Under Eaves Storage Solutions for Lofts
From sleek built-ins to clever IKEA hacks, explore storage ideas that turn wasted eaves space into something beautifully practical.
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From sleek built-ins to clever IKEA hacks, explore storage ideas that turn wasted eaves space into something beautifully practical.
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Under eaves storage refers to the space beneath your loft’s sloping roof, often awkward to use but full of hidden potential. Whether you’re after a simple cupboard, clever pull-out drawers, or a bespoke built-in, this guide will walk you through your options.
You’ll find practical under eaves storage ideas, DIY tips, and real-life solutions that work for lofts of all shapes and sizes.
Got an awkward sloping ceiling? You’re not alone.
Under eaves storage is one of the smartest ways to make the most of that tricky space in your loft. Whether you're working with a loft conversion bedroom, a home office, or a playroom, there are plenty of clever solutions that can help you keep things tidy without wasting a single inch.
Under eaves areas can feel like dead space, but with the right layout, they can become some of the most useful storage zones in your home.
Think low-level cupboards that follow the pitch of your roof, pull-out drawers that slide under the slope, or open shelving that fits snugly along the edge. These solutions work with your loft’s shape, not against it.
IKEA offers numerous pieces that can be repurposed for under-eaves storage, particularly modular systems such as PLATSA, BESTÅ, or KALLAX.
Combine units to match the height and angle of your eaves, or customise with doors, baskets, and inserts to suit your space. Affordable, flexible, and surprisingly stylish.
Built-in under eaves storage looks seamless and makes the best use of every inch, especially in tight or low spaces. It’s great for long-term use and can boost the overall finish of your loft. Freestanding options, on the other hand, are more flexible and often more budget-friendly, ideal if you’re renting or planning to rearrange in future.
When designed well, under eaves storage doesn’t just solve a space problem, it can actually transform the feel of the entire room.
Whether it’s a calm, clutter-free bedroom, a more productive home office, or a kids’ room that doesn’t look like a toy explosion, here’s how to make your storage work with your lifestyle.
Under eaves storage is perfect for tucking away the clutter that usually lives on floors and chair backs. Think built-in wardrobes that run along the slope, low drawers for extra bedding, or open shelving that adds storage without stealing space. Done right, it can make even a small loft bedroom feel bigger, calmer, and more organised.
If your loft doubles as a workspace, the eaves are ideal for practical, low-profile storage. Add shelving for books and files, install a slim cupboard for printers or supplies, or even build in a bench with lift-up lids for hidden storage and an extra seat. It keeps everything to hand, but out of sight.
Loft rooms often become kids’ bedrooms, which means storage needs to be both smart and accessible. Consider soft-close drawers under the slope, colourful cubby units, or low-level cupboards that are easily accessible for little hands.
It’s a great way to encourage tidying up, while keeping toys, books and clothes organised (most of the time).
If you prefer a clean, minimalist look, hidden storage under the eaves is a game changer. Use push-to-open cupboard doors that blend into the wall, sliding panels that conceal seasonal items, or even a false wall with hidden compartments.
It’s perfect for lofts where you want storage that doesn’t draw attention to itself, ideal for modern bedrooms or guest spaces.
Check out our guide to loft storage solutions, or for real life inspiration check out our Pinterest board on under eaves storage solutions.
Turning that awkward, sloped loft space into something practical doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With a bit of planning and a free weekend, you can build custom under eaves storage that looks clean, works hard, and blends seamlessly into the room.
Whether you’re after hidden cupboards, open shelving, or a simple drawer unit, this section walks you through the whole process.
Before picking up a saw, take a good look at the space you’re working with. Under eaves storage needs to work with your roof slope, not fight against it. Start by measuring the full width of the area where the ceiling meets the floor, then decide how deep and tall your unit can be without feeling cramped.
Here are a few things to think about:
Sketch out a basic layout, nothing fancy. Even a hand-drawn plan helps you get clear on what will (and won’t) fit.
You don’t need a garage full of kit. Most under eaves storage builds can be done with a few basic tools and off-the-shelf materials.
No need to be a master joiner, with a little planning and the right approach, you can build smart, good-looking storage under your eaves in a weekend. Whether you're creating cupboards, drawers or shelves, this simple guide walks you through each step to help you get it right first time.
Use pencil lines or masking tape to map out the height and depth of your unit. This helps you visualise how it’ll sit in the room.
Fix timber battens to the floor and sloped ceiling to form a simple frame. Add vertical supports and horizontal braces to strengthen the structure.
Cut MDF or ply to size, then screw it onto the frame. If you’re adding doors, fix your hinges and test that everything opens smoothly.
Add supports inside for shelving or drawers, depending on your layout. Measure carefully to keep everything level and square.
Fill screw holes, sand the edges, and paint or seal the unit to suit your room. Go bright white, wood-stained, or colour-match to the walls.
When it comes to making the most of awkward loft spaces, a few common queries always come up, from whether it’s worth doing, to what you can actually build under the slope. Below, we’ve answered the most asked questions to help you plan your storage with confidence.
Definitely, especially if you’re short on space elsewhere. That sloped section under your loft roof is often wasted, but with the right storage design, it becomes valuable, usable space.
Whether it’s for clothes, toys, books or boxes, under eaves storage helps you keep things tidy without cluttering the room. Plus, it can add value and make your loft feel more finished.
The most cost-effective option is to build it yourself using basic materials like MDF or plywood and a timber frame. You can keep costs low by keeping the design simple, think open shelving or hinged doors instead of drawers or sliding mechanisms. IKEA hacks and repurposed flat-pack units can also work well under the eaves if you’re on a budget.
Yes. It’s a great way to make awkward space work harder. You can build bespoke cupboards that follow the angle of the roof, or install drawers that slide out from low sections of the slope. Soft-close runners and push-to-open fittings help create a clean, modern finish, and everything can be tailored to fit the space you’ve got.
In most cases, no. Adding built-in storage inside your loft doesn’t usually require planning permission, as long as you’re not altering the roof structure or making major changes to the external appearance of the home. If you’re doing a full loft conversion at the same time, your builder or architect will confirm whether any permissions are needed.
