Attic vs. Loft — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
An attic is a space directly beneath a pitched roof, often used for storage, while a loft is an open space or room just below the roof, sometimes converted for living or work purposes.
Difference Between Attic and Loft
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Key Differences
Both the attic and loft refer to spaces located just beneath the roof of a building. The attic, primarily recognized in American English, is usually a small space used predominantly for storage. The loft, on the other hand, often has a broader meaning and can be a space designed or refurbished for habitation or work.
In many homes, the attic remains unfinished, characterized by exposed rafters and insulation. It's typically accessed through a hatch or pull-down stairs. Lofts, conversely, might be finished spaces, with proper flooring, windows, and sometimes even plumbing, making them suitable for daily use.
The terminology can vary by region. In British English, the word "loft" often corresponds to the American "attic," referring to the storage space under the roof. However, in urban contexts, a loft can also denote an open-plan living space, often converted from commercial buildings.
While attics are generally more confined and serve practical storage needs, lofts can be aesthetically pleasing and functional for various purposes, such as artist studios, apartments, or offices. The high ceilings and open plans of lofts make them appealing for creative uses.
In essence, while both attics and lofts occupy spaces beneath the roof, their design, purpose, and cultural interpretations can differ significantly.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Storage
Living or work space (also storage in British Eng.)
Finishing
Often unfinished with exposed rafters
Typically finished with proper amenities
Access
Hatch or pull-down stairs
Stairs or elevators
Ceiling Height
Typically lower
Often higher with open feel
Cultural Usage
More common term in American English for storage under the roof
Term varies; can mean attic or open-plan space
Compare with Definitions
Attic
Pertaining to Athens, its people, or its culture.
He studied Attic literature at the university.
Loft
To hit or throw (something) to rise high in the air.
He lofted the ball into the end zone.
Attic
A small decorative structure on a rooftop.
The building had an intricate attic that enhanced its beauty.
Loft
An upper story of a building, typically above the main floors.
The barn had a loft for storing hay.
Attic
A compartment or space in architecture.
The attic space was utilized for ventilation.
Loft
A loft is a building's upper storey or elevated area in a room directly under the roof (American usage), or just an attic: a storage space under the roof usually accessed by a ladder (primarily British usage). A loft apartment refers to large adaptable open space, often converted for residential use (a converted loft) from some other use, often light industrial.
Attic
A space or room just below the roof of a building.
We store our old furniture in the attic.
Loft
A large, usually unpartitioned floor over a factory, warehouse, or other commercial or industrial space.
Attic
The uppermost story of a building.
The attic offered a panoramic view of the city.
Loft
Such a floor converted into an apartment or artist's studio.
Attic
An attic (sometimes referred to as a loft) is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building; an attic may also be called a sky parlor or a garret. Because attics fill the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and the slanted roof, they are known for being awkwardly shaped spaces with exposed rafters and difficult-to-reach corners.
Loft
A partial floor occupying part of the space below the ceiling of a larger, high-ceilinged room.
Attic
A story or room directly below the roof of a building, especially a house.
Loft
A garret.
Attic
A low wall or story above the cornice of a classical façade.
Loft
A gallery or balcony, as in a church.
Attic
The ancient Greek dialect of Attica, in which the bulk of classical Greek literature is written.
Loft
A hayloft.
Attic
Of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Attica, Athens, or the Athenians.
Loft
The backward slant of the face of a golf club head, designed to drive the ball up off the ground.
Attic
Characterized by purity, simplicity, and elegant wit
Attic prose.
Loft
A golf stroke that drives the ball in a high arc.
Attic
The space, often unfinished and with sloped walls, directly below the roof in the uppermost part of a house or other building, generally used for storage or habitation.
We went up to the attic to look for the boxes containing our childhood keepsakes.
Loft
The upward course of a ball driven in a high arc.
Attic
(slang) A person's head or brain.
Loft
The thickness of a fabric or yarn.
Attic
Of or pertaining to Attica, in Greece, or to Athens, its principal city; marked by such qualities as were characteristic of the Athenians; classical; refined.
Loft
The thickness of an item, such as a down comforter, that is filled with compressible insulating material.
