A loft in a house is an elevated space that can serve a multitude of purposes. Whether you choose to use one as a bedroom, storage space, or for another activity entirely, lofts offer flexibility in home design. Below, you will find plenty of information regarding where lofts are most commonly found, how they are primarily used, and what differentiates lofts from finished attic spaces.
Meet the Expert: Rachael Grochowski is the principal architect and designer at RHG A+D, based in Montclair, NJ. Patty Cassidy is the director of interiors at Ike Baker Velten, an architecture and design firm based in Oakland, CA. What Is a Loft? A loft is an elevated area inside of a home that is accessible via a flight of stairs. Lofts generally overlook a main living area, such as a living room or kitchen, and function as an additional room within a home that can be used for relaxing, working, or sleeping. Similar to an outdoor balcony’s design, a loft has railings but does not feature four standard plaster walls like a traditional room would. Where Are Lofts Found? Lofts are most commonly found in contemporary or industrial-style homes. They are also common in smaller city apartments, given that they allow vertical space to be repurposed into an additional new room even when square footage is limited. A home’s architectural style will influence a loft’s specific appearance. In industrial-style homes, for example, lofts are usually accessible up a black metal staircase and feature black metal railings. They may be accompanied by exposed brick walls as well as exposed beams or ductwork as well. What Are Lofts Used For? Because lofts are located up a flight of stairs and not on the main level of a home, they are often used as offices and lounge spaces. When a loft is used as an office, it’s easy for an adult to be working in this space while still keeping an eye on the family downstairs, explains Rachael Grochowski, principal architect and designer at RHG A+D. “Lofts are great areas for a library or just an overlook,” she says. Sometimes, lofts that serve as offices are enclosed with glass, Grochowski adds. A loft can also function as a bedroom. However, given its lack of standard walls, this type of setup is most often the case in a single-occupancy apartment, or one belonging to a couple, in which case privacy is not as much of a concern. Additionally, there is sometimes an en-suite bathroom in a lofted bedroom, but other times, this is not the case, and the sole bathroom is located downstairs on the main living level. Some people may simply choose to use a lofted space as storage in lieu of a traditional attic. In this instance, lofts make for easily accessible spaces in which to store items such as off-season clothing, holiday and seasonal decorations, entertaining supplies, crafting gear, and more. A small loft, such as the one shown here, can even be converted into a walk-in closet and used to house several clothing racks, and shoe holders which will make getting ready for the day more enjoyable.A loft in a house is a space that combines functionality with a modern, industrial aesthetic. To design an intentional loft, focus on creating zones and defined spaces without the need for walls. Whether it’s for reading, sleeping, or working, the function of the space should be prioritized while maintaining the open, airy feel that lofts are known for.
A finished attic differs from a loft in that it is more secluded and features standard walls.
Attics often have a rustic design, while lofts tend to be more modern and industrial. As Patty Cassidy, director of interiors at Ike Baker Velten, states, ‘lofts prioritize open space with an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality.’When furnishing a loft, opt for neutral pieces, plenty of plants, and sleek accent pieces. Choose an overall theme or color palette to ensure your loft blends in with the rest of your home.
Since lofts can be seen from the room or rooms below, design with cohesiveness in mind to avoid visual clutter.The absence of full walls in a loft allows for sound to carry, which can be a benefit for easy conversation between upstairs and downstairs spaces.
Pros and cons of having a loft include the benefits of additional space, light, and an urban feel that complements modern design.
However, depending on the season, lofts can feel overly warm or cold, necessitating heating and cooling systems for year-round comfort.The cost of building a loft in your house typically ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the scope of the project and your location.
A loft can increase your home’s value by 10% to 25%, making it a potentially valuable addition.
Lofts are popular, especially if they add industrial, modern flair to a home.
However, if a loft replaces a closed bedroom, it may not appeal to all buyers.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/are-open-floor-plans-out-experts-weigh-in-5221907-hero-fd2eadb7ebf84c199d492d3b2e3e7cea.jpg)