Convertible vs. Studio Apartments: Which Layout Fits You?

What is a convertible apartment?

A convertible apartment is an open layout with a sleeping alcove. It can be a useful option for renters who want to create a more defined sleeping area while keeping an open overall home layout.

Do not assume the label means a fully enclosed bedroom. Ask to see the actual floor plan and check the sleeping area, walls, and doors before choosing.

At Exhibit On Superior, convertible and Jr. convertible apartments are about 450–554 sq ft. When touring, our leasing team recommends looking at the sleeping alcove in person and considering how you would place a bed, seating, storage, and a work setup within the layout.

How studios and convertibles compare

Studio apartments at Exhibit On Superior are about 448–484 sq ft. Convertible and Jr. convertible apartments are about 450–554 sq ft, so the size ranges overlap in part. The layout—not square footage alone—is the important comparison.

A studio may suit a renter whose furnishing plan works well in one open room. A convertible may suit someone who prefers the added definition of a sleeping alcove. Our leasing team recommends bringing your furniture measurements and asking to review the specific home’s floor plan before deciding.

Choose based on your daily routine

Start with how you use your home during a typical day. If you work from home, host visitors, or want your bed positioned away from your primary seating area, the convertible’s sleeping alcove may be worth prioritizing. If you prefer a simpler, more open furnishing approach, a studio may be the more straightforward fit.

We also recommend thinking through storage, natural walking paths, and the number of functions you want the home to support. Exhibit On Superior offers a full-floor amenity deck with lounges, work and meeting rooms, a fitness center, pool, hot tub, dog spa, private park access, and on-site retail and wellness options, which may affect how much dedicated space you want inside the apartment.

Review the monthly utility tier and application details

The monthly Utility & Service Amenity fee is $95 for studios, $95 for Jr. Convertibles, and $105 for Convertibles. This fee covers water, sewer, trash, heat, air conditioning, and natural gas for cooking and the clothes dryer. Electricity is billed directly to the resident by ComEd.

For new leases with move-ins on or after September 15, 2026, required Zentro internet is a separate $75 per month for studios, Jr. Convertibles, and Convertibles, with no opt-out. That makes the utility bundle plus internet $170 per month for studios and Jr. Convertibles, or $180 for Convertibles, before rent and separately billed electricity. Check the full fee schedule for current charges and any other costs that apply to your household.

Before applying, our leasing team recommends checking available apartments and confirming the exact floor plan, applicable fee tier, and current pricing. The application fee is $60 per applicant, and the administration fee is $500 per apartment. Exhibit does not currently collect a security deposit.

See the layouts before making your decision

A floor-plan review is the most practical next step because individual homes can differ even within the same apartment type. Ask our leasing team to help you compare the sleeping area, kitchen placement, closet locations, and usable wall space for the homes you are considering.

Both apartment types provide access to the building’s amenity offerings. For renters who use bikes, Exhibit also has complimentary bike storage on the ground floor. Our team can help you focus the search on a studio or convertible that matches your preferred layout and move-in needs.