, fast-moving housing scene. If you are seeking award-winning studios for rent in Brussels, you’ll find a range of options suited for short-term needs.

What is a one-bedroom apartment?

When I first moved to Brussels, I realized that a one-bedroom apartment can completely change your experience of living in the city, especially for short-term stays. Unlike studios, these apartments separate the living area and the bedroom, creating clear spaces for sleep, relaxation, and work. This division can be a big relief if you work remotely or share your home with a partner.

Main features and layout

One-bedroom apartments almost always include:

• A private bedroom, offering a quiet retreat for rest
• A separate living room, which works well for unwinding or hosting friends
• A kitchen or kitchenette—sometimes closed off, sometimes open plan
• A bathroom (often with the option for a larger shower)

Rentals through services like rezidentz also include essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, weekly cleaning, and a workspace setup. This makes it easy to settle in, especially if you have unpredictable work hours or need a base for a few months during relocation or a contract job.

Who benefits from a one-bedroom apartment?

I’ve found that these apartments offer value for:

• Professionals or expats seeking more privacy and a place to both live and work
• Couples needing distinct areas for rest and daily life
• Anyone planning an extended short-term stay (three months or more), where having extra space does matter

Having a door to close on your bedroom is a small thing, but it gives you flexibility and peace. If you’re someone who likes to entertain, work from home, or just appreciates a bit of separation in your living space, a one-bedroom apartment in Brussels ticks all the boxes.

Short rentals in Brussels: What to consider before choosing

Every time I look for short-term accommodation in Brussels, whether for myself or someone asking for advice, I find that a handful of core factors shape the final choice. The decision between a furnished studio and a one-bedroom apartment often comes down to more than just price or looks; it’s about match between the space and your exact situation.

Location and connectivity

Where you stay can define your whole experience in Brussels. If I want to walk to the European Quarter or live a stone’s throw from local cafés, studios are in abundance across central neighborhoods. One-bedroom apartments might pop up more in quieter, residential streets, offering a different vibe but still excellent transit access. I always remind friends to check how close they are to metro lines, shops, and the places they’ll spend most of their time,saving those morning commutes or late-night walks home really matters in a new city. At Rezidentz all the units are located close to public transports.

Lease flexibility and terms

Some stays demand flexibility—if I’m not sure how long a project will last, or if plans could change last-minute, flexible leases save a lot of stress. I’ve noticed that furnished studios typically offer shorter minimum stays, but some providers like rezidentz also make one-bedrooms available on similar terms, which helps whether I need three months or half a year. Look for all-inclusive pricing, so you don’t face surprise bills for Wi-Fi or cleaning. Also the one click extension option at Rezidentz makes it so easy to stay stay longer.

Budget and what you get for your money

If I’m managing a tight budget, studios tend to be easier on the wallet, both in monthly rent and upfront costs. But the tradeoff is less space. One-bedroom options cost more, but sometimes it’s worth it if I want a dedicated room for work, guests, or privacy. Since both usually come furnished and with services included, I just weigh what “extras” I actually need. That clarity keeps me from overspending on features I won’t use.

Furnished studio vs. one-bedroom apartments: Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between a furnished studio and a one-bedroom apartment for a Brussels short stay often comes down to the space you want versus what you actually need. I’ve lived in both, and while each has its perks, they can feel very different day-to-day, especially for short-term rentals.

Space and layout

If I want simplicity and everything within arm’s reach, a studio offers a single multipurpose room where I can cook, work, and sleep without changing spaces. The one-bedroom delivers a clear division: a private sleeping area and a separate space for daily living. For me, having that single door between rooms feels like a mental break at the end of the day.

Privacy and flexibility

I find studios great for solo stays or short city trips—privacy is limited, but it’s efficient and budget-friendly. With a one-bedroom, I get the option to host a guest or separate work and rest. That extra space is especially useful if I’m staying longer or working remotely, which more and more people are doing in Brussels.

