Perhaps it’s the child-like, treehouse-loving part of us speaking, but there’s something just so alluring about lofts. Besides being fun, it’s also a clever and nifty way to maximise floor space—provided you have enough ceiling height—and get more out of your home. So, why not exercise your free will and add a loft into your living space? Here are some loft ideas to get you started.
Can you build a loft at home?
If you own a condo or landed home, you are allowed to add lofts to your home. For condos, planning permission isn’t required for lofts designed as furniture decks. The loft must be 5sqm or less within the unit, and the headroom of the loft area should not be more than the headroom below the loft. Also, note that you’re limited to one loft per residential unit.
According to URA guidelines, “Although no planning permission is required from URA, QPs and developers are required to reflect the location, size and headroom of the proposed loft on the proposal plans for URA’s information. If in doubt, homeowners or occupants should also submit the design and layout plan for URA’s advice first before installing them in their units to avoid the inconvenience of enforcement actions.”
Contents
1. Compact ship-like loft home office
Image credit: Never Too Small
Featured on Never Too Small, a media company dedicated to documenting unique small-space living content, this 441sqft apartment designed by METRE Architects doesn’t look like your typical condo loft.
Image credit: Never Too Small
The designers took inspiration from Japanese woodworking to create this ship-like loft. The illuminated, ribbed railing resembles the sides of a ship, and the unique design doubles as a piece of spatial art.
Image credit: Never Too Small
The staggered cubic steps leading up to the loft are also worth pointing out. According to the architects, “a steeper, alternating half-step staircase [was] necessary to achieve the desired compact footprint.” Despite being born out of necessity, the result turned out to be eye-catching and looked intentional.
2. Office in the air
Image credit: Schemacraft
5sqm really isn’t a lot of space at all. Yet, this home office loft feels airy and way bigger than it actually is thanks to the use of glass railings, which seamlessly connect the space to the rest of the apartment.
Image credit: Schemacraft
Complemented by double-height full-length windows that let in an abundance of sunlight, this airy home office is a space where we can see ourselves whiling away hours reading and doing internet deep-dives.
We love how the unique clear acrylic chair echoes the glass railing, and the use of “floating” stairs that keep the cosy apartment feeling open.
3. Double-deck workspace
Image credit: ECasa Studio
Most parents looking to give their child a room of their own with enough space to study and rest will usually get a loft bed—it’s a space-saving solution that helps maximise the limited space in a typical apartment bedroom.
Image credit: ECasa Studio
However, the homeowners of this 3-bedroom condo flipped a script by creating a custom loft bed where the workspace is situated on the upper level, while the bed is placed on the ground. It’s a clever decision since the semi-enclosed nature of the lower bunk naturally lends itself to a cosy atmosphere, while the upper level gets to benefit from extra headroom.
Image credit: ECasa Studio
As a plus, the steps leading up to the workspace double as storage, and there’s even a cabinet within easy reach of the bed—perfect for stashing your tablet and bedtime essentials.
4. Monochrome walk-up wardrobe
Image credit: Prozfile Design
You’ve heard of walk-in wardrobes, but how about walk-up wardrobes? This clever storage solution uses the loft space as a walk-up wardrobe, keeping clothes and clutter out of sight—unless you look up.
Image credit: Prozfile Design
The monochrome colour scheme, geometric railing, and black trimmings set against a white backdrop all help give this space a distinctly masculine feel. In a sea of mild, minimalist Japandi houses, this loft’s bold design feels particularly refreshing and unexpected.
4. Glass loft
Image credit: The Scientist
This eclectic Upper East Coast home fully maximises its 8-metre-high ceiling by putting in a loft with a glass bridge. According to The Scientist, the firm that designed this house, “the homeowners envisioned their space to be a ‘chic loft’. The high ceiling was maximised to add a new room and even a bridge.”
Image credit: The Scientist
“To connect the new room to the existing floor, a bridge with structural glass floor was built and extends out over the living room. The clear glass floor reduces visual bulk and maintains the airy atmosphere of the space.”
Image credit: The Scientist
Rather than an office or bedroom, the homeowners chose to use this loft space as a cosy lounge and music room.
5. Loft hammock
Image credit: Artspaze
Image credit: Artspaze
Sometimes you just need a good place to chill in between back-to-back meetings, and this loft hammock seems to be the perfect solution. The mesh hammock is about the size of a single bed and gives you enough space to take a power nap.
Image credit: Artspaze
Why not use a real bed, you ask? The mesh design probably also works to keep the space ventilated and air flowing, compared to a solid bed. Also, the idea of being able to sleep while someone else slaves away at their email job just fills us with glee.
6. Korean-style loft bedroom
Image credit: Divine & Glitz
How can we end an article about smart loft ideas without featuring a loft bedroom? This particular build reminds us of those small but aesthetic loft apartments in Korean YouTube vlogs.
Image credit: Divine & Glitz
But rather than default, sterile white fittings with no personality, the homeowner chose to use light wood to add warmth and complement a clean and minimal design.
Image credit: Divine & Glitz
The low headroom of the loft bedroom means that you’ll have to be careful when getting in and out of bed. Nevertheless, power outlets and night lights on both sides of the bed, a remote control and charging stand on one side, and a mini serving table on another side create a cosy and convenient space where everything is within reach—perfect for breakfast in bed or a nighttime Netflix marathon snuggled up in your blanket.
Bonus: Storage loft
Image credit: Third Ave Studio
This unusual loft is actually located within an HDB walk-up apartment in Zion Road, and rather than serving as a living space, it’s used for storage.
Image credit: Third Ave Studio
The loft is conveniently placed in the kitchen—perfect for storing bulky items, cleaning supplies, and non-perishables. A set of staggered stairs, which were designed so as to minimise the floor space used, lead up to the storage loft. Meanwhile, sheer curtains hide any clutter inside the storage area away from prying eyes.
For more space-saving interior design ideas:
- Small bedroom reno hacks
- Small space reno tricks to add more natural light
- Space-saving carpentry ideas
Cover image adapted from: The Scientist, Never Too Small, Artspaze
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
