Small dormer bedroom ideas
22 Very Small Attic Bedroom Ideas (Pro Designer’s Picks)
Contents
This article was written by Lauren Copping – a professional interior designer – to ensure that the content is unique and factually accurate.
Very small attic bedrooms lack space and therefore require extra care when coming up with a design in order to allow the room to feel relaxing, cozy, and inviting.
So how do you style a small attic bedroom?
The best way to style a small attic bedroom is to maximize the space effectively by framing the bed naturally between pillars or under the window, using a storage bed or loft bed, creating a relaxing reading corner, and using a lighter palette to make the room feel fresh.
I have highlighted 22 ways to maximize your small attic space through critical organizational and design strategies in the rest of this article using my experience as an interior designer and small space specialist.
Related: click here to see how to design your attic bedroom step-by-step.
Below are 22 very small attic bedroom design ideas that you can copy and adapt as you see fit:
1: Showcase Exposed Brick to Add CharacterSmall Attic Bedroom With Exposed Brick Wall (#1: Beazy – Unsplash)Historic homes and lofts often have exposed brick to showcase the building’s structure.
I always encourage my clients to keep building materials exposed to create a deeper connection between a space and its occupants.
The color of brick warms up a room, and the wood structural support in this image adds a unique character.
I love how the imperfect brick and its inconsistent texture allows for a bedroom to be a little untidy without feeling out of control.
How to Create this Look:Avoid placing tall furniture against the exposed brick accent wall to allow it to show as much of its surface area as possible.
Low-lying furniture like credenzas, low bed frames, or sofas can be highlighted in the space when placed against the brick wall, and will be the focus destination for people who enter the space.
Try to choose grayscale furniture to place against this wall to keep the color of the bricks vibrant in the space.
Click here to see 10 of the best colors to pair with gray bedroom furniture.
2: Use an Art Collage Feature Wall to Express Your TastesSmall Attic Bedroom With Collage Feature Wall (#2: Beazy – Unsplash)One of the best ways to add personality to a space without adding anything permanent is to create a feature wall with creative expression.
This can be done with a large-format collage, a mural, or your favorite photos!
In this image, the collage of images on the wall, the plants, and the collected items atop the shelf create a unique personality in the space that directly reflects the main occupant.
How to Create this Look:In a big white room, choose one wall to make “yours”.
In this case, it’s a half wall that allows for plants and other items to be placed on top for added interest.
I always advise my clients to lay out their accent collage walls on paper by drawing the wall to scale, then placing each measured image or item within the drawn rectangle.
This will help speed the process up, and the end result will show that careful consideration has gone into the process.
Check out these 19 cool bedroom door designs.
3: Save Space With a Built-In or Single-Piece Storage BedVery Small Attic Bedroom With Storage Bed (#3 Beazy – Unsplash)Storage beds are incredibly useful furniture pieces in small spaces.
They are usually sold as individual pieces, however, when custom-built, as in the photo, they can offer double the storage and utility.
When constructed with unpainted wood, they can also be a valuable design asset to the room, and create a warm, grounded atmosphere.
How to Create this Look:If you’re able to in your space, construct a storage bed that caters to your specific needs.
I’ve designed some with clothing storage, full closets, and trap doors.
The possibilities are endless!
For contrast, paint the walls an off-white to complement the lighter wood tones.
To reinforce the contrast and add height, choose darker green or gray curtains that span from the floor to the ceiling.
Be sure to design steps into your raised platform if necessary!
Click here to see the best space-saving wall beds.
4: Create a Reading Corner with Shelving and RugsVery Small Attic Bedroom With Shelving and Rugs (#4: Jonathan Borba – Unsplash)If you’re familiar with my bedroom design approach, you’ll know that I am a big proponent of reading nooks.
Because our bedroom spaces need to have a place for us to relax other than the bed.
In this room, they have added bookshelves into an unused corner of the bedroom to make the perfect reading corner.
The sloped ceiling makes the area feel even more safe and welcoming.
Choose a corner of your attic bedroom for a quiet reading space.
With slanted ceilings, be strategic about your shelf placement!
Books usually need 12 to 15 inches of space between shelves to be placed comfortably and neatly.
Next, choose a floor lamp or shelf lamp that will illuminate the corner appropriately during the day and night.
To center and define the space, place a small rug in front of the shelves.
I would advise adding some floor cushions for additional comfort.
Try these 15 ideas for painting your bookshelves creatively.
5: Loft Your Bed for Additional Space
Very Small Attic Bedroom With Loft Bed (#5: Darren Richardson – Unsplash)Attics may or may not have two things: high ceilings and extra floor space.
When you loft a bed, you can maximize and create both!
This room is clever in its simple design for a shared space.
The flexibility and adaptability of lofted beds are intriguing.
If it’s just one person using the space, I usually advise clients to place a small workstation or closet beneath their lofted beds.
How to Create this Look:Bright wall paint always helps a space appear larger, as it reflects light around the room.
If you have the ambition to build your own loft bed, consider a lighter wood color to adhere to this principle.
Bedding can be kept light or faded in color, as well.
For my clients, I usually set up their under-loft space with a small worktop, lamp, tackable wall panels for notes, and a small rug to complete the look.
Click here for instructions on how to build your loft bed.
6: Place Your Bed in an Unusual Space for a Unique LayoutVery Small Attic Bedroom With Unique Layout (#6: Antonio Caverzan – Unsplash)Attics often have odd ceilings, some completely unique to the home or building.
Some people might look at a space like this and deem it unusable, but there are ways to stage a space so that the room is attractive and functional.
In this case, they have placed the bed under the tallest part of the ceiling, making it accessible, and also highlighting the bed itself with the window light.
