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Lofts: 10 of the Best Loft Conversions in Period Homes
If you want to convert the attic in your traditional house, browse these tips on maintaining the character and making it work beautifully
As so many period houses feature a good-sized attic with ample roof pitch, it follows that a loft conversion is one of the most popular improvements in Edwardian and Victorian homes. But how do you ensure your loft conversion doesn’t end up looking like an add-on with little in common with the rest of your home – or that belongs to a different property altogether? Read on for a few inspiring ideas to ensure your new floor feels as if it’s always been there.
Go for reclaimed doors
Finding a good local carpenter should be high on your list of priorities when considering a loft conversion for your period property. Ask them for help sourcing reclaimed fittings, for both new doors and cupboards, that will suit the era and can be adapted to fit your space.
Finding a good local carpenter should be high on your list of priorities when considering a loft conversion for your period property. Ask them for help sourcing reclaimed fittings, for both new doors and cupboards, that will suit the era and can be adapted to fit your space.
Add a mezzanine
Many period houses have roof pitches in excess of 45 degrees, which means they may just offer enough space for a mezzanine floor. This could be used as a study zone, an extra bed for sleepovers in a child’s room or simply more storage space.
Many period houses have roof pitches in excess of 45 degrees, which means they may just offer enough space for a mezzanine floor. This could be used as a study zone, an extra bed for sleepovers in a child’s room or simply more storage space.
Consider decorative panelling
Without a focal point, such as a fireplace, a newly converted loft can end up feeling a little bland and box-like. So why not consider a feature wall of wood panelling or fretwork to add character to your period loft? This could replicate panelling elsewhere in the house, such as the hallway and landing, to create cohesion thoughout.
Without a focal point, such as a fireplace, a newly converted loft can end up feeling a little bland and box-like. So why not consider a feature wall of wood panelling or fretwork to add character to your period loft? This could replicate panelling elsewhere in the house, such as the hallway and landing, to create cohesion thoughout.
Replicate the stairs
An original period staircase is something to be treasured, so ensure the way up to your new loft room matches it as closely as possible. While an entire reclaimed period staircase would be tricky to fit, why not consider using reclaimed banisters within your new design?
An original period staircase is something to be treasured, so ensure the way up to your new loft room matches it as closely as possible. While an entire reclaimed period staircase would be tricky to fit, why not consider using reclaimed banisters within your new design?
Work with unusual roof lines
You might pop your head through the loft hatch and, at first glance, have trouble imagining the space as a useable room. But if your period home has a quirky array of slopes and angles, it might just add to the character of the finished space. A good architect will help you visualise how best to utilise all those nooks and crannies to the max.
You might pop your head through the loft hatch and, at first glance, have trouble imagining the space as a useable room. But if your period home has a quirky array of slopes and angles, it might just add to the character of the finished space. A good architect will help you visualise how best to utilise all those nooks and crannies to the max.
Use skylights wisely
There are so many different roof lights available that can transform even the darkest and smallest of lofts into a practical space. Designs like these, which make the most of the view, are perfect for a study area, or you may want to consider floor-to-ceiling windows for even more light. A good architect will advise on the likelihood of getting planning permission in your area.
Find out when you need planning permission
There are so many different roof lights available that can transform even the darkest and smallest of lofts into a practical space. Designs like these, which make the most of the view, are perfect for a study area, or you may want to consider floor-to-ceiling windows for even more light. A good architect will advise on the likelihood of getting planning permission in your area.
Find out when you need planning permission
Choose a period bathroom
The most common use of a loft conversion is as an extra bedroom and bathroom. If this is part of your plan, make sure your fittings reflect the age of your home. A period-style, roll-top bath is a great choice, especially when teamed with an exposed brick wall for added character. Or you might choose to add just a hint of period style, perhaps with Victorian-style taps.
Browse inspiring loft bathrooms that make great use of space
The most common use of a loft conversion is as an extra bedroom and bathroom. If this is part of your plan, make sure your fittings reflect the age of your home. A period-style, roll-top bath is a great choice, especially when teamed with an exposed brick wall for added character. Or you might choose to add just a hint of period style, perhaps with Victorian-style taps.
Browse inspiring loft bathrooms that make great use of space
Split a long area into two
Even in a loft with a low ceiling height like this, there could be enough space for two rooms if you think carefully about how you use it.
Also consider zoning the space to prevent it feeling too long and narrow. There’s often a tendency to cram everything up against the wall around the perimeter of a room, but with a loft you have to work that much harder on layout. Here, the desk is placed at a 90 degree angle to the wall by the window, rather than being squashed up against it, which stops the space feeling too corridor-like.
Even in a loft with a low ceiling height like this, there could be enough space for two rooms if you think carefully about how you use it.
Also consider zoning the space to prevent it feeling too long and narrow. There’s often a tendency to cram everything up against the wall around the perimeter of a room, but with a loft you have to work that much harder on layout. Here, the desk is placed at a 90 degree angle to the wall by the window, rather than being squashed up against it, which stops the space feeling too corridor-like.
Make the most of a dormer
Many period homes have an existing dormer window in the loft, while others will need a new addition to provide that much-needed extra head height. It’s a great area for a window seat with built-in storage underneath, or it could be the prime spot for a beautiful freestanding bath.
TELL US…
Have you converted the loft in your period property? Share your experiences and photos in the Comments below.
Many period homes have an existing dormer window in the loft, while others will need a new addition to provide that much-needed extra head height. It’s a great area for a window seat with built-in storage underneath, or it could be the prime spot for a beautiful freestanding bath.
TELL US…
Have you converted the loft in your period property? Share your experiences and photos in the Comments below.
Whether you want to sandblast exposed roof joists for a natural look or paint them in a muted shade, revealing more of the fabric of the building will ensure you’ll be able to enjoy its period credentials. Or, if you’re not convinced, why not opt for a half-and-half approach, like this homeowner?