9 Tips to Set Up Your Attic as a Home Office

With less noise and fewer distractions, a home office in the attic could be your biggest aide in productivity

I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.

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Unfortunately, homes are not always equipped with office space. Sometimes we find ourselves retrofitting a corner in the kitchen or a spot in the hallway as a workspace. This solution is clever, but it may not give you the privacy or quiet you need to stay productive. If this scenario feels familiar to you, consider looking north for a new office: The attic may be just the spot. Tucked away from the chaos of the everyday, the attic can be transformed into a quaint and peaceful space, perfect for accomplishing a day’s work.

Does just the idea get you motivated? These professional tips will get your attic transformation in motion.

by Diederich & Kim Architects »

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Consider getting a pro’s opinion. If you’re about to transform a currently unused space, get the room properly assessed before taking action. The last thing you want to do is start a new project before ensuring that everything is safe and sound. “First and foremost, it's important to consult with a structural engineer to verify whether the attic floor joists were designed to support the new use of the space, or if they need to be reengineered for live loads,” says architect Charlie Barnett.

by Woodmeister Master Builders »

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Embrace a sliver of space. Only have a chunk of usable space in your attic? Instead of deeming it useless, maximize it. You might be surprised at how little space is needed for a functional and comfortable office. Make sure you can move easily through the room, you can set it up according to your needs, and you have a plan for creating storage or shelving. With those things in mind, you should be good to go.

by Charlie Barnett Associates »

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Plan for windows. The last thing you want in a room where you’ll be spending hours upon hours is the absence of ample light. Natural light in particular can have a direct impact on mood and motivation. “For a successful conversion of an attic into a home office, the room should allow for a well-proportioned window that can be integrated into the overall architecture of the house, either in the form of a dormer — if the roof and city codes allow for that — a gable window or a nice operable skylight,” says Barnett.

Think bright with white. Continue to brighten by choosing white or a light neutral for the walls and furnishings. “Again, you’re spending great chunks of time in here,” says Barnett. “Transforming it into a nice and comfortable area will instantly make it more habitable.”

by Culligan Abraham Architecture »

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Consider built-ins. “Because attic spaces are typically just small rooms pinched between low walls and pitched ceilings, they can be challenging to furnish with commercially available off-the-shelf office cabinetry that is usually large and bulky,” says Barnett. “In these situations, custom cabinetry designed specifically for client needs offers the best results.”

by Holly Marder »

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Transform sloped walls into storage space. Sloped walls can make for great storage, according to designer Ashley Roi Jenkins. If built-ins are outside your budget, or if you want to accompany them with less-expensive freestanding shelves, place shelves in the space beneath sloped walls that may otherwise go unused. This isn't the best spot for a desk, since you may hit your head, so low shelving units are an ideal addition.

Make sure the space operates like an office. “In addition to design and decor, the new electrical and communication requirements for the modern-day office need special attention,” says Barnett. A home office won’t get you very far if it’s not equipped with electrical outlets, Internet and phone service, a fax and a printer.

by AJArchitects, pllc »

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Avoid clutter. Even if you’re working with a large space, fill it only with the essentials. A cluttered office doesn't just lead to disorganization; it can prove to be a distraction. “Once you’ve successfully transformed the space into an office, remember that it is indeed an office, no longer an attic for storage,” says Jenkins. “Don’t fill it up with too many items.”

by Jaque Bethke for PURE Design Environments Inc. »

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Make it comfortable. Again, you’ll be spending considerable time here, so set it up like you would any other space in the home. “Furnish it with a cozy carpet, or fresh plants and flowers to bring in the outdoors,” says Jenkins. “It introduces comfort and a sense of harmony.”

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Comments

olldbobbi The third picture, by Charlie Barnett Associates, that's an attic? Wow!

8 months ago · Like

pkf242 that first photo needs to be retired - who in the world has a computer monitor like that?? very dated! LOL!

7 months ago · Like

TKraft Art & Interiors I would be comfortable working in any of these home offices featured in this article. Although office equipment and new technology come and go - GOOD bones last forever. I am always on the quest to see how people make use of a sloping ceiling wall, interesting to see the floating type shelves in the seventh photo. A separate entrance or an egress to the outside world would be an added benefit. I'm daily grateful for the wireless internet and the KitchenAid under Counter Refrigerator in mine.

7 months ago · Like