How to Create this Look:Place your low-profile bed frame within a window nook or odd roof feature in the attic you’re rearranging.
For some design elements of contrast, consider adding dark wood or metal accents to edges in the space (as seen above).
Avoid placing too much art on walls like this.
Place curtains to avoid blinding morning light in an attic such as this one, and ground the room with a rug.
Click here to see 9 of the best colors to go with dark wood bedroom furniture.
7: Use Bright Walls and Plants to Bring the Space to LifeVery Small Attic Bedroom With Bright Walls and Plants (#7: Beazy – Unsplash)Want to know how to add life and clean air to your attic space?
Plants, plants, and more plants!
It’s hard to have too many plants in a space.
They have been shown to reduce stress levels, purify the air, and even increase focus and productivity.
I know that when I walk into a space with plenty of plants, I feel connected to the room and the earth.
How to Create this Look:First of all, I always encourage my clients and friends to research which plants are safe for children and pets before placing them in their homes.
Once you find the right ones for you, think about how you will place them around the room.
I like to place them around the perimeter of a space, or near any corners and nooks.
Think about varying their heights to have a more diverse and balanced look in plant-heavy areas.
Finally, have some fun choosing baskets and planters to place them in!
Follow these 8 steps when decorating a small bedroom.
8: Paint an Accent Wall for Visual Interest and Added ComfortVery Small Attic Bedroom With Painted Accent Wall (#8: Emily Wang – Unsplash)Accent walls allow for infinite possibilities.
Small spaces often lack a focal point, so painting or applying an accent wall is a great way to create one without taking up floor space.
In a small attic room like this one, I really like that the accent wall is unique in both color and texture.
Texture adds another dimension to the space and further takes the focus away from the surrounding smooth walls.
How to Create this Look:When choosing your accent wall, consider using a wall that accentuates the slanted ceiling line.
Think about the way that you are going to add both texture and color.
Are you applying wood panels? Wallpaper? Tiles?
Make sure that the surrounding walls are painted in a white that complements the accent color.
Populate your room with light furniture, bedding, and a rug that references the accent wall.
Try these 20 relaxing ideas for small bedrooms.
9: Create a Relaxing Monochromatic WorkstationVery Small Attic Bedroom With a Relaxing Color Palette (#9: Kinga Cichewicz – Unsplash)Visual clutter in colors and materials can make people feel crowded in a space.
A neutral color palette is an easy way to make a space look clean while still having just as many items in the room.
The color palette references colors and materials found in nature, which further enforces the aesthetic’s calming qualities.
How to Create this Look:Be very selective about your color palette!
Choose one wood tone to adhere to, one or two whites, a select few plants, and especially consider the art added to the walls.
The furniture can be consistent in woodgrain, and the walls and accents painted white, but if you place a colorful poster or photo on the wall, the balance will be thrown and the space won’t have the same effect.
Be sure to add plants in this space as a lively accent color.
These are the 6 best colors to pair with cherry wood bedroom furniture.
10: Add Natural Colors with Soft BeddingVery Small Attic Bedroom With Natural Colors and Soft Bedding (#10: Toa Heftiba – Unsplash)Natural-toned textiles and bedding have become more popular recently.
These less-vibrant, soothing tones are calming to the eye and can be extremely expressive in their combinations.
I love a combination of pinks, grays, and maroons for youth and femininity, or greens and warm grays for a soft nod to nature.
Mixing warm oranges and emerald greens makes for a lush, comforting space that promotes sleep.
How to Create this Look:Bedding and colors in a bedroom space are very personal, so I usually encourage my clients to look at the catalogs of some unique, small businesses that offer organic bedding.
The materials are often ethically sourced from sustainable sources and contain no artificial or harmful dyes.
Play around with your color palette from the chosen bedding company’s website by comparing fabric images side by side.
The company’s lookbooks will have plenty of examples, as well.
With colorful bedding, your bed is the focal point.
Keep other colors in the room to a minimum, or a neutral palette.
These are the 7 best bedding colors that go with gray walls.
11: Add a Rustic Feel with Raw Wood LightingVery Small Attic Bedroom With Unique Lighting (#11: Olena Sergienko – Unsplash)One way to warm up a space with tall or slanted ceilings is to include unique and eye-catching lighting.
I love this light because the fixture has large, almost exaggerated light bulbs that create a unique art piece over the bed.
The emerald green blanket hints at nature below the tree branch light fixture.
How to Create this Look:Find a soft, emerald/forest green blanket to use as the top layer on your bed.
Paint your walls a warm, mid-tone gray to backdrop the bed, and maximize the daylight by having white shades or curtains.
Find (or make) the branch lighting fixture with large, soft-lit Edison Bulbs for added shine.
I would complete this space with some plants (hanging or floor), and a small bench at the foot of the bed.
These 20 African designs can add boldness to your bedroom.
12: Create a Well-Lit Workstation Under the SkylightVery Small Attic Bedroom With Workstation (#12: Sema Martin – Unsplash)Vaulted ceilings can create some awkward corners in attic spaces, and it’s not always easy to know how to productively use the space.
In this example, the designer or occupant has created a clever, well-lit workspace with plenty of storage and work surface area.
Natural lighting is the best lighting for a work surface, as its shadow radius is large with minimal outlines.
Daylighting on a workspace also improves focus and mood!
How to Create this Look:Place a work surface that is at least 24 to 30 inches deep under your skylight.
You might have to adjust its position to allow appropriate space for a lamp or your seated headspace.
This U-shaped layout can be created by surrounding your seated area with storage on one side, and additional surface space on the other.
Keep your supplies organized with concealed shelf storage and cable organizers, and reflect maximum light with a light-colored worktop.
Pick from any of these 10 small bedroom ceiling design ideas now.
