A finished loft can be a great way to add some extra space to your home. Not only can it be used for storage space, it can even be use to add additional accommodations for guests, children, or even a romantic evening with your loved one.

You need to put a little extra thinking into the design when you’re working with limited space and limited accessibility. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you’re planning to down this route.

Access

The most important thing to consider is how you will access your loft. The most common way is with a basic ladder, as stairs would often either be too steep or take up too much space in the bottom floor. You’ll need to make sure that the ladder is well supported and that it is designed safely. Railings and anti-skid surfaces are an excellent idea in this regard.

You’ll also want to consider who is going to use the loft. Is it someone who is in plenty good shape to hoist themselves up there? If not, you’ll have to take extra care to design it so that everyone can use it without too much stress to their body and certainly without risk of injury.

Accommodations

You’re going to be tight on space, so you’re going to have to choose your furniture appropriately. Much of this will come down to what you plan to use the loft for. Is it a place where you’re going to have romantic dinners with your spouse? If so, maybe its a small table & chair set. Or perhaps it’s a place where you want to have overnight guests? In this case, you may want to look for a small bed or a futon – you should be able to find something that is both comfortable and not too expensive. Futons can really be a great addition to small spaces like this.

You’ll also want to put some thought into lighting. Recessed light fixtures are the method of choice if you can make it work with your home’s electricity and your budget. If not, a simple floor lamp is probably the way to go. You want to avoid any light fixtures hanging down from the ceiling, as this will take up unnecessary headroom.

Luxury

Last, but certainly not least, you want to take into account what final touches you can add to make your loft a truly wonderful place to be. Our biggest recommendation – a view. Whether it’s the woods, the mountains, a city scape, or the sea, if you have it you should make use of it! Large windows are the best way to achieve this, and the feeling of being up high and looking out over a gorgeous view will really bring your whole loft experience together.

In lieu of a view, there are still plenty of options at your disposal. Perhaps you could make use of a wall-mounted flat screen television, if that suits the overall theme of your loft. Or perhaps a nicely placed painting could help bring the room together? Whatever you choose in the end, just make sure it fits with the ambience and decor that you set out with when putting it all together. In the end you’ll have a wonderful addition to your home. There’s nothing quite like making the most of your unused space!