Attic floor design: interesting interior options

Recently, more and more often in the construction of private houses, the attic space under the roof is equipped as a residential one. The first such an arrangement was proposed by the French architect Francois Mansart, so the room was called the attic.

Due to its non-standard size and shape, the attic brings many difficulties in planning.

The design of the attic floor depends on the functional purpose of the room. Any interiors can be arranged here: a recreation area with a home theater, a nursery, a bedroom, a study. First of all, the project for arranging the attic should take into account the wishes of the owners, the dimensions of the room and the height of the ceiling.

One of the features of the attic floor in a wooden house is the sloping walls. The shape of the attic space is influenced by the roof slope. In a private building, it can be single-pitched or gable, less often there are options with a hipped roof and a sloping roof.

The following factors can become distinctive features of the attic:

• low ceiling;
• roof rafters and beams;
• a large number of corners;
• ladder;
• a small number of windows;
• difficulty in summing up communications. As a rule, the attic is not heated, especially in the country.

The attic floor allows owners to get real benefits from converting it into a living space, since the usable area increases and heat loss is reduced.

Considering all the features, experts advise to fulfill the following requirements when arranging this territory:

• Insulation of the roof outside and inside.
• Supply of utilities: electricity, ventilation, air conditioning systems.
• Only specialists can reconstruct the rafters, so if the project provides for this, it is better to use their services.
• A rational approach to the use of beams, roof slopes, support posts in the interior.

• Competent lighting scheme. It is necessary to think over the location of the windows, their sizes. Designers offer to take advantage of the possibility of installing vertical windows or in hatches (the so-called dormer window).
• Use moisture resistant materials for finishing.
• Consider the ability of the floors to support the weight of all constructive additions and furniture.
• Do not clutter up the space.

Before turning the attic floor of a country house into a functional room, you first need to design the interior. When preparing, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances: the shape of the ceiling and walls, the presence or absence of communications, the possibility of bringing in additional engineering systems, the degree of illumination, and the like.

In the simplest case, when global changes are not needed, only cosmetic repairs are carried out, which is aimed at improving non-residential premises.

A lot depends on the shape of the roof, it can be broken, beveled, domed, shed and gable. Therefore, there are always open rafters and beams inside.Some designers use these elements in interior design, emphasize them, others suggest hiding them, but on condition that the height of the ceiling allows.

The simplest finish is wood. To do this, use the available material in the form of lining, wooden panels or edged boards. The modern construction market also offers wooden wallpaper or block houses.

At the initial stage, it is necessary to bring a communication system. The task will be simplified if the attic is located above the kitchen or bathroom on the first floor. Installation must be done correctly, so if you do not have the necessary skills and permits, it is better to seek professional help.

Warming an attic room is an important process. If the attic will be used regularly, and not only during the summer season, then thermal insulation is necessary. This will prevent condensation, improve the microclimate, and make you feel comfortable at home. Warming is carried out not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Sound insulation of the floor is necessary in some cases, but it also serves as thermal insulation.

The next step in the improvement of the attic is the replacement of old and installation of new windows.

As a rule, the attic window is initially one. When arranging an attic, it is important to ensure good lighting of the room, so it is better if there are more of them. Experts recommend placing them on different walls for greater efficiency. The illumination level can be adjusted by the ratio of the area of ​​the glass surface.

A feature of roof windows is the width of the windows, which cannot exceed the distance between the rafters. The length depends on the slope of the roof.

Depending on the method of installation, windows are classified into vertical, inclined and flat roofs. The last two types should be made of tempered glass to protect them from hail.

Sloped double-glazed windows are installed in the same plane with the roof slope, which increases the light intensity by 30% or more.

To install a vertical window, you must first install a structure in the form of a birdhouse with an individual roof. At the same time, the throughput is lower than that of inclined ones.

If you intend to independently replace old windows with modern ones, plan their dimensions and installation site in advance.

Installation begins with cutting out a window opening in the roof slope. If the tie-in occurs between the rafters, then it is better to provide a distance from them to the window of at least 10 cm.

