How to Use Dormers in an Attic Space

Add a window seat at the bottom of the window to turn the dormer into a cozy place to read and look out at trees and clouds. The seat can be a plain wood plank, or it can be a fully padded couch substitute. While just placing a chair in the dormer area is probably cheaper and certainly less time-consuming, a window seat actually aids in cleaning the area later, as there aren’t any hidden, forgotten corners that require you to move the chair and any other furniture to access.

Fit a captain’s bed underneath the window to create extra sleeping room and storage. Captain’s beds have drawers underneath the mattress area, combining a dresser and bed into one module. This leaves the rest of the attic free for an office or craft area. House Logic suggests adding shelves above the headboard of the bed, too.

Move your desk and bookcases into large dormer areas for a natural light boost that can cut down on your utility bills. Customize shelves to fit under diagonally sloping ceilings. Just be careful not to fully block the window. House Logic warns that all attics need emergency exits: It’s always possible for the door to the attic to be blocked by fire or debris in the event of a disaster, and the dormer window is going to be the next logical choice for getting out. If you must block part of the window with a desk, don’t put your desk there.