Story vs. Attic — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
A story refers to a level of a building, whereas an attic is the space directly under the roof, often used for storage or living.
Difference Between Story and Attic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A story, in architecture, refers to a complete horizontal level of a building. Buildings are described by the number of stories they have, such as a two-story house or a ten-story office building. Each story typically includes a floor, walls, and a ceiling or roof above it. An attic, on the other hand, is a specific type of story located directly beneath the roof of a building. While a story is a general term for any level, an attic specifically refers to the topmost level, often characterized by sloped ceilings and limited headroom.
Stories are functional parts of a building's design, meant for regular use as living or working spaces. Attics, however, are often used for storage due to their less accessible and sometimes unfinished nature. While some attics are converted into livable spaces, they are generally considered less integral to the daily use of a building compared to other stories.
The construction and design of stories involve standard building practices to ensure usability and safety. Attics may vary widely in terms of accessibility, insulation, and finish, reflecting their primary use for storage or occasional use.
In terms of real estate, the number of stories in a building can significantly impact its value and usability. Attics, while adding potential storage or extra room, often don't contribute as much to the property value unless they are fully finished and functional living spaces.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Horizontal level in a building
Space directly under the roof
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Usage
Living or working space
Primarily storage or occasional use
Location
Any level of the building
Topmost level under the roof
Design
Standard construction practices
Often unfinished or limited finish
Real Estate Value
Directly impacts property value
Adds value if finished, otherwise minimal
Compare with Definitions
Story
A level or floor of a building.
The office is on the fifth story of the building.
Attic
An area used for storage or extra room.
The attic can be converted into a bedroom.
Story
Part of a building's structure.
The skyscraper has 50 stories.
Attic
The space just below the roof of a house.
They store old furniture in the attic.
Story
An account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment
I'm going to tell you a story
An adventure story
Attic
Can be finished or unfinished.
Their attic is fully insulated and used as a study.
Story
An account of past events in someone's life or in the development of something
The film is based on a true story
The story of modern farming
Attic
A space often with sloped ceilings.
The attic has low headroom due to the roof's angle.
Story
The commercial prospects or circumstances of a particular company
The investors' flight to profitable businesses with solid stories
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.
Story
Variant spelling of storey
Attic
A story or room directly below the roof of a building, especially a house.
Story
An account or report regarding the facts of an event or group of events
The witness changed her story under questioning.
Attic
A low wall or story above the cornice of a classical façade.
Story
An anecdote
Came back from the trip with some good stories.
Attic
The ancient Greek dialect of Attica, in which the bulk of classical Greek literature is written.
Story
A lie
Told us a story about the dog eating the cookies.
Attic
Of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Attica, Athens, or the Athenians.
Story
A usually fictional prose or verse narrative intended to interest or amuse the hearer or reader; a tale.
Attic
Characterized by purity, simplicity, and elegant wit
Attic prose.
Story
A short story.
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.
Story
The plot of a narrative or dramatic work.
Attic