13: Reduce Visual Barriers With a Low-Profile Iron BedframeVery Small Attic Bedroom With Low Profile Iron Bedframe (#13: Cole Ciarlello – Unsplash)One mistake I see people make in small spaces and attic rooms is that they incorporate a chunky, solid bed frame.
In this space, the wrought iron bed frame allows light to pass through and reduces visual barriers.
The more that the space allows light to flow through, the less crowded it will feel.
This space is also helped by the light bedding and the windows that line the room.
How to Create this Look:If you have a very small footprint to work with like this space, consider using a bed that has a pass-through frame or no footboard at all.
You want the eye to immediately travel to the source of natural light upon entering the room, so minimize these visual blockages.
Keep window coverings to a minimum, including privacy curtains only, and use white bedding to keep the space illuminated.
Click here for a 7 step guide to painting a metal bed frame black.
14: Use Narrow Sloped Ceilings to Frame the BedVery Small Attic Bedroom With Sloped Ceiling (#14: Alex Geerts – Unsplash)Sloped ceilings provide so much opportunity for a dramatic and impactful space.
This attic space is warm and cozy with its wood-clad ceiling and is lengthened by the neutral accent color on the far wall in the room.
The bed is positioned with its head against the accent wall, further elongating the visual space.
How to Create this Look:Keep the space clean with minimal furniture.
Include only the essentials: a bed, a reading light, and a side table, or a wall shelf where there is space.
If you have wood-clad ceilings, keep them in their natural state for warmth, and paint the far vertical wall a lighter color to bring the eye through.
Place the head of your bed on the vertical wall furthest from the point of entry.
Click here for a full guide to creating a minimalist bedroom on a budget.
15: Keep it Airy by Using Minimal ColorsVery Small Attic Bedroom With Minimal Colors (#15: Jacalyn Beales – Unsplash)White, black, and navy blue are the perfect color combination for a minimal and tasteful space.
The white walls reflect light throughout the space, the black accents provide sleek contrast, and the navy accents give the space personality.
Notice the wood accents in the room, which gives the aesthetic some warmth and comfort as well.
Overall, a space like this promotes comfort and clear thoughts with its minimal color scheme and ample light distribution.
How to Create this Look:Choose a white that is bright and vibrant, as it will reflect as much light as possible.
I encourage clients to use a satin or matte finish paint to prevent a shiny look that often shows dirt and fingerprints.
Choose a mix of black and mid-tone woods for your furniture pieces, to add focal points and warmth.
Finally, choose a simple striped duvet cover for some visual variety.
Navy is always a good choice, but this color can be swapped out for any other that fits your personality.
These 28 pro designs are ideal for decorating a 10-year-old girl’s bedroom.
16: Use the Window as a Headboard and a Natural Alarm ClockVery Small Attic Bedroom With Window Above the Bed (#16: Unsplash)We often see windows like this in rooms with vaulted ceilings, such as this one.
They are great for reflecting light off of angled ceilings, and can also act as a natural alarm clock when the bed is placed with its head to the window.
This is one of my favorite attic rooms I’ve found, because of its especially spacious and luxurious feel, with its light color scheme, and the high contrast window shade and black photo frame.
How to Create this Look:You can easily recreate this look by white washing your wood-clad ceilings or, if you don’t have this type of ceiling, applying a large-format wallcovering that emulates the same look.
There are many wallcovering sources online – have a look!
Next, paint your vertical walls a light color that references your wood application.
Keep your bedding light – you can add texture with bedding similar to the blanket shown, or use a simple down duvet.
Install a soft charcoal window shade, use thin black frames for any wall art, and perhaps add wall-mounted reading lights that are black as well.
These 19 strategies are ideal if you need to make your bedroom pitch black.
17: Use Exposed Beams as a Decorative AccentVery Small Attic Bedroom With Exposed Beams (#17: Unsplash)This attic space is especially appealing for several reasons.
The beams and attic structure can be used to frame furniture or workstations, or to hang lights from.
In this case, one of the triangular openings is used as a storage section, while the neighboring section houses wall shelves for decor and plants.
The furniture in this space shows a similar, yet lighter, wood tone to the structural beams, for a cohesive look.
Keep your wood beams in your attic space in their natural state, or apply decorative beams that are unpainted and unfinished.
Think of clever ways to use the wall space that is divided by these beams.
For example, place custom-cut wall shelves in one for a unique bookshelf that follows the shape of the roof, or if space allows, place your bed between these beams.
Choose furniture that hints at the color of the wood beams, and of course, add plants to liven up the space.
I would suggest integrating lights into the beams to give the room a special effect.
These 20 kids’ bedroom ideas are ideal for small rooms.
18: Create a Plant Hanging Rail in Front of the WindowVery Small Attic Bedroom With Hanging Plant Rail (#18: Sven Brandsma – Unsplash)If you have an attic space with a focal point window, consider creating a dedicated plant area around the window.
This invites light in and draws the eye to natural elements in an otherwise small space.
The variety of plants and applications in this room invokes a creative flare to the space, and inspires innovative thinking!
How to Create this Look:To recreate this look, you’ll want to be thoughtful about your plant frame construction.
Decide whether bronze, black, or white metal tubes will serve your aesthetic best.
I personally encourage bronze or black for some contrast.
Add color with rope macrame plant hangers or terracotta pots.
Next, decide your plant style.
Do you like a variety of plants or just a few of the same species?
A variety will create more visual interest, where a collection of the same plants will communicate cleanliness and sophistication.
Here are 31 ideas for creating a college bedroom dorm room for a girl.
19: Create a Cozy Window Seat for a Fresh PerspectiveVery Small Attic Bedroom With Window Seat (#19: Alisa Anton – Unsplash)Window seats are always a great idea in an attic bedroom because they encourage you to slow down and appreciate your view from up high.
