A finished attic can be used for a spare loft-style bedroom with a bit of planning.
Turning an attic into an authentic loft style bedroom is an excellent way to add a guest room or additional bedroom to a home. Attics with sloped ceilings and rough walls and fixtures will add to the loft look of the bedroom, as lofts are generally industrial in appearance. Before you convert your attic into a loft bedroom, have it inspected by a qualified professional in your area to make sure it is safe if you haven't already done so.
Instructions
Building and Remodeling
1. Remove unwanted items from the attic and clean the walls and floors by sweeping and vacuuming to remove excessive dirt. If the attic has not been used in some time, you may want to hire a professional cleaning crew to make sure the attic is properly cleaned. Also, if the attic is full of loose fill insulation, you'll have to remove it.
2. Have the attic inspected by professionals to make sure there is no mold in the attic which could cause health problems. Most companies that inspect for mold will be able to remove dangerous mold from your home which, in worst case scenarios, you cannot do yourself.
3. Hire a contractor to inspect the floors and walls for safety and for a quote on installing stair access to the attic. In many cases, attics have exposed insulation, which is not suitable for a living space. Talk with your contractor about finishing walls with drywall or plaster and also insulation. A contractor will know the building codes and R-value for your area.
4. Discuss installing windows in the attic with your contractor to allow natural light and air into the room. The type of windows you install will depend on the style of the room.
5. Consider installing heating and air conditioning in the attic. In some moderate climates, you may be able to get away with a window air conditioning unit or space heater depending on where you live. However, if you live in a particularly cold climate, central heating is a necessity that must be discussed with your contractor.
Design and Decor
6. Paint the walls and trim of your attic in traditional loft colors. In most traditional lofts, large portions of walls are painted bright white. Trim around windows and doors is painted with semigloss or high gloss dark colors, such as brown, black or gray. By painting trim dark colors using semigloss or high gloss paint, the fixtures are easy to clean.
7. Use sleek, modern window coverings instead of pleated curtains or curtains with a valance. Roman shades that can be pulled up or down, metal vertical or horizontal blinds and shutters can all be used to give the space an authentic loft feel. If doesn't get a lot of light and you aren't worried about privacy, consider not using any window treatments at all.
8. Use contemporary rugs within the room to cover exposed wood flooring as long as it is safe to stand on. Fixing and finishing flooring in the attic can be a very expensive prospect, and if you are only going to be using the room as a spare bedroom your money may be better spent in other places.
9. Avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative objects. To create an authentic loft feel in your attic bedroom you should keep the space clean and modern, free of too many knick knacks. Decorative items, like vases with fresh or silk flowers and art pieces, should be used sparingly throughout the space.
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