Wardrobes in a loft conversion aren’t a simple plug-and-play. Sloped ceilings, limited head height, awkward angles, and chimney breasts all make it difficult to fit standard freestanding furniture.
In most cases, off-the-shelf wardrobes either don’t fit, look bulky, or waste valuable space. A successful wardrobe loft conversion requires more than just a quick fix; it necessitates a design that complements the room, rather than clashing with it.
That means shaping storage around eaves, beams, and dormer walls to utilise every inch. When done right, your loft can feel spacious, tidy and tailored to how you live.
To get the most out of your loft conversion, fitted wardrobes are often the most practical option. Standard furniture rarely works in lofts; the angles are awkward, the ceilings are low, and space is limited. Fitted wardrobes are purpose-built to address these challenges, providing you with sleek, usable storage that seamlessly integrates into the room.
Whether you're converting a compact attic or a large dormer loft, a tailored wardrobe layout can help you stay organised without sacrificing floor space.
Loft eaves, the low, sloping edges of your ceiling, are typically wasted space. Fitting bespoke wardrobes into the eaves transforms these awkward areas into highly functional storage spaces. You can add doors that follow the ceiling line, or build push-to-open cabinets that blend into the wall for a minimalist look.
Built-in wardrobes in the eaves are ideal for storing folded clothes, shoes, or seasonal items, and they help keep your loft feeling open and uncluttered.
If your loft has a dormer extension or a hip-to-gable conversion, chances are you’ve gained some vertical wall space. This is perfect for floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. These full-height designs provide maximum storage from top to bottom, making them ideal for rails, internal drawers, overhead shelving, and even hidden compartments.
Adding mirrored doors can also reflect light and make the space feel bigger, especially if your loft is on the narrow side.
One of the biggest advantages of going bespoke is the internal layout. You can customise the wardrobe interiors to suit exactly how you live, from built-in drawers and open shelving to hanging rails at different heights.
Think about what you need day to day. Do you want hidden compartments for jewellery? Deep drawers for bedding? Or simple open shelving for bags and accessories? A tailored layout keeps everything within reach and neatly stored.
Your loft wardrobes don’t just need to be practical; they can look great too. With bespoke design, you’ll have complete control over:
You can even colour-match fitted wardrobes to your skirting or paint them to blend into the wall, helping the storage feel seamless.
Fitted wardrobes in a loft conversion usually start from around £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the size, materials, internal layout, and finish. For a fully bespoke design with premium finishes and complex angles (such as sloped ceilings or wraparound units), costs can exceed £6,000 to £7,000.
Get an exact quote for your loft wardrobe below from our trusted experts.
You don’t always need bespoke joinery to get smart storage in your loft. With a bit of planning and the right flat-pack pieces, you can still create a functional, stylish wardrobe layout that works around awkward loft angles. Off-the-shelf wardrobes are ideal for budget-conscious loft conversions, particularly in spare rooms or Velux-style lofts with lower headroom.
Sloped ceilings make it difficult to fit standard wardrobes, but shorter freestanding options can still work well. Low-height wardrobes and compact units are great for placing under a Velux window or along the shorter side of a pitched roof. While they may not offer the storage capacity of fitted wardrobes, they’re perfect for guest rooms or storing occasional wear.
Pair with a wall shelf above or a mirror to keep the space open and practical.
Modular wardrobes give you the freedom to piece together storage that fits your loft’s layout. Many high street retailers now offer modular units with interchangeable drawers, rails, and shelving, allowing you to create a wardrobe that suits your needs without going fully bespoke.
They’re beneficial in lofts with dormers, where you might have one usable full-height wall and another sloping away, allowing you to mix and match unit sizes for a more flexible solution.
If floor-to-ceiling wardrobes won’t fit, try combining wide drawer units with a simple clothes rail mounted above. This works well along the lower sections of the wall and keeps clothing easily accessible without making the room feel cramped.
It’s a great option in shallow lofts or areas where eaves storage wouldn’t accommodate a full cabinet.
If space is tight, these wardrobe ideas also suit small loft conversions.
Building above an existing structure can be a cost-effective way to add upper-floor space without expanding the property's footprint. Structural assessments are crucial to ensure the existing building can support the additional load.
If you want the affordability of a flat-pack but the finish of something more tailored, consider hiring a joiner to make small adjustments. Trimming down IKEA units, adding custom doors or infill panels, or building boxed-in surrounds can elevate a basic wardrobe into something that looks fully integrated, for a fraction of the cost of a fully bespoke solution.
It’s the perfect middle ground for homeowners who want a polished result without the price tag of full-fitted wardrobes.
Check out some of our inspired loft conversion wardrobe setups over on our LoftCompare Pinterest page.
If you’ve got the space, a walk-in wardrobe can take your loft conversion to the next level. Whether you’re turning the loft into a master suite or simply want more breathing room for your clothes, a walk-in wardrobe offers both luxury and practicality, without dominating the bedroom itself.
Walk-in wardrobes work best in larger loft conversions where space and ceiling height allow for a dedicated dressing area. Dormer lofts are ideal, as they add full-height wall sections and generous floor space.