Old houses were equipped with mortise window frames. Modern technologies make it possible to install new double-glazed windows with toughened glass, providing increased strength. The opening mechanisms are being improved, which makes it possible to rotate the frames around any axis, and this can be done not only manually, but also with the help of a remote control.

Skylights solve several functional tasks: they illuminate the room with natural light, provide ventilation and improve the microclimate.

Panoramic structures allow you to increase the luminous flux, add an original decorative element, and get aesthetic pleasure from the landscape. Modern technologies have made it possible to install different types of windows, for example, transforming into a mini-balcony. The variety of forms that manufacturers produce is amazing. Simple lines are used less and less often, windows in the form of a circle, semicircle, angular, asymmetric began to be found more often.

It is better to use special blinds or roller shutters to decorate roof window structures. They are available both indoor and outdoor.If the interior is supposed to have textile curtains, then in order to hold them in the desired position, there are various holders, linings, props and fasteners.

When arranging the attic for finishing the ceiling, you can use any known methods and materials.

Stretch ceiling is advised to use only if there is sufficient wall heightotherwise there is a risk of frequent damage. This option is very convenient, since the canvas, due to its low weight, does not have a large effect on the structure, allows you to hide the elements of engineering communications and rafters, and makes it possible to dream up with lighting using built-in lamps.

Drywall is one of the affordable and easy finishing methods. With its help, you can get any shape, for example, a multi-level ceiling with various drops and ledges. Drywall allows you to level surfaces before wallpapering or painting.

Wood is a traditional material for finishing the attic space. For the ceiling, lining or wood panels are used. Wallpaper on the ceiling looks original. It should be remembered that the surface must be leveled before pasting.

As a rule, special requirements are placed on the floor on the upper floors.

First of all, it must provide good sound insulation. To do this, it is necessary to mount the crate and fill it with a heat insulator in the form of plates, for example, mineral wool. It also performs the functions of waterproofing. Cover the structure with pine boards on top, larch material can be used. It is recommended to treat the resulting flooring with an antiseptic.

The cladding of the floor covering is very diverse. For these purposes, any finishing material is used: linoleum, parquet boards, laminate, carpet, ceramic tiles. Experts advise not to skimp on the quality of the coating, since low-grade materials will require an early replacement.

You can not refuse when decorating the attic and decorative elements such as carpets. They serve as insulation, and also decorate any interior, adding coziness. The size of the carpets does not have to be large and cover the entire floor; rather small models near the bed, sofa, bath.

Wood is most popular when decorating the walls of the attic. It improves the microclimate and serves as thermal insulation. Lining is in the lead in terms of use. It is produced in several versions, is affordable and easy to process. There are several ways of laying that allow you to add decorativeness to the walls: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, in a circle, herringbone. The lining is varnished on top to leave a natural wood pattern or painted in different colors.

A more budget option is wood paneling. These can be laminated models, veneered chipboard or MDF.

The modern version is wooden wallpaper, which is a base with coniferous wood strips glued to it. This material reduces the repair time.

The block house is also in demand for wall cladding in country houses, in particular, in the attic. Its rounded front surface imitates a natural log or timber.

Plastic panels are appropriate when decorating bathrooms or kitchens on the attic floor. They will protect against dirt and moisture. In addition, their color scheme embodies any design ideas.

Recently, designers have often come up with unique seamless fabric wall hangings. The attic made in this way will become unique.

The loft style in the interior of the attic space assumes the presence of untreated wood, so you can leave the walls of timber or brick intact.

Also, one of the oldest methods of wall treatment is wallpapering. However, it should be noted that before this they must be leveled with drywall, and this will entail a decrease in space. Manufacturers offer a wide range of wallpapers: vinyl, paper, glass, cork, etc. Designers advise against pasting all walls with material with a large pattern. It is better to focus on one of the walls or emphasize architectural ledges, arches, corners, and cover the rest of the surfaces with plain wallpaper. Small ornament in pastel colors is suitable for the Provence style.