Feature	Furnished studio	One-bedroom apartment
Living space	Single open-plan room	Separate bedroom and living area
Privacy	Low (shared space)	Higher (distinct rooms)
Cost	Lower monthly rate	Higher monthly rate
Amenities	Compact kitchen, essentials included	Full kitchen, more storage
Ideal for	Students, solo professionals, short visits	Couples, remote workers, longer stays

All-inclusive rentals like those from rezidentz usually make both options easy—utilities, Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning, and laundry are often part of the package. For me, the main factors come down to how much time I’ll spend in the apartment, whether I want to entertain or work from home, and what my budget looks like. If decisions feel tricky, I always recommend reviewing what each space actually offers, picturing how a typical week would feel, and weighing flexibility against comfort. Browse a range of apartments available in Brussels to help visualize your options.

Flexible terms: Lease duration, all-inclusive pricing, and convenience

For anyone arriving in Brussels—whether for a few months’ work, study, or a sabbatical—flexible rental terms shape the whole experience. I’ve found that lease length, what’s bundled into the price, and just how easy it is to settle in are usually the first questions on people’s minds (mine too, the first time I moved).

How studios and one-bedrooms address flexibility and convenience

Typically, furnished studios offer short minimum stays (as little as three months), making them ideal if your plans are uncertain. One-bedroom apartments increasingly match this flexibility, especially when booking from platforms focused on expats and professionals—places like rezidentz have made this the norm for both property types.

I always look for all-inclusive pricing because it spares me repeated admin: rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and sometimes even laundry bundled in one monthly cost. This is standard with many furnished studios and is now just as common for one-bedrooms offered by providers specializing in short-term housing. Not having to chase separate bills, sign up for internet, or nag a landlord about cleaning schedules makes city life much smoother.

Feature	Furnished Studio	One-Bedroom Apartment
Minimum lease length	Often 3-6 months, sometimes more	Usually 3-6-12 months, sometimes 3
All-inclusive pricing	Yes	Yes
Convenience (move-in ready)	Immediate	Immediate
Flexibility to extend	High	High

In my experience, whether I’m in a studio or a one-bedroom, I benefit most when these flexible conditions exist. Providers like rezidentz remove much of the friction that typically comes with Belgian apartment hunting, giving both solo arrivals and couples a real sense of security and ease. For those curious about the unique community and international vibe in Brussels, check out how rezidentz welcomes short-term expats, with easy registration.

Why choose rezidentz for hassle-free Brussels rentals?

After trying both studios and one-bedroom apartments across Brussels, I quickly realized the process can get complicated—especially if I have a busy schedule and don’t want to chase down separate bills, talk to utility companies, or hunt for cleaning services. This is where rezidentz has made my stays so much less stressful. Everything I needed came bundled: furniture, utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and laundry access—all in one monthly fee. That transparency meant I knew exactly what I was paying for, every single month, with nothing hidden or unexpected.

All-in-one convenience and flexible leasing

What stood out for me was how everything at rezidentz is designed for short-term renters. I could sign my lease digitally, often after a virtual tour, and move in right away with just a few personal items. Flexible lease options (starting at three months) made planning easy, which is rare in Brussels’ rental market. This came in handy when my work commitments shifted, and I found I wasn’t locked into a long, rigid contract.

Extra comforts and community

For anyone juggling work, relocation, or study, it helps knowing there’s support beyond just a place to sleep. At rezidentz, I found regular cleaning, remote work–friendly spaces, secure smart access, and a mobile app that made repairs or questions simple to handle.

Whether I picked a compact studio or a larger one-bedroom, the all-inclusive approach and focus on flexibility meant I spent less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying my stay. For anyone considering short-term or expat living in Brussels, this setup removes most of the common barriers, making both housing options feel straightforward and accessible.

Who should pick which? Matching your lifestyle to your rental

Everyone’s needs are different, and over the years in Brussels I’ve seen how picking a furnished studio or a one-bedroom apartment really comes down to what fits your lifestyle, routines, and the reason you’re in the city.

If you value simplicity and efficiency

When I’ve needed a stress-free move and a smaller footprint, a furnished studio always made sense. This setup suited me best when:

• I traveled solo for work assignments or internships
• I stayed for a semester as a student and didn’t need much separation between spaces
• I preferred to live centrally, close to the EU institutions or popular districts like Ixelles, where compact studios are common
• My main focus was cost control and keeping living expenses predictable

Studios offer an all-in-one convenience, I found it easy to keep tidy, ideal for busy routines or frequent travel.

