When it comes to the attic, a lot of homeowners are intimidated by the task to transform the space in a more convenient and efficient part of the home. Attics most of the times are dark, dusty places full of cob-webs and old storage items. But they hide a lot of potential for extra space that can add character to your home.
This is why we have gathered the best loft conversion ideas in one blog post. Read on if you don’t know what to do with the dusty attic.
What Room Your Attic Can Become
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Depending on the type of home you have, the attic space can be of various sizes. Most of the time, it’s not really that big.
The other key element of the attic is the low ceiling. This is probably the biggest challenge in all attic conversions – how to utilize the space efficiently when the ceiling is low.
If you have a finished attic – one that has walls and windows, your DIY job to transform the space becomes much easier. If you don’t, then you have to do a bit of demolition work to begin with.
Either way, there are a lot of ways to transform your attic. If you are planning an attic conversion, you can have that dream master bedroom that you’ve always wanted, or a magical play space for your kids. You can also create a relaxing space where you can read a book and unwind after a hard day. The possibilities are really endless, and they all depend on your personal preference and needs.
Attic conversion can seriously change the value of your property. After all, you’re adding another room to your home, but if you make it extra special, then the price can go even higher.
The space you have in your attic is key to the overall success of the project. Some of the designs are not suitable for small loft conversion. But one thing is sure – you have to utilize every nook and cranny under the roof to maximize the space.
10 Practical Attic Conversion Ideas
Practicality is often the key driving force behind the idea to do an attic conversion. Most homeowners decide on this, because they lack space.
Here we have gathered the best ideas for your attic to create your dream loft.
1.Cosy Guest Bedroom
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If you live in a home where you love to invite people over, you will likely use a new extra bedroom. Nobody loves to sleep on the couch.
Attics are a wonderful way to add a guest bedroom without a lot of effort. The space is there, you just have to use it properly.
When designing an attic bedroom, you have to think about the light in the space. Yes, it has to have windows, but at the same time, you will need window dressings and black out blinds to create the perfect sleeping space.
Since the attic is often dark, for the bedroom you should gravitate towards more soothing neutral shades of colours. That way, you will be sure that the space doesn’t feel dark and unwelcoming to your guests.
Having a good sized window in the attic is key for this, but you have to make sure that you have the required planning permission before adding new dormer windows to your home.
You can ensure the rest of your guests by picking out a comfy bed and mattress. You also have to provide them with storage space. Shelving and dressers are often the most practical choice for the attic because of the height of the ceiling. Make sure you maximise the dead space under the existing roof.
There are numerous ways to style and design your bedroom in the attic, so its always a good idea.
2.En-Suite Bathroom
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Sometimes the attic space is already part of your home. Most often, the master bedroom is situated there. If you have a space in the attic to create the perfect en suite bathroom, then think no further and do it.
Attic bathrooms really add character and playfulness to the space. They also utilise every corner under the roof in the most practical way.
When you are choosing the design of your attic bathroom, you have to make sure you design the space efficiently. Oftentimes, you have to take into account the slopped roof – that is the perfect space for a standing shower.
If you want to have space to relax, you can add a freestanding bathtub right under the sloping ceiling. This will add a ton of character to the room.
For bathrooms, light is also key – make sure to incorporate a window for natural light. Choose bathroom tiles in lighter shades.
Some major things you need to think of is where will the piping be and do you need any planning permission to install a bathroom under the roof. You should also make sure that the whole space is thoroughly insulated from the water, because otherwise you can damage the roof construction. You can contact IVCG Construction for more information on bathroom remodelling.
3.Fun Children’s Playroom
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One of the best ways to transform an attic space is to do a children’s games room. The sloped ceiling will only add charm and excitement to the room.
For playrooms, light is key. Make sure there’s a lot of natural light. If that means adding new windows, do so to ensure the best possible atmosphere.
The one thing you have to do is provide the kids with ample storage space. Add shelving units and built-in storage options to maximise space in the best possible way. After all, there’s going to be a lot of toys in the room.
One other thing you have to consider is the noise from the playroom. Attics can be situated over bedrooms in the home, so you have to make sure that the playroom noise doesn’t disturb you. You can add soft furnishings and a carpet to the space for a warm and inviting feel, but also to reduce the noise.
One more idea – if you have steel beams in your attic, leave them visible. You can use them to hang an indoor swing for the kids or even add a hammock to the space for when they feel tired.
4.Open-Plan Living Room
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If you lack space in your home, the attic is the perfect place to design your dream open-plan living room. Usually, attics provide enough space for a functional living room.
The things you have to consider before moving the living room to the attic is the light and the storage space.
