Under eaves storage makes the most of the sloping ceilings in your loft, turning wasted corners into practical, built-in solutions. From fitted wardrobes and hidden cupboards to sliding panels and DIY hacks, this guide shows you exactly how to unlock that space and keep your loft organised.
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Under eaves storage makes use of the low, sloping sections of a loft where standard furniture won’t fit. These tucked-away areas are often left empty or wasted, yet with a little planning, they can be transformed into practical storage that feels built for the space.
From simple cupboards that hide clutter to bespoke drawers that slide neatly into the slope, under eaves storage is about making the most of every inch. Done well, it blends into the room's design, freeing up valuable floor space while keeping everything organised. Whether you’re renovating a loft bedroom, adding a home office, or creating a guest suite, clever use of the eaves can add both style and function.
Sloping ceilings are a hallmark of loft spaces, and while they can feel awkward at first, they’re full of potential. Under eaves storage turns those low, hard-to-use areas into practical solutions that keep your loft organised and uncluttered.
From built-in wardrobes and sliding cupboards to bespoke shelving that follows the roofline, there are countless ways to make the eaves work harder. Whether it’s a loft conversion bedroom, home office, or a playroom, clever under eaves designs ensure no space goes to waste.
The right under eaves storage can increase usable loft space by up to 30%.
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.
Built-in wardrobes are one of the most effective ways to use the awkward slopes of a loft. By following the angle of the roofline, they turn dead space into a seamless storage wall that looks like part of the room rather than an afterthought. Doors can be made to fit the shape of the ceiling, with hanging rails, shelving, and drawers tucked neatly inside.
Fitted wardrobes under the eaves also free up floor space, making the room feel bigger and less cluttered. For loft bedrooms, this is often the best alternative to freestanding wardrobes, which rarely sit flush against the slope and waste valuable inches. With clever internal design, even the shallowest sections can be used for shoes, folded clothes, or seasonal storage.
Custom cabinets are a simple yet highly effective way to turn the shallow edges of a loft into everyday storage.
Designed to fit snugly beneath the slope, they can be built with hinged doors, shelves, or drawers, depending on what you need to store. Cabinets under the eaves are ideal for bedding, books, or children’s toys, and because they’re made to measure, no awkward gaps are left behind.
Painted in the same finish as the loft walls, they blend seamlessly into the room and keep clutter out of sight while maximising every inch of space.
Sliding door systems are perfect for lofts where space is tight and hinged doors would get in the way. Panels glide along tracks fitted to the slope, creating easy access to storage areas without eating into the floor space. This style works well for wardrobes, shelving, or even utility cupboards built into the eaves. Hidden panels can also be used to conceal low-level storage, giving a sleek, modern look while keeping everyday items neatly tucked away. For loft bedrooms or offices, under eaves sliding doors provide both practicality and a clean, streamlined design.
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.
Check out our guide to loft storage solutions, or for real life inspiration check out our Pinterest board on under eaves storage solutions.
You don’t need to be a master carpenter to make use of the awkward space under your loft’s slopes. With some basic tools, a free weekend, and careful measuring, you can build neat cupboards or shelving that feel like they’ve always been part of the room.
Here’s a straightforward way to do it right the first time.
Start with a pencil and a tape measure. Decide how high and deep you want the storage to be, then mark it out directly on the floor, ceiling, and walls. Masking tape can help you visualise the footprint before you cut a single piece of timber.
Check that doors, drawers, or shelves won’t clash with radiators, sockets, or low beams; a little planning now will save a lot of frustration later.
The frame is what gives the unit its strength. Fix timber battens along the floor and against the slope of the ceiling to set the outline. Add vertical studs where the doors or panels will sit, then link them together with horizontal braces. This creates a rigid skeleton that’s ready to be clad. Use a spirit level to make sure everything is square, even if the walls aren’t.
Once the frame is solid, you can cover it. MDF and plywood are the most common choices because they’re easy to cut and finish smoothly. Screw the panels directly to the frame, trimming edges so they sit flush against the slope.
If you’re adding doors, hinge them onto the uprights and test the swing before fixing handles. Sliding doors are another option if you want to save floor space.
Inside the frame, you can shape the storage to fit your needs. Add battens or brackets to hold shelves, or build box sections that slide out like drawers. Shallow areas near the lowest part of the slope work well for shoes, books, or seasonal storage, while deeper sections can handle bulkier items.
Measure carefully and dry-fit each piece before screwing it in place.
The last stage is about turning a rough build into something that feels part of the room. Fill screw holes with filler, sand the edges smooth, and paint or seal the panels. A bright white finish will make the loft feel larger, while a wood stain adds warmth. Colour-matching to the walls creates a seamless look that makes the cupboards disappear into the slope. Add handles, trim, or skirting to tie everything together.
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.
