LOFT CONVERSION IDEAS

loft bedroom, loft bathroom, loft office, loft kids room, loft music room

Loft Conversion Ideas

Create the perfect retreat in your home with some extra living space in the loft. While we all like to spend time socialising with family members or friends, time to recharge on our own is so valuable. Keep things casual with a classic sofa and mismatched armchair in neutral colours and go for a couple of super-cool accessories, such as the pouffe and rug here, to make it your own.

It may not always be practical to put a master bedroom in your attic, particularly if you have very young children. So instead, why not turn it into a fancy guest space that you can reclaim when the kids are older. Granny and Grandad or friends can then be kept away from your little early risers and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep – even if you don't!

Loft Conversion Golders Green.

Loft Conversion Hampstead.

Incorporate clever storage solutions

Another wonderful loft conversion idea is using a small nook under the eaves to carve out a dressing area.

LOFT CONVERSION IDEAS

Create a luxurious master bedroom

If you are using your loft conversion for your master bedroom, then make it feel as luxurious as you can.

We love this loft bedroom. The dark grass wallpaper wall creates a wonderful focal point behind the bed and the contrasting pink works beautifully.

The star of the show has to be the bathroom and the amazing slipper bath. By keeping the bathroom open to the bedroom creates a spa like hotel feel. Choosing not to have a door also gives you so much additional space, so it's a great space saver too.

Create a striking velux loft conversion

Incorporate clever storage solutions

Incorporate a stunning Juliet balcony

A Juliet balcony is another great loft conversion idea, which brings more light into the room as well as allowing more ventilation in the summer months. It can be challenging to get planning permission when you are adding a balcony to a loft conversion, particularly if you are overlooking other houses. However a Juliet balcony with no veranda can often be allowed within permitted development, as long as it meets certain criteria within your local area.

Add some drama and light

If you can stretch your budget then give your loft conversion the wow factor and add architectural glazing.

We love this loft conversion idea, where the owners can relax in the bath and look out over the London rooftops - it's such a special addition to this home and gives it a luxurious feel. The space has been opened up further by a skylight in the roof which allows even more light to flood in.

If you are including a bathroom or en-suite as part of your loft conversion, try and locate it as close to the existing soil pipe and plumbing as possible. This would ideally be above an existing bathroom so that the soil pipe can be connected easily.

Kids rooms are perfect in the loft

One of the most challenging things about a loft conversion is not having enough head height to make them entirely practical. If you don't have the 2.2 metres height at the centre then use the loft space as a kids bedroom where height is less of an issue.

This loft conversion below is so bright and makes the most out of a fairly small space, which works perfectly for a baby and toddler.

Loft conversion staircase ideas

Often the staircase can feel narrow leading up to the loft conversion, with little natural light making them feel dull and cramped.

You can make this space much brighter by using simple techniques such as painting the walls in a bright white and using spot lights along the stairs.

One of our favourite loft conversion staircase ideas is fitting a glass balustrade, like this one below, also gives the illusion of space and lets the light flow through. We also adore this stair runner for a perfect finish!

When you are planning your loft conversion, think carefully about where you place the stairs and how much space of your original home they will use. For example, you may end up using a large part of an existing bedroom to create an additional bedroom, which wouldn't help create much more in terms of living space.

To comply with building regulations, you need at least 2 metres of headroom at the centre point over the stairs. It's important that you plan this carefully at the outset.

Maximise your space

One of the trickiest things about a loft conversion is trying to make the most out of what is often a small space. Ideally, you will add both a bedroom and en-suite, adding valuable living space whilst also adding value to your home.

We love this loft conversion idea below, with the sliding door pocket door which separates the en-suite and bedroom without using space for the door to open.

The bed is cleverly placed under the sloping Velux windows and the maximum head height is used for the walk way and the bathroom. They have also maximised the storage under the slope, using every inch of space.

Simple spot lights and walk in shower add to the design and the light flooring and white walls give a sense of space. The look is light and simple, making this small loft conversion appear much bigger than it is.

For a comfortable living space, you need at least 2.2 metres at the highest point, which is normally the centre. So try and keep the highest point for the areas that you use in your day to day living, like they have done here.

What Type of Homes are Cheapest for Loft Conversions?

Bungalows are generally the cheapest properties to convert because most (but not all) have spacious lofts. The taller the building the greater the cost due to all the extra fire-safety work and additional lifts of scaffolding.

What is the Quickest Way to Convert a Loft?

Loft conversion cost won’t necessarily be the overriding factor for everyone considering extending upward. Speed may be a critical factor, or the need for minimal disruption (particularly with more people now working from home or those with young children).

In these circumstances, a modular loft conversion may be the perfect solution. This type of conversion involves a prefabricated unit being lifted into position by crane, following its manufacture off-site and preliminary roof works being undertaken by your contractor.

The average modular loft conversion will cost around £50k, but it's worth weighing up the cost of installing one against your overall loft conversion budget.

Designed and handcrafted by Big Loft London.

Will a Loft Conversion Add Value to Your Home?

