The attic can be one of the most challenging spaces to decorate in your home. With its angled walls and ceilings, limited floor space, and restricted height, it may seem nearly impossible to transform your attic into a functional and inviting room. However, attics also offer unique architecture and ample natural light that, with some creative ideas, can be made into stylish and cozy spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore some clever and beautiful ways to make the most of your sloped ceiling attic. From choosing the right furnishings and lighting to selecting attractive color schemes and decorative finishes, you’ll find plenty of inspiring attic room ideas to create a space that’s both comfortable and full of character. With a little imagination and the right slope ceiling design tricks, your attic can become one of the most charming and unique rooms in your home.
Selecting Attic Room Furniture for Angled Walls
One of the biggest challenges in decorating an attic room is finding furniture that fits within the sharp angles and sloped ceilings. Large, oversized pieces simply won’t work. Instead, seek out furniture specifically designed for attic and awkward spaces.
Choose Compact, Multi-Functional Attic Furniture
Look for compact, multi-functional furniture built to scale for attic rooms. Items like convertible ottomans that open into guest beds, small dining tables with drop leaves, and sleeper sofas can serve more than one purpose.
Murphy beds and wall beds that fold vertically when not in use are excellent space-saving options. Desks with pop-up shelves and hidden storage compartments also provide extra function.
Opt for furniture with casters or wheels to easily move pieces around the room as needed. Nesting tables, rolling carts, and small-scale cabinetry maximize your options.
Incorporate Custom Built-In Furniture
Since attics have so many sloped surfaces and odd angles, custom built-ins like benches, shelving, window seats, or cabinetry can be designed to perfectly fit the unique dimensions of the space. Built-ins help reduce visual clutter while also providing abundant storage and functionality.
Floating built-in bookshelves mounted on angled walls are great for displaying collections while optimizing usable space. Built-in window seats with storage underneath make a cozy reading nook with extra capacity to tuck away linens or accessories.
Choose Furniture with an Open and Airy Footprint
Furniture with an open and airy footprint helps maintain an illusion of space. Clear acrylic or glass furniture pieces, open metal frame chairs, and wire storage cubes keep things looking light.
Avoid bulky upholstered pieces and ornate wood furniture, which tends to make attic rooms feel cramped. Let the architecture be the focal point by keeping furnishings transparent and minimal.
Selecting the Best Flooring Options for Sloped Attic Spaces
Attic floors often come with their own set of obstacles. From uneven plank subfloors to carpeting covering old damaged hardwoods, choosing suitable attic flooring can be tricky. Consider these options when selecting flooring for a sloped attic space:
Use Wall-to-Wall Low Pile Carpeting
Low pile carpeting in neutral colors is an inexpensive and forgiving choice for uneven attic floors. The soft surface masks bumps and makes the space feel cozy. Be sure to have sufficient underlayment to smooth out the floor before installing wall-to-wall carpet.
Try Painted Wood Planks for Character
If the existing floor is in good shape structurally, sand any rough areas and paint the boards in a fresh, light color to reflect more light. The wood grain showing through painted floors looks stylish while the paint updates any worn areas.
Install New Wood Flooring for Durability
Though more costly, installing new tongue-and-groove wood flooring properly leveled over firm plywood underlayment creates a smooth and sturdy attic floor. This is especially important if the space will be used frequently or hold heavy furniture.
Choose Scraped and Distressed Flooring Finishes
New hardwoods can mimic old floor character with scraped and wire-brushed finishes in grey and white-washed colors. The naturally worn look complements attic architecture beautifully. Distressed engineered floors are also more budget-friendly.
Use Woven Vinyl for the Attic Staircase
Carpeted stairs are a fall hazard. For improved safety and durability, replace carpet on the attic staircase with woven vinyl stair treads. The woven texture provides traction while the vinyl withstands heavy wear.
Making the Most of Sloped Walls and Ceilings
One of the keys to making an attic feel inviting is to highlight, rather than disguise, the sloped ceilings and knee walls. These architectural details give the space uniqueness and character. Enhance the features with the right choices:
Accentuate Slopes with Angled Lighting
Use directional lighting to accentuate, rather than fight against, the attic angles. Swing arm wall lamps or adjustable track heads aimed up at the ceiling and downward toward knee walls create dramatic angled illumination. Recessed lighting on dimmers also adds flexible mood lighting.
Add Skylights for Natural Light & Views
Strategically placed skylights allow sunlight to reach deep into attic rooms to make the space feel open and airy. Opt for skylights with ventilation capabilities to prevent getting too hot. Position skylights to take advantage of attractive views overlooking treetops or the horizon.
Incorporate Mirrored Surfaces
Mirrored surfaces visually expand tight attic spaces and make low-ceiling rooms appear taller. Lean floor mirrors against knee walls or mount mirrored panels on sloped ceilings and walls to reflect light and add depth. Use mirrored closet doors or a mirrored headboard as well.