This also increases airflow and gives occupants of the space some fresh energy circulation, and a reminder to breathe and relax.
This window seat is cozy with its light seating, and its contrasting pop of color in the pillow that defines it as a seat.
The encasement just outside the window provides security, yet allows you to look onto the street.
How to Create this Look:If you have a large casement window perfect for a seat, create a cozy corner by reinforcing the bench with seat and back cushions.
Ideally, these cushions would be movable so you can put the window seat away while it’s not in use.
In styling this area, choose a neutral or light seat cushion.
I personally like the sheepskin look as shown in this example.
For the back cushion, choose a color that speaks to the rest of the space, or the bedding that you have chosen.
Here are 8 ideas for decorating a small bedroom on a budget.
20: Use Boxed Wall Space for Strategic StorageVery Small Attic Bedroom With Boxed Wall Storage (#20: archideaphoto – Envato)Wall storage such as this is a valuable asset in a small attic room.
Wall storage is often overlooked but can be maximized by using boxes, as shown in this example.
They are incredibly sturdy and offer a modular storage solution that doesn’t take up floor space.
Often times you can find recycled wood crates like these, and save on costs!
How to Create this Look:Plan your wall’s layout before placing any furniture in your attic space.
You can see that in this space, the bed meets up with the lines of the box shelves and artwork, and the boxes mold and form to the bed and chair placement in the room.
Make sure you allow space for side tables, lighting, and any accent furniture you might want to include in the room.
Check out the 7 best and worst places to put shelves in your bedroom.
21: Use Building Columns to Frame and Center Your BedVery Small Attic Bedroom With Supports (#21: bialasiewicz – Envato)Using columns to help you plan your space can take a lot of pressure off of the furniture placement decisions.
In this space, it just makes sense for the bed to be centered under the skylights, and between the two wood columns.
Above the TV, plants are placed on a shelf that gets perfect lighting from the windows on the opposite wall.
Placing the bed under the skylights also creates a cozy stargazing space.
How to Create this Look:To create this compartmentalized, symmetrical look, simply choose a reference point in your room to center your bed with.
I strongly encourage clients with skylights or columns to place their bed frames according to these features.
To recreate this look, paint the wall opposite the bed a darker neutral accent color, and add plants to this wall for color and life.
Click here for 8 ways to decorate the wall opposite your bed.
22: Create a Mini Jungle Corner Under the SkylightsVery Small Attic Bedroom With Plant Feature (#22: Lisa Moyneur – Unsplash)An easy way to make a space lively, and ultimately bold, is to incorporate plants into the design.
The fresh contrast of green and white emphasizes a clean and bright environment.
Now, you may or may not have a bathtub in your attic space, but you could easily imagine your room with a bed, workspace, or seating area, surrounded by plants and light.
How to Create this Look:This look is simple, beautiful, and effective at creating a fresh, romantic atmosphere.
Place your bed or workspace on one of the far vertical walls, and line the floor with ferns and vines similar to those in this example.
Get creative with your plant pots by looking for various colors and materials.
I suggest placing shorter plants under skylights so as not to block any of the light entering the space.
Click here for a full guide to putting an ensuite in your bedroom.
Image Attribution and Licencing
Main image: ‘Attic Bedroom Interior with Open Bathroom’ by casamediacasamedia – used with permission under the terms of Canva’s One Design Use License Agreement.
Image #1: ‘Bright living room in design apartment in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #2: ‘Modern and original kitchen filled with original artwork and watercolors in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #3: ‘Bedroom in Berlin, Germany, with bike in bedroom, original boheme bedroom design’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #4: Untitled by Jonathan Borba (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #5: ‘Custom designed plywood cabin style bunk beds on a sunny morning.’ by Darren Richardson (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #6: Untitled by Antonio Caverzan (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #7: ‘Bohemian living room in urban jungle in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #8: ‘Homely’ by Emily Wang (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #9: Untitled by Kinga Cichewicz (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #10: Untitled by Toa Heftiba (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #11: Untitled by Olena Sergienko (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #12: ‘Studio of Artist Sema Martin’ by Sema Martin (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #13: ‘A comfortable bed by the windows’ by Cole Ciarlello (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #14: Untitled by Alex Geerts (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #15: Untitled by Jacalyn Beales (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #16: Unknown (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #17: Unknown (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #18: ‘Pancake plant on windowsill’ by Sven Brandsma (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #19: Untitled by Alisa Anton (Licensed via Unsplash).
Image #20: ‘Mansard with master bedroom’ by archideaphoto (Licensed via Envato Elements).
Image #21: ‘Double bed in stylish wooden bedroom in the attic’ by bialasiewicz (Licensed via Envato Elements).
Image #22: Untitled by Lisa Moyneur (Licensed via Unsplash).
Dan
Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews.
He has been working as a professional online product reviewer since 2015 and was inspired to start this website when he ended up sleeping on a memory foam mattress that was too soft and gave him backache.
Through in-depth research and analysis, Dan’s goal with this website is to help others avoid such pitfalls by creating the best online resource for helping you find your ideal mattress, bedding, and bedroom furniture.
Dan is a qualified NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor with 6 years’ experience helping clients improve their health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
He also holds several college and university-level qualifications in health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media creation – which helps him to publish well researched and informative product reviews as well as articles on sleep, health, wellbeing, and home decor.
Dan also has direct personal experience with insomnia, anxiety, misophonia (hypersensitivity to sounds), and pain from both acute and long-standing sporting injuries – he enjoys writing insightful articles around these subjects to help fellow sufferers of such conditions.
Learn more about Dan here.
