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7 Decorating Tips for an Attic Bedroom Sanctuary
Use an attic's cozy architecture to create a bedroom that's a snuggle-ready refuge
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.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Don’t let the sloped ceilings and awkward architecture of the attic throw you off — with a little know-how, you can transform this often-underused space into cozy sleeping quarters. Whether you’re in need of a guest bedroom or simply want a brand-new space for yourself, check out the following professional tips for setting up a fabulous attic retreat.
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| Arrange your furniture carefully. “Factor in space to sit and stand around main pieces of furniture, like sofas, chests and desks,” says interior designer Meredith Heron. "Be sure to place the bed somewhere that you can get in and out comfortably.” |
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by Gast Architects
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| Use sloped ceilings wisely. “Dormers are great for window seats, desks or reading nooks,” says Heron. “These types of activities don’t require ceiling height, so where things are constricted, they provide extra function to that space.” If you’re short on storage, built-in shelving is another wise use of the space where a sloped ceiling meets the floor. |
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| Consider skylights when arranging your layout. Do you like to read the morning paper in bed? Place your bed beneath the skylights. If you’d prefer natural light while getting ready for the day, arrange your space so your vanity sits under the windows. Learn about tubular skylights |
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| Don't overcrowd the space. Attic bedrooms are generally tighter spaces, and if there are sloped ceilings, the room can feel claustrophobic with too many furnishings. Add only what you need — less is definitely more in this case. |
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| Consider a two-tone paint job. “Painting is always tricky when working with an attic space, as the walls are often shortened and the ceiling space is greater than in most rooms,” says Heron. “For a cozy feeling, consider painting the walls a different color than the ceiling.” |
| Or trick the eye by using all one color. “If you want the space to feel more spacious, paint the ceiling and wall the same color, but keep it to a light neutral or white,” advises Heron. |
by Meredith Heron
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Nix the overhead lights. “Forget pot lights in the attic,” says Heron. “Opt instead for table lamps or wall sconces; uplighting is a great way to play up a dramatic roofline.”
Tell us: How have you transformed your attic space?
See an architect's tips for turning an attic or a basement into living space
Tell us: How have you transformed your attic space?
See an architect's tips for turning an attic or a basement into living space
Comments
kennedytarheel Perhaps you should add: "Place your bed so that it's easy to change the sheets." I would not want to crawl around the top of bed set into the nook in photo #2 trying to change sheets. Great ideas on bed placement otherwise. Thanks!
8 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi The bedroom by Cardea Building Co - nicely done! Look at all that storage!
8 months ago · Like
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Francesca I'm pretty sure that if I have an attic in the house I purchase in a few months, I will definitely make it over to something 'like this'. It may not be a bedroom, it may be a reading room or a small little 'office' for me to work in.
8 months ago · Like
jasmineaubert just love mansardes. all the pics are lovely.
8 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 15, 2012.
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