Eight Alternative Ways to Use Your Attic
Tired of using your attic space for storage? Here are eight alternative uses for this area of your home.
Master Bedroom
Try transforming an attic into a master suite, especially if the original master room your house has is a bit cramped. Think of a room with a natural color scheme and exposed beams. Muted green wallpaper, white paneling and white shiplap on the ceiling brighten the room and make it appear taller. Dark wood accents add richness and the minimal use of furniture enhances the room’s spacious vibe.
Music Studio
The attic makes a great location for a music room or recording studio, if you’re a musician — especially if you have multiple instruments cluttering up a multi-use living room that could use a space of their own. Go with a light paint color for the ceiling and walls, then add a colorful accent or two and some lighting. The instruments will be the room’s main focus and the clutter-free design of the room will help you concentrate on perfecting your art.
Personal Library
Help foster a love of the written word by turning an attic into a private library. Install stand-alone or built-in shelving to house the books. Place some comfy chairs and some accent tables around the room. Add some lighting, whether that be in the form of some track lighting, sconces or table lamps. Then, fill the shelves with whatever books and publications your heart desires. Try dark hardwood flooring paired with white walls and ceiling, for an airy feel to the room.
Playroom
Attics can also make great playrooms if you have children — and would appreciate isolating their play-related noise to the upstairs region of your home. A play area in soft mint and golden yellow shiplap, contrasted with white and soft pink, will create a lighthearted backdrop for imaginary adventures.
Game Room
Whether your family prefers board games or puzzles, the attic space is easy to renovate into a game room where you can store and play your favorites. An attic with a burlap-upholstered ceiling, exposed brick walls and unfinished wood paneling is ideal. A vibrant red rug adds a touch of color. Cots, plaid pillows and blankets elaborate on the family-friendly camping theme.
Home Office
Setting up a home office in an attic space will give you a quiet set-apart space to go when you need to concentrate on work. Place a desk, chair and task lamp in the room, then add some ambient lighting and wall art for some personality.
Craft Room
Say goodbye to an overloaded kitchen table or work-room desk when you move your craft supplies to the attic. Acquire a filing cabinet, rolling cart and some long work surfaces so you can spread out your projects without feeling cramped.
Spa Retreat
Transform an attic into a luxurious retreat if you need a room designated for relaxing and pampering yourself. Imagine a small guest bedroom area leading into a sophisticated, modern bathroom replete with a glass shower and glass-door bathtub paired with a granite vanity top, double sinks and a pale teal glass-tile backsplash. Silver sconces with white lampshades, a pillow-top storage bench and white towels make for a clean, soothing aesthetic.
By using an attic in one of these creative ways, you can get the most out of your house’s layout — without spending a fortune on an addition or refinishing the basement.