Attic bedroom ideas - raise the roof with these gorgeous ideas
Thinking of doing a loft conversion, or already have one? With moving costs high attic bedroom ideas have become a popular way to increase space in a family home.
Accommodating more kids, or a growing family are usually the reasons that people seek bedroom ideas for loft spaces. Allocating the first floor for the kid's bedrooms and family bathroom, and turning the loft into a main bedroom and ensuite is a smart space to capitalise on space in the home.
While building upwards, extending or converting dead space into bedroom ideas is a great solution, it does result in rooms with angled or pitched ceilings, which can pose an interesting design puzzle.
Whether you live in a barn conversion with original ceiling beams arcing up into a vaulted roof, or have recently used extension ideas for bungalows to add a modern space with skylights and a low-pitched roof, there are plenty of ways to maximise space - and individual style - using loft bedroom ideas for adults.
To help you visualise your new sleep space we've compiled a series of attic bedroom ideas of all shapes, sizes and styles. Before you get started it's worth fully assessing the space first, in order to maximise every centimetre and make the right lifestyle choice for you.
Attic bedroom ideas
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) a loft conversion has the potential to increase the value of your home by 25%, so doing your research and getting it right, is likely to pay off.
'A well-done loft conversion can help transform unused storage space into an incredible new room with endless possibilities,' says Jenny Turner, Property Manager at Insulation Express .
'As with any building work, it is wise to get multiple quotes and discuss timeframes for the work to see which is the best fit for your budget and your building work completion goals.
'Always opt for experienced builders who can advise on the placement of windows, plug sockets and insulation, and shows knowledge of fire safety regulations.'
1. Frame a view with cleverly cut curtains
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)
There's no need to rule out curtain ideas if you have an angled or sloping window in your attic bedroom.
Having fabric cut to size and properly fitted is not only possible, it makes a fabulous feature, especially if you have a beautiful view to frame.
Choose curtain fabric with black-out lining, so you're not woken too early in the summer months, and opt for curtain ties in the same or a contrasting fabric. Curtains at an angled window will suit a bright room best as it's not possible to open them fully.
2. Create a cosy cabin feel with natural textures
(Image credit: Future / Dan Duchars)
Numerous studies have shown that natural fibres make us feel good, so create a cosy cabin vibe in an attic bedroom with plenty of earthy textures and neutral tones. This will work especially well if you've opted to highlight the structure with exposed timber rafters and simple white painted walls.
A wooden bed, wool carpet underfoot, chunky knitted cushions and faux fur throws will create a cocooning retreat that you won't want to leave.
3. Add boutique hotel style with a freestanding tub
(Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles)
For the ultimate attic bedroom luxury, consider a freestanding bath tub, for boutique hotel style every day.
Be aware, that you will need to check that the rafters below can take the weight of the bath, as well as the water in it when it's full. Plus your plumbing may need to be rerouted.
'If you’re going to have a bathtub in the bedroom, it’s got to be a feature, it’s got to have presence and make a statement. Cast iron, claw footed, roll-top baths are ideal,' says Barrie Cutchie, design director, BC Designs .
'A bath in a bedroom is an experience, it gives the room a real sense of luxury and is lovely for relaxing, taking time to unwind. However, when it comes to family living and splashing children, a separate bathtub in a family bathroom is a must. Bedrooms tend to have electrical equipment, expensive items and soft furnishings that don’t mix very well bubbles or water.'
4. Go for a statement headboard
(Image credit: Future / Veronica Rodriguez)
In an attic bedroom, where wall space may be more limited for bedroom wall art ideas, it's possible to be decorative in alternative ways.
A statement headboard will add style to a small space, where there is not enough height to hang artwork, print or poster.
Be sure to repeat the style, shape or colour of the headboard elsewhere in the room, such as a mirror or other accessories, for a balanced scheme.
5. Hang pendants from the rafters
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Pitched ceilings and exposed beams or rafters allow a property's character to shine through. These architectural elements have functional plus points too, allowing you to make a fabulous feature out of them.
For example, if you're looking for eye-catching bedroom lighting ideas, hanging pendants from a long drop above the bed makes a stylish alternative to wall lamps. Make sure you position light switches close to each side of the bed so you don't have to get up when you're ready to nod off.
6. Make a style statement
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
One of the best features of attic bedroom ideas is the abundance of natural light that you can utilise.
When you can flood the room with light it allows your decorating choices to be bold.
This monochrome attic bedroom colour scheme centres around an on-trend black feature wall. Which, thanks to the light quality, dazzles rather than dulls the space.
7. Look to the light
(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)
Often loft bedrooms are lacking in natural light, so consider where the opportunities are to let the light in. Skylights are invaluable because no amount of placement lighting can compensate the effect of natural light on our body clocks.
Here, a small skylight is placed directly above the bed in loft bedroom ideas for adults allowing light to play a role in your morning routine.
8. Lower the ceiling and sneak in storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Rather than have the ceiling follow the eaves, the alternative is to square off the ceiling and use the space above as hidden bedroom storage.
This can be a neat solution for your attic bedroom ideas and also a better way to keep a loft warm and insulated.
It also allows you to be minimalist with furniture, for a less cluttered look.
9. Utilise space with bespoke storage
(Image credit: Spaceslide)
Rather than buy bulky furniture for storage, use the awkward space to its potential. ‘Loft wardrobe ideas work best when they are made-to-measure and fitted with storage kits that meet your every requirement,' advises Andy Briggs, resident interior designer for Spaceslide .
'Whether that be a place to store extra clothing, or shelving to house your less frequently used items from around the home. Sliding wardrobe doors can be cleverly installed to run alongside the sloped ceiling so that they utilise the floor-to-ceiling space.'