The attic room has a specific shape and lighting. Designers most often suggest using light shades for decoration. Various texture and color contrasts can be used to add depth to the space.

For example, if the ceiling in the attic is covered with a dark stretch canvas, then it is better if its surface is glossy, then the reflected light will expand the walls. In the case when the floor is made in darkish shades, designers advise dazzling white walls, this will create the illusion of an endless distance.

Often, owners of private houses leave wooden floors, covering them with transparent varnish to emphasize the wood structure.

The improvement of the attic room must be approached very carefully and prudently. It is important to think over in advance all possible ideas for using architectural features: beams, rafters, arches, slopes, unusual angles, racks. Living space can benefit from this.

Experts advise not to get carried away with cluttering up the space and try to use natural materials for decoration. It is better to choose textiles for curtains and furniture in pastel shades.

Attic furniture is always multifunctional. Bulky items are out of place. Better to give preference to modular systems. Built-in and hinged structures are an excellent option. Furniture may need to be made to order to fit the specific roof configuration.

The décor of the attic is best done depending on the functions that the room performs. To decorate the interior with your own hands, you first need to draw up a design project. If you do not have enough experience and skills, you can use the services of professionals. Remember that the simplest option is always the best.

Since the houses are small in dachas and garden plots, they either do not imply a second floor, or it is very small. Therefore, a bedroom or workshop is usually organized in the country attic.

If a country house is intended for permanent residence, then the attic floor performs various functional tasks. The list of possible interiors: kitchen, bathroom, nursery, library, study, recreation area with a cinema, billiards, dressing room.

The style pleases with a variety of possible options - from light Provence to a modern loft, from classics to avant-garde, from mountain chalets to Mediterranean bungalows.

There are certain rules that must be followed when decorating attic spaces. Then the interior will be filled with coziness and comfort. For example, a low ceiling surface is not an obstacle, but it should not be tightened with a stretch ceiling, it is better to treat it with wood. The staircase, which is always a dangerous place, must be equipped with a safety system against falling: handrails, doors, fences are required.

The unusual shape of the roof in a small space, as a rule, takes up some of the usable space. But with proper lighting and design, this feature can be interesting to beat.

When equipping a small attic, it is necessary to think over the ergonomics of each element of the interior. It is better to purchase furniture built-in and multifunctional. Block storage systems are designed to facilitate this task.

Since the attic is small, a dark color is contraindicated here. Light pastel shades are more suitable. Individual elements are accentuated with bright textiles, giving the interior individuality and freshness.

Unusual shapes and sizes of the attic are very suitable for arranging a children's room. The designers use the height differences and unexpected reliefs of the walls to decorate the play area.

The character of the attic floor assumes the organization of various places for storing toys, bedding, crafts, books. In addition, it will be better if the nursery provides places not only for recreation and games, but also for classes.

In the presence of small children, the attic should be well insulated, it is better to lay a soft flooring, finishing materials are used natural and harmless. It is recommended to equip the window opening mechanism with an "anti-child" element so that little ones could not accidentally open the sash.

When creating an attic nursery, you need to think about the abundance of natural light, as well as artificial lighting.

The nature of the room allows you to experiment with color, use unusual shapes of furniture and lamps, zone the space to create a colorful and bright interior.

The owners will appreciate the lack of wardrobes in all rooms and the arrangement of a centralized dressing room in the attic. This will save usable living space for more functional items.

Organization of a wardrobe in the attic does not require a large area and will allow using any asymmetric architectural features of the room.

It is better to place wardrobes along high walls, drawers and shelves for shoes, clothes and accessories can be placed in niches, under bevels or embedded in the space between the beams.

If it is impossible to install hinged doors, it is necessary to consider the possibility of installing sliding and sliding models, as well as in the form of blinds.

Furniture for the attic dressing room is appropriate modular. Storage systems should be multifunctional. Roll-out and pull-out elements will help you get to the farthest corners and use all the available space rationally. The curbstones are recommended to be used as storage places and as stools for sitting.

