Many people think a loft and an attic are the same; they’re not. While both areas are perched under the roof of a house, you should never confuse one for the other. An attic is an enclosed space (confined just like a typical room in the house), complete with a door. In contrast, a loft is an open space – usually a second floor of a high-ceiling house.
You probably have one in your house. If you do, consider yourself fortunate. Since a good storage space is at a premium these days, having a loft can be very practical. In fact, many people use their lofts to store clutter they have amassed over the years.
However, considering there are other rooms in the house that may be turned into a storage area, it would be a good idea to convert the loft into something more useful and cosy. Loft conversions are quite popular these days. Most people have discovered just how valuable a loft could be especially as far as expanding their homes go. What’s more, since loft conversions are done inside the house, there’s no need to secure licenses or building permits from local authorities.
For all intents and purposes, you are not undertaking a new construction. Instead, you are merely “adding to” or enhancing an erect edifice. You can hire contractors if you would want to have a loft or DIY you have the skills, there would surely be a lot of tutorials on how to. And because there’s a lot of time in our hands, it will be faster to finish.
So how can you effectively use a loft space? Well, here are some ideas:
Table of Contents
Office
This is a perfect option for people who work or may want to work from home, especially these days. The location of the loft provides privacy, which is very important if you want to get things done. Moreover, its distance from the other rooms in the house where most activities take place makes it the most conducive area to work. It’s also a great space to be separate from the usual home work throughout the day so you can focus more.
Bedroom
This is one of the most popular options when considering to use loft space effectively. Given the height of the place, it offers a great view, which provides the perfect backdrop for rest and relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a picturesque view of the outside would be ideal. In addition, it ensures the abundance of natural light.
Loft bedrooms are perfect for teenage children – it provides them the privacy they crave without having to move out of the house. You can also use it as a guestroom. However, if you plan to convert the loft into living space, you might need to construct a bathroom there, too.
Craft/Art Area
For artistic people, solitude is precious. Having an area to hone their craft, practice strokes, and create is key to them being productive. You can turn a loft into a craft or art area, even a combination of both, for yourself or your artistic child.
Set aside a craft cabinet for your tools on one end. Also put out a craft table for you to finish your resin art, concrete planters, and other projects. Layout an ample space for canvas, art materials by the window where the sunset can be viewed for everyday inspiration.
Game Room
If you value your privacy a lot, having a second living room would be a good idea. Fit the room with a TV, an audio-video system, gaming consoles, and the like. Consider it your personal sanctuary where you can hang out with friends and family while enjoying movie nights, quietly play your favorite online games – there might even be a home renovation game, or even test your new video equipment. This is a good way to keep your main living room neat and tidy, and you can just use it as a receiving area for guests.
You can also place a billiard table, a sofa, and beanbags for when hanging out with friends or mastering the Rubik’s cube. As this layout shows, a fireplace added can also be a cosy way to spend colder nights along with beer re-watching your favorite movie.
Library
What better way to relax than lounging in the quiet of a nook with a book and a roof window where the clouds can be seen passing by? Displaying your book collection is a nice way to use loft space effectively. Your books will be happy to be up in a loft and they would surely not gather dusk if you and your family love spending time reading. You can spice it up with some cosy divan, a chaise longue, or sofa-bed in case you feel like snoozing at noon.
Gym
If you want to stay fit without leaving your home, then converting your loft into a gym is the best way to go. You don’t need to pay for annual membership fees anymore. Just use the money you’ll save to buy gym equipment for your loft. If you like to dance, the loft is a good space for that too, along with your exercise equipment, an open space for your Zumba moves, a TV mounted on the wall would suffice.
Music Room/Studio
Are you a budding singer or musician, or just enjoy music a lot? The loft would be the perfect place to play your music or sing your heart out. Since it is way up there, you’re not likely to disturb other family members who may want peace and quiet. This is better than renting a place or making do with makeshift practice areas.
Use Loft Space Effectively Key Points
If you want to use loft space effectively, figure out what your family enjoys doing most. For us, we enjoy playing games and also reading books, but we also work at home, so our loft would probably be just for books and work area.
There are contractors you can hire to help you execute how you loft would look like, if you have already a plan in mind. Otherwise, there would surely be great ideas from the team you hire would pitch to you.
After you have converted your loft into the room of your choice, spruce it up with some furniture, fixtures, plants, and unique decor to give it a homier feel.
Charli says
I’m curious – would you still call it a loft if the only access to it was in the garage? When I was a child, we had a house with an “attic” that was open with no door – but it was in the garage, not the main part of the house. So would it be a loft or an attic?
Mirage2g says
Yeah, loft over or loft above a garage…
Alexis Palomar says
Just make the decor a little cozier and this would be my dream house!
Danielle Wuest says
I wish I had a loft area in my house, if I did it would most likely be an extra bedroom with a study section; and with a few extras such as a tv, gaming consoles and storage display area for my anime collection…
Sandy Cain says
I wish I had the extra space that a loft would provide. I live in a small apartment, with absolutely no extra room for anything. And OMG, that picture is gorgeous! Do people really live like that??
Maria Iemma says
I would love to be able to move into a place that looks like that. A loft is so cool and of course, the picture shows a beautiful decorated space. Maybe when I sell my house in the burbs I will move into a city loft.
md kennedy says
Coming from a large family we never had a loft as they just weren’t practical for anything. Looking at your pictures though, I’d love to have one now – I love the airy feel and look!
Azslyn Cole says
I really love this idea it is wonderful thank you for sharing because if you think about it you can use this idea with any home =}.
Wendy T says
Beautiful photos. I am in love with the house and loft. It’s just stunning.
charj says
I think lofts are really cool. They can be a real creative use of space. Too bad my apartment did not come with one.