Look for some handy loft storage ideas? Good, you have found yourself in the right place. Having been through the high and lows of designing and decorating attic spaces ourselves, we know how tricky these spaces can be. Especially when it comes to adding storage – those low ceilings and sloping just down lend themselves to wardrobes, cumbersome drawers and open shelving.
So we have drawn on our own experiences and asked the experts for the most effective ways to add storage an attic space. Keep scrolling to solve all your loft storage woes...
- Not converted your loft into habitable space yet? Then use our essential guide to loft conversions to find out how to plan yours.
1. Build storage around the bed
Where space is at a premium, built-in storage can be the best way to utilize every single centimeter. This bedroom in a converted chapel used as a holiday home in County Durham, includes a wall of storage that is fitted around the bed and follows the angle of the roof. It offers a place to display a few treasured items, and hanging space for guests' clothing.
2. Choose custom-made and freestanding shelving
This is one of the best loft conversion ideas. Old homes take much of their character from their imperfections, such as wonky walls and floors. While this adds to their charm, it can make finding furniture to fit a nightmare.
Choosing a custom-made shelving unit has made it possible to include floor-to-ceiling storage in the loft bedroom of this converted mill. The 15th-century building does not lend itself to anything off-the-peg and choosing a freestanding shelf prevents any issues with the slight movement of the building and allows for ventilation.
3. Build in fitted furniture for hidden loft storage ideas
When it comes to attic storage, built in really is the best way to go if you want to make the most of the space. It's an investment sure, but it means you can pick storage units that perfectly fit into your (potentially awkward) space and you can customize them to suit your storage needs.
If you have a bedroom in your attic, your storage will need to house a multitude of different things, so choose a mixture of wardrobes and drawers for clothes, plus shelves for miscellaneous items and even add some open storage too if you want to add some decorative elements.
4. Build loft storage into the eaves
Don't miss a trick when finishing your loft room by missing the chance to include some storage space in the eaves. This could be as simple as creating an enclosed space with an access hatch to hide away Christmas decorations, suitcases and old toys.
Or, you could be a bit more creative and build a recessed shelf like this one. Positioned right next to the bed, it can be used in place of a bedside table – a great option for a small space.
5. Have under-eaves drawers and doors created
If you think a sloping ceiling will mean some space will be left redundant, think again. This ingenious storage solution creates an angular storage solution for an angular item – your high heels!
These cupboards with drop-down doors were made for the homeowner's shoes meaning not a single inch of potential storage space has been wasted. Made-to-measure drawers complete the design, creating a place to fold away tops and socks.
6. Get creative with the look of your built in loft storage
Built-in storage needn't always look the same as everyone else's! Get more creative with your design than just flush doors and drawers. We love the look of this loft storage. It's actually built using a shelving unit from Ikea and then the door fronts have been created with reclaimed doors cut to size. Very cool.
7. Build into the eaves for loft bathroom storage
If you're looking for clever bathroom storage ideas for your loft bathroom, the key is to use (once again) the eaves space that will go otherwise unused. Creating storage pockets like this will make the bathroom feel less boxy, bigger, more characterful and it takes up no storage space. Thumbs up from us.
- For more bathroom storage ideas, see our guide.
8. Build in open clothes storage for a relaxed appeal
Open clothes storage – in other words, an on show dressing room – really only works if you keep your clothes super neat. However, the upsides are that everything is easily to hand. Our advice? Swap open clothes panels for ones with mirrored doors to double the space, up the light levels and hide the clutter.
9. Create easy modular storage for your loft
If the cost and permanence of a fitted storage solution does not appeal, go for a modular array that you can build yourself. This bracket, shelf, rail and drawer combo from Elfa is fitted to a set of wall-mounted runners and makes great use of the space in this loft dressing area.
Modular storage like this can be adapted and added to as needs change. See that grill on the wall? That is Elfa's version of the classic pegboard which can be used for storing your jewelry and accessories.
10. Build shelves for shoes
Even if you aren't a shoe-addict, needing a good pair of trainers for sports, smart shoes for work, a pair for special occasions and some sturdy boots for a good walk means that shoe collection can soon grow. So, adequate shoe storage is a must. Not only do you need ample space for every pair, but being able to see them all helps you to make use of them, rather than leaving them languishing at the back of the cupboard.
This dressing room design by Barbara Genda has the advantage of higher eaves, allowing for full-height shelves for plenty of pairs or heels, sneakers and boots, and wardrobes for clothes too.
11. Plan wall-to-wall loft storage for a home office
A desk for your computer and a good chair are the obvious purchases when kitting out your office, but don't forget you need a place for all the paperwork, printers, stationery and other work-related bits and bobs.
This storage solution from Neville Johnson not only provides hidden storage for files and pens, but also gives the homeowner somewhere to place decorative items than prevent the space from feeling too utilitarian.
12. Use low loft storage for streamlined style
The space beneath Velux windows is often wasted within a loft extension. Building shallow shelving that's just deep enough for files will give you a practical loft storage idea that will look neat and uncluttered, too.
13. Create window seat storage in an awkward corner
Where the height of the room can't be used, make the most of the room's footprint with storage benches, boxes and trunks.
This kid's room by Barbara Genda has discreet cupboards on one wall, then utilizes an awkward dormer space with a window seat containing drawers. A handy space to hide toys, and a comfy seat for friends!
14. Use floor to ceiling loft storage for a practical space
When the height of a room can be used, take advantage by using the tallest wall for floor-to-ceiling storage. Build desk spaces into it for versatility, like in this room by Paul Archer Design.
How do I organize my loft storage?
Organize your loft storage based on the frequency you use each item – it's the easiest way. Then you aren't crawling through box after box of Christmas decorations to get to your suitcases.
If you plan on storing lots of things in boxes, try and stick to clear ones and label them too so you know exactly what is in each one. Avoid storing anything in big bags, or storage containers that aren't properly sealed as you don't want anything to get moisture damage or be exposed to any critters that might be lurking under your eaves.