Unlike when it comes to designing a master or guest bedroom, extra thought needs to go into getting children's bedroom ideas just right – these are spaces that need to be capable of evolving as their occupants grow as well as fulfilling all that is demanded of them on a daily basis.
Children's bedrooms need to offer not just somewhere quiet and restful to sleep, but also a place to play, perhaps do homework or arts and crafts as well as offering storage for clothes and, depending on the age of your children, for toys, books and so on.
While loft conversions make great bedrooms, there are a few extra things to bear in mind when using them for children's bedrooms – so we asked the experts for their thoughts on the main factors to take into consideration for a successful end result that all the family is happy with.
What makes loft conversions good as children's bedrooms?
There are both pros and cons to turning a loft conversion into a children's bedroom, and opinion tends to be a little divided on the wisdom of locating a child's bedroom at the top of the house. So what are the positives?
"Putting a child’s bedroom in a loft conversion can be a brilliant way to make use of space that would otherwise sit empty," points out Rob Wood, director at Simply Loft. "It gives growing families that extra room without extending outwards, and older children especially tend to love the added privacy.
"In the early years, it can be a nursery, nicely tucked away from the busy parts of the house, with soft lighting and plenty of smart storage," continues Rob. "As your child grows, it can easily turn into a fun and colourful bedroom, with space for toys, books and maybe a small desk for drawing or homework. Later on, it can become a cool teenage hangout, giving them their own private space to study, relax and enjoy a bit of independence."
Rob and Helen Wood set up The Simply Construction Group in 2008. They sought to professionalise the stressful and disorganised construction industry. Initially setting up the brand Simply Extend, the Simply Construction Group has grown to include Simply Loft, Simply Basement and Simply Architects.
Why are loft conversions unsuitable as children's bedrooms?
While the idea of creating a beautiful loft conversion bedroom for a child within a newly-converted loft can seem appealing, there are a few practicalities to consider, which Ian Garner, project coordinator at Absolute Lofts, is keen to point out.
"In all the years I've been converting lofts, I've probably only carried out two or three that were children's bedrooms," says Ian. "Parents are not usually keen on having young children on a totally different floor from them. Lofts make better playrooms.
"Running up and down the stairs to tend to a baby or toddler isn't something most people want to be doing," continues Ian. "And stairs can be a worry too. Lofts really make better bedrooms for older children – from about 10 years old upwards I'd say."
Ian is project co-ordinator at Absolute Lofts, where the collective experience of the team goes beyond 100 years. Every team member, from builder to electrician to surveyor to office manager, are experienced, fully insured and highly qualified within this field.
Do loft conversions make good teen bedrooms?
Both experts we spoke to agreed that loft conversions tend to be better suited for teenage bedroom ideas than for young children and babies.
"Loft conversions are brilliant spaces for teenage bedrooms and for grown-up children who have finished university and then come back to live at home and want a space that feels a bit independent and separate from the rest of the house," says Ian Garner.
That said, if you plan on housing your teen in a loft conversion there are a couple of factors to bear in mind that will make life run smoother for the whole household.
"If there is a party wall in your loft conversion, I'd highly recommend adding in extra soundproofing," says Ian Garner. "And I'd also advise putting additional soundproofing in the floor."
Don't forget to consider window treatments either – teens need their beauty sleep. This is particularly important in the case of rooflights – seek out blackout blinds and make sure they are a really good fit.
This blackout blind comes in a huge range of sizes to fit a wide range of Velux windows. Not only does it block out all light, it also has a heat reflective backing to avoid overheating and heat loss.
Design considerations for a loft conversion children's bedroom
If you have decided to use your loft conversion as a children's bedroom, there are a couple of ways to ensure the project is a success.
"It’s important to think about comfort and practicality from the outset," says Rob Wood. "High-quality loft insulation and good ventilation will keep the room cosy in winter and fresh in summer, while a well-designed staircase with secure balustrades ensures safe, easy access every day.
"Planning the layout so it can evolve as your child grows, from playroom to study space to teenage retreat, helps futureproof the room," continues Rob. "Layered lighting, combining plenty of natural daylight with practical task lighting, makes the space versatile, and good acoustic insulation between floors helps create a calm, peaceful environment for sleep and study."
FAQs
What types of loft conversion are best for children's bedrooms?
There are lots of different types of loft conversion. Some are more suitable for certain houses than others, but it is useful to think about how you plan on using your conversion when deciding between loft styles.
Simple rooflight conversions are the cheapest and easiest to carry out and actually make very good children's bedrooms as sloping roofs, and the lack of head height they present around the perimeter of the room, are less problematic for shorter members of the household and are the ideal place for building in book and toy storage or for locating a single bed.
That said, larger, more complex structures such as mansard loft conversions, also make sense as they allow for multiple rooms to be located in the loft. This means it can be possible to site both a master bedroom with en suite, as well as a nursery, within the conversion, removing the worry of a young child sleeping alone at the top of the house.
While this is a great way to add space to your home without extending, be sure to research loft conversion costs thoroughly before you get started. You want to ensure you get the most space and add maximum value to your home by carrying out the project.
