9 Attic Office Ideas So Good That We'd Be Willing To Work Overtime
Let's be honest, there are many perks that come along with working from home (see: the ability to take Zoom meetings in sweatpants), but there are some pitfalls, too. Finding a quiet area in your home where you can temporarily ignore household chores (like those pesky dishes from the night before) and focus on your to-do list is no easy task, but there's one solution you may not have considered yet: the attic.
Yes, an attic is more than just a place to store holiday decorations and high school yearbooks. Thanks to built-in architectural interest from sloped ceilings and natural seclusion from the rest of your home, an attic actually makes an ideal space to tackle everything from work projects to taxes.
In addition to considering things like your ideal office decor, you'll also want to focus your energy on creating a functional layout, adding in some storage for important documents or files, and even carving out space to unwind or refresh on your lunch break. Ahead, we're sharing nine attic office ideas that promise to totally transform your work-from-home life.
1. Add painted built-ins.
The designers behind Roost Interiors created an instant focal point in this attic office space thanks to painted blue built-ins, ideal for housing books, art, and small storage boxes. Center the desk in the middle of the room to enjoy the view out of the window — a simple trick that will almost make you feel like you're working in a treehouse.
Get the look: Benjamin Moore Kensington Blue
2. Keep it minimal.
Just because your to-do list is cluttered doesn't mean your workstation has to be. Take a note from Sylvia Tribel's home office and stick with light neutrals and minimal furniture. To recreate the look, bring in texture with a woven rug, a wood desk, and rattan accessories.
Get the look: Sarah Sherman Samuel Moroccan Flatweave in Ochre, $98 – $1,698
3. Make room for two.
If you're not the only one in your home who needs an office to call their own, recreate this space-saving idea by Chris and Melissa and align two desks against the wall, rather than centering them in the room. Another trick to copy? These simple tufted poufs that make a budget-friendly alternative to traditional office chairs.
Get the look: Safavieh Evoke Collection Modern Bohemian Area Rug, $25.94 – $369.82
4. Add statement lighting.
It may seem counterintuitive, but maybe swanky lighting is just what you need to energize your home office. Follow the lead of Beth from Unskinny Boppy, and go for the gold with a cascading crystal pendant light. The copper dome shade keeps the fixture from feeling too fancy, while still adding a hint of vintage glam to this bright attic office.
Get the look: House of Hampton Leisha 1-Light Single Dome Pendant, $127.99
5. Create a rustic vibe with a wood ceiling.
Leave it to Joanna Gaines to come up with the rustic attic office idea of our dreams. Cozy built-ins complement the irregular ceiling shape, which also acts as the focal point of the room thanks to gorgeous reclaimed wood planks. Take note: Painting the floors white keeps the space feeling tall and expansive, as opposed to having exposed wood on the floor and the ceiling, which could result in a boxy feeling.
Get the look: Stikwood Golden Oak, $10 per square foot
6. Make it multifunctional with seating.
If our workspace looked like this, there's a fair chance we'd be leaping out of bed in the morning to get to work. This attic office idea by xer0 group makes the most out of an expansive space by incorporating traditional English roll arm chairs and a television —perfect for relaxation or "me time" at the end of the work day (don't tell the kids).
Get the look: World Market Oatmeal English Roll Arm Shelton Chair, $399.99
7. Add vintage flair with painted wood floors.
Sam Gardiner, who is a co-owner of Stuart Gardiner Design and former design manager of the Laura Ashley HQ, adds cheerful vintage charm to this attic office space by painting the wood floors with a pop of color. This attic idea is particularly valuable if the original flooring is in need of replacing, and you're in need of a more budget-friendly alternative.
Get the look: FutureAntiquesEU Danish Double Sided Desk, $1,396.22
8. Maximize space with a window seat.
The stair placement and angled ceilings in this attic present a unique layout challenge, but that's nothing that Jessica Helgerson can't handle. A built-in desk and spacious window seat maximizes functionality while leaving plenty of floor space.
Get the look: The Robot Parade Recessed Brass Drawer Pulls, $38
9. Customize with plywood.
Love the Scandi minimalist look, but not always a fan of the steep price tag that often comes with it? You're not alone. Luckily, there is a budget-friendly solution: plywood. This lofty, attic office space by architect Christopher Cahill and contractor Ted Xenteras made good use of the budget-friendly material to build out a large custom desk with ample storage and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. Talk about getting a big bang for your buck!
Get the look: Schoolhouse Electric Factory 5 Rod LED Pendant, $459