What Is Railroad-Style Apartment and How to Decorare It?

A railroad apartment has a series of consecutive rooms that lead straight into each other without hallways. These apartments are usually located in older tenement buildings, divided brownstones, or row houses. In most cases, you must pass through one room to reach another, similar to moving through train cars, which is where the name originates.

Railroad apartments typically have rooms at both the front and back of the building and may or may not have windows in the middle spaces. Often found in historic homes, these apartments can be tricky to decorate but often showcase stunning architectural details.

What is a Railroad-Style Apartment?

A railroad-style apartment doesn't have hallways, with each room opening directly into the next, resembling a train car's layout. These apartments were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to maximize the limited space in crowded tenement buildings.

What are the Characteristics of a Railroad Apartment?

• Typically found in tenement-style, walk-up, multi-family buildings
• Feature long, narrow rectangular floor-through layouts
• Rooms connect directly to each other, usually without hallways
• Railroad layouts may include a central hallway, room-dividing archways, or sometimes a side hallway with multiple entry points
• High ceilings
• Windows at the front or back, but not in the long middle section
• Limited closets and storage space
• Generally consist of 3 to 5 rooms
• Bedrooms are often located at the far end for privacy and better flow
• Kitchens are usually situated in the middle
• Living areas are frequently at the front
• Bathrooms might be positioned off to the side of the bedroom(s)

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pre-war and earlier railroad-style apartments often feature the charm and character of historic buildings, including period details like moldings, fireplaces, exposed brick walls, and original pocket doors. These apartments are a great option for first-time renters or those on a budget, as their unconventional layout usually makes them more affordable. Additionally, because they are often viewed as less desirable and functional than traditional layouts, they typically offer more space for the money.

However, it's important to note that the layout can pose privacy challenges, making railroad apartments more suitable for singles and close-knit couples rather than roommates and families. They may also suffer from limited airflow and natural light, especially in the middle sections of the apartment.

Easy Tips to Decorate a Railroad-Style Apartment

- Declutter and use vertical space with built-in storage or open shelves.
- Minimize furnishings and decorative items to maintain an open and airy atmosphere.
- Opt for modular, space-saving furniture like Murphy beds, wall-mounted desks, or convertible dining tables.
- Use sliding panels, French doors, or curtains for room privacy, or adopt an open-plan layout.
- Offset the lack of natural light with wall-mounted sconces and slim-profile hanging lamps to keep floors clear and provide layered, balanced lighting.
- Enhance natural light and open up a narrow floor plan with mirrors and metallic accents.
- Use mirrors directly opposite each other on long side walls to add depth and perspective.
- Replace swinging closet doors with sliding ones.
- Use arches to define separate zones.
- Paint walls, trim, and ceiling in a uniform light neutral color for a cohesive and spacious feel.
- Depending on privacy needs, choose bare windows or solar shades over heavy window treatments.