Paint Ceilings and Walls Light, Bright Colors
Stick with light, bright ceiling and wall colors to reflect light rather than absorb it. Soft whites, pale grays, muted blues and greens open up the space. Reserve deep, dramatic shades for accent walls or furnishings instead. Add architectural interest with beadboard wainscoting in crisp white.
Add Trendy Shiplap or Wood Accent Walls
A wood accent wall or shiplap adds rustic character to any attic room. Stain the planks a contemporary driftwood gray or bright white to keep it fresh. Use wood reclaimed from the home, like old barn siding, for a meaningful touch.
Attic Room Ideas: Making a Bedroom in the Sloped Space
With a little creativity, an attic bedroom can become a cozy, charming, and restful oasis, despite the architectural challenges. Consider these tips for converting an attic into a restful sloped ceiling sanctuary:
Choose the Right Attic Bed Frame
To work within the steeply pitched ceilings, look for low-profile bed frames specifically designed for attics. Platform beds with headboards attached to side rails rather than the wall leave room for sloping eaves. Just be sure there’s ample clearance down the center.
Incorporate Under-Bed Storage
Maximize every inch of an attic bedroom by using the space under the bed for storage. Install pull-out drawers or roll-out shelves for keeping linens, seasonal clothing, shoes, or accessories conveniently tucked out of the way.
Add Layers with Furnishings & Textiles
Since attic walls limit furniture placement, make the most of the bed as a central focus. Pile on textural pillows, a cozy duvet, and a padded upholstered headboard. Floating wall-mounted nightstands flanking the bed free up floor space.
Create Display Space with Shelving
Sloped attic walls provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate wall shelving displaying collections and meaningful mementos. Stagger floating bookshelves, nautical driftwood displays, or eclectic art installations. Sconces can illuminate featured vignettes.
Tuck in a Reading Nook
Carve out a special spot for curling up with a book. Use the knee wall next to a dormer window to build a cushioned, pillow-strewn reading nook. Add a swing arm sconce for task lighting and a rolling side table for holding books.
Converting an Attic into a Functional Office
The abundance of natural light makes an attic an ideal choice for a home office. Just take care to zone the office area away from the bedroom portion of the attic for better productivity.
Add a Sloped Ceiling Desk & Chair
A compact desk designed to tuck against a sloped wall or knee wall takes advantage of the unused space while opening up floor space. Look for an L-shaped desk with shelves above to double as storage. An ergonomic kneeling chair allows working comfortably.
Incorporate Wall-Mounted Storage
Wall-mounted cabinets, shelves, and racks keep supplies and paperwork off the desk yet close at hand. Floating shelves mounted just below the ceiling line provide display and storage.
Use Freestanding Bookcases & File Cabinets
Narrow bookcases and file cabinets can squeeze into tight niches between the knee walls and eaves. Opt for furniture with wheels for mobility.
Add a Magnetic Dry Erase Board
Make use of the angled walls by installing a large magnetic dry erase board for jotting to-do lists and reminders. The slope lets it double as a drafting table for working on plans and designs.
Creating an Attic Lounge Area or Media Room
Transforming an attic into a lounge area or media room takes some creative furniture arranging, but the result is a cozy space for relaxing.
Incorporate a Sectional or Small Sofas
Arranging sectional seating or two compact loveseats perpendicular to knee walls utilizes the space better than one large sofa. An upholstered bench against the knee wall adds extra informal seating.
Use Poufs & Ottomans as Flexible Seating
Poufs, ottomans, and floor pillows provide flexible portable seating for gatherings. They can be moved around easily as needed. Large upholstered cubes even work well as coffee tables.
Add Short Media Cabinets for Electronics
To accommodate media components, look for short and low-profile media consoles and entertainment centers that don’t obstruct the views or take up valuable floor area.
Install Wall-Mounted TVs
Wall mounting the television frees up floor and shelf space. Place it across from the seating area on a knee wall or sloped ceiling area. Hide unsightly cords inside the wall.
Use Angled Architectural Lighting
Spotlights, track lights, or wall washers placed at sloped angles provide dramatic lighting for the lounge environment. Wall sconces placed at seated eye level also create a cozy ambiance.
Choosing the Best Attic Bathroom Solutions
One of the biggest hurdles when adding an attic bathroom is gaining enough floor space and ceiling height. But with some adjustments, you can carve out a functional and comfortable attic bath.
Strategically Place Plumbing Stacks
Work with plumbers early in the remodel process to optimize plumbing stack placement. Centering utility connections on a wall rather than the ceiling preserves overhead space.
Install a Compact Attic Toilet
A compact elongated toilet with a lower seat height (14-15” from floor to bowl rim) and thin tank fits better in tight attic spaces. Wall-hung toilets also save space.
Choose a Small Attic-Friendly Vanity
Look for bathroom vanities no larger than 24-30” wide for attics. Floating wall-mounted vanities eliminate bulky cabinets. Vessel sinks require less counter depth.
Use a Low-Profile Attic Shower
Frameless showers with no threshold and glass partitions allow for more interior space. Use a handheld adjustable shower head. Skylights above the shower maximize light.