If you don’t have windows, you can add new ones to the attic to provide natural light. For the interor design, choose light and neutral colours for an airy feel and visually enlarging the space.
Plan smart storage, right under the roof. Those strange spaces are often left empty, because most homeowners don’t know what to do with them. Consider build-in storage options to keep the living room clean and tidy.
5.Efficient Storage Room
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Most attics start off as dusty storage spaces, filled with junk and old furniture. If you need more storage, there are tons of ways to make the attic a more efficient storage room.
Include built-in cabinetry and walk in wardrobes. This way, you will make sure that all the space is utilised properly.
You can make the room feel cosy and inviting with the design, but make sure you don’t sacrifice space at the same time.
Some homeowners add open shelves to the roof walls of the attic. That way, you can utilise the space vertically and along the line of the roof.
6.Serene Reading Nook
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Who doesn’t like reading? The attic can transform into the perfect magical reading nook. The space under the roof is ideal for those long hours reading your favourite books.
The most important thing for reading is the light. If you don’t have windows for natural light and don’t want to add new ones, choose spot lights. Light the space in zones for a cosier atmosphere.
Add built-in shelving and bookcases for storage in your home library. If you have a really slopped roof, you can add lower cabinets and small bookcases along the roof line. You can open shelving for decoration and your favorite book items.
For décor, it’s good to add a rug for extra atmosphere. You can choose a small sofa, a day bed or a comfy chair for those long hours of reading.
7.Mezzanine Multi-Purpose Space
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If you want to transform your attic space, but prefer an open-plan concept, transforming it in a mezzanine multi-purpose space is ideal for you.
The most important thing about mezzanine spaces is the structural integrity of the build. This is not a task that you can do DIY style, this is a construction job for professionals. You have to make sure that the mezzanine is well-supported, especially if it’s a multi-use space. Use materials like steel, wood or concrete for the construction, depending on load requirements.
Make sure you have more headroom above the mezzanine and below. The head height of this space gives the whole design a more airy and light feeling.
For furniture and storage, you can use smart design options on the market. Modular furniture is ideal for that multi-purpose space under the roof. Integrate storage under the stairs, along walls and built into furniture.
Make sure that the space has good ventilation, because attic spaces can trap heat.
8.Stylish Home Office
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For those of you who need a space for work at home, adding a stylish office space to your attic is the perfect way to do it. Attic offices are wonderful, because they provide seclusion and ensure focus on the tasks at hand.
For your perfect home office, explore furniture options that don’t take up a lot of space. For storage is best to use built-in options, so you can utilize the space. The desk can be in the centre of the attic room or somewhere near the walls or the roof line. Make sure that the desk gets more light.
Add rugs and consider adding noise insulation material to the walls. That way, you will efficiently reduce noise levels in the space.
9.Glass Winter Garden
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The attic can become a wonderful home garden for those of you who have plants. This is also a big transformation, because it involves adding windows and glass walls, if you don’t have them.
Natural light is key for all plants, so adding a glass wall on your roof is a good way to provide that. Windows also provide fresh air and ventilation in a space that is going to be really humid.
Considering the humidity, you have to insulate the construction of the roof, the walls and the floor. That way, you will make sure the space is airy.
For the plants, you can add shelving or tables for all your pots. Provide also storage space for all your gardening tools.
10.Compact Home Gym
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For the homeowners who want to exercise more, adding a home gym in the attic is a good way to do it.
Attic spaces won’t give you all the room for a full gym, but a compact home gym with the essentials for training is a good way to utilise it.
The main thing you need to consider is the ventilation and temperature control of the space. When you’re working out, you have to get fresh air at all times. Adding windows or a ventilation system is a good idea. That way, you can also control the temperature of the space.
For the design, you will need a minimum storage space for workout items to eliminate clutter. Also, you’re going to have training machines in the space, so keeping the attic tidy is a priority.
Conclusion
Attic spaces are a huge opportunity of homeowners to add more style and storage to their homes. Attics can be whatever you want them to be – from the perfect playroom, to your own personal reading space.
Although some of the ideas in this material can be done as a DIY project, most of them involve planning, permissions and the work of a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the attic conversion affect the price of the property?
The attic conversion can increase the value of your property if you decide to sell. Adding a spare room will expand the home and, in that way, you can get more money for your property if you decide on moving house.
Do I have to use professional builders for the attic conversion?
This depends on the conversion you want to make. If you want to transform the space without construction work, you can do it by yourself. But if you want to add windows, new walls, ventilation, etc., it’s best to seek professional help.
What is the most important thing in attic conversions?
The most important thing in attic conversions is maintaining the structural integrity of the space.
