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How Can I Make My Loft Conversion Feel Bigger?
Looking to extend upwards? Make the most of the space you have up top with these clever design solutions
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Planning a loft conversion is exciting, whether you want to use the space for a bedroom, an office or even a living room. The ceiling height and angles involved in any loft build present a particular set of design issues, but they also add to the unique character of the space. Check out these ideas for turning a standard conversion into something really special.
Planning a loft conversion is exciting, whether you want to use the space for a bedroom, an office or even a living room. The ceiling height and angles involved in any loft build present a particular set of design issues, but they also add to the unique character of the space. Check out these ideas for turning a standard conversion into something really special.
Shape to fit
A bathroom needs a mirror, but in this compact space, a standard rectangular design would be constrained by the slope of the ceiling. The solution? A cut-to-size piece that exactly fits the dimensions of the space. Here, the mirror fronts bespoke cabinets, but it would work just as well fixed straight on the wall.
A bathroom needs a mirror, but in this compact space, a standard rectangular design would be constrained by the slope of the ceiling. The solution? A cut-to-size piece that exactly fits the dimensions of the space. Here, the mirror fronts bespoke cabinets, but it would work just as well fixed straight on the wall.
Combine a shelf with storage
In a really compact loft room, how about this for a neat idea? Creating a false wall and storage behind the bed is a smart trick in itself, but the hinged access lids are a clever alternative to traditional, front-opening eaves cupboards, as there’s no need to pull out the bed to get to what’s inside. The top section also doubles as a handy bedside shelf. Win win.
Check out these nifty ideas for compact spaces from Houzz Tours
In a really compact loft room, how about this for a neat idea? Creating a false wall and storage behind the bed is a smart trick in itself, but the hinged access lids are a clever alternative to traditional, front-opening eaves cupboards, as there’s no need to pull out the bed to get to what’s inside. The top section also doubles as a handy bedside shelf. Win win.
Check out these nifty ideas for compact spaces from Houzz Tours
Big up the location
Probably not the design for you if your loft room looks out over the A40, but if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with beautiful surroundings, it makes sense to maximise the view with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Probably not the design for you if your loft room looks out over the A40, but if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with beautiful surroundings, it makes sense to maximise the view with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Be generous with windows
Even if your view isn’t quite as spectacular as in the last image, it still makes sense to let in as much light as possible, so don’t be stingy when it comes to skylights. When coupled with the dramatic panelling, the juxtaposition of light and dark on display in this scheme raises a standard bedroom conversion into a super-stylish retreat.
Even if your view isn’t quite as spectacular as in the last image, it still makes sense to let in as much light as possible, so don’t be stingy when it comes to skylights. When coupled with the dramatic panelling, the juxtaposition of light and dark on display in this scheme raises a standard bedroom conversion into a super-stylish retreat.
Get creative with a cupboard
When it comes to wardrobes, the usual choices are freestanding, low cupboards tucked into the eaves or storage designed to fit against the angled ceiling. But when there’s masses of height to play with, how about a dual-purpose solution like this?
Part wardrobe, part partition, this unit provides masses of storage while ensuring valuable light from the en suite window isn’t blocked by a full-height wall. It gives the room extra character, too.
Are you making these design mistakes in your bedroom?
When it comes to wardrobes, the usual choices are freestanding, low cupboards tucked into the eaves or storage designed to fit against the angled ceiling. But when there’s masses of height to play with, how about a dual-purpose solution like this?
Part wardrobe, part partition, this unit provides masses of storage while ensuring valuable light from the en suite window isn’t blocked by a full-height wall. It gives the room extra character, too.
Are you making these design mistakes in your bedroom?
Take it to the top
Make use of the height of your loft room by adding in a mezzanine sleeping platform. This is a great idea for a child’s room, as they can use it when friends come to stay, or as a den in which to read or relax as they get older.
Make use of the height of your loft room by adding in a mezzanine sleeping platform. This is a great idea for a child’s room, as they can use it when friends come to stay, or as a den in which to read or relax as they get older.
Make room for two
Rather than trying to squeeze in two separate bedrooms, consider one big room with an en suite for siblings (or guests) to share. Some designs will allow for the addition of a partition wall at a later date if required, but if sibling rivalry isn’t an issue in your house, one big room can be a much more flexible option than two cramped ones.
Rather than trying to squeeze in two separate bedrooms, consider one big room with an en suite for siblings (or guests) to share. Some designs will allow for the addition of a partition wall at a later date if required, but if sibling rivalry isn’t an issue in your house, one big room can be a much more flexible option than two cramped ones.
Go long
In a narrow loft bathroom, make use of the length of the space with as big a shower tray as you can fit in, to compensate for the room’s lack of width. The door-free, walk-in design further adds to the clean, clutter-free look.
More stories to help you plan your loft conversion
In a narrow loft bathroom, make use of the length of the space with as big a shower tray as you can fit in, to compensate for the room’s lack of width. The door-free, walk-in design further adds to the clean, clutter-free look.
More stories to help you plan your loft conversion
Explore stair options
In a really tight spot, getting the stairs in can prove problematic, but there are plenty of creative solutions. These paddle-style stairs have alternate treads, meaning they can be raked at a much steeper angle than a traditional staircase. Ladder-style and pull-down options are also worth considering, but are not really practical in a room that will be used all the time, such as a bedroom.
Talk to your architect or loft planners at the design stage to explore the various options. Also ensure your local Building Control department is consulted, as there may be certain restrictions on what you can/can’t have.
Tell us…
Have you used any innovative solutions in your loft conversion?Share your ideas in the Comments section.
In a really tight spot, getting the stairs in can prove problematic, but there are plenty of creative solutions. These paddle-style stairs have alternate treads, meaning they can be raked at a much steeper angle than a traditional staircase. Ladder-style and pull-down options are also worth considering, but are not really practical in a room that will be used all the time, such as a bedroom.
Talk to your architect or loft planners at the design stage to explore the various options. Also ensure your local Building Control department is consulted, as there may be certain restrictions on what you can/can’t have.
Tell us…
Have you used any innovative solutions in your loft conversion?Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Make use of any spare angles in a stairwell, on a landing or in the room itself by slotting in a workspace. If you’re at the planning stage, think about any nooks and crannies your design has thrown up and whether they could be used in this way. Don’t forget to add in some power points so you can be charged and ready to go.