'Sliding doors are custom-made to be the perfect fit for your loft wardrobe. Plus, they are available in a wide range of colours and finishes so you can achieve a sleek and stylish design.'
Mirrored doors will help to enhance the light quality of the loft bedroom ideas for adults, while creating a sense of extra space.
10.Work with the shadows when choosing shades
(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)
Rather than fight against the predicament of shadows caused by side lighting onto awkward walls, work with the darkness in your attic bedroom ideas! Overhead skylights can, in some layouts, restrict the amount of light and cast shadows on far-reaching walls.
Choose a slighter darker shade of neutral to make the shadows less harsh, than they would be if the shade was lighter. To balance the light when using darker wall shades it's best to keep the flooring light.
11. Have fun with a feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Fake it! A great way to make an impact is with trompe l’oeil wallpaper. While your book collection may have been whittled down in favour of e-books in recent years, with a gorgeous bookcase-print wallpaper, there's no reason why you can’t enjoy the traditional look of books in alcoves.
Characterful bedroom accent wall ideas can help to create the illusion of vast shelving – without having to encroach on the limited space on offer in an attic bedroom.
12. Make it your own with eaves storage
(Image credit: Spaceslide)
‘You may think that the areas under the sloping eaves are awkward and a waste of space, but with careful planning and some ingenuity, the space can open up a realm of possibilities,' says Andy from Spaceslide.
‘The key in attic bedroom ideas is to go bespoke. Your loft is a unique space, so ordinary furniture won’t do the trick. Loft wardrobes should be designed to seamlessly fit into the contours of the room, filling every available space.’
13. Welcome elements of nature
(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)
The combination of skylights – on both sides of a pitched ceiling – and floor-to-ceiling wood panelled cupboards gives this master bedroom the feel of a grown-up treehouse!
Failing that, the open space with its glass stair panels and natural materials (chunky wool as well as the bleached wood) has a really tranquil Scandi finish. A place to daydream up in the clouds.
14. Create character with wall panelling
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
From the floor-to-ceiling weatherboard to the painted floorboards every surface offers interest and depth to the scheme. Keeping the main colour as white prevents the look from feeling overwhelming.
New England beach house style comes into its own in this charming attic bedroom. The white scheme offers all-out relaxed beach house vibes while nautical stripes and mismatched patchwork textiles in a fresh apple green bring character and cheer to the attic space.
15. Embrace exposed brickwork
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Retain original character by leaving the bricks exposed. Leave one wall unpainted and expose the brickwork to make a stylish feature that looks especially cool in an industrial-style loft bedroom.
If your bricks aren't in good condition, they can be repointed to restore them to full glory. Or try brick wallpaper – there are lots of designs around that will help you create the same look, without the labour or the mess involved.
16. Open out onto a balcony
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
This barn conversion's master bedroom feels all the more opulent for its Juliet balcony idea with double doors, carefully designed around the building's timber structure. This is especially effective in a a roof space where it might be tricky to fit skylights or a dormer in the slope of the roof.
17. Dare to go dramatic with furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
Whether you've got a bedroom up in the eaves of a barn conversion or in an old country manor, this traditional space is an appealing option. The sheer scale of the original beams means that your furniture can be more dramatic, and still not look OTT.
A brass bedstead, crystal chandelier and carved baroque-style armchair look right at home in this attic bedroom. The natural wood floor just adds to the timeless elegance.
18. Mix luxe materials
(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Raeside)
Bedroom wall panelling ideas, white-painted brick, blown glass, velvet, soft carpet – this space should be an overload for the senses.
But, because of the way that it subtly balances masculine urban materials and a soft colour palette, it works.
The simple lines and cool colours create a serene space with a hint of luxury, and the result is a decorating scheme that looks equally at home in in a warehouse conversion or a country cottage.
19. Create a cosy guest bedroom
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
If your converted space isn't suitable as a master suite, set up a cosy living room that doubles as guest bedroom ideas. A simple cabin sofa bed is a great space-saving idea, to offer comfortable seating during the day and a bed by night.
Add a coffee table to style the living room feel, but allow this to act as a bedside table when being repurposed as a guest bedroom.
20. Factor in the fun
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jeroen Van Der Spek)
Make the height of an attic room work in your favour, and maximise floor space in a children's room, with a set of smart bunk beds.
In this playful room, the neutral grey walls recede allowing the patterned soft furnishings, ceiling map and (of course) those sunshine yellow bunks to take centre stage.
How do you style an attic bedroom?
Although, often awkward shapes with sloping ceilings, attic bedrooms are blessed with character. So play up any features, such as timber beams or a section of exposed brickwork in your attic bedroom ideas. Make sure every inch of storage potential is fulfilled, but try to make your loft bedroom ideas for adults visually pleasing and functional in equal measure.
Focus on the ceiling to elevate the decorating scheme by keeping it bright, white and airy – to create a sense of space. Ensure the space is well lit, as often there is less natural light. Make a statement with lighting choices to gain more attention.
Give your attic bedroom ideas a touch of luxury and comfort by laying carpets. Not only will they make the loft space feel more like a bedroom space, but carpets will also help to insulate and make the space feel cosy and homely.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Paul Massey)
Where should a bed be placed in an attic bedroom?
Where to place the bed within attic bedroom ideas can be tricky, often due to the unconventional layout. In most cases it's best to place the bed against the main wall, with the tallest height. This not only looks best, but it's practical too, as it will be the easiest place to get in and out of bed without bumping your head on a low or sloping ceiling.
This wall will be a supporting wall, in a semi-detached property, or an external wall in a detached house so ensure it's well insulated for both noise and heat. Pull the bed away from the wall ever so slightly in both cases, to avoid anything from disturbing sleep.
