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 dwelling. The first such arrangement was proposed by the French architect Francois Mansard, therefore the room was called the attic.

Special features

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. Here you can arrange any interiors: a recreation area with a home cinema, a nursery, a bedroom, a study. First of all, the project on the arrangement of the attic should take into account the desires 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 are sloping walls. The shape of the attic space is affected by the slope of the roof.In a private building, it can be single-pitch or double-gable, less often there are options with a hipped roof and a sloping roof.

The distinctive features of the attic can be the following factors:

  • low ceiling;
  • rafters and roof beams;
  • a large number of angles;
  • stairs;
  • few windows;
  • difficulty in leading communications. As a rule, the attic is not heated, especially at the cottage.

The attic floor allows owners to get a real benefit from turning it into a dwelling, as the usable space increases, and heat loss is reduced.

Taking into account all the features, experts advise in the arrangement of this territory to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Insulation of the roof inside and out.
  • Leading engineering communications: 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 in the interior of beams, roof slopes, support racks.
  • Competent lighting scheme. It is necessary to consider the location of the windows, their sizes.Designers suggest taking advantage of the possibility of installing vertical windows or in lyukarny (the so-called dormer window).
  • Use when finishing moisture resistant materials.
  • Take into account the possibility of overlapping to withstand the weight of all structural additions and furniture.
  • Do not clutter the space.

Experts recommend that in the construction of the attic to adhere to generally accepted standards for ceiling heights in residential premises - not less than 220 cm.

Training

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 adding additional engineering systems, the degree of illumination, and the like.

In the simplest case, when global changes are not needed, they carry out only cosmetic repairs, which are aimed at the improvement of non-residential premises.

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

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

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

Warming of the attic room is an important process. If the attic will be used regularly, and not only during the summer season, thermal insulation is necessary. This will prevent condensation, improve the microclimate, and allow you to feel comfortable in the warmth of your 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 heat 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 the attic, it is important to ensure good lighting of the room, so it’s better if there are more. Experts recommend placing them on different walls for greater efficiency. The light level can be adjusted by the ratio of the area of ​​the glass surface.

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

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

Inclined windows are installed in the same plane with the roof slope, which increases the light intensity by 30% and above.

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

If self-replacement of old windows with modern ones is supposed, their dimensions and installation site are planned in advance.

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

To avoid condensation, it is recommended to mount the lower slopes strictly perpendicular to the floor, and the upper slopes parallel to them. Window structures should be made of moisture-proof materials, it is better to lacquer wooden elements.

Old houses were equipped with mortise window frames. Modern technology allows you to install new windows with hardened glass, providing increased strength. Opening mechanisms are being improved, which makes it possible to rotate the frame 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 designs allow you to increase the luminous flux, to make the original element of the decor, to 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 increasingly rarely used, windows in the shape of a circle, semicircles, angular, asymmetrical have become more common.

For the design of the attic window construction is better to use special blinds or roller shutters. They are available both internal and external. If the interior assumes the presence of textile curtains, then in order to keep them in the desired position, there are various holders, plates, supports and fasteners.

Ceiling finish

When landscaping the attic, you can use any known methods and materials to finish the ceiling.

Stretch ceiling is advised to use only if there is sufficient height of the walls.otherwise there is a risk of frequent damage. This option is very convenient, because the canvas, due to its small weight, does not have much effect on the structure, allows you to hide elements of engineering communications and rafters, and allows you to fantasize with lighting using built-in lights.

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Drywall is one of the affordable and easy ways to finish.With it, you can get any form, for example, a multi-level ceiling with various differences and projections. Drywall allows you to level the surface before gluing wallpaper or painting.

Wood is a traditional material for finishing the attic room. For ceiling use clapboard or wood panels. Wallpapers on the ceiling look original. It should be remembered that the surface before pasting must be leveled.

Floor covering

The floor on the upper floors, as a rule, impose special requirements.

First of all, it should provide good noise 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 function of waterproofing. From above to cover a design with pine boards, it is possible to apply material from a larch. It is recommended to treat the obtained flooring with an antiseptic.

Facing the flooring is very diverse. For this purpose, use any finishing material: linoleum, parquet board, laminate, carpet, ceramic tile. Experts advise not to save on the quality of coverage,since low grade materials will need to be replaced soon.

It is impossible to refuse at registration of a penthouse and from such decorative elements as carpets. They serve as a heater, as well as decorate any interior, adding comfort. The dimensions of the carpets do not have to be large and cover the entire floor, rather small models near the bed, sofa, bath.

