People usually use their attics to store things they no longer need and often don’t consider turning them into rooms of their own. But attics definitely have bedroom potential! A bit of DIY-ing and decorating can turn a run-of-the-mill attic into a jaw-dropping guest bedroom.
“How?” you may wonder.
Check out our attic bedroom ideas and find out for yourself!
Use Lush Curtains as a Statement Piece
This is an excellent idea if you have a large window in your attic.
Though some people think curtains are outdated, most designers still recommend them as finishing touches for any room in your house.
Pick luxurious heavy ones, and your attic bedroom will significantly benefit from them. They’ll bring texture, make the window area (and the whole slanted ceiling attic bedroom) look more interesting, and get some shade in your room when necessary.
Don’t be afraid to hang them up even if you have a fantastic view. You can easily pull them to the side and enjoy the scenery. Or not. They can serve as a nice frame for the breathtaking landscape.
And don’t worry if your window is oddly shaped. There are always ways to hang up the curtains. In fact, you can even hang your curtains with no drilling, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Use Light Colors for Small Spaces
Not all attics are large, light, and spacious, but this doesn’t mean they can’t become charming bedrooms.
If your attic is small, use light colors like white, light grey, or beige for the walls. This will visually enlarge the room and make it appear light and airy. You can also pick light colors for your floors to maximize the effect.
This is especially effective in a very small attic bedroom, where any help in making your space appear larger is highly appreciated.
A Rustic Hideout
If your attic has exposed wooden beams and brick walls, it can be a perfect place for creating a log cabin-themed bedroom.
Use natural materials that’ll highlight the warmth and coziness of the rustic style — wood, leather, faux fur, etc. Think comfort! Comfy cushions, fluffy blankets, soft rugs, and heavy light-blocking curtains are all welcome additions to a rustic paradise like this one.
Timeless Black and White
Introducing black details here and there is an excellent way to bring some contrast to a small, all-white, low–ceiling attic bedroom.
Black details can come in any shape or form (e.g., armchair armrests, cast iron bed frame, etc.), and they’re sure to add some visual interest to your simple bedroom. If you’re good with your hands, you can even paint your window frames and bits of supporting beams black.
Make Sure There’s Enough Light
Attics tend not to get enough natural light due to a lack of (large) windows. But this doesn’t mean your attic bedroom has to be dark. Artificial lighting can be employed to save the day!
Besides standard ceiling lights, you can introduce various other light sources (e.g., floor lamps, table lamps, etc.) and make the room bright (while simultaneously creating a nice, inviting atmosphere).
Keep the color scheme neutral and pale (this includes details like cushions, blankets, and other decorative items), and you’ll definitely get a cozy attic bedroom full of light.
Think About Storage
If you’re prepared to invest more effort and money in revamping your attic, design it with storage in mind and consider getting a built-in closet.
This way, you won’t have to think about where and how to place a standalone closet without it sticking out and ruining your new bedroom’s aesthetics. And, since you’ll be in charge of its shape and size, you can make it as big as you’d like — even have it covering the entire wall.
And this type of wardrobe isn’t only practical. If you invest in attractive doors, your closet can also serve as an effective piece of decor in your new bedroom. This is exactly why this solution is one of the best attic bedroom storage ideas in our book.
Make Use of That Awkward Window Space
Reading nooks are perfect for constructively utilizing unusually shaped corners of your living space. They aren’t necessarily reserved for living rooms, so you should consider creating one in your bedroom and get some extra relaxation space.
So, add a bench (with or without storage cabinets beneath) to your awkwardly shaped window space, place a large comfy cushion on top, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a comfortable reading area where you can enjoy your favorite tomes, relax, and enjoy the view.
An Eclectic Haven
Eclectic style is all about using seemingly unmatchable items and making them work. So, if you’re at least a bit creative and are trying to make your small attic bedroom a bit more unique, this is the way to go!
Best of all, this style can help you save some money, as it allows you to use things you already have and give them a new lease on life.
Match your grandma’s old Oriental rug with your modern egg chair, play with different textures and colors, or mix and match different styles and designs. In other words, unleash your creativity, and you’ll surely get stunning results.
Get Bold With Your Walls
Though black (or dark gray) walls aren’t the first choice of many homeowners, painting your walls in one of these bold, dramatic colors is one of the best attic bedroom paint ideas.
Especially if you’re looking to create a modern and effective space that’ll definitely have some heads turning.
To prevent the space from looking too dark, add some contrast and paint your exposed beams and ceiling white. This will also give the space a dose of elegance.
You can also add a large mirror (or a large wardrobe with mirror doors) to get more light-reflecting surfaces and make the room brighter.
Keep It Simple
If you love simple designs and neutral colors, we’ve got some good news for you. There’s no better recipe for creating a modern attic bedroom than skillfully combining the two.
Opt for white or light shades of other neutral colors (e.g., gray) for the walls and try to keep things as simple as possible.
Add just a few essential pieces of furniture with simple but elegant lines (e.g., a twin bed, one or two small nightstands, a desk, or even a beautiful makeup vanity if the space allows it).
Don’t forget to add a couple of quaint decorative items (e.g., a faux fur chair cover, a decorative lamp, etc.) to brighten up the room. This will make the space welcoming and stylish while remaining easy to clean and maintain.
If you style it well, this room can become an excellent guest bedroom or a chic teenager hideout.
Conclusion
As you can see, an attic can be much more than just a dark, cramped space where you keep everything you don’t need. It’s not difficult to style and can easily turn into a beautiful bedroom.
All you need is some simple furniture, good lighting, and a couple of decorative details to spruce up the space, and your new room will be ready to accommodate your beloved guests!
FAQ
Where should a bed be placed in an attic room?
If your attic is roomy and the ceiling isn’t too sloped, you can place your bed literally anywhere you like. For example, placing it against one of the non-sloping walls is always a good idea. And if you like waking up to natural light, make it face the attic window.
However, if you’re pressed for space, placing your bed under the sloped wall, where the ceiling is lowest, might be the best space-saving solution. After all, you’ll be lying down on your bed for the most part, so the low ceiling shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
How can I brighten my attic room?
If there isn’t much natural light coming in and investing in new, larger windows isn’t an option, you can always opt for artificial lighting.
For example, you can get some bright ceiling lights and combine them with alternative light sources (e.g., floor lamps, scones, etc.) for maximum effect.
You can also paint your attic walls in lighter colors (e.g., white, beige, etc.) and opt for details in similar hues. Pale colors reflect light better, making your room appear brighter and larger to some degree.
How can I get the most out of my attic bedroom?
There are many things you can do to maximize space in your attic bedroom. First and foremost, you should carefully plan which furniture to use and how to organize it.
If your attic is particularly small, it’s best to stick to the essentials only. A bed, dresser, and a night table will often suffice. Minimalistic furniture can also come in handy due to its simple and practical (but attractive!) design fit for even the smallest of spaces.
Opting for custom-made furniture is also a good idea in this situation, as it can allow you to utilize every inch of the space.
Custom-designed pieces are particularly handy for utilizing vertical space and every awkward nook and cranny there may be (e.g., built-in shelves that follow the lines of your ceiling, however odd they may be, etc.).
And if you need a more graphic example of how to make the most out of your attic bedroom, check out our attic bedroom ideas above!