To increase the functionality of the attic, you can install a washing machine and dryer, a garment steamer, an ironing board in it. Sometimes the owners store other household appliances right there, for example, a vacuum cleaner.

If the attic is intended only as a storage system, then built-in lighting or ordinary lamps are sufficient. In the case of wider use of the dressing room, the placement of lighting devices should take into account the functional characteristics of each section of the room. For example, a bright light is needed in the ironing area or near a large mirror.

As a rule, a bathroom is rarely located on the attic floor of a small house.In large cottages, the bathroom is organized as an additional bathroom to the bedroom or guest room.

It is best to think over the location of the bathroom already at the design stage of the house., since this will require complex engineering communications: sewerage, ventilation, water supply, electricity. In addition, the attic must be insulated with high quality so that in cold periods, being in the bathroom does not bring inconvenience.

It would be nice if there was a kitchen or a bathroom on the first floor under the attic. In this case, it is more convenient to carry out the installation of communications for the attic bathroom.

Architectural asymmetry should be used to your advantage in the design. To do this, under the bevels, it is better to build in storage systems for hygiene products or household chemicals, a washbasin or a toilet bowl. Furniture and plumbing, taking into account the ergonomics of the attic, are advised to choose a compact and multifunctional. Built-in or hanging cabinets and shelves save valuable space.

The bathtub is advised to be installed near a wall or in a corner. If the area of ​​the attic is limited, then you can limit yourself to a shower.

Any color scheme for the attic bathroom is appropriate, but in the presence of a small area, it must be remembered that a dark color narrows the room. Glass and mirror elements, the presence of chrome parts will add airiness and modernity. The glossy surface of the ceiling or floor will visually expand the walls of the attic.

The main requirement for finishing materials is moisture resistance. Stretch fabric or plastic panels will look great on the ceiling. The flooring is appropriate in the form of ceramic tiles, plastic or parquet boards. Wall cladding involves the use of any waterproof material.

Experts assure that in the bathroom you can refuse from the central chandelier, and use only built-in lamps. Installation of additional lighting in the wash area will be required. In other cases, point light sources are decorative.

A bedroom is the best option for a room with a gable or pitched roof. Since more time is spent here in a horizontal position, the height of the ceilings will not cause discomfort.

If the attic floor is spacious enough, then it will be possible to organize a bedroom for 2-3 people. In the case of limited space, you can equip a recreation area for one tenant.

It is better to install berths in the areas of the roof slopeto save usable space. In case of psychological rejection of a low ceiling over your head during sleep, you should place the bed in the center of the attic with gable ceilings.

For the arrangement of attic bedrooms, it is recommended to use block storage systems, folding shelves, tables or benches. Bedside lamps and recessed lighting will eliminate bulky chandeliers.

If there is free space in the bedroom, you can additionally organize a dressing area or a separate bathroom.

The design of the attic sleeping area looks best in a rustic or classic style., however, you should not give up modern trends: loft or modern. Wood trim or wallpaper looks natural in the bedroom. Various textile elements create a cozy atmosphere. It is better to use the color scheme in soft soothing tones.

If there is enough space, the attic floor can be turned into a cozy living room or fireplace room, where all family members will gather and guests will be located.

An attic fireplace can play both a practical and a decorative role. When installing it, you need to understand that the traditional massive structure will not be suitable for the second floor. It is better to give preference to lighter compact models made of heat-resistant steel or cast iron.For the same reason, experts recommend abandoning heavy facing materials such as natural stone. Most often, electric fireplaces or pellet fireplace inserts are used for heating. Decorative biofireplaces will bring a sense of coziness and spiritual comfort to the interior. If the fireplace area in the attic does not serve as a decoration, but performs a heating function, then it is important to foresee a smoke exhaust system and a place for storing fuel in advance.

Furniture in light colors in the living room looks elegant. Glass and mirrored partitions, competently built-in lighting will create a light, relaxed atmosphere.

