Loft v attic

The terms 'loft' and 'attic' are often used interchangeably to describe a large void under, or partly under a roof, but above the main occupied spaces, that it is possible to access.

However, some definitions suggest that the term ‘attic’ refers to the entire storey of a building under the roof, whereas the term ‘loft’ refers to one or more rooms or spaces under the roof, but not the entire storey.

The difference between a loft room and an attic room is sometimes explained as:

• A loft room is accessed by a fixed staircase and has the whole loft area converted to a living space including the sloped eaves if the property has a pitched roof.
• An attic room is accessed by a fixed staircase and has the eaves area of the loft squared off to create a box room in the centre.

The term attic derives from the low decorative columns that often appear in the top storey of a building above the main façade in classical architecture. It was then adopted to refer to any decorative facade above the main story of a building, and subsequently, the space enclosed by such a facade.

The word 'loft' is thought to derive from Old Norse word 'lopt', meaning the upper chamber, upper region or sky, similar to the Old High German word 'luft', meaning air.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Loft conversion.
• Domestic roof.
• Duplex.
• Basement v cellar.
• Gambrel roof.
• Key regulations for loft conversions.
• Mansard roof.
• Penthouse.
• Types of room.