Do I need planning permission to covert an attic bedroom?
You may not need planning permission to convert a loft into attic bedroom ideas. This is because in many cases it's within the existing plot of your home, therefore it likely falls under your permitted development rights.
However, do check with your local council first. If you wish to alter the roof structure, say add a balcony or put in a dormer extension you will need to seek planning permission because you are working outside of your home's existing limits.
'When planning a loft conversion, an important thing to consider is the roof's height and pitch, and how that will impact the amount of space you’ll have,' says Johnpaul Manning, MD at Insulation4less .
'You’ll need a minimum height of 2.2m to ensure proper clearance when standing in the space. Ultimately when it comes to your loft conversion aspirations, make sure you do your research before you approach a contractor or architect.
'Look for other conversions on your street or in similar properties, and if you feel comfortable, ask if you can have a look and discuss how their project came together - you’ll find a wealth of information that could help with your own project.'
Attic bedroom design - 85 photos of interiors, ideas for renovation and decoration
Oh, those attics! How often, when building their own house, people make many plans regarding the arrangement of the under-roof area.
As a result, most often, the attic turns into an ordinary dump for mountains of things that do not seem to be needed, but it is a pity to throw them away. Whether it's a matter of equipping a full-fledged living room here, for example, a bedroom. How to do it? We will talk about this in today's article, and also look at many examples in the best photographs.
Attic bedroom features
Arranging a bedroom in the attic is one of the best options for the rational use of an empty attic. Its advantage lies in the fact that under the sloping vaults you can easily install a bed (and more than one), while more overall furniture simply does not fit here. In fact, an additional living space appears in the house, where you can not only organize a bedroom for family members, but also a guest room. If the area allows, several beds are installed here, the necessary storage systems and a dressing room are equipped. Since the bedroom is located on a territory remote from other rooms, here you can truly fully relax, retire and escape from everyday worries.
The attic can be turned into a full-fledged children's corner. Since the furniture for the child is small in size, it will successfully fit into a non-standard layout. Children love everything unusual - secluded corners, attics, cozy rooms filled with their favorite toys. This is what the attic children's bedroom will look like, where the sloping ceiling will replace the vault of heaven.
Attic bedroom equipment has another additional bonus - the ability to implement a variety of unusual design solutions, using architectural features, natural materials of the ceiling, sloping window openings.
What to consider?
When allocating the attic space to the bedroom, you need to understand that now it is becoming a living space, therefore, it will require high-quality arrangement. In particular, this applies to the insulation of the room - the arrangement of additional thermal insulation of the walls, the installation of heating radiators. Often, during the construction of a house, the owners do not pay much attention to providing the attic with electricity - a maximum of one or two light bulbs are installed here, which will save if a warehouse of any unnecessary items is organized here or repairs are needed.
When arranging the bedroom, you will need to carry out high-quality electrical wiring, which will create good lighting.
Attic bedroom colors
Most often, the attic bedroom is dressed in a light palette that compensates for the lack of light. Against its background, dark-colored furniture and textiles will look beautiful, and bright colors of decor and accessories will help to revive the design. However, this is not the only solution - the owners may well decorate the room in any color at their discretion.
Since the geometry of the room itself is quite compressed, it is important not to overdo it with gloomy shades, which will further aggravate the situation. The bedroom in light gray, cream, blue tones will look original and cozy. The wall and ceiling area above the head of the bed are often decorated in accent bright colors, thus emphasizing the territory of sleep.
The choice of color can be dictated by the style of decoration, for example, a Scandinavian bedroom will look great in a snow-white design, a room in a rustic style (Provence, country) cannot do without green, blue, pink natural colors, and in a classic version, they can be taken as a basis brown, beige, burgundy shades, giving the room a special sophistication.
To equip a child's bedroom in the attic, choose a palette that matches the age and gender of the child (pink, blue), or neutral tones, complementing them with bright decorative elements.
Finishes and materials
Today there is a huge choice of finishing materials. When choosing them for arranging a bedroom, you need to pay attention to such indicators as beauty, environmental friendliness and practicality - after all, any owner wants the renovation to please with its novelty for a long time.
Floor
To finish the surface of the bedroom floor, it is important that the material is warm, pleasant to the touch (often people move in this room without shoes), create additional noise insulation and, of course, harmonize with the surrounding design. There are many such materials. It can be soft, warm carpet. It has a variety of colors, which allows you to choose a canvas for any style direction. Modular carpet tiles, which have a stronger base, look especially beautiful.
Parquet board and laminate will greatly simplify the cleaning process, and the cork floor will last for decades, giving the room the warmth and comfort of natural material.
Walls
The choice of finishing materials for the walls is also quite extensive - they are painted, whitewashed, wallpapered, plastered. PVC panels are now widely used - they have many variations in execution, can be colored or imitate natural materials, are easy to install and last quite a long time. With their help, you can create absolutely any design - from a calm classic to a daring loft. Often, a significant role is given to drywall, with which you can correct the shortcomings of the walls and the layout as a whole. Finishing materials are often combined, choosing light and dark colors. Canvases with patterns, photo wallpapers, which give a special dynamics, look advantageous.
Ceiling
In the attic bedroom, the issue of ceiling design occupies a special place, due to its non-standard, sloping surfaces, the presence of beamed ceilings and other nuances.
Often drywall panels come to the rescue, which help to even out too pointed corners, hide protruding structures, electrical wiring, giving the room a more comfortable look. Finishing can be done using painting, stretch fabrics, lining, wallpaper. Depending on the style of the room, the beams can not be masked - after all, the more complex the interior, the more interesting it is.