If you need more space and privacy

During times when I worked remotely or shared my space with a partner, I appreciated having a door to close. One-bedroom apartments felt right when:

• I wanted a quiet, dedicated workspace that didn’t overlap with where I slept
• I planned to stay longer than three months and valued room to host friends or visiting family
• I moved with a partner or just needed personal space to unwind after work
• I looked in neighborhoods like Etterbeek or Saint-Gilles, known for larger apartments but still close to public transport

With options from providers like rezidentz, the flexibility of both types was clear, choosing came down to my comfort priorities and how much time I’d actually be at home.

If you’re still unsure, think about how often you’ll have guests, whether you need a real workspace, and what matters most for your daily life. No one type fits all, but in my experience, both studios and one-bedrooms in Brussels offer real solutions when you match them to your real needs.

FAQs about short-term furnished rentals in Brussels

As I’ve spent more time helping people find the right place in Brussels, I’ve heard a lot of similar questions from newcomers, students, and professionals deciding between a furnished studio and a one-bedroom apartment for their short stay. Based on these conversations and my own experience, here are some of the questions—and honest answers—I wish I’d had from the start:

What’s the main difference between a furnished studio and a one-bedroom apartment?

The biggest difference is the layout. A furnished studio puts everything in one open-plan space—living, sleeping, and cooking areas all together. It’s simple, compact, and easy to manage. A one-bedroom apartment gives you a separate bedroom in addition to a living area, which adds privacy and more living space. I prefer studios for short solo trips or when I’m on a tighter budget, but if I want to work from home or have guests, a one-bedroom usually fits better.

Is it easy to get a short-term lease in Brussels?

In recent years, getting a short-term, all-inclusive lease has become much easier, especially with furnished studios and one-bedrooms focused on professionals and expats. Services like rezidentz offer leases starting at three months, and you can often handle the whole process online—choosing an apartment, signing digitally, and moving in fast. If your plans change, these flexible options make extending or leaving early much less stressful. For a more comprehensive list of commonly asked questions, visit our FAQ.

What does “all-inclusive pricing” cover?

One thing I always look for is whether my monthly rent covers everything I’ll need—so I avoid extra admin. All-inclusive pricing at places like rezidentz usually means:

• Rent, utilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi, Smart TV
• Weekly cleaning , unlimited on-site or in-unit laundry usage
• Access to maintenance support and secure, smart entry
• Security system in and outside each building
• Tenant support

This kind of setup means I don’t have to worry about setting up internet, sorting bills, or keeping up with basic chores—freeing up time to settle into the city.

Which option is better for remote work?

I’ve worked from both studios and one-bedroom apartments. If you want a clear separation between your workspace and your bed, a one-bedroom is hard to beat. Many short-term rentals now provide a good desk and chair, but I found the split layout lets me “leave work” at the end of the day. Still, studios with smart use of space and strong Wi-Fi can work well if you’re organized and don’t need a lot of privacy during work hours.

How do I choose between a studio and a one-bedroom?

I always ask myself these questions:

• How much time will I spend at home each day?
• Do I value extra privacy (or need space for two)?
• Is my budget more important, or do I need extra room for work/life balance?
• Am I bringing a partner or expecting family to visit?

For solo short stays, I lean toward studios. For longer trips or if I want space to host guests, a one-bedroom just feels better.

Can I view apartments before booking?

I always recommend checking if you can tour a place virtually or in person before committing. Many providers—including rezidentz—offer video tours or virtual walkthroughs, which helped me get a sense of the real space before my move. With short-term rentals and fast turnover, quick decisions matter, but taking a virtual tour is the best way I’ve found to avoid surprises. At rezidentz it is always possible to agnise a physical visit of any apartments.

Are short-term furnished rentals secure?

Security is important to me, and the good news is most modern short-term rentals in Brussels now use smart locks, keyless access, and have secure buildings. I always ask about building security and what kind of access system is in place. At rezidentz, I felt especially at ease knowing the smart access system was reliable, and I could get help from their support team if needed.

Sorting out the choice between a furnished studio and a one-bedroom in Brussels gets easier with clear questions and honest answers. If you’re still unsure, think about your main priorities, privacy, location, price, or flexibility, and go with what matches your daily rhythm. Whatever you choose, making sure the basics are covered—furniture, utilities, cleaning, and security—lets you focus on making the most of your time in Brussels.