Walls

The most popular in the design of the walls of the attic tree. It improves the microclimate, serves as insulation. Lining is leading in use. It is produced in several versions, is affordable and easy to process. There are several ways of laying, which allow you to give decorative walls: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, in a circle, herringbone. The clapboard is coated on top with varnish to leave the natural wood pattern or painted in different colors.

More budget option - wood paneling. It can be laminated models, veneered chipboard or MDF.

The modern version is wooden wallpaper, which is a base with conifer planks pasted on it.Such material reduces 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 for the design of bathrooms or kitchen in the attic. They will protect from pollution and moisture. In addition, their colors embody any design ideas.

Recently, designers often offer unique seamless drape fabric walls. A loft made this way will be unique.

The loft style in the interior of the attic room suggests the presence of untreated wood, so you can leave the walls of a wooden beam or brick intact.

Also one of the oldest methods of processing walls is wallpapering them. However, it should be noted that before this they need to be leveled using drywall, and this will entail a reduction in space. Manufacturers offer a wide range of wallpapers: vinyl, paper, glass, cork, etc. Designers do not advise to paste over all the walls with material with a large pattern.It is better to focus on one of the walls or emphasize architectural protrusions, arches, corners, and cover the rest of the surfaces with plain wallpaper. Small ornament in pastel colors suitable for Provence style.

Drywall in the design of the walls is used only as a basis or for alignment. From above it is always covered with wallpaper, acrylic paint or other finishing materials.

Color solutions

Attic space has a specific shape and lighting. Designers most often suggest using light shades for decoration. You can use different texture and color contrasts to make the space deeper.

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

Experts warn that small attic should in no case be overloaded with bulky objects and use a lot of dark colors.Bright rich colors can be used as accents, since their excess will cause a pressing feeling.

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

Nuances of the design of premises

The improvement of the attic room must be approached very carefully and carefully. It is important to think in advance about all possible ideas for using architectural features: beams, rafters, arches, ramps, unusual corners, and pillars. From this living space can benefit.

Experts advise not to get involved in the clutter of space and try to use natural materials for decoration. Textiles for curtains and furniture is better to choose pastel shades.

Furniture for the attic is always multifunctional. Bulky items misplaced. It is better to give preference to modular systems. An excellent option are the built-in and mounted structures. You may have to make custom-made furniture to fit it to the configuration of a particular roof.

Attic décor is best performed depending on the functions performed by the room. To design the interior with your own hands, you first need to make a design project. If certain experience and skills are not enough, you can use the services of professionals. It should be remembered that the simplest option is always the best.

Since the cottages and garden plots houses are small, they either do not mean the second floor, or it is very small. Therefore, in the cottage attic usually organize a bedroom or workshop.

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

Stylistics pleases with a variety of possible options - from light Provence to modern loft, from classic to avant-garde, from mountain chalet to Mediterranean bungalow.

There are certain rules that must be followed when designing the attic. Then the interior is filled with coziness and comfort. For example, a low ceiling surface is not an obstacle, but you should not tighten it 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 security system from falling: handrails, doors, fences are required.

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

Equipping a small attic, you need to think about the ergonomics of each element of the interior. Furniture is better to buy built-in and multi-functional. Block storage systems are designed to facilitate this task.

Since the attic is small, dark color is contraindicated here. More suitable light pastel shades. Bright textiles accent individual elements, give the interior individuality and freshness.

Children's

Unusual forms and sizes of the attic can be most appropriate for the arrangement of the children's room. Height differences and unexpected wall reliefs are used by designers to design the playing area.

The nature of the attic floor involves the organization of diverse places for storing toys, bedding, handicrafts, books. In addition, it would be better if there are places in the nursery not only for recreation and games, but also for classes.

In the presence of small children, the attic should be well warmed, the floor covering is better to lay a soft, finishing materials use natural and harmless. It is recommended that the window opening mechanism be provided with an “anti-child” element so that the little ones cannot accidentally open the sash.

When creating a mansard nursery, it is necessary to consider an abundance of natural light, as well as artificial lighting.

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

When arranging the attic floor, it is important to remember that children love to run, jump and jump, which can create discomfort for those living on the first floor, so it is recommended to soundproof the floor in the nursery.

Wardrobe

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

The organization of the wardrobe in the attic will not require a large area and will allow you to use any asymmetric architectural features of the room.

