Home Garden

How to Convert an Attic Into a Bathroom

Converting your available attic space into a bathroom can increase the value of your home and add convenience with the addition of another bathroom. Attic bathrooms pose some dilemmas because of the often dark and cramped space. Making architectural changes to the space before you begin the conversion can help add necessary square footage and ceiling clearance, but you can also use the angles of the attic to help you design an intimate bathroom. Other design choices will help you highlight the architectural interest of the attic while providing a relaxing setting in your new bathroom.

Things You'll Need

  • Window
  • Flooring
  • Bathtub
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Lighting
  • Shelves
  • Sink
  • Accessories
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult a contractor about any necessary architectural changes. Building codes in your area may require that the ceiling must be a certain height to be a legal renovation.

    • 2

      Add a window to the attic. A dormer window can provide natural light for the room without taking up as much wall space. A skylight is another option to flood the new bathroom with light.

    • 3

      Install flooring. Wood floors can complement any exposed wood beams. Tile floors provide a water-resistant material. Light-colored tile will also make the room feel more open and airy.

    • 4

      Paint the bathroom. Use a lighter color, such as white, cream, gray or beige. Lighter colors will help reflect the light from the windows.

    • 5

      Add lighting. Pocket lights provide additional lighting to an otherwise dark area. Install lights near your vanity.

    • 6

      Incorporate the sloped ceiling and walls into your design. For example, place a bathtub in an area with a sloped wall since you will not need as much head clearance for this area. Another option is to place a toilet in a sloped area. Add shelves with varying lengths to simulate the shape of the walls.

    • 7

      Add small pieces of furniture and fixtures to the bathroom. Skip the double-sink option for a pedestal sink that takes up less space. A small vanity is another option that provides storage without occupying too much space.

    • 8

      Add storage devices. Use built-in storage units to maximize your space by adding shelves to the walls or adding a storage device with drawers near the wall.

    • 9

      Add decorative elements. Line the shower wall with tile. Surround your bathtub with tile or wood. Wainscoting on one wall can give the bathroom a cottage look. Add a decorative tray with all of your bathing essentials to a ledge on the bathtub.