Attic
A low story above the main order or orders of a facade, in the classical styles; - a term introduced in the 17th century. Hence:
Loft
To put, store, or keep in a loft.
Attic
An Athenian; an Athenian author.
Loft
To propel in a high arc
Lofted the ball into the outfield.
Attic
Floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
Loft
(Nautical) To lay out a full-size drawing of (the parts of a ship's hull, for example).
Attic
The dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens
Loft
To propel something, especially a ball, in a high arc.
Attic
Informal terms for a human head
Loft
To rise high into the air.
Attic
(architecture) a low wall at the top of the entablature; hides the roof
Loft
Air, the air; the sky, the heavens.
Attic
Of or relating to Attica or its inhabitants or to the dialect spoken in Athens in classical times;
Attic Greek
Loft
An attic or similar space (often used for storage) in the roof of a house or other building.
Loft
(textiles) The thickness of a soft object when not under pressure.
Loft
A gallery or raised apartment in a church, hall, etc.
An organ loft
Loft
(golf) The pitch or slope of the face of a golf club (tending to drive the ball upward).
Loft
(obsolete) A floor or room placed above another.
Loft
(transitive) To propel high into the air.
Loft
(intransitive) To fly or travel through the air, as though propelled
Loft
(bowling) To throw the ball erroneously through the air instead of releasing it on the lane's surface.
Loft
(transitive) To furnish with a loft space.
Loft
(transitive) To raise (a bed) on tall supports so that the space beneath can be used for something else.
Loft
Lofty; proud; haughty
Loft
That which is lifted up; an elevation.
Eutychus . . . fell down from the third loft.
Loft
Pitch or slope of the face of a club (tending to drive the ball upward).
Loft
Lofty; proud.
Loft
To make or furnish with a loft; to cause to have loft; as, a lofted house; a lofted golf-club head.
A wooden club with a lofted face.
Loft
To raise aloft; to send into the air;
Loft
Floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space
Loft
Floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
Loft
A raised shelter in which pigeons are kept
Loft
Store in a loft
Loft
Propel through the air;
The rocket lofted the space shuttle into the air
Loft
Kick or strike high in the air;
Loft a ball
Loft
Lay out a full-scale working drawing of the lines of a vessel's hull
Loft
An open space or room just below the roof, often used for storage or converted into living quarters.
They converted the loft into a cozy bedroom.
Loft
A large, open-plan space, often converted from commercial to residential use.
The artist rented a loft in the city's industrial district.
Loft
The thickness and resilience of an object, especially in golf.
The golf club had a 9-degree loft.
Common Curiosities
Is an attic always unfinished?
Not always, but traditionally attics are unfinished storage spaces.
Are attics and lofts the same?
No, while both are under the roof, attics are usually for storage and lofts can be living or work spaces.
Can attics be converted into lofts?
Yes, with proper renovations, an attic can be turned into a functional loft space.
Why are lofts popular in urban settings?
Lofts, with their open plans and high ceilings, offer flexible space, often in prime locations.
Can a loft be in a commercial building?
Yes, many commercial buildings have lofts converted into open-plan living or working spaces.
Is the term "loft" used differently in the UK?
Yes, in British English, "loft" often refers to what Americans call an "attic."
Can an attic be a living space?
With the right modifications, including insulation and finishing, it can be.
What's the origin of the word "loft"?
It comes from Old Norse "lopt," meaning "air" or "sky."
Why might someone renovate an attic?
To maximize space, increase property value, or create a functional living area.
What's a "loft apartment"?
It's an open-plan apartment, often with high ceilings, typically in a converted commercial building.
Are attics common in all types of homes?
While many homes have attics, their size and functionality vary based on the design.
Do all buildings have lofts?
No, the presence and design of a loft depend on the building's architecture.
Can both attics and lofts have windows?
Yes, both can have windows, though it's more common in lofts used for living or work.
Is insulation important for an attic?
Yes, proper insulation in an attic can improve energy efficiency and comfort.
How is the term "loft" used in golf?
In golf, "loft" refers to the angle of the clubface, affecting ball trajectory.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