Bright contrasts are also appropriate in the interior of the attic living room. In this case, it is better not to overload the room with furniture and other elements, since the main accent is color.

Any style will be appropriate, the main thing is that it matches the tastes of the owners, matches their interests, creates a mood.

Designers advise several styles for the attic living room.

• Classical - solid style with luxury and grace inherent in it. More often the fireplace becomes the center of the interior. The design does not provide for bright colors. There is a sense of orderliness and functional significance in everything.

• Modern - harmonious minimalism. All furnishings bear the stamp of practicality and maximum functionality. Simplicity is present in every detail. Dark details are combined with pastel colors to create harmony.

• Retro. For decoration, interior elements left over from great-grandmothers or stylized for them are suitable. The design involves the use of paintings, floor lamps, wooden chairs or tables with wrought iron legs. The installation of a fireplace or a cast-iron stove-potbelly stove is also characteristic.

• Provence - sophistication and romanticism of the French countryside. Wood trim is appropriate, bleached by the southern sea sun. Textiles in pastel shades with a small pattern are welcome. Forged pieces of furniture, crystal lamps, soft cushions for sitting on chairs and benches, light curtains on the windows - all these details will create a cozy, soulful atmosphere in the attic living room.

• High tech - the style of admirers of modern creativity. The decoration uses modern materials: chrome, glass, metal and their variations. The severity of forms and minimalism of color create the illusion of space.

If the attic has a vertical wall on the pediment, then you can equip a home cinema room with a large screen, where it is convenient to relax with a large company or retire together to watch your favorite movies.

Designers often offer to organize a billiard room in the attic. For this, of course, a large area is needed, since the playing area is rather big, and even for rest, you need to provide a place. The table is usually placed in the center of the room. A narrow bar counter with several chairs can be placed near the wall. For storage of cues, balls and other accessories, either wall mounts or built-in ones should be organized. If the area of ​​the attic floor allows you to zone the space, then in one part you can arrange a comfort zone for fans with a soft sofa and armchairs.

If the country house has a large attic, then a mini gym can be organized in it. Experts warn that this is possible on condition of strong and reliable floors. Areas of the attic floor with low ceilings are used for storing sports equipment and for recreation. The rest of the space can be filled with simulators or left empty to conduct classes.

The attic space can be used not only as a children's playroom, but also as a gathering place for the whole family and guests. To do this, it is enough to divide the room into several sections. In one to organize a zone for video games, in the other - for tabletop games. To arrange the first, it is important to install a large screen and a sofa in front of it.Storage systems for discs, joysticks and other devices are best built into walls. Board games require a level area, so you need a coffee table. Place the sofa and ottomans around it. Game boxes can be stored either on the shelf under the table or inside the poufs.

It is better to provide for the arrangement of the kitchen room in the attic at the design and laying stage of the house. The fact is that it will be necessary to supply communications: gas, water, electricity.

Modular kitchen systems will facilitate the design and create a functional space. Designers propose to take into account and make the most of all the nuances of the attic layout.

The use of multi-level furniture on castors or runners will provide its mobility, which will further increase its functionality. Materials should be lightweight, not bulky in shape.

Lighting is required to be foreseen. The kitchen requires a lot of light, so there should be at least two windows. Recessed lights around the entire perimeter of the attic kitchen and spotlights above the work surface are the best solution.

The color scheme does not limit the owners in anything. It is optimal to use bright colors for furniture modules, light colors for walls and ceilings, dark colors for floors.

If the kitchen and dining room are combined into one, then you need to visually zone the space. The best place for a table is by the window. If the shape of the roof is gable or domed, then it is appropriate to place the table in the center of the room. Recently, transparent models of kitchen furniture made of glass and plastic are gaining popularity, which brings an element of airiness into the room.

There is no better place for privacy than the attic. Therefore, the attic floor is most appropriate for organizing a study, library or workshop.

Arrangement is possible even with a small space. It is difficult to find a place to do handicrafts, modeling or reading in a small garden house, but an attic space will allow you to get such a cozy corner even on a few square meters.

