Ideas to Convert Your Attic into Usable Space
Finished attics add value to your home and are also useful for whole-home ventilation. They can help keep air circulating properly and reduce your energy bills.
Most attic spaces have rafters or trusses. If you have a trussed attic, making changes may be difficult or even impossible. The attic space must be able to support the weight of flooring, furniture and people.
Storage
The first thing most homeowners think of when they finish their attic is storing stuff up there. It’s a great space for holiday decorations, boxes of memories and tools.
When converting an attic to storage, it’s important to start with clean lines and a bare floor. This helps you maximize the amount of storage space you have and prevents things like cobwebs and dust from getting in your way. You can also install a pull-down staircase to make it easier to access your storage areas.
Depending on the size of your attic and your needs, you may need to install some custom-made storage solutions. For example, a recessed chest of drawers or DIY open shelves are great attic renovation ideas for creating functional, organized storage. You can also add a window seat to a cozy nook to create a reading corner or an attic office.
To keep your attic clutter-free, categorize and label items in storage bins or boxes to save time. Use plastic containers, as they are more durable than cardboard and can withstand temperature changes in the attic. Plus, they’re easier to see in and won’t be nibbled by mice. Also, try to place items you use often in the most accessible locations so you don’t have to go through everything to find what you need.
Game Room
The attic is the perfect spot for a game room that turns your home into the center of entertainment. A pool table, ping-pong, foosball or billiards are the ideal additionsf to bring fun and excitement into your attic. Just be sure to consult with experts to ensure your attic floor is strong enough to handle the frantic activity that often comes with a gaming space.
Since your attic has sloping ceilings, be careful not to overcrowd the space with furniture. A few padded benches are more than enough to offer seating for guests or players. Also, remember to place the focal point of your game room in the right spot within the attic room. It should be a feature that can stand out amongst the rest of the furniture and accessories. A tiny home bar or a sleek fireplace would serve as a great choice for an attic game room.
You can add even more seating to the room by converting an awkward attic niche into a built-in storage bench. You can also use this space to store away extra equipment, work supplies or those holiday decorations you’ve been hoarding. Using the existing walls as much as possible can help keep expenses down and maximize your attic’s potential.
Attic Nursery
A finished attic can be a comfortable bedroom for an extra guest or your child, adding value to your home if you ever decide to sell. If you plan to turn your attic into a bedroom, be sure to have a pro inspect the structure and foundation of your home to make sure it can support the extra weight.
An attic nursery makes great use of natural light, with a cozy nook framed by built-in shelves. Simple furniture allows the room to be adapted as your child grows, and a rug with a bohemian vibe brings a pop of color.
Wood paneling on the attic ceiling gives this nursery a warm, rustic look, while contrasting with white walls and trim. A broom closet houses cleaning supplies you don’t want to lug upstairs, and a recessed window seat offers an ideal spot to read or take in the view.
If your attic has a window, hang drapes to give the illusion of a full window. Without one, mirrors are a good option to bounce light around the room and visually enlarge it. In addition, paint the beams a color that coordinates with your wall and ceiling color to make the space feel seamless. A tongue-and-groove ceiling is easy to install and will protect the low attic ceiling from dings and dents.
Walk-In Closet
If you have a large attic space, turn it into a luxurious walk-in closet. Create custom shelving to fit all of your clothing, shoes and accessories, and install a dresser section with a mirror. Add a comfy nook for putting on makeup or sitting to relax, and your attic storage space will become an organized dream.
Attic closets need to be insulated and sealed properly to prevent moisture, mold and mildew problems. You’ll also need to upgrade the attic stairway and landing in order to accommodate furniture. Consult your renovation expert to ensure the stairs meet all of the required building codes.
A finished attic can make a great reading or TV room, but it can also be used as a playroom for children. Because kids’ furniture is smaller and shorter, it will work well in an attic room with lower ceilings.
Use a combination of rolling carts, storage benches and recessed cubbies to convert your attic into a multi-purpose playroom that can be used for both playing and studying. If you want to create a cozy little nook for relaxing or reading, install low shelves and a built-in bench in the corner with some soft pillows and a blanket. Then, hang a hanging rod to store clothing and other items that you don’t want on the floor.
