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Hidden Room: Making the Most of an Attic Space
Turn your unused attic space into a place for guests, work, kids ... or just getting away from it all
If you could use more living space, look up to the attic. This untapped territory could be transformed into that extra guest room you’ve been longing for, or even a home office for your growing business. Plus, you can’t beat the great views from a high window. If you’re considering cleaning out the cobwebs and bringing your attic to life, check out these photos to imagine just what it could become.
A family room
If you have a more traditional home that consists of a formal living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor, you may be longing for a casual family room. The attic may be the answer. Bring up comfortable furnishings and a TV for watching movies, and say ‘hello’ to lots of relaxing weekend afternoons.
If you have a more traditional home that consists of a formal living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor, you may be longing for a casual family room. The attic may be the answer. Bring up comfortable furnishings and a TV for watching movies, and say ‘hello’ to lots of relaxing weekend afternoons.
The ultimate hangout spot
If you want to have the coolest house in the neighbourhood, transform your attic into a rumpus room. Outfit it with games, sofas and a fridge for snacks.
If you want to have the coolest house in the neighbourhood, transform your attic into a rumpus room. Outfit it with games, sofas and a fridge for snacks.
A home office
If you work from home, you know how important your home office space is. You also know how quickly it seems to fill up with stuff, and how easily it is to be distracted by household activities. Fix this by turning your attic into the office. You’ll likely have more space, and the quiet of the top floor will help you concentrate.
If you work from home, you know how important your home office space is. You also know how quickly it seems to fill up with stuff, and how easily it is to be distracted by household activities. Fix this by turning your attic into the office. You’ll likely have more space, and the quiet of the top floor will help you concentrate.
A spot for the kids
Maybe they need an extra place to hang out on their own, use the computer or study. Whatever it is, a room in the attic will give them privacy and a sense of their own space.
Maybe they need an extra place to hang out on their own, use the computer or study. Whatever it is, a room in the attic will give them privacy and a sense of their own space.
A closet
There never seems to be enough wardrobe space. Even if a closet in the attic isn’t necessarily near your bedroom, it’s a perfect spot for storing bulky off-season items such as coats, jumpers and snow gear.
There never seems to be enough wardrobe space. Even if a closet in the attic isn’t necessarily near your bedroom, it’s a perfect spot for storing bulky off-season items such as coats, jumpers and snow gear.
The great thing about turning your attic into a closet is it doesn’t necessarily require a big renovation as long as the basics are in place, such as decent flooring and lighting. It’s unlikely that guests will see it, so you can easily complete the transformation by simply installing a few sturdy rods or buying freestanding clothes racks and adding a chest of drawers.
The master bedroom
One of the most valuable qualities of an attic space is its quietness. If you’re yearning for a little peace and a good night’s sleep in an active household, move the master bedroom to the top floor. You’ll wake up every morning quite happy you made the move.
One of the most valuable qualities of an attic space is its quietness. If you’re yearning for a little peace and a good night’s sleep in an active household, move the master bedroom to the top floor. You’ll wake up every morning quite happy you made the move.
A guest room
It’s always helpful to have extra places for guests to sleep in. Add a single bed or two to the attic and you’ve created a comfy spot for visitors.
It’s always helpful to have extra places for guests to sleep in. Add a single bed or two to the attic and you’ve created a comfy spot for visitors.
It’s not a problem if space is limited. If you have room for a bed, it can still be a guest room.
Storage
If nothing else, equip your attic with adequate storage. It will prevent the buildup of boxes and lost items, and create the perfect spot for holiday decorations, sports gear and all the other excess stuff that needs an organised home.
YOUR TURN
How have you made the most of your attic? Upload a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
MORE
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If nothing else, equip your attic with adequate storage. It will prevent the buildup of boxes and lost items, and create the perfect spot for holiday decorations, sports gear and all the other excess stuff that needs an organised home.
YOUR TURN
How have you made the most of your attic? Upload a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
MORE
Live Big in a Small House: 25 Tricks to Expand Your Space
Hidden Treasure: 12 Things to Do With Wasted Space Around the House
8 Studios That Prove Small Can Be Stylish
If you’re lucky enough to have an attic equipped with great windows, it’s likely to have the best sunlight in the house. Install shelving for books, pull up some comfy chairs and catch up on your favourite reads.