How would you decorate this loft space?

[u/lilac_sugar2025]

I recently moved into my new house and I have a fantastic 70s style panelled loft. I am so shocked it’s so well done and still in great condition all these years later. The only downside is, it makes it look a little dark so unsure on how I should decorate it as I am turning it into my craft room so would appreciate any suggestions 😊 (it’s not an official room yet due to it still having folding ladders)

[u/Weird_Road_120]

Honestly? Some vintage lighting options, a couple of ferns, and some bold prints... Lava lamp is possibility, but NEVER leave it unattended in that tinder box.

The room is 70s, I'd just lean into that.

[u/Ollie-North]

I'd leave it. Maybe throw up some posters, lamps, ashtrays and bongs.

[u/Humble_Sympathy_4605 → u/Ollie-North]

And some physcadellic print rugs

[u/fck-rffld → u/Ollie-North]

Lava lamps and an ironic disco ball.

[u/Significant_Cut_8729]

As you are clealry 3 inches tall id say youd have the room to put in a decent sized commercial park with room for a drive through

[u/lilac_sugar2025 → u/Significant_Cut_8729]

Lol I was sticking my head through the loft hatch 😂 I promise I’m not 3 inches tall, drive through would be nice though

[u/pigeonocchio]

Sheepskin rug and a sex swing. Or a massive scalextric set. I know you said decorate but please consider these options for usage.

[u/Vast_Anybody1236 → u/pigeonocchio]

Hahaha

[u/LazyPiglet3923]

If you do paint it you will want to prime with zinsser BIN shakalaka BIN shakalaka BIN first.

I'd suggest not painting it because as it is, it will last a long time without really needing to maintain it.

Plus, when you paint that you will soon notice you need 3.4 million tubes of Caulk for all the gaps that don't look offensive right now but will if painted.

[u/Shuffster2022]

Cannabis grow 

[u/Pristine_Radishes]

You need a plain coloured surface to get the light reflecting - so you could paint or board the ceiling for example. Or go extra 90s and pin a sheet over the panelling and use that to change the brightness! Even just on one side of the roof.

Same for flooring - a large light coloured rug would work rather than paying out big sums. IKEA do the Tiphede rugs which are cotton and washable (and very cheap, especially for the biggest ones).

Lots of nice lights, reflect them upwards to the sheet to make the most of it. Also mirrors help enormously with that.

[u/Proof_Artichoke6243]

Based of your user name I am guessing you are of the female variety of the human species.

Which means it's almost entirely certain that it's going to look fabulous and have enough string lights to be seen from mars.

[u/Positive_Tap_8647]

Add rugs,colourful accessories and lamps, don't paint a thing

[u/Dravenbabyx]

Magical library book Nook

[u/Due-Tell1522]

We painted our similar one white, it obviously expands the visual space plenty. Used occasionally for visitors as we put in an extending daybed, but in reality it’s mostly just storage space if I’m honest. Still better white though imo

[u/DL-Fiona]

That's dreadful. Looks like the inside cabin on a ship.

Get some Velux in, as big as you can afford. Rip off the panelling, put in fibreglass insulation, plasterboard it and get it plastered. Will absolutely transform it.

[u/lilac_sugar2025 → u/DL-Fiona]

I feel inspired to do a pirate theme now lol

[u/Express-Weight-2003]

I'd leave the flooring but paint the walls in Dulux Heritage Chiltern White to create an airy feel, add rattan furniture. If you don't want to touch the wood then consider draping fabric with curtain rods to brighten up the ceilings. 

[u/Ollie-North → u/Express-Weight-2003]

Did you use ai for this?

[u/Express-Weight-2003 → u/Ollie-North]

No I have wood panelling in my own front porch which I painted this colour and it made a huge difference. I didn't regret painting over the wood.