The loft conversion idea that adds the most value to a property is typically one that maximizes usable space and functionality, while blending well with the overall design of the home. In London, where space is at a premium, conversions that create additional bedrooms and bathrooms tend to offer the highest return on investment, especially if they cater to the needs of families and potential buyers.

Here are the top loft conversion ideas that tend to add the most value:

1. Master Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom

Why it adds value:
A master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom is one of the most sought-after features in a home, especially in London where space is limited. This conversion provides the extra bedroom space many buyers look for, and the addition of a private bathroom adds a level of luxury that can be very appealing.
Benefits:
- Increases the total number of bedrooms (which boosts property value).
- Adds a luxurious en-suite bathroom, increasing the desirability of the home.
- Attracts higher-value buyers, such as families or professionals, who want extra space and privacy.
Estimated Value Increase: Adding a large master bedroom with an en-suite can increase property value by 10% to 20% depending on the size and location of the property.

2. Two Additional Bedrooms

Why it adds value:
In London, extra bedrooms are highly valuable, particularly for growing families or for properties targeting young professionals or renters. Converting your loft into two additional bedrooms maximizes space and makes the property more versatile, appealing to a broader range of buyers.
Benefits:
- Creates more functional living space for a growing family or multiple tenants.
- Makes the home more attractive to families or sharers who need extra bedrooms.
- Increases rental potential for investors looking to maximize returns.
Estimated Value Increase: Adding two extra bedrooms in a loft can increase property value by 15% to 25%, especially if these rooms are designed to be flexible and can serve multiple purposes (e.g., bedrooms, offices, guest rooms).

3. Loft Office or Study

Why it adds value:
With the growing trend of remote working, a dedicated home office or study has become an increasingly valuable feature. A loft office adds privacy, quiet, and separation from the rest of the house, making it a great investment for those working from home.
Benefits:
- Increases the home's appeal to remote workers or those with a home-based business.
- Adds functionality without requiring major changes to the structure.
- Offers a quiet, private space, which is in high demand post-pandemic.
Estimated Value Increase: A well-designed home office or study can increase property value by 5% to 10%, particularly if it's built to be flexible for other uses (e.g., a guest room or playroom).

4. Loft Conversion with Bathroom

Why it adds value:
A bathroom in the loft conversion is one of the most significant ways to increase a home’s value. Homes with more bathrooms are always in demand, especially for families or buyers looking to reduce morning bottlenecks when multiple people share a bathroom.
Benefits:
- Increases the number of bathrooms, making the home more convenient for larger families.
- Increases resale value by offering additional facilities, which is especially important for larger homes.
- Creates an en-suite or family bathroom, making the loft a more comfortable, versatile space.
Estimated Value Increase: Adding an extra bathroom can increase the value by 5% to 15%, depending on the quality of the conversion and the needs of the market.

5. Open-Plan Living or Entertainment Space

Why it adds value:
For homes that are short on communal living space, an open-plan living area or entertainment space in the loft is a great way to add value. This can be particularly attractive to young professionals or empty nesters who want a large, multi-functional space to entertain or relax.
Benefits:
- Maximizes living space, making the property feel larger and more spacious.
- Ideal for entertaining guests or creating a home cinema or game room.
- Adds significant lifestyle appeal to the property, particularly in inner London areas.
Estimated Value Increase: A functional open-plan living space could add around 10% to 15% to the property value, depending on the size and configuration.

6. Loft Conversion with Roof Terrace or Balcony

Why it adds value:
In London, outdoor space is highly sought after, and a roof terrace or balcony created as part of a loft conversion can be a game-changer. This is particularly valuable in central and inner-city areas where private outdoor space is scarce.
Benefits:
- Provides desirable outdoor space for relaxation, gardening, or entertaining.
- Increases the desirability of the home, especially for professionals or those who enjoy city views.
- Adds luxury appeal and makes the property stand out in a crowded market.
Estimated Value Increase: A roof terrace or balcony could increase property value by 5% to 10%, depending on the size and location of the property.

7. Studio or Self-Contained Flat (Separate Entrance)

Why it adds value:
Converting a loft into a self-contained studio or flat with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom can significantly increase the rental income potential of the property. This is ideal for homeowners looking to rent out part of their property or property investors seeking to maximize returns.
Benefits:
- Offers the potential for rental income from a private, independent unit.
- Increases property value due to the added functionality and space.
- Provides options for multi-generational living or guests.
Estimated Value Increase: A fully self-contained loft unit could add 15% to 25% to the value of the home, depending on the location and the quality of the conversion.

Key Takeaways:

Master bedrooms with en-suites and extra bedrooms (especially in central London) offer the best return on investment.
Loft offices, bathrooms, and studio flats also add substantial value due to changing buyer needs.
Maximizing space for functional living areas like home offices, studios, and entertainment spaces are highly attractive in areas like Camden and other high-demand London boroughs.

Ultimately, the loft conversion idea that adds the most value depends on your property type, the local market, and what buyers in your area are looking for. For most London properties, adding functional space—whether extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or a private office—is the most lucrative investment.