Ever walked into an apartment and felt like you were boarding a train? No, not because it’s crowded (though city living can certainly provide that vibe), but because of the unique, straight-shot layout that seems to pull you from one room to the next. If you’ve ever heard the term “railroad-style apartment” and pictured vintage train cars with beds and dining tables tucked into cozy compartments, well, you’re not completely off track.
Railroad apartments are a bit of a design throwback, often found in New York City apartments and San Francisco rentals, known for their charming, linear flow and old-world character. Before you get too carried away imagining conductors and sleeper cars, let’s explore what makes this layout so distinct—and why it might just be your ticket to a unique living experience.
What is a railroad-style apartment?
A railroad-style apartment is a type of residential layout characterized by a linear floor plan where rooms are arranged in a straight line, much like the cars of a train. Unlike traditional layouts with hallways, a railroad-style apartment typically requires moving through one room to access the next. These apartments are often found in historic buildings in cities, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and efficient use of space. The design is well-suited for narrow buildings and can vary in size from small studio units to larger multi-bedroom spaces.
Purpose of a railroad-style apartment
Maximizing space in narrow buildings: Originally designed for narrow city lots, this layout maximizes every square foot.
Affordable living: Railroad-style apartments are often more affordable than traditional apartments in the same area, making them attractive to renters on a budget.
A brief history lesson on railroad-style apartments
Railroad-style apartments emerged in the 19th century, particularly in densely populated urban areas like New York City. They were a practical solution to the city’s narrow tenement buildings, designed to house growing population. By arranging rooms in a straight line, builders could fit more units into each building while providing natural light and ventilation through front and rear windows. Over time, these apartments transitioned from primarily low-income housing to desirable, character-filled residences in historic neighborhoods.
Features of a railroad-style apartment
- Linear layout: The apartment typically features rooms that connect directly to one another without a hallway.
- Walk-through rooms: To reach the bedroom or kitchen, you might need to walk through the living room or another space.
- Narrow and long design: These apartments are often rectangular, with rooms arranged in a line.
- Versatile spaces: Many rooms can serve multiple purposes, offering flexibility in furniture placement and design.
- High ceilings and vintage details: Older buildings often boast architectural charm, including high ceilings, decorative moldings, and large windows.
- Historic building origins: Often found in tenement-style, walk-up, and multi-family buildings.
- Room-to-room flow: Rooms are connected without traditional hallways, requiring you to move through one room to reach the next. Some layouts may include a central hallway, room-dividing archways, or a side hallway with multiple entry points to offer a bit more privacy and flow.
- Limited windows: Natural light usually comes from windows at the front and back of the apartment, with the middle rooms often lacking windows.
- Minimal storage: These units often include few closets and offer limited storage space, which can present a design challenge for renters.
- Variable room count: Railroad-style apartments typically feature 3 to 5 rooms, with each room serving a multi-functional purpose due to the linear design.
Railroad apartment layout:
- Bedrooms: Often located at the far end of the apartment to provide more privacy and quiet.
- Kitchens: Frequently situated in the middle of the unit, offering easy access to both the front and back living spaces.
- Living rooms: Typically at the front of the apartment, taking advantage of the natural light from street-facing windows.
- Bathrooms: Commonly found off to the side of the bedroom(s), providing a semi-private setup.
The pros and cons to living in railroad apartments
The benefits of railroad apartments
- Old-fashioned charm: Ideal for renters who appreciate vintage aesthetics and historical elements.
- Larger rooms: With no traditional hallways, more square footage is dedicated to living spaces, offering spacious rooms.
- Historic elements: Often feature charming details like gas radiators, long windows, and architectural character.
- Affordability: Typically more affordable than traditional apartments due to the unique layout that may impact privacy.
- Historical significance: The design originated in the mid-19th century to address overcrowding in growing urban areas.
The honest drawbacks of railroad apartments
- Lack of modern amenities: Many buildings are 100 to 200 years old, often lacking modern conveniences like elevators, making them walk-up apartments.
- Limited privacy: The linear layout may be best for solo tenants, as privacy can be a challenge with more than two or more occupants.
- Design challenges: The unusual flow requires a creative approach to decorating and space utilization.
- Tip: If interior design isn’t your strength, hiring a designer might be helpful, though it does add an additional cost.
Shotgun apartment vs railroad apartment
A shotgun apartment offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional layouts, sharing similarities with railroad-style apartments but with an even more unconventional design. Unlike the railroad style, which typically features rooms off a long hallway, a shotgun apartment has no hallway at all. Instead, rooms are arranged in a straight line, requiring you to walk through each room to reach the next. This setup offers little to no privacy.
The term “shotgun” comes from the idea that if a bullet were fired through the front door, it could travel straight through the entire apartment and exit out the back door—highlighting the completely linear layout.
Tips for decorating a railroad-style apartment
- Maximize natural light: Since windows are usually on one side, use mirrors to reflect light and brighten the space.
- Hang long curtains: Adds a pop of color and enhances privacy.
- Use mirrors strategically: Hang mirrors along the hallway to create the illusion of more light and space.
- Install vertical storage: Make the most of limited storage by adding shelves to utilize vertical space.
- Opt for hanging lights: When allowed, use ceiling or wall-mounted lights to free up floor space.
- Reduce clutter: Choose smaller furniture and avoid oversized pieces to prevent crowding.
- Create zones with rugs: Define different spaces with area rugs, helping to break up the linear layout.
- Embrace multi-functional furniture: Use storage ottomans, fold-out desks, or sofa beds to maximize utility.
- Keep a cohesive color scheme: Light and neutral tones can help the apartment feel more open and connected.
