People are quick to extend their house when they need more space and often forget about the potential of their own loft. This article will go over 5 different ways you can transform your loft from an unused space to an organised and stylish room with purpose.
1. Insulation
Insulation should be your number one priority if you plan to make your loft into a liveable space. Not only will insulation warm up the room and keep it airtight, but it will also increase the energy efficiency of your home by preventing heat from escaping through the roof.
Insulation can also help to reduce the amount of outside noise that reaches your home, making your loft space a calmer, warmer and more comfortable environment all around. If you’re concerned about costs, keep in mind that properly installed insulation can pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime and will save you money on your energy bills every month!
2. Pick a Great Loft Ladder
Choosing the right loft ladder for your space is important as it directly impacts your ability to access the loft—as well as your personal safety. A poorly designed or poorly fitted loft ladder can lead to slips, falls and injuries, so it is essential to prioritise sturdy construction, ease of use and the size of your loft opening when deciding on a design.
Do you need slip-resistant or larger treads for easier climbing? Or are you happy with a less sturdy space-saving ladder for occasional use only? Will older people or children be using this ladder? If so, do you need handrails or a ladder that can be folded away without requiring too much strength?
By keeping all of these factors in mind, you should be able to choose the perfect loft ladder that will elevate your space!
3. Built-In Storage
One of the easiest and cheapest ways you can get more from your loft is by turning it into an organised storage space. Although the shape of an attic can sometimes cause problems when it comes to maximising space for storage, you can utilise the natural slope of your roof to create innovate storage solutions.
For example, you can build custom cupboards, shelves or drawers under the eaves to fill the dead space where the roof meets the floor. Or if you have a trussed roof, you can use the trusses as a brace to hold shelves for additional storage.
If you’re still tight for space, wall shelves or hanging shelves can be a great way to free up floor space – plus, if you’re planning on transforming your loft into a living space, these shelves can hold artwork or décor to make the space feel more homey.
4. Add a Skylight
Skylights are a fantastic way to elevate your loft space as they let in more light than standard windows and can be built into your existing roof without having to alter the roof structure. Adding extra light into your loft will help open up the space and transform it into a bright and functional room instead of a dark and dingy attic space!
Beware, though: skylight curtains tend to be harder and more expensive to fit, especially if you’re after a triangular shape to match the slope of your roof. However, avoiding this cost and leaving the skylight uncovered could cause privacy issues if you plan to use your loft space as a bedroom or bathroom.
5. Mirrors
Even the smallest loft spaces can feel a lot larger with the addition of mirrors. Mirrors help to open up small rooms by creating an instant illusion of more space. If you’re planning on using your loft as a walk-in wardrobe or dressing space, you may want to consider getting a built-in wardrobe with a mirrored door as these not only help to open up the room but can also be fit into awkward spaces.
Another trick to make your space appear bigger is to place mirrors behind pieces of furniture like a sofa or a bed. Or you can place a large mirror facing a window or skylight to reflect natural light back into the room.