Hip to gable loft conversions also create room by extending the roof and introducing a vertical gable wall, while mansard conversions often offer the most usable volume overall. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need around 1.5 to 2 metres of width to comfortably accommodate a walk-in zone, especially if you’re planning rails or shelving on both sides.
The shape of your loft will often guide the best layout. Here are a few popular options:
Use every inch smartly, especially in tight corners or where ceilings slope down.
A well-designed walk-in wardrobe isn’t just about hanging space; it’s about creating a space that feels comfortable and considered. Adding LED strip lighting inside wardrobes or under shelves gives a premium, high-end finish while making it easier to see your clothes.
A full-length mirror not only adds practicality but also helps the room feel bigger and brighter. And if space allows, a small bench or built-in seat adds comfort while folding clothes or getting ready.
These finishing touches turn your wardrobe from simple storage into a space that’s part of your everyday routine.
Many choose to combine a walk-in wardrobe with an ensuite, creating a full master suite in the loft. One popular layout places the bedroom at one end of the space, with a central walk-in wardrobe acting as a natural divider, and the ensuite positioned behind it.
This approach not only keeps each area defined but maintains an open, connected feel, ideal for making the most of larger dormer, hip to gable or mansard loft conversions.
Not all loft conversions are created equal, and when it comes to wardrobes, the shape and structure of your space make a huge difference. The ideal storage solution in a dormer loft will be completely different to what works in a Velux or hip-to-gable conversion. Below, we break down how to plan your wardrobe based on the type of loft you have.
Dormer loft conversions are often the easiest to work with when it comes to wardrobes. The addition of a vertical wall provides valuable full-height space, ideal for fitted wardrobes, mirrored sliding doors, or even symmetrical built-ins that stretch from wall to wall. You’re no longer fighting against sloped ceilings, so it’s much easier to install a traditional wardrobe layout with double rails, high shelving, and integrated drawers.
If you’ve got the floor space, a dormer loft is also the most suitable layout for adding a walk-in wardrobe or combining storage with a small dressing area. With good ceiling height and natural light, you can create a space that feels like a true extension of your bedroom, rather than a compromise.
Velux loft conversions are the trickiest for wardrobes. These types of lofts don’t involve extending the roof, so you're working entirely within the existing pitch, meaning head height is limited and full-height furniture rarely fits.
Instead, the best approach is to use short wardrobes or eaves storage that follows the line of the ceiling. Low drawer units, open shelving, or rails fitted under the sloped sections can still provide ample practical storage. Modular wardrobes or customised IKEA hacks are often the most cost-effective way to get a good result in these spaces.
Areas beneath Velux windows are a great place to add low-level storage or a dressing bench, just be sure to avoid blocking the light. In most cases, fitted or semi-bespoke options will work far better than freestanding pieces.
If you’ve converted your loft with a mansard or hip-to-gable extension, you’ve likely gained both floor space and full-height walls, a dream combination when it comes to wardrobe design. These layouts give you far more flexibility, whether you want to create a built-in run of wardrobes, a corner dressing zone, or even a walk-in wardrobe if space allows.
Full-height sliding wardrobes work well along the new gable wall, especially in hip-to-gable lofts, while mansard conversions are perfect for corner wardrobes that wrap around awkward angles. With clever planning, these types of lofts can accommodate a mix of open shelving, hidden drawers and mirror-fronted doors, all without feeling cramped.
Below are the most common questions homeowners ask when planning wardrobes for their loft conversion, from cost to layout options and what really fits.
It depends on the type of loft conversion you have. In dormer, mansard and hip-to-gable lofts, you’ll usually have enough head height and vertical wall space to accommodate full-size wardrobes. However, in Velux lofts or any conversion with steep sloping ceilings, standard freestanding wardrobes often won’t fit.
That’s where fitted wardrobes or short modular units come into their own, designed to follow the angles of your loft and maximise every usable inch.
If your loft has awkward corners, sloped ceilings or limited height, fitted wardrobes are often well worth the investment. They allow you to create storage where standard furniture simply wouldn’t work. A well-designed, fitted wardrobe can make a small loft feel much more spacious and organised, and it usually adds to the overall value of the space.
While more expensive than flat-pack options, the long-term benefit of tailored, built-in storage often outweighs the upfront cost.
In a compact loft or attic space, the key is to go low and clever. Built-in wardrobes under the eaves, low drawer units, open shelving, and rails hung at staggered heights all help to keep things organised without eating into the room.
If space is very limited, try combining shallow drawers with a single hanging rail above, or explore IKEA hacks to adapt flat-pack units to fit sloped ceilings. The goal is to keep everything accessible while remaining unobtrusive.
Yes, with a few tweaks. Many homeowners utilise IKEA systems, such as PAX, BILLY, and METOD, to create budget-friendly wardrobes in lofts. You may need to cut down the backs, adjust the height, or combine units in creative ways, especially if you're working under sloped ceilings or into awkward corners.
Adding custom trims or doors can help create a semi-bespoke finish. For tight spaces, sliding door options work exceptionally well.
Most fitted wardrobes for loft conversions start from around £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the size, materials, and complexity of the design. For fully bespoke layouts with custom angles, soft-close fittings, and premium finishes, you could be looking at £6,000 or more.
If you're combining a walk-in wardrobe with an en-suite, costs can rise further, but the end result is a functional and luxurious use of your loft space.