How to Build a YouTube Studio in a Small Room

I started my YouTube channel recording videos in a 50m2 attic but of course, my gear, audio, and lighting setup was simple back then so I didn’t even use half of the space available. My second YouTube studio I built in a bedroom measuring 4.5m x 3.5m which is actually the perfect size for super practical and spacious studio. And now, we bought a home and I just finished building my third YouTube studio in a small bedroom; roughly 3.5m x 3m but I managed to make it feel just as specious as the previous one! So, how did I do it?

My Small Room YouTube Studio

Gear

You probably have a lot of gear and if you don’t you will… so, if you’re planning to keep your gear in the same small room, you need space saving solutions. Shelving is of course the most common and simple solution but for half of my gear, I decided t ago for a solution that doesn’t occupy floor space. I’ve installed a gear wall which is basically a metal plate with holes mounted on the wall. The holes allow you to insert all kinds of hooks and attachments to hold your gear. It’s pretty much the same system they use in stores and it’s not only super practical, it also looks great. I use it as the background to record my videos.

LIghting Setup

Then we have lighting. Now, in my two previous studios, the floor was filled with tripods and c-stands to hold all the lights. I use around three or four lights whenever I record a YouTube video so as you can imagine: That’s a lot of lost floor space! So, for my new studio that I built in a small bedroom, I decided to get rid of all the tripods and c-stands and replace them with triangular wall mounted boom arms. They’re great! Even though they’re mounted on the wall, they still move up, down, left and right so they’re still super flexible. And the great thing is, there’s no more lost floor space!

Audio Setup

For my audio, I did exactly the same. I’ve installed one triangular boom arm on the wall for my microphone. Heck, I’ll probably even install one for my camera! Or, another great option is using a varipole which allows you to hang various pieces of gear. Just make sure that you don’t lose half the floor to tripods and c-stand clutter!

Sound Treatment

To reduce echo in the room, instead of using acoustic foam, I decided to use stage curtains. I mounted a bendable rail on the ceiling that holds two stage curtains and this is a true game changer! Whenever I record a video, I close the curtains and done. It turns the room into a recording booth. Almost perfect sound without having to find out where exactly you have to put all your sound treatment. It’s probably one of the best improvements I’ve made to my YouTube studio!

Computer Desk

The desk with my computer where I edit my videos is tucked away in the corner of the room. It’s small. Just 120cm x 60cm so it doesn’t take up too much space. And that’s about it. I definitely feel like I’ve managed to make this small bedroom YouTube studio feel just as spacious as my previous bigger studios.