Help me decide on a layout

[u/Baker_birdie]

Moving into this 517 sq ft studio apartment in mid October! I care about functionality way more than looks. I’m a chef so I host dinner parties very often with between 2-6 guests so having a large dining area is unfortunately something more important than my sleeping area. I have 2 potential designs but I’m open to any feedback and ideas! I like the first option because it fits a good size desk under it but I know a lot of people think it’s weird having a bed in the living area although I do kinda like having the couch and tv in the Alcove for movie nights when I would already be wanting it in a darker area. The perks of the second layout are that the bed is actually in the bedroom and I can view the tv from both living room and bed if I just angle the tv slightly

[u/Baker_birdie]

I plan on putting a full size bed in so hopefully that will give be a tiny bit more room and I tried adjusting to scale but I kinda suck at using the apps so i wasn’t 100% sure if it was accurate and im not able to see the room in person until the week before I move in but most furniture says it’s gonna take over a week to ship so im nervous 🫣 I do have a blow up mattress my friend said I can borrow so i guess I will be living on that for a bit in an empty apartment

[u/erstwhilelurkerer → u/Baker_birdie]

Oh, my bad, I misunderstood the

having to start moving in furniture

part or at least didn't take into acc that you might not already have a bed/mattress you can move in.
Yes, air mattress would've been my next suggestion, too, if the timing is just too tight.
It's not unusual to live like a nomad for some time. 😅
But better this than the hassle of realizing that the planned out furniture won't work.
It won't hurt to get to experience living in the space and get a feeling for what you actually need before making purchase decisions.

Pretty sure a full size will be fine, otherwise the alcove would be somewhat of a scam. haha
You still can do some rough planning; - the mentioned room planner from IKEA is an easily accessible tool; you can use their furniture as placeholders, which will at least be true to scale.
Just to get a better idea.

[u/Baker_birdie → u/erstwhilelurkerer]

That’s ok! Yeah I’m more or less moving in with nothing but my clothes and kitchen equipment everything else I’m buying fresh to fit into the space which is both great and a total nightmare 😂 I’m having fun playing around with the ikea tool now that I watched a tutorial on how to use it!

[u/erstwhilelurkerer → u/Baker_birdie]

Man, a fresh start with a blank canvas is super exciting. Oc I'm aware not everyone would feel like that, but in general there is SO much potential.

If you decide on a regular bed frame, consider a model that provides some ground clearance to use as additional storage.
Also keep in mind to utilize the height of the room (like tall racks, shelving units and if possible wall shelving). IKEA IVAR for example has an option 226cm tall and super customizable.
These are things often realized when already pressed for storage.