It is better to arrange 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 an attic wardrobe is appropriate modular. Storage systems must be multifunctional. Roll-out and retractable elements will help get to the farthest corners and use all the available space efficiently. The cabinets are recommended to be used as storage places and as stools for sitting.

Experts recommend for convenience to equip the attic with a large mirror, as well as low and high benches.

To increase the functionality of the attic, you can install a washing machine and dryer, an otparivatel for clothes, an ironing board. Sometimes the hosts also store other household appliances, such as a vacuum cleaner.

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

In order to prevent the occurrence of stale smell or dampness, it is necessary to intelligently think out the ventilation system.

Bathroom

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

It is best to think about the location of the bathroom already at the design stage of the house.because it will require complex engineering communications: sewage, ventilation, water supply, electricity. In addition, the attic must be properly heated, so that during cold periods, being in the bathroom does not 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 install communications for the attic bathroom.

Architectural asymmetry in the design should be used in their favor.To do this, under the bevels it is better to integrate storage systems for hygiene products or household chemicals, a washbasin or a toilet. Furniture and plumbing with regard to ergonomic attic are advised to choose a compact and multifunctional. Built-in or hanging cabinets and shelves save valuable storage space.

Bath is advised to install near the wall or in the corner. If the attic area is limited, then you can confine yourself to a shower.

The color scheme for the attic bathroom is appropriate any, but if you have a small area, you must remember that the 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 visually expands the walls of the attic.

The main requirement for finishing materials is moisture resistance. On the ceiling will look great tension fabric or plastic panels. Flooring is appropriate in the form of ceramic tiles, plastic or floorboard. Wall cladding involves the use of any waterproof material.

Experts claim that in the bathroom, you can abandon the central chandelier, and use only built-in lights. Installation of additional illumination in a zone of washing will be required.In other cases, point light sources are decorative.

Bedroom

A bedroom is the best option for a room with a gable or single-pitch 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, you can organize a bedroom for 2-3 people. In the case of a limited area, you can equip a recreation area for one tenant.

It is better to install sleeping places in the zones of the roof bevelto save usable space. In the 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 arrangement of mansard bedrooms it is recommended to use block storage systems, folding shelves, tables or benches. Bedside lamps and recessed lighting will give up bulky chandeliers.

In the presence of free space in the bedroom, you can additionally organize a wardrobe area or a separate bathroom.

The design of a mansard sleeping area looks best in a rustic or classic style.However, one should not refuse from modern trends: loft or modern. Naturally it looks in the bedroom with wood or wallpaper. A variety of textile elements will create a cozy atmosphere. The color scheme is better to use in soft soothing colors.

Living room

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

Fireplace in the attic can play both practical and decorative role. When installing it, you need to understand that the traditional massive construction is not 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 to abandon heavy facing materials such as natural stone. Most often used for heating electric fireplaces or fireplace inserts on pellets. Decorative biofireplaces will bring a feeling of coziness and spiritual comfort into the interior. If the fireplace zone in the attic serves not as a decoration, but performs a heating function, then it is important to foresee a smoke evacuation system and a place to store fuel.

Furniture in bright colors in the living room looks elegant.Glass and mirror partitions, well-integrated lighting will create a light casual atmosphere.

Bright contrasts are also relevant 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, as long as it coincides with the tastes of the owners, matches their interests, and creates mood.

Designers recommend several styles for an attic living room.

  • Classical - Solid style with its inherent luxury and elegance. More often the center of the interior becomes a fireplace. The design does not provide bright colors. In all, orderliness and functional significance are felt.
  • Modern - harmonious minimalism. All furnishings bear the stamp of practicality, maximum functionality. Simplicity is present in every detail. Dark details are combined with pastel tones, creating harmony.
  • Retro. For decoration fit interior elements left over from great-grandmothers or stylized for them. The design involves the use of paintings, floor lamps, wooden chairs or tables with forged legs.Also characteristic is the installation of a fireplace or cast-iron stove.
  • Provence - the sophistication and romanticism of the French village. It is appropriate to finish the tree whitened by the southern sea sun. Textile pastel shades with a small pattern are welcome. Forged furniture elements, crystal lamps, soft cushions for sitting on chairs and benches, light curtains on the windows - all these details will create a cozy spiritual atmosphere in the attic living room.
  • High tech - style 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 in the attic there is a vertical wall on the gable, then you can equip a home cinema with a large screen, where it is convenient to relax with a large company or retire together to watch your favorite movies.