It is convenient to use built-in shelves between beams, under roof slopes, between windows for book shelves. Closed mobile drawers on wheels are ideal for storing tools and office supplies. They can also be used as stools.

Often, designers suggest using window sills as an organization of a convenient storage area, which serves as an additional bench function. If you decorate it with textile pillows and a blanket, then you can take a nap on it or read a book near the window.

Experts suggest not to sheathe beams and rafters, not to hide them, but to use them for built-in lighting, hanging structures or fixing household appliances.

The working area requires a lot of light, so it is better to place the table near the window. If possible, it is better to increase the area of ​​window structures, embed additional ones. Panoramic double-glazed windows will not only increase the luminous flux, but also give you the opportunity to rest your eyes and enjoy the landscape after work. Artificial light sources should be installed in the work area and as a backlight around the entire perimeter of the attic.

Ventilation in the office is an important element of comfort, therefore, roof windows are supplied with a ventilation system. If you intend to work in the attic all year round, then you may need to install an air conditioner. In the warm season, it will save you from the heat, since the summer sun first of all heats the roof. In the cold season, you may need a heater, fortunately, there are a great many of them on the market: infrared, electric, water, oil.

There should be a minimum of furniture in the attic, and each element is functionally justified. As a rule, its presence is due to the nature of the room.The writing desk is installed stationary or folding with a small area. If there are more than one writing zones, respectively, there will be more tables. The number of chairs depends on how many jobs are organized. The minimalism style is the best option for arranging an office or a workshop in the attic, since it is inherent in the rational use of space.

If the attic floor is intended for reading your favorite books, then a soft sofa, a floor lamp next to it, comfortable pillows, a blanket and a soft rug under your feet will do. Built-in lighting and a cup of hot tea will add comfort to the atmosphere.

The color scheme of the office should not distract from concentrated work. Calm pastel shades are appropriate. But, of course, bright accents look better in a creative workshop.

It is better to calculate and design competent lighting of the attic in advance. On the one hand, there should be a lot of natural light, since this improves the climate in the room, on the other hand, its excess will lead to a loss of the feeling of privacy.

Window structures are the source of natural light flux. If the space of the attic floor is significant, then the number of windows should also be more than one. According to generally accepted standards, it is considered a comfortable glazing area not less than a tenth of the rest of the surface of the walls of the room. The intensity can be adjusted using curtains.

In the case of a small attic with one window, designers suggest using various decorative tricks, for example, a large wall mirror will add light.

Artificial lighting is necessary in any case. Its installation depends on the functionality of the room, the arrangement of furniture, the number and shape of windows, and the architecture of the attic. For this, any sources are appropriate: chandeliers, sconces, built-in lamps, floor lamps, table and portable lamps, bedside models, modern fiber-optic lighting threads. Backlighting can perform not only practical, but also decorative functions.

With the help of lighting, you can zone the space, focus on individual elements of the interior. In some cases, you can refuse the central chandelier, just enough illumination around the perimeter of the attic and point turning or stationary lamps.

The choice of artificial lighting sources also depends on the style of the interior.

Before you equip the attic floor yourself, you should consider all the options, read the reviews of people who have already carried out this process. The photo gallery will help you avoid other people's mistakes. If you have doubts about your own abilities, then you can turn to the services of professionals for financial reward, who will create an author's project that takes into account all the features of a particular attic space.

The attic has a specific architecture, so it is better to think in advance how to use beams, rafters, indentations under the roof slopes, and different wall heights. Supporters of the rational use of living space suggest placing various storage systems under the arches of a pitched or gable roof.

The interior can be made in any style at the request of the customer. Someone prefers a more natural option in country or Provence style, someone likes minimalism or loft. The attic living rooms are classically elegant, the prim English fireplace rooms are solid.

The staircase to the attic floor is in some way his entrance hall. Experts advise, if space is available, to install a full-size flight of stairs.This is the safest option and will be appreciated by families with small children and senior residents.

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