February 12, 2023, 2:22 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Living under the roof often means limited space, cramped conditions, and the constant question: How can this area be harmoniously furnished? myHOMEBOOK reveals which furniture and colors are best suited for a living room with a sloped ceiling.
While living spaces under the roof are considered cozy, they also present a challenge when it comes to furnishing. The limited space and sloping walls make it difficult to utilize all dimensions. What furniture fits such a concept? And where can storage be integrated? myHOMEBOOK author and interior designer Odett Schumann explains how to harmoniously furnish a living room with sloped ceilings.
1. Choose Colors Based on Surface Size
If a living room with sloped ceilings is already limited to a few square meters, it is advisable to keep the design predominantly in space-opening, light colors. In particular, the sloped walls should be painted in white, cream, sand, or light gray to reduce the room’s oppressive effect. Only the gable wall can handle a slightly bolder color and can thus be the focal point.
However, in rooms with many skylights or spacious attic apartments with plenty of natural light, there’s nothing against adding a bit of color to the slopes. This way, the living room under the roof gains a special form of coziness.
2. Balance Knee Wall Height with Custom Furniture
Clearly, the furnishing of a living room under the roof depends on the height of the knee wall. The higher it is, the more room there is for design. With very low height, a lot of valuable space is lost. But even then, there are furniture pieces that can save that area in the living room under the roof.
With custom-made cabinets and shelves from a carpenter, the slope of the wall can be fully utilized for more storage space. In a generous area, a custom piece of furniture can also serve as a room divider, allowing the living room with a sloped ceiling to be divided into living and dining areas.
3. Arrange Furniture by Height
In a living room with a sloped ceiling, furniture with a low height is generally most suitable. The next step in furnishing is to arrange all seating and storage furniture by their height in the room. Low sideboards and lowboards usually fit perfectly under sloped ceilings.
Seating furniture is slightly higher, despite having a low backrest. Therefore, sofas and armchairs follow next in the room design. Almost every household also has one or two larger pieces of furniture. Thus, furniture like a dresser, a tall shelf, or a buffet cabinet is ideally placed at the highest axis in the room, the gable wall.
4. Pay Attention to the Type of Furniture
Not only the height and placement of individual furniture pieces are crucial in a living room with a sloped ceiling, but also the type of furniture plays a role. Depending on the room size, it is advisable to choose light furniture for a small attic. A minimalist design also supports the tidy, unobtrusive character of a living area under the roof and should be pursued as a design line. Less detail and ornamentation are clearly more here!
Furniture, especially seating, should also appear delicate rather than bulky in form. It is better to opt for standalone furniture rather than furniture systems. With individual upholstered pieces, the space can be utilized much better than with a complete sofa landscape, and it also appears airier.
Furnishing Tips for Attic Rooms
How to Properly Furnish a Bedroom with a Sloped Ceiling
5. Harmoniously Arrange Base and Mood Lighting
Often, living spaces under the roof are not blessed with much natural light. Few windows, dark wooden beams, niches, and slopes in the room contribute significantly to making it feel dark and oppressive. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Light is a crucial factor when furnishing a living room under the gable. With the right lighting, the height and width of the room can be highlighted.
A large pendant or hanging light can serve as a focal point. For general lighting, individual spots, either recessed into the ceiling or on a track system, are ideal. Additionally, a floor or arc lamp at the gable wall, along with scattered table and floor lights, can enhance the space. Multiple light sources in various locations create a cozy atmosphere under the roof.
Also interesting: How to properly furnish a bedroom with a sloped ceiling
6. Use Accessories Functionally
Accessories should not be lacking in a living room under the roof. Ideally, decoration should follow the slope of the ceilings. It is advisable to hang or lean pictures according to size and format on the wall. The same applies to plants, which can be positioned from small to large in the room to utilize the unique dimension of the living area.
Since an attic is more dependent on climatic conditions than other living spaces, it is recommended to use blinds, shutters, or pleated shades for all windows. In summer, this can help reduce heat from outside, and in winter, it can effectively protect against the cold. These functional textiles may also serve as sun and privacy protection. This way, you can live undisturbed!