Fiction

Designers often offer to organize a billiard room in the attic. To do this, of course, you need a large area, since the play area is rather big, and you also need to provide a place for rest. The table is usually installed in the center of the room.Near the wall you can have a narrow bar with several chairs. For storage of cues, balls and other accessories should be arranged either wall mounts, or built-in. 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 it can be organized mini-gym. Experts warn that this is possible under the condition of strong and reliable ceilings. Lots of 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.

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 of video games, in the other - for desktop games. For the first arrangement it is important to install a large screen and a sofa opposite it. Systems for storing disks, joysticks, and other devices are best embedded in walls.Board games require a flat platform, so you need a coffee table. The sofa and ottomans should be placed around it. Boxes with games can be stored either on a shelf under the table, or inside poufs.

Kitchen dining room

Arrangement of the kitchen room in the attic is better to provide at the design stage and bookmarks at home. The fact is that it will be necessary to bring communications: gas, water, electricity.

Modular kitchen systems will facilitate the design and allow you to create a functional room. Designers offer to consider and make the most of all the nuances of the attic layout.

The use of multi-level furniture on wheels or skids will ensure its mobility, which will further enhance the functionality. Materials should be light, forms are not bulky.

Lighting is required to provide in advance. The kitchen requires a lot of light, so there should be at least two windows. Built-in lamps around the perimeter of the attic kitchen and spotlights above the worktop are the best solution.

The color scheme does not limit the owners in anything. Optimal use of bright colors for furniture modules, light tone - for walls and ceiling,dark shades for the floor.

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

Cabinet

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

Arrangement is possible even in the presence of a small space. In a small garden house it is difficult to find a place to do handicrafts, modeling or reading, but the attic room will allow you to get such a cozy corner even on a few square meters.

Under book shelves it is convenient to use the built-in shelves between the beams, under the roof bevels, between the windows. Closed mobile drawers on wheels suitable for storing tools and stationery. In addition, they can be used as stools.

Often, designers suggest using window sills as an organization for a convenient storage area that performs the additional function of a bench.If you decorate it with textile pillows and a rug, 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, hinged 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 it is possible, it is better to increase the area of ​​window structures, embed additional. Panoramic windows will not only increase the luminous flux, but also give the opportunity to rest your eyes and enjoy the scenery after work. Artificial light sources should be installed in the working area and as a light around the perimeter of the attic.

Ventilation in the office is an important element of comfort, therefore skylights provide an airing system. If you intend to work in the attic all year round, you may need to install air conditioning. In the warm period, he will save from the heat, because the summer sun primarily heats the roof. In the cold season, you may need a heater, good, in the market there are a great many: infrared, electric,water, oil.

Furniture in the attic should be a minimum, and each element is functionally justified. As a rule, its presence is due to the nature of the room. Desk set stationary or folding with a small area. If there are more written zones than one, 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 workshop in the attic, since it is inherent in the rational use of space.

If the attic floor is provided for reading your favorite books, in this case a soft sofa, a floor lamp next to it, comfortable pillows, a blanket and a soft mat under your feet will do. The cozy atmosphere and a cup of hot tea will add comfort to the atmosphere.

To ensure silence, it is necessary to provide sound insulation for the floor. In this case, the noise from below will not penetrate into the attic. Accordingly, if the workshop involves the creation of noise, the insulation will provide comfort for residents of the lower floor.

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

Lighting

Proper lighting attic is better to calculate and design in advance. On the one hand, there should be a lot of natural light, because it improves the climate of the room, on the other hand, its excess will lead to the loss of a sense of privacy.

The source of natural light flux are window designs. If the space of the attic floor is significant, then the number of windows should be more than one. According to generally accepted standards, a glazing area of ​​at least one tenth of the rest of the surface of the room walls is considered comfortable. The intensity can be adjusted with the help of curtains.

In the case of a small attic with one window, designers offer to use 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 location of the furniture, the number and shape of windows, the architecture of the attic. Any sources are appropriate for this: chandeliers, wall lamps, built-in lamps, floor lamps, table and portable lamps, bedside models,modern fiber optic lighting threads. Illumination can perform not only practical, but also decorative functions.

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

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

Beautiful examples in the interior

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

Attic has a specific architecture, so it is better to think in advance how to use beams, rafters, recesses under the slopes of the roof, different height of the walls.Proponents of the rational use of living space offer to place various storage systems under the arches of a single or dual roof.

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

The staircase to the attic floor is in some way its entrance hall. Experts advise in the presence of space to install a full-size flight of stairs. This is the safest option that families with small children and elderly residents will appreciate.

The rules of attic insulation in a private house are waiting for you in this video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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