When you have a roof space, you could probably leave it as an attic or transform it into something more usable. Like a bathroom.
For many people, expanding into their attic floor is a dream that they’ve harboured for years. If it’s your dream, you can take this space to new heights. When it comes to bathroom installations on the top floor, you will have to find ways of getting around the sloping roof. While it really is possible to create a bathroom space within a gable, remember that appearances can be deceiving. A design might look generously proportioned on a floor plan, but in reality it will shrink to something more average when applied to an area with a sloping roof, as this will drastically reduce the amount of space that is actually usable.
Planning is key
Maintaining a good overview of the space is the key to getting the most out of it. Ask yourself whether you really need a toilet, washbasin area, shower and bathtub. Will a single or double washbasin area do the job? Do you need a shower or a freestanding tub? The list goes on. Once you’ve defined your needs and squared what you want with what your budget and space can accommodate, the next step is to create the best design for the space.
Some criteria are non-negotiable: The shower and the mirror cabinet above the washbasin will be the highest items in the room, while the toilet will be the lowest – this can fit comfortably under the sloping roof if the height of the knee wall (the low wall) allows it. The same applies to the bathtub, since it’s made for lying down. It’s also important to think about the amount of space that not only individual products, but also users require – to make sure that nobody ends up hitting their head.
Creating spaciousness
With a careful approach, you can find the perfect position for all the elements of your dream bathroom. But there’s more to it. Once you’ve created the layout, the next step is to add a few touches that will establish that penthouse atmosphere you desire. A tile pattern that continues throughout the room across the hidden cistern located behind the wall is a clever way to help achieve this.
Also, because natural light can be scarce in roof spaces, light colours are recommended. It’s also good to keep in mind that roof bathroom designs will inevitably encounter niches (they’re part of the charm in this kind of space, after all). The best way to use these doesn’t have to be something totally practical; positioned correctly, a beautiful decorative object can add to that feeling of spaciousness.
