11 Tips for Building a Bathroom in the Attic

Many of us don’t have room to add a luxurious four-piece master bathroom to our homes, unless we sacrifice a spare bedroom or carve into our closet space. (Heaven forbid!) But some savvy designers and homeowners have found a smart solution: an attic renovation. A deep soaking tub tucked under an eave or a pair of pedestal sinks may just fit perfectly. Take cues from these stunning examples of beautiful bathrooms that are all found in this often-overlooked storage space.

1. You’ll want to consult a contractor to determine if your space is structurally sound and would meet local building codes for a spa-like sanctuary. Then, instead of getting frustrated by an attic’s spatial limitations, get creative. Take this room, for example, which has been designed with back-to-back vanities that meet at the peak.


2. The most expensive part of an attic bathroom is often the addition of plumbing. To keep these costs down, try to situate fixtures directly above a kitchen or bathroom on the floor below.


3. Since height is clearly the biggest issue at the pinnacle of a house, it’s best to consider placing a shower right in the center, allowing optimal headroom (most codes mandate a 7-foot minimum). If vertical space remains an issue, talk with your contractor about the possibility of adding dormers.


4. Alternatively, a bathtub would fit comfortably under one of the eaves, since you’ll mostly be reclining there anyway. Before choosing a tub, make sure to determine its weight (when filled with water!) and measure the distance between your existing floor joists to see if your attic will support the heavy load. You can find a span table online to help you calculate this.


5. Custom glass shower enclosures and built-in storage are great solutions for difficult spaces, like this attic with a chimney stack and awkward angles.


6. Skylights (if properly installed) allow for lots of natural light and will give your attic an open and airy feeling. They’ll also give you a few more inches of precious height.


7. If skylights aren’t an option, partial walls like this one can make the best of limited light and give the space a loft-like quality.


8. Bright white subway tiles will keep your small space looking fresh. But don’t be afraid of having a little fun up here. Clad a wall in brightly hued tiles, as in this sunny retreat, and you’ll never want to leave.


9. Wallpaper in an attic? Who knew it would look so amazing? Try a textured or small-scale pattern that won’t be overwhelming on an angled wall.


10. Take advantage of the architecture and give the ceilings an exciting treatment, like this rich wood paneling.


11. Even the tiniest sliver of an attic can be a little jewel-box getaway, like this one.

More:
14 Tips for Decorating an Attic — Awkward Spots and All


Attic Remodels: Making Room for Family

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