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10 Ways to Make the Most of Those Tricky Spaces in Your Loft

Maximise every inch of your loft conversion by adding storage and design features under the eaves

Sophie van Winden 1 September 2016

Houzz Contributors, interior designers and founders of Owl Design, which works primarily in the hospitality and residential sectors. Owl's designs are creative and eclectic with an injection of fun, using texture and colour to make spaces which invite and inspire.

Houzz Contributors, interior designers and founders of Owl Design, which works primarily... More

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The awkward areas under the eaves in a loft conversion are notoriously difficult to use and often end up as dead space. With a bit of thought, though, they can become one of the most exciting and useful areas in your home. Check out these hints and tips to get you started.

Openstudio Architects Ltd

Enhance with glass
In a simple loft conversion that retains the sloping roof, try glazing the end ‘triangle’. This window has created a great space for a desk or reading spot where the owner can take in the view.

It can be difficult to find a blind or curtain for a window this shape, though, plus a window treatment could spoil the look of the feature, so bear this in mind if you want to use the room as a bedroom or bathroom.

Quartet Architecture

Contrast with colour
Create a real statement with your eaves by painting your shelving in a contrasting colour. This bookcase looks really attractive in the angled space, and the blue helps to show off the shape. You could also create this look with cupboard doors, or even just a plain wall.

Discover great storage solutions for your loft space

TG-Studio

Design a walk-in wardrobe
If you section off the eaves area of the loft with full-height wardrobes that face towards the slope, as here, you can make your own walk-in wardrobe, even in a narrow space. Here, the owner has added mirrors to the end walls, which helps to give a feeling of space and reflect the light.

You could add low-level storage for shoes in the eaves as well to really maximise the space.

Anna Richmond Design

Tuck in a bath
Sometimes, loft spaces have few full-height walls, so there may not be room for a shower. If you’re still keen to fit in an en suite, though, why not install a bath under the eaves instead? The glass wall here is great for creating a feeling of space while still separating the bathroom, and the small cupboard along the same wall is perfect for storing towels and bedding.

AR Design Studio Ltd

Divide and store
When space is at a premium, try building a wardrobe at 90 degrees to the wall to create a two-in-one room divider, as here. This wardrobe has been built at half height, which gives a feeling of space and allows natural light to reach all areas of the room.

You could construct a full-height unit if more storage is needed, though, and add a rolling library ladder for access to the higher cupboards.

Thorp Design

Fashion a feature
Use eaves and alcoves to frame features. Where the ceiling slopes to a point, it can be difficult to use the space, as there might not be enough room to stand. Instead, install a freestanding bath or lounge chair under the angled roof. It’s a clever use of space, and will enhance the roof shape rather than hide it.

Check out these loft bathrooms that utilise space brilliantly

Stiff and Trevillion

Go bespoke
Maximise every corner of your loft space with bespoke joinery. Really think about what you want to use the space for and have cupboards and drawers built to your requirements. Is it suitcases, spare bedding or everyday clothing you want to store?

Where the roof slopes down, you’ll have more space at the base than the top. A way to make the most of this is to ask your carpenter to build deep drawers or pull-out boxes on castors for items you don’t use that often.

Guarnieri Architects

Create a rooftop terrace
If outside space is what you’re after, you could look into reducing the interior floor area to create a roof terrace or balcony. Here, the owners have kept the shape of the roof by extending it with glass, which creates an architecturally stunning feature.

Be sure to check with your local planning department before going down this route, though, as some areas have more restrictions than others.

Moon Design

Play with heights
Be creative with your access up to a mezzanine level. Whether for an adult or child’s room, you can have fun with ladders and even a climbing wall. I love the addition of these colourful climbing holds, for both leisure and aesthetic purposes.

It would be wise to add a barrier if the mezzanine is going to be used as a bed, though, as it’s quite a long way to fall!

Kia Designs

Raise the floor
If you have plenty of height but not much floor space, you could create a small mezzanine with storage underneath. This raised bed has six drawers built into the base.

The addition of a cupboard against the wall has eliminated the need for freestanding furniture, which would take up too much space.

What do you think of these ideas for awkward loft spaces?Have you added a practical solution to your own loft? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.