Furniture and lighting
Since the bedroom does not need a lot of furniture, it is quite enough to place a bed, a couple of bedside tables, armchairs and a storage system. The bed is most often installed under the lowest bevel of the roof, near the window through which you can sometimes watch the starry sky in the evening. In order to optimally use the territory, built-in wardrobes of a non-standard shape are often made, which are successfully placed under inclined vaults. Also, the best storage systems can be drawers, bedside tables under the bed base.
Bright lighting in the bedroom is unacceptable, but it should be diffused enough to illuminate every necessary area.
Large chandeliers are not welcome here - it is better to replace them with compact lamps on the walls and bedside tables. You can arrange the wiring in such a way that the lamps turn on in groups, illuminating different zones.
Interior styles
Any room will look luxurious if decorated in a certain style. The attic bedroom is no exception! The style direction should be chosen in such a way that it matches the preferences of the owners and the overall design concept of the house.
Classic attic bedroom
For those who prefer respectable elegance to excessive pretentiousness and eccentricity, it is better to decorate the bedroom in a classic style. Here, the color scheme of noble shades, such as burgundy, cream, olive, sulfur, etc., is perfectly combined with impeccable details of palace luxury. The floor surface is decorated with expensive natural materials, the ceiling is a matte surface, and the furniture made of wood has rich decorations in the form of carvings and precious fittings.
An important role in the classic design is played by textiles - draped curtains, a canopy over the bed.
Attic bedroom in Provence style
The style of a provincial French village is best suited for decorating an attic bedroom, combining comfort and tranquility. There are no bright colors here - the design is based on pastel colors, combined with small floral prints, landscape compositions in wall decoration and textiles. Furniture made with the effect of artificial aging or using decoupage technique, which is adequately complemented by handmade accessories, gives a special atmosphere to the atmosphere.
Loft style loft bedroom
This style, also referred to as "attic", has every right to be implemented in the attic bedroom. There is practically no need to invent anything here: brick, concrete walls, open communications and ventilation pipes, rough beam ceilings, carelessly applied plaster - all this will make up the general picture of the direction.
Modernity will be given by such details as multifunctional furniture, appliances, high-quality lighting.
Attic bedroom in minimalist style
Minimalist design looks quite concise and restrained. In the interior, made in light colors, there are only the necessary furnishings. Finishing, as a rule, has a plain white, gray, beige color, which can be diluted with bright blotches in the form of paintings, posters, photo collages, contrasting elements of furniture or textiles that create an accent.
Chalet-style attic bedroom
This is a special style that allows you to create a spectacular design with a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The ubiquitous presence of natural wood helps in this, which can be found in the decoration of walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and even window frames are made of this material. Most often, the layout assumes access to a vast terrace located under a gracefully protruding roof vault. A warm fireplace made of stone, subdued soft light and a fur blanket on a spacious bed - what could be better for a good rest?
Attic bedroom interior design - photo
In conclusion, we invite you to visit our gallery.
Here we have collected for you the best photos that will demonstrate the various options for arranging a bedroom in the attic. Looking at them, you can create your own design project, making your home more functional and attractive. Happy viewing!
Video: Attic Bedroom - Interior Ideas
Attic bedroom design - 75 best interior photos of a bedroom with an attic ceiling
White attic apartment in the historical center of St. Petersburg
ointerior
Spacious bedroom with an isolated dressing room and a master bathroom on the second level. A sofa with drawers for storage was designed along the windows. The load-bearing beams are covered with wooden decorative panels. The black metal cage is intended for the dogs of the owners of the apartment.
Instead of a TV, a projector was also installed in this room, which projects onto a white wall (without an additional screen).
apartment for a young family
Sergey Muzychuk
An example of the original design: a huge bedroom in the attic in a modern style with gray walls, dark parquet floors, brown floors and wooden walls
Country house9 in Maslovo
buro Stylish design: medium sized master bedroom in white with wood finishes in a modern loft style with orange walls, medium parquet floors, beige floors, tiered ceilings and an alcove bed - the latest trend
Avalon Restoration
Beach Dwellings
John Dimaio
Original Design Example: Attic guest bedroom with gray walls and dark parquet floors
Flipions Flop 900product80805
Flipions Flop 900product80805
This quaint beach cottage is nestled on the coastal shores of Martha's Vineyard.
Inspiration for home comfort: medium-sized mezzanine bedroom, attic in a marine style with white walls without a fireplace
Tiny House
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
The ceiling was opened up in the main space, but the bathroom and bedroom have lower ceilings to accommodate the parent’s sleeping loft above, accessible by a walnut ladder. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Loft Conversion for Detached House in Henleaze
DHV Architects
DHV Architects have designed the new second floor at this large detached house in Henleaze, Bristol. The brief was to fit a generous master bedroom and a high end bathroom into the loft space. Crittall style glazing combined with mono chromatic colors create a sleek contemporary feel. A large rear dormer with an oversized window make the bedroom light and airy.
Marie's Wardrobe
Webb Yates Engineers
Architect: Tsuruta Architects Client: Private Photography: Tim Crocker
Home Inspiration: Scandinavian-style attic guest bedroom with beige walls, light parquet floors and beige floors without a fireplace
Twickenham
Ademchic
Fresh design idea: bedroom medium sized loft in a modern style with gray walls, carpet and gray floors - great interior photo
OLD NOYAC PATH
Blue Ocean Design
Inspiration for home comfort: guest bedroom (guest room), medium-sized attic in a marine style with white walls, medium parquet floors and brown flooring
F003_House for mother
Förstberg Ling
Foto: Markus Linderoth
Fresh design idea: a small Scandinavian-style attic guest bedroom with white walls and light parquet floors without a fireplace - great interior photo
Bamboo Tiny House - Sleeping Loft
Tiny Digs
A queen sized bed will provide a comfortable night's rest.
