For most of us, our loft spaces are reserved for storage boxes from moving day, bags of old clothes that never went to the charity shop and all the Christmas decorations that only come out once a year. You never really go up there unless you need to and when you do, you’re probably confronted with an army of spiders and a dodgy ladder.
But what if that didn’t have to be the case? What if you could turn your loft into something better?
Loft conversions are a perfect choice for those seeking added functionality and maximum home value. From guest suites and offices to craft rooms and home cinemas, the choice is yours!
So why not transform your loft into something magical? The space is there, ready to go and awaiting some love, and we’re here with some loft conversion ideas and loft extension ideas to get you started.
Table of Contents
- Where to begin?
- Dormer loft conversion
- Hip to gable loft conversion
- Loft bedroom
- Loft bathroom
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Office space
- Reading nook
- Home cinema
- Craft room
- Final thoughts
Where to begin?
Lofts make an ideal spot for home upgrades. With so many options available, you can turn a dusty space into another well-loved spot for family and friends. These conversions can, however, come with some hitches if you aren’t prepared. To avoid any bumps in the road, there are a few things you should consider before you figure out how to convert a loft.
Loft conversions and space
When starting your loft conversion plans, you should account for space. It might be that your loft is a bit on the smaller side, in which case small loft conversion ideas like wardrobes, reading nooks and craft storage will be most practical. Make the most of the space you have and, if possible, create the illusion of more space. You can do this with neutral colour schemes, selected furniture, natural lighting with roof windows and the direction and type of flooring you lay down. Large tiles can make floors look larger and take less time to install.
If your small loft isn’t right for you and you want to add to it, dormer loft conversions and hip to gable loft conversions might be your best bet. They’ll provide you with that extra space you’re craving, but there’ll be more on these below.
While there are always ways to maximise and make the most of your space, larger lofts allow for bigger renovations, so keep this in mind.
How much should I expect to pay for a loft conversion?
The price you’ll pay for your loft conversion is subject to change. Different projects will cost different amounts, especially when taking factors like location into consideration.
According to recent market research, loft conversions can cost around £50,000 on average, but this will vary by size, the existing roof, the type of conversion, how long it takes to complete, furnishings and more.
Planning permission
The good news is, in most cases, your loft conversion shouldn’t require planning permission if it is covered by permitted development rights. You can find the limits and conditions of permitted development rights in the planning portal.
Sometimes the area and kind of house you live in presents additional stipulations, as well as the size and type of your conversion, so planning permission may be required. This includes flats, maisonettes, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas. Mansard roof extensions will also require planning permission, whereas rear dormer extensions and hip to gable extensions may not. That being said, we highly advise you to double-check with the relevant local authorities.
Regardless, you must have building regulations approval, so make sure you submit a building notice to the council prior to any work. These regulations include ensuring your conversion is structurally sound, fire-safe and well-insulated, that stairs have enough headroom, step height, and the right bannister size, to name a few. Safety is always a priority, so look into these thoroughly.
Dormer loft conversion
Ideal for adding extra headspace and floor space, dormer loft conversions are a fantastic choice for small lofts and homes in need of more storage than is currently available. They work by attaching a box-shaped structure onto a pitched roof and forming walls that sit at a 90° angle to the floor.
Rear dormer conversions and side dormer conversions are incredibly popular options. They perform as you would expect, with rear dormers being fitted to the rear of the house and side dormers to the side. With different styles and designs to seamlessly blend with the rest of your home exterior, including flat roof dormers and L-shaped dormers with assorted finishes, dormer loft conversion ideas may include adding bedrooms and bathrooms into your loft space.
Dormer loft conversions suit a range of houses, including semi-detached, as long as a loft space and pitched roof is present.
Hip to gable loft conversion
Typically suited to end-terrace and semi-detached properties with an existing hipped roof, hip to gable loft conversions are favourable choices. They extend the hip up vertically from the ridgeline to form a gable end.
By providing a horizontal roof to replace a sloping one, hip to gable conversions create additional floorspace, headroom and space for staircases, turning a loft into a far more habitable area – especially if a dormer is then fitted. With this increased space, you can transform your loft into a guest suite, an office or maybe even a home cinema.
However, it’s important to note that hip to gable conversions won’t be suitable for mid-terraced homes due to the design, as they would never have a hip end roof.
Loft bedroom
If your home doesn’t have the space for a guest room, it can make it hard to navigate visits from friends and family. By converting your attic into a loft bedroom and guest space, however, you can ensure your loved ones have a comfortable and private place to stay.
Some loft bedrooms might not need much work prior to design, but you might want to consider plug sockets, insulation, plumbing and heating, and any other reconstruction. It should all be complete and adhere to building regulations. Once you’ve finished with the more labour-intensive aspects, you can start decorating.
When it comes to loft bedroom ideas, open-plan bedrooms are ideal, especially if you’re thinking about a loft conversion with an ensuite or a washroom. Create the look of more room with sliding doors for extra floor space, large roof windows for increased natural light and minimalist designs with as little furniture as possible. Try making the bed the main feature with a simple dresser and hanging rack for clothing storage – from there, you can decide the overall aesthetic of the space and find matching accessories, furnishings and décor.
