When Sarah and James bought their three-bed semi in Swindon, the estate agent mentioned “loft potential” during the viewing. At the time, they laughed it off. The attic was full of cobwebs, cracked beams, and old moving boxes. It was barely tall enough to stand up in.
Fast forward twelve months, and that same dusty attic has become their favourite room in the house. A warm, peaceful space with soft lighting, built-in storage, and loft windows that flood the room with daylight.
Here’s how they did it – and what they learned along the way.
The Problem: Wasted Space and No Storage
Like many homes in the area, Sarah and James’s attic had been untouched for years. It had decent square footage but was filled with junk and badly insulated. The original hatch was tiny, and there wasn’t even a proper light bulb.
Meanwhile, they were struggling to find room for their growing family. The spare bedroom had become a makeshift office, and their own bedroom was cluttered with boxes.
Rather than move, they decided to look up – literally.
Getting Started: Planning the Layout
The first step was getting a loft conversion company to assess the loft. Their chosen builder checked the head height, structure, and whether the floor could take the weight. Luckily, it was a good starting point – and didn’t need a full roof raise.
They decided to go for a full-width dormer at the back and two large loft windows at the front to keep the space balanced.
This meant the new bedroom would get morning light from one side, and a wide view across the garden from the other.
Choosing the Right Loft Windows
Sarah says the windows made the biggest difference. “We thought it would just feel like a small attic room with a bed. But once those windows went in, it changed completely.”
They picked top-hung loft windows that open outwards, giving clear sky views and excellent ventilation in the summer.
The position of the windows also meant they didn’t need artificial lighting during the day – saving energy and making the room feel more open.
Flooring, Walls and Finishing Touches
Once the windows and structure were done, the fun began.
They chose light oak flooring, soft grey walls, and added storage under the eaves. A slimline radiator kept things warm in winter without taking up much room.
Sarah added layered blinds for the loft windows – blackout for sleeping, sheer for daytime. And they kept furniture simple: low bed frame, built-in shelves, and a full-length mirror facing the natural light.
Within six weeks of starting, the room was done.
The Result: A Calm, Private Space
What was once a dark, forgotten attic is now a calm, stylish bedroom with a soft breeze and quiet feel.
“We didn’t expect to use it so much,” James says. “But now it’s where we go to read, relax, or just get away from the noise downstairs.”
And it’s not just them who’ve noticed. Friends and family are amazed by the transformation – especially the light coming through the modern custom-made window shutters.
The estate agent who first sold them the house said the conversion would add serious value. Now, it’s not just more space – it’s a feature buyers would fight for.
What They Spent – and What They Saved
They kept costs under control by sticking to one room and not adding an en-suite. The biggest expense was the dormer and the loft windows – but both were worth it.
They also saved by decorating themselves and reusing some of the furniture from other rooms.
Would They Do It Again?
“Absolutely,” says Sarah. “It’s changed the way we live. We thought we’d just end up with a spare room, but it’s become the best room in the house.”
Their advice to others? “Don’t ignore the loft. And don’t go cheap on the windows – they made all the difference.”
Final Thought
If you’ve got a loft full of dust and clutter, don’t assume it’s dead space. With the right layout, good insulation, and well-placed loft windows, it could become the brightest, calmest part of your home.
Sarah and James didn’t need to move or build an extension. They just needed to look up – and reimagine the space they already had.