What Is a Loft? The Foundation of Industrial Living
Elevated & chic.
With their tall ceilings, exposed brick, and open layouts, loft apartments offer a unique blend of historic character and architectural freedom. This guide breaks down what a loft is, the pros and cons of loft living, and furniture must-haves to make the most of your space.
What Is a Loft Apartment?
Lofts are large, open-concept apartments that have been adapted from abandoned 19th- or 20th-century industrial buildings. While authentic lofts are found in historic mills, factories, or warehouses, some modern apartment buildings are designed to mimic the aesthetic of lofts with updated amenities.
Regardless of the building’s age, lofts have a few defining characteristics. The spaces feature tall ceilings – often reaching 10 or 15 feet high – and open concept floorplans with limited interior walls. What gives loft apartments their quintessential look is the presence of exposed structural elements like brick walls, ceiling beams, and support columns.
Tip!
Do you love the look of lofts and want to recreate it in your own home? Read What Is Industrial Design? Your Ultimate Guide to Industrial Style to learn more.
Pros & Cons of Loft Living
Living in a loft is a lifestyle choice. Before diving in, it’s important to weigh the unique perks against the practical challenges.
Benefits of Lofts
- Unique Aesthetic: Loft apartments have a distinct industrial aesthetic, rugged charm, and unique character that is difficult to find in modern apartment buildings.
- Flexible Layout: Since most lofts are open-concept spaces with few interior walls, it’s easy to customize your apartment layout to suit your lifestyle.
- Ample Space: The tall ceilings and open floor plans of loft apartments makes them feel more spacious than standard studio apartments.
- Natural Light: Many loft apartments feature floor-to-ceiling factory windows that provide ample natural light. This helps keep the industrial space feeling open and airy.
Drawbacks of Lofts
- Limited Privacy: Loft apartments are not ideal if you’re sharing the space with roommates or family members. The lack of built-in partitions creates a lack of privacy of tenants.
- Noisy Environment: Sound travels freely in open-concept lofts. Consider how brick walls and concrete floors will contribute to an echoey environment.
- Lack of Storage: Most loft apartments lack built-in closets for storage. You’ll need to get creative with your solutions and opt for freestanding storage.
- Utility Costs: Maintaining the temperature of a loft can lead to steep energy costs. Historic industrial buildings don’t have the best insulation, and their tall ceilings and massive windows make heating and cooling the space more difficult.
How to Furnish & Decorate a Loft Apartment
Industrial interior design was made for loft apartments. Here’s how to achieve this stylish look while also making the most of your space in a loft:
1. Master the Art of Zoning
Given the open-concept floorplans of most loft apartments, you’ll need to divide the space into distinct areas. For instance, use an area rug to define the seating area of your “living room,” or place double-sided bookshelves to act as faux walls. Room dividers can come in handy for providing more privacy between the living area and bedroom.
2. Scale Up Your Furniture
Small furniture can get lost in a spacious loft apartment. Large furniture fixtures will help fill the space so that it feels balanced and intentionally furnished. Swap your three-person sofa for a large sectional, or your bistro set for a full-sized dining table.
3. Incorporate Storage Solutions
Since lofts don’t usually include closets, it’s important to incorporate your own storage solutions. Invest in a hall tree to act as your entryway coat closet, and place a freestanding wardrobe by your sleeping area for convenient clothing storage.
4. Soften the Surroundings
Lofts can feel cold and uninviting because of their industrial materials, open layouts, and echoing acoustics. Make your space more comfortable and homey by including some soft materials. Adding curtains to the windows will soften the walls and provide more privacy. Accent pillows, throw blankets, and upholstered furniture will also help absorb sound and add cozy texture to your space.
