LOFT BEDROOM IDEAS
Turn your attic room into a luxuriously stylish and cosy boudoir
BALANCING ACT
‘When positioning furnishings in a loft bedroom, a symmetrical look will provide the illusion of space while adding balance,’ says Emma Deterding, director of Kelling Designs. And don’t be tempted to opt for small furniture, even with a sloping ceiling. ‘Using a taller piece in the centre of the room, such as a high, shapely headboard, will add a sense of grandeur and create a smart focal point,’ adds Emma.
OPEN UP
Leaving timber beams exposed draws attention to your loft room’s height, while celebrating the original architecture. ‘With beautiful architecture you don’t need to overcomplicate the interior design – keep the decor calm yet stylish,’ advises Merry Albright, creative director of Border Oak. Hanging a simple yet eye-catching light pendant above a key focal point, in this case the pretty French bed, will boost the sense of height.
WELCOME ADDITION
When you’re using a loft as an occasional guest room, you can lighten up when furnishing and focus on making it a pretty, homely place. Here, delicate metal-frame furniture adds to the sense of space while all the essentials are taken care of – a cosy bed (with extra pillows), a lamp for bedtime reading and a desk for creative moments. Painting the walls and keeping boards bare makes this an inexpensive conversion.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
While privacy may not be an issue when dressing roof windows, you still need to think about shutting out sunlight if you like to sleep past the crack of dawn. ‘Blinds are the most common choice for sloping roof windows, usually built into the frame for a snug fit, but I like the cosier feel and cheerfulness of full-length curtains,’ notes designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. ‘Positioning a second curtain pole where the sloped ceiling meets the vertical wall ensures the curtains cut out as much daylight as possible, and don’t take up too much floorspace in the room.’
SPREAD THE LIGHT
While loft conversions are rarely refused, installing new roof windows, especially at the front of the property, can prove problematic in the countryside. In this listed Victorian home, with skylights on only one side, an internal glass wall was installed to bring borrowed light into the loft bedroom. Full-height curtains provide privacy when required and the kiln-dried oak frame is perfect in this country setting. Go for low-iron glass, which is extra clear and offers higher light transmittance.
BRUSH STROKES
When painting rooms that go up into the eaves, it can be hard to decide where the wall colour should stop. ‘The aim is to make the room feel as spacious as possible, even if you are restricted in where you can stand and walk,’ says Katie Goring, founder, Studio Goring. ‘Establishing a clear definition between wall and ceiling by using different colours, and painting the ceiling a paler shade, will give a sense of lightness.’ If painting the sloping surfaces and ceiling in the same shade, take the colour up to the apex at the end of the room to enhance the feeling of height.
SOFT SCANDI
For a chic loft bedroom with Scandi appeal, layer natural timbers with relaxed bedding. ‘Build layers on your bed by using blankets, quilts or throws to add softness and comfort to a crisp neutral base,’ says Jo James, co-founder of Bedfolk. Oak floorboards on MDF carcasses create bespoke wardrobes that conceal the room’s entrance when closed. Taking the boards right up the ceiling highlights the curved apex detail.
HOTEL STYLE
Including en-suite facilities in your loft is a great way to bring a luxe feel. Even with restricted headspace, an open-plan bathroom can feel spacious and prevent precious roof windows being blocked by internal walls. Here, a raised floor defines the bathing area, cleverly concealing plumbing below. Switching from wallpaper to paint is another great way to visually zone a dual-use room, and the latter is more practical near water.
TAKE A SEAT
‘A window seat is a brilliant way to utilise otherwise unused space,’ says Emma Sims Hilditch, Creative Director, Sims Hilditch. ‘It also adds softness and warmth to a room.’ In this attic guest bedroom, the window seat has been built out using elegant corbels for added depth. ‘Fill with cushions to ensure your window seat is practical,’ advises Emma. For extra base support, consider an upholstered foam seat held in place with Velcro.
INCH PERFECT
Full-time bedrooms for two have far greater storage requirements than those used only by occasional guests. Always assess the potential wardrobe space and consider madeto-measure options to make the most of an awkward space. ‘Fitted angled wardrobes can prove a real saviour when faced with sloping rooflines,’ says Ashleigh Hanwell, senior designer, Kindred. ‘Tailored to the architecture, every millimetre of storage space is squeezed to maximum effect. Go for drawers along low-level walls, leaving the higher walls for hanging.’
ON THE LOOKOUT
Lofts often enjoy the best views in the house, but the type of windows you’re allowed to install will depend on planning permission. Dormer windows will create extra headroom within your loft but will have an impact on how your home looks externally. The ideal is a floor-length wall of glass at the gable end with French doors onto a balcony. A Juliet balcony has less external impact and is often a good compromise with planners, especially in conservation areas or for listed properties.