Design tips for loft bedrooms

6 min read

Last Modified 9 July 2024 First Added 14 June 2024

Whether converting an attic into a cosy bedroom or redesigning a loft from scratch, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Let’s explore design tips to help you create a sanctuary you’ll love to retreat to in your loft bedroom.

If you’re lucky enough to have a loft bedroom, you’ll know that unconventional shapes and sizes come with the territory. We’ve compiled a list of considerations and creative design solutions to make them beautiful and practical.

What is a loft bedroom?

A loft bedroom, also known as an attic bedroom, is a unique space located at the top of a house.

These rooms often feature sloped ceilings, quirky angles, and exposed structural elements like beams or brickwork.

Loft bedroom with neutral bedroom

Credit: @farmhouse.fun

While these characteristics may present design challenges, they also offer opportunities for creativity and innovation. With thoughtful planning and clever styling, you can transform your loft bedroom into a charming and functional retreat that maximises every inch of space.

So, how do you design a loft bedroom?

When it comes to designing a loft bedroom, creativity is key.

Due to their unconventional shape, you’ll need to think outside the box to make the most of every nook and cranny. Consider investing in a storage bed to maximise space efficiency and keep clutter at bay. Use colour to help draw the eye, create a sense of openness and embrace natural features like exposed beams or brick for character and charm.

1. Lay out the space well

Layer features like floating shelves into alcoves to make your loft bedroom truly practical.

Designing the layout of a loft bedroom requires careful consideration to optimise functionality and aesthetics. Since these spaces often have irregular shapes, it’s essential to be strategic with furniture placement and storage solutions. This is especially crucial if you’re designing a teen bedroom with a study nook. For further inspiration, explore these modern teenage hideout designs.

Here’s some great ideas for making the most of architectural features and adding furnishings to the space:

  • Floating shelves – Perfect for modern homes and traditional buildings alike, match the wood to other elements and adorn with books and other knick-knacks to add personality to the space.
  • Built in wardrobes – Functional and simple, these can be made to fit an awkwardly-shaped nook or cranny, or make your own walk-in wardrobe.
  • Add multi-functionality – Your bedroom may be unique, but so are your needs. Make it work for you by adding a daybed with built in storage to help make the most of the floorspace, or consider a folding desk for days where you’re working from home.

And of course, if there’s a fun or quirky feature like exposed beams or a little nook for the bed, embrace it! Emphasise it with a feature wall, hang lights from those beams, and bring those features to the forefront.

Loft Bedroom with plants and shelves
Wilson Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

product

Wilson Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

Credit: @no5hillside

2. Bring in natural light

Natural light can work wonders in a loft bedroom, making even the smallest attic feel bright and airy.

Natural light is vital for opening up a room and making it feel spacious. Install skylights or tilted windows and use mirrors to reflect light around the room. Just look at this example from @theharmerhome on TikTok:

 

@theharmerhome

Natural light is my favourite 🌞 ☁️ . . #loftroom #bedroom #bedroomcheck #bedroomdesign #loftconversion #greybedroom #greybedroomdecor #veluxwindows #makeuptable #interiordesign #greyhome

♬ big boy sza – normusreedus

 

If your loft bedroom has access to a balcony or terrace, consider adding French doors to flood the room with natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. By harnessing the power of natural light, you can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that beckons you to relax and unwind.

3. Decide on a colour scheme and stick with it

Choose your palette, and let it steer your space.

Cohesion is key when designing a loft bedroom, so choosing a cohesive colour scheme is essential. Stick to a palette of complementary colours that harmonise with the overall aesthetic of your space.

Incorporating neutrals into your decor scheme can help to visually expand the space, while embracing natural elements adds warmth and character. This is particularly important when considering painting your ceiling. If your loft bedroom feature a skylight, you want to make the most of the light streaming in. Opting for a bright white or a light shade will ensure your space radiates a light and airy atmosphere.

a taupe bed frame viewed from the foot end. The bed is placed centrally with a floating shelf above holding picture frames, vases, and ornaments.
House Beautiful Chloe Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

product

House Beautiful Chloe Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

For a truly relaxing look, consider a showstopping bed in a soft cream bouclé or taupe with a subtle decor scheme. For a touch more colour, pair neutrals like dove grey with accent hues of dusty blue or light pink. Using light colours in this way can create the illusion of more space. Alternatively, get a sleek and sophisticated vibe with a monochromatic scheme using varying shades of one colour.

It’s also important to know there are certain colours you should avoid in your loft bedroom. With limited natural light, the colour yellow can be overwhelming and absorb light rather than reflect it. Deep shades of red can have the same effect too, especially if you have sloped ceilings. Even bold reds can create a sense of restlessness rather than relaxation.

Make your loft feel soft and cosy by turning it into your ultimate nest

Make your loft feel soft and cosy by turning it into your ultimate nest.

Loft bedrooms can sometimes feel cold and cavernous due to their angular shapes and irregular features. Softening the space with plush textures and natural elements can help create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Incorporate chunky knits, faux fur throws, and tactile fabrics to add warmth and comfort to your bedroom décor. Consider adding natural vibes with a wooden bedframe. The grain’s natural irregularities will help to add to that gentleness.

You can also bring the outdoors in by introducing potted plants or hanging greenery. This will help infuse the space with a sense of tranquillity and can even help you get to sleep.

@shaaaybeee on TikTok shows some great examples with wooden textures, indoor plants, and fun colours in her space:

 

@shaaaybeee

Omg I found this video while clearing out my photo albums. my old room – honestly I miss it. It was so cozy and perfect. #bedroomtour #bedroomdesign #cozybedroom #loftbedroom

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

Create a natural haven with our....

Designing a loft bedroom is an opportunity to let your creativity shine and transform a unique space into a stylish and functional retreat. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or cosy and rustic, there are endless design possibilities to explore. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your imagination, and get ready to turn your loft bedroom into a haven you’ll love to call home.