Add Mirrored Surfaces
Mirrored walls or reflective subway tile make small attic bathrooms appear larger than they are. Illuminated mirrors also brighten up the compact space.
Clever Attic Storage Solutions
One advantage of an attic room is all the unique nooks and crannies that are ideal for custom storage. Here are some clever ways to tuck storage into an attic:
Use the Eaves for Narrow Shelving
The narrow spaces under the eaves are perfect for open shelving. Stagger the shelves at varying heights for display. Leave the bottom shelves open for baskets to slide under.
Build Window Seat Storage
Bay window seats can double as storage benches. Use hinged lids or large drawers under the window bench to hold items. Add cushions on top for seating.
Hide Items in Under-Eave Closets
Under-eave closets take advantage of awkward sloped areas. Use it to house out-of-season clothes, linens, holiday decorations, or sports equipment. Add custom rods and shelving sized for the space.
Incorporate Rolling Storage Cart
A rolling metal cart with wire baskets fits nicely under attic eaves yet easily accesses any area. Use it for craft supplies, bathroom towels, or janitorial items.
Install Attic Truss Storage
Make use of the open web truss framework by having shelving and cabinets built right into the trusses. It becomes almost an exposed attic closet.
Attic Room Ideas: Lighting Tips for Low Ceilings
Properly illuminating a low-ceiling attic room brings brightness and gives the illusion of higher ceilings. Follow these lighting strategies:
Use Multiple Recessed Ceiling Lights
A series of shallow recessed ceiling lights better illuminate attic rooms without shadows. Space the lights evenly to flood the room with light. Mini can lights work in tight eave spaces.
Try Sloped Ceiling Track Lighting
Installing tracks at an angle follows the roofline and adds task lighting. Use adjustable heads to direct illumination where needed.
Add Dormer Window Boxes
Box out dormer windows and line with strip lighting or rope lights. The glow from above makes a huge impact in an attic space.
Place Light Fixtures High & Outside Slopes
Taking advantage of the higher center point of the ceiling, center a hanging pendant or chandelier from the peak. Wall sconces placed high illuminate the space.
Incorporate Soft Ambient Lighting
Use lamps, sconces, and accent lighting to create a soft ambient glow. Uplighting behind knee walls or undercabinet lighting provides cozy mood lighting too.
Install Skylights with Blinds
Skylights flood an attic with natural light. Adding blackout blinds lets you control light levels for daytime and nighttime use. Ventilated skylights keep the space cooler.
Decorating an Attic Room on a Budget
Transforming an unused attic into a functional living space can seem out of reach budget-wise. But with some thrifty tricks, you can decorate an attic room on a budget:
Shop Discount Stores for Furniture Deals
Check secondhand stores, online classifieds, estate sales, and discount retailers for quality furniture at reduced costs. Repurposed vintage pieces add character.
Use Textiles to Add Color
Rugs, pillows, curtains, and other textiles purchased on sale inject color, softness, and warmth economically. Check home goods outlets for bargains.
Repurpose & Refurbish Existing Furniture
Give dated furniture from other rooms in your home a facelift with chalk paint or new fabric covers. Recycle cabinets and dressers into clever built-ins too.
Display Collections Creatively
Use your own collections, like framed photos, albums, or favorite books to decorate shelves rather than purchasing new accessories. Display in creative ways.
Choose Budget-Friendly Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring, stained concrete floors, and remnant carpeting are affordable options. Refinish existing floors rather than replacing.
Buy Secondhand Lighting Fixtures
Check architectural salvage stores, online auctions, and estate sales for chandeliers, sconces, and lamps at a fraction of the retail cost. Vintage adds character.
Things to Avoid When Converting an Attic to Living Space
While attic spaces allow ample room for creativity, there are a few things to avoid when converting attics to prevent issues down the road:
Don’t Add Heavy Stone or Tile
Heavy stone or tile flooring could put excess strain on the structural integrity of the attic. Opt for lightweight flooring alternatives like vinyl or stained plywood.
Don’t Install Short Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans hung too low in attic rooms with limited height can be a major hazard. Use hugger fans and be sure blades sit at least 7 feet above the floor.
Don’t Overload Electrical Circuits
Attics rarely have enough electrical outlets already installed. Overloading existing circuits with too many fixtures can be a fire risk. Upgrade the electrical before decorating.
Don’t Ignore Insulation Needs
Without adequate insulation, attic rooms can get extremely hot in summer and very cold in winter. Invest in proper insulation like spray foam for sloped ceilings.
Don’t Install Heavy Chandeliers
Large ornate chandeliers or pendant lights should be avoided in most attics as added ceiling weight. Opt for smaller fixtures.
Don’t Cut Corners on Codes
Building codes related to ceiling height, staircases, ventilation, and more protect your safety. Stick to the codes for any structural changes.
FAQs About Decorating Attic Spaces
Some frequently asked questions about making the most of an attic room include:
What ceiling height is needed for an attic bedroom?
Most building codes require a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for habitable attic space. Areas of the room may slope lower but should have at least 5 feet of head clearance.
Should attic flooring match the rest of my home?
Matching or coordinating flooring will help the att