Creative decor and flooring ideas to transform your loft conversion

If you’re lucky enough to have a loft conversion, you may be wondering what you can do with all that extra room. Help is at hand! We’ve recently installed our gorgeous flooring in a loft conversion for interiors journalist Sarah Worswick, aka Style & Decor, so we asked for her best loft conversion decorating ideas…

A loft conversion can be an absolute game-changer if you want to extend your living space. However, it’s easy to simply use the attic space you have as a dumping ground, which I’ve done with mine in my home. But this space has real potential, which is ready to tap into; all that’s needed is a little creativity. After all, transforming this space into a functional part of your home could add serious value to your property. I'm going to look at the different rooms you could turn your new loft space into, as well as some practical and beautiful decor tips, and loft flooring ideas to match.

In this article:

• Loft conversion room ideas
• Loft conversion ideas for a home office
• Bedroom ideas for a loft
• Transforming your loft conversion into a playroom
• Create a media room in your loft
• More loft conversion ideas to add finishing touches

Loft conversion room ideas

When it comes to loft conversion room ideas, there are all sorts of different spaces you could create, from a quiet home office, gym for working out and a stylish guest bedroom to a cosy snug, beautiful master bedroom and ensuite, or a fun-filled playroom for the kids. The key is to pay the same attention to your loft conversion as you do to other rooms in your home.

A loft conversion has so much potential, but it's essential to consider a few things first:

• What will the room’s purpose will be?
• How much natural light is there?
• How can you work with the sloping roof?
• Is there a roof light?
• Will you need additional storage?

Loft room features

If the loft conversion is complete and you're left with an empty shell, you'll need to work with what you've got, as I have in my home. When looking at loft conversion decorating ideas, always bear in mind that immovable architectural features like the sloping roof or a chimney breast will dictate the layout. If you're lucky to have exposed beams in a period property, why not incorporate these into your loft room design? These will instantly add character and style to the space. Making a feature wall with statement wallpaper is one of my favourite loft conversion ideas; it's an easy way to enhance a loft space and can instantly draw the eye when you enter the room if you position it on the wall directly opposite the doorway. This can also look stunning if you position patterned wallpaper between wooden beams.

Creating a clutter-free attic space

If you've got plenty of floor space, consider room dividers, which can define a place to sleep from a freestanding bathtub, or a busy workstation from a relaxing media area. Also, factor in built-in storage areas under the eaves in your loft conversion to maximise your usable space.

Picking a colour scheme

Think about your favourite colours and keep your scheme consistent. This way, you'll tie your loft conversion look together. If your loft space is lacking a cosy feel, add rugs and curtains, which will layer your look and add texture to the room.

Adding character with furniture

Pick one key piece of furniture for your main design element. Whether this is a bed, chest of drawers, desk, shelving or a media unit, this will instantly add more impact to your loft room design.

Loft conversion ideas for a home office

If you're looking for dedicated space to work from home, an unused attic could provide the perfect solution. It's best to plan your layout carefully, based on your individual needs - for example, a home office may require storage for equipment and ample desk space to increase productivity. This room can also provide you with a handy space, which is tucked away from the main house, to separate work life from everyday living in the rest of your home.

Loft home office lighting

Natural light is crucial, so position your desk near roof windows - daylight can boost your mood and productivity, and give instant access to fresh air. But don't forget to consider glare on your computer screen. Keep your desk away from low sloping ceilings, so you have plenty of room to stand up and sit down.

Artificial light can help, so layer your loft look with a combination of ambient and task lighting to enjoy a bright, functional workspace for years to come. Enhance your loft conversion design further with your favourite artwork and a cosy chair or sofa to relax on when you're taking breaks throughout the day.

Customising your office loft space

For a successful home office, you'll need room for storage so use those eaves for custom-made shelving or cupboard space. You could even add a wall-mounted, fold-up desk to a small loft conversion if space is tight. Make sure your filing systems look stylish and complement your decor, and place an easy-to-access organiser on one wall.

Colour ideas for a loft conversion home office

For your colour palette, choose calming shades and envisage this space as an extension of your home. I think greenery is always good for a productive working environment so add a few plants that are easy to care for. Choose a statement office chair, one that’s designed for good posture but that looks stylish, too.

Choosing the right flooring for a loft home office

The perfect flooring for loft conversion spaces depends on the room’s function. Carpet can be a great choice for a home office. Gliding your office chair over your flooring means this needs to be resistant to wear and it must also withstand the weight of heavy furniture, such as a desk. Low-pile carpets like loop pile carpets tend to be durable and they can handle the weight of bulky furniture well.

Or you could consider engineered wood flooring for your loft conversion. It's more durable than a solid wood floor, so it can handle chairs rolling across it and will create a professional finish in a home office. Pick lighter tones to reflect natural light from your floor space.

Bedroom ideas for a loft

Whether you're thinking guest or master bedroom for your loft conversion, having a place to enjoy drifting off to sleep has got to be key. I'm currently working on a spare bedroom design in my home, where providing the perfect place for a snooze is high on my wishlist. I want to create a welcoming retreat, so here’s my advice on how to design this kind of space:

Consider a calming, neutral colour palette with splashes of colour

In my loft room, I've picked soft pinks and mauves with a neutral, sand-coloured carpet. This helps to tone down the antique gold fixtures and fittings and ties my look together. I've also picked statement wallpaper in beautiful, bold colours with gold accents to create a feature wall for a strong focal point when you enter the room.