Loft bathroom
If you’re looking for some loft bathroom conversion ideas, you’ve come to the right place. But first, you need to consider what you want from your bathroom and what you want in it. For instance, do you want a bath or a shower? What type of water system will this require? Do you want to make the most of the existing space, or do you want to do a dormer conversion?
If you’re aiming to save space, corners are your friend. This will leave you the most floor space and if you use corner basins, toilet cisterns and vanities, it’ll prevent it from getting too cramped in there. Likewise, a bath is often a good option if you’re low on headspace or if you have a sloping roof, unlike a shower which will need as much height as possible. Free-standing baths can look incredibly elegant and if you already have a shower elsewhere in the house, you might enjoy a private spa for soaks after long days.
Make the most of sloping roofs where present. While a bit inconvenient, they can look chic and stylish when you work around them. Roof windows can add natural light and really set the tone of your space, adding a luxurious element to an otherwise impractical layout.
Walk-in wardrobe
Sometimes wardrobes just aren’t big enough and when they are, they can look clunky and out of place. If you’re struggling to find the right amount of clothes storage without the disruption of boxes, suitcases and space-consuming furniture, why not convert your loft into a walk-in wardrobe?
Take advantage of that unused space and create a luxurious, sleek storage solution. Walk-in wardrobes are perfect for keeping all your clothes in one place and neatly organised while adding extra space to small bedrooms when regular wardrobes aren’t required. If you’re an avid DIYer or have a tradesperson in the home, you might be able to turn it into a fun project and maybe even save some money.
Office space
Working from home is ideal for full-time parents and carers and those who struggle to get to their offices. But not everyone has a spare room ready for a home office, and this is where a loft comes in handy.
Not only is an office in the loft easy to get to, but it is also ideal for home workers who find it hard to create a healthy work-life balance. You can work from the comfort of your home while experiencing the peace and quiet a separate office provides, granting you the allotted space for long hours, company calls and focus-driven tasks. You won’t have to worry about beating the work rush or bringing lunches, and you’ll always be home in time for dinner, to pick up the children and to feed your pets.
Creating your office should be relatively easy with basic furnishings, including a desk, chair and some storage pieces. You might want to look into roof windows and plug sockets, though, as you’ll need to be able to plug in all your electronics and lack of natural light can be detrimental to your mindset. You’ll also want to think about additional soundproofing if it’s likely to be noisy in your home, so you can prevent as many disruptions as possible.
Reading nook
Small lofts won’t prevent you from transforming your space. There are plenty of small loft conversion ideas and options out there, even when space is at a premium. If you’re a lover of books or need a space to get away occasionally, reading nooks are perfect. These can be built into walls, in front of bay windows, or those awkward spaces beneath sloping roofs. Likewise, if you’re not a fan of smaller spaces, add a comfy chair into a corner and some shelving for your books.
Snuggly throws and warm lighting can help make it extra cosy, and a little table for a warm drink is a simple but useful addition. A portable heater might come in handy during colder seasons, but for the most part, this is a cheap, quick and easy project that doesn’t have to include any permanent construction. This way, you can double up the space or change it in the future.
Home cinema
If you’re a film buff who wants to clear out and convert your loft space, a home cinema is a fantastic idea. It might sound a little bold, but once you’ve added enough plug sockets and fitted blinds or curtains to your windows – if you have any – it’s not too difficult. You might want to think about soundproofing your loft space as well.
All cinemas really require is a place to sit and a way to watch the film. Focus on comfy chairs, add a television or projector, and if you want to go above and beyond, pop in a coffee table to hold your drinks, popcorn and snacks.
Home cinemas in the loft don’t have to be restrictive, either. You can always double up the space and use it as an extra living room the rest of the time, a lounging area for guests who come and stay, or a spot for a little extra storage.
Craft room
Hobbies are fun but often require enough storage space for all your supplies. You don’t always have room for them elsewhere in your home, so why not convert your loft into a craft room?
A craft room loft conversion is a great way of using up that loft space without always having to expand. Make the most of your space with shelving units, stackable boxes and organisers to keep all your supplies neat and tidy. Needles and scissors can be safely kept away from young children and pets and, if the space allows, you can put in a small workspace for when you work. This way, everything you need is in one spot rather than scattered in any available spots around the house.
If you end up adding extensions to your loft, or if you already have a good amount of room, you could even turn this space into a whole home studio. And once your studio is up and running, why not bring some DIY into your loft conversion and make some custom decorations for it?
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, we hope you’ve found the perfect way to turn that neglected loft space into a cherished and useful extension of your home.
We’ve covered a range of loft conversion ideas, ranging from dormers and hip to gable conversions to walk-in wardrobes, bathrooms and reading nooks. So, if you haven’t already, take this as your sign to unlock the many possibilities hidden in your loft. You might just have to look beyond the dust, the cobwebs and the old Christmas tree.