Cellar vs. Attic — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 10, 2024
A cellar is a room below ground level used for storage, especially of wine or food, while an attic is a space found directly below the roof of a house, often used for storage or as additional living space.
Difference Between Cellar and Attic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cellars are typically found beneath houses or buildings, designed primarily for the purpose of storage. These underground rooms offer a cool, stable environment that is ideal for storing wine, food, and other perishables, as well as non-perishable items. On the other hand, attics are located at the top of a house, under the roof, and can serve multiple purposes. While often used for storage, attics can also be converted into living spaces, such as bedrooms, offices, or recreational rooms.
Cellars, due to their underground location, are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations caused by external weather conditions. This makes them especially valuable in areas with extreme weather. In contrast, attics are more exposed to external temperatures and weather conditions, which can affect their usability and the condition of stored items. Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic are crucial for making the space more comfortable and protecting stored items.
The access to cellars and attics also differs significantly. Cellars are accessed through doors that lead below ground level, sometimes from outside the house or from within. Attics, however, are typically accessed by stairs or ladders from the inside of a house, and some attics have pull-down ladder systems for convenience. This difference in accessibility can influence how each space is used and what items are stored there.
In terms of construction and maintenance, cellars may require waterproofing and drainage systems to prevent flooding and moisture damage, which can be a concern given their below-ground location. Attics may require insulation, ventilation, and occasionally, pest control measures to maintain a suitable environment for storage or living space.
Culturally and historically, cellars have been used for centuries for food preservation, especially before the advent of modern refrigeration. Attics have also served various purposes throughout history, from servants' quarters in Victorian times to makeshift shelters during periods of conflict. Today, both spaces offer valuable additional storage or living area in a home, but their functionality and suitability for different purposes can vary greatly.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Below ground level
Directly below the roof
Primary Use
Storage (wine, food, perishables)
Storage or additional living space
Temperature
Stable, less affected by external weather
Varies with seasons, can be extreme
Accessibility
Accessed from inside or outside the house, below ground
Accessed from inside the house, often via stairs or ladder
Maintenance Concerns
Waterproofing and drainage
Insulation, ventilation, pest control
Historical Uses
Food preservation, shelter
Servants' quarters, storage, shelter
Adaptability
Primarily for storage due to environmental conditions
Can be converted into living spaces
Compare with Definitions
Cellar
A below-ground storage space.
They stored their wine collection in the cellar to maintain its quality.
Attic
A space under the roof of a house.
They converted the attic into a cozy bedroom.
Cellar
Accessed from inside or outside the house.
The old house had a cellar door that led outside.
Attic
Often accessed by stairs or a ladder.
The pull-down ladder made accessing the attic easy.
Cellar
Stable temperature and humidity levels.
The cheese aged perfectly in the cellar's constant conditions.
Attic
Temperature varies with the seasons.
The attic was stifling in the summer heat.
Cellar
Requires waterproofing and drainage.
After waterproofing the cellar, they no longer had issues with dampness.
Attic
May require insulation and ventilation.
Insulating the attic made it a more comfortable living space.
Cellar
Often used for preserving perishables.
The cellar kept the vegetables cool and fresh through the summer.
Attic
Used for storage or additional living space.
The attic was full of boxes and old furniture.
Cellar
Store (wine) in a cellar
It is drinkable now but can be cellared for at least five years
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.
Cellar
A room or enclosed space used for storage, usually beneath the ground or under a building.
Attic
A story or room directly below the roof of a building, especially a house.
Cellar
A room below ground level in a house, often used for storing wine or coal
The servants led us down into a cellar
A wine cellar
Attic
A low wall or story above the cornice of a classical façade.
Cellar
A basement.
Attic
The ancient Greek dialect of Attica, in which the bulk of classical Greek literature is written.
Cellar
An underground shelter, as from storms.
Attic
Of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Attica, Athens, or the Athenians.
Cellar
A wine cellar.
Attic
Characterized by purity, simplicity, and elegant wit
Attic prose.
Cellar
(Slang) The last place or lowest level, especially in competitive standings
The team came from the cellar to win the pennant.
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.
Cellar
To store in a cellar.
Attic
(slang) A person's head or brain.
Cellar
An enclosed underground space, often under a building, used for storage or shelter.
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.
Cellar
A wine collection, especially when stored in a cellar.
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:
Cellar
(slang) Last place in a league or competition.
Attic
An Athenian; an Athenian author.
Cellar
(Boston) A basement.
Attic
Floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
Cellar
Salt cellar
Attic
The dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens
Cellar
(historical) A small dish for holding salt.
Attic
Informal terms for a human head
Cellar
(transitive) To store in a cellar.
Attic
(architecture) a low wall at the top of the entablature; hides the roof
Cellar
A room or rooms under a building, and usually below the surface of the ground, where provisions and other stores are kept.
Attic
Of or relating to Attica or its inhabitants or to the dialect spoken in Athens in classical times;
Attic Greek
Cellar
The lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
Cellar
An excavation where root vegetables are stored
Cellar
Storage space where wines are stored
Common Curiosities
Is it common to have both a cellar and an attic in a house?
It varies by region and house design, but many houses, especially older ones, may have both to maximize storage and living space.
Can an attic be used as a bedroom?
Yes, attics can be converted into bedrooms, offices, or other living spaces, provided they are properly insulated and ventilated.
What are some creative uses for attic space?
Attics can be transformed into home offices, art studios, recreational rooms, or additional bedrooms, offering a private retreat within the home.
What types of items are best stored in a cellar?
Wine, canned goods, root vegetables, and other perishables are well-suited for cellar storage due to the cool, stable environment.
Can attics be a fire hazard?
If not properly maintained or if cluttered with flammable materials, attics can pose a fire risk. Proper maintenance and organization can mitigate this risk.
What are the benefits of having a cellar?
Cellars provide a cool, stable environment for storing perishables, wine, and other items, helping preserve them for longer periods.
How does the temperature in an attic affect its use?
Extreme temperatures can limit the use of an attic for storage or living space unless it is properly insulated against heat and cold.
How can I improve the usability of my attic?
Improving insulation, adding ventilation, and ensuring safe access can make an attic more usable for storage or as a living area.
What is the main challenge with maintaining a cellar?
The main challenge is preventing moisture and water damage, which requires effective waterproofing and drainage.
How do I prevent dampness in my cellar?
Installing a dehumidifier, ensuring good drainage, and waterproofing the walls and floor can help prevent dampness in a cellar.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