Think space-saving furniture

Some of the best loft conversion ideas revolve around multi-purpose pieces of furniture. So, I've picked a multi-functional ottoman bed to maximise space in my small loft conversion - you simply lift the top of the bed frame for instant access to the storage space below. I've positioned the bed away from the sloping ceiling for safety reasons and I'm making the most of this compact space with built-in cupboards under the eaves.

Layer your look for successful slumber

Add a black-out blind and blackout curtains to a dormer window to make the room as dark as possible when the window treatments are closed. Layering the look will add more depth to large windows in a loft conversion. You will also create optimum sleeping conditions for you or your guests. If you're working with a window in a pitched roof in your attic conversion, this can be a little tricky due to the angle. But made-to-measure roof window blinds are easy to find and you could pick electric blackout versions for a smart, cosy night's sleep.

Loft flooring ideas for a bedroom

For my loft, I've chosen ultra-durable carpet, as this runs from the stairway into the bedroom. This is a cost-effective solution too, as I’ve used the same carpet, which ties the look together - Tapi's Rosehill Sand Herringbone 4m loop-pile carpet. The beautiful pattern has created a luxurious design feature and this carpet feels soft underfoot, too. The flooring will add warmth to the room and the unheated stairway in cooler weather, and it looks fresh and inviting in a neutral colourway, making this versatile carpet perfect for summer living, too.

Add soft furnishings and accessories

Once you have your key features in place, consider adding decorative elements, such as cosy cushions on the bed, ambient lighting in strategic positions around the room for relaxed ambience, and your favourite wall art to complete the look.

Transforming your loft conversion into a playroom

Imagine making your attic conversion into a games room, music room or playroom. If you're not a fan of clutter, creating this as a dedicated space for young children could be a life-saver. Add wall-mounted shelves with baskets for a perfect storage solution, which will be easy to access, too. If you're working with a large space, create a cosy reading corner at one end with bean bags or floor cushions for a quiet rest area after a fun-filled play session. Then pick another area in the room for a craft table for your children and friends to enjoy drawing together.

Loft flooring ideas for a playroom

Child-friendly flooring will be key in this room - think durable, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant choices, such as laminate or luxury vinyl tiles. Both offer a smart alternative to carpet, and they provide a practical solution to wipe away spills and feel soft underfoot to help cushion accidental falls. Read Tapi's advice on best child-friendly flooring options for more details.

Create a media room in your loft

Why not transform your loft conversion into a special entertainment room for all the family? I love the idea of dedicated loft space where you can house your large screen TV with suitable soft furnishings to convert this area into a super-cosy snug. Built-in shelving will keep high-tech accessories neatly organised and you can add character and a cinematic feel to the room with a projector screen. Team this with recliner seating or a cosy sofa for binge-watching TV sessions.

Loft soundproofing

Soundproofing materials, such as panels and heavy curtains, can help to enhance the acoustics in your chill-out zone. Make sure the flooring you choose minimises outdoor noise and improves audio clarity in your loft conversion - and carpet is the best flooring type for soundproofing. 

Loft wood flooring options

Other loft flooring ideas include engineered wood flooring - this is great if you're looking for a feeling of warmth that you get from wood. However, the engineered variety is more stable than the real thing, so you won't have to worry about temperature fluctuations and warping in a loft space.

You could also consider luxury vinyl flooring for your loft space - it's also a practical solution for a loft conversion media room as it's ultra-durable and easy to maintain. Luxury vinyl flooring styles vary and include wood effect planks – perfect if you love the look of wood. Complete the look with cable management systems to conceal wires for a sleek, clutter-free space.

More loft conversion ideas to add finishing touches

• Consider heating and ventilation - This space can experience temperature fluctuations, so it's important to have a fully insulated, ventilated room. If you've got a high budget, air conditioning could work well in a super-sunny loft conversion.
• Think about creating a multi-use area within an open-plan space – For example, double up your loft conversion to form a bedroom and home office with a smart dividing screen.
• Consider how to use vertical space wisely in your loft conversion - A vertical radiator will take up less wall space and you could add floor-to-ceiling cabinets for additional storage and a neat finish.
• Bounce light around your room with mirrors - Place a mirror opposite a window in your loft space to reflect natural light
• Create a cohesive look in your loft room - Choose furniture and decor that is in proportion using accents of the same colour for a seamless look.
• Choose light and bright - Think light-coloured walls and flooring, and add pops of colour in accessories and on a feature wall.
• Let natural light in - If you're at the planning stage of your loft conversion, add a roof light to a sloping ceiling to bring in the light and give the illusion of more space.
• Think sliding doors - If space comes at a premium, incorporate pocket or sliding doors which will not encroach on your floor space.

Whichever room you decide to design in your loft conversion, this space will ultimately enhance your home. Whether you transform it into a shower room, guest bedroom with ensuite or even a home gym, this will add character and value and you may find this extra available space becomes your new favourite room. Visit your local Tapi store with a photo of the space you want to convert or book a home visit from Tapi’s flooring experts who will be happy to advise you on the best flooring for your loft conversion and arrange the perfect fit.

Take a look at Sarah's loft transformation and brand new Tapi carpet on her interiors blog, Style & Decor.