Last Updated on August 9, 2022 by Kravelv
Converting or renovating your loft space can add significant value to your home – while many homeowners in the UK are lucky enough to own potentially valuable loft space, designing conversions for smaller lofts can require extra care and attention. Generally, it’s considered that a central height of 2.2 metres is required for a comfortable living space, but how can you generate space in smaller lofts? If you’re in the process of planning a conversion and you’re looking to maximise space, there are several cost-effective ways to extend your loft’s potential. Whether you want to create the illusion of extra room or physically extend the space available, consider making use of these simple techniques to get the best out of your loft conversion:
Position the bed centrally
Positioning your bed centrally is one of the easiest ways to create extra space within a small room. Placing your bed in the centre of the loft will not only add symmetry and create the illusion of extra room, but you will also generate more space for storage on either side of the bed. If your budget allows, you could even consider sectioning off your loft space using stud walls, allowing for additional storage and a separate sleeping area.
Use fitted wardrobes
Loft spaces often feature low and sloped ceilings, which can make the process of fitting larger items of furniture (such as cupboards and wardrobes) difficult. This is particularly true in smaller lofts or those with irregular walls and dimensions. If you’re struggling to find suitable furnishings when planning your renovation, consider investing in a made-to-measure fitted loft wardrobe to best suit the space.
Maximise daylight coverage
Daylight is crucial for your health and wellbeing, so it’s best to allow as much natural light into the loft as possible. With daylight (and particularly morning light) acting as key regulators of the body clock, light deprivation in the home can ruin your quality of sleep and have a negative effect on your health. Maximising daylight coverage is also a cost-effective, easy way to create the illusion of extra room in your loft space. When planning your renovation, consider the shape and positioning of new windows with maximum daylight coverage in mind. For the best results, try to fill at least 20% of available roof space with glazed windows.
Use under-bed storage
Another cost-effective way of generating extra space during loft renovation is making use of under-bed storage, whether it be boxes, drawers, organisers or purpose-built bedframes. Under-bed storage is a great place to keep clutter such as luggage, linen, out-of-season clothing, shoeboxes and books, especially if your loft or bedroom is on the smaller side. When shopping around for a new bed, try to seek out frames with existing under-bed storage space (such as laundry drawers) or those with sufficient capacity to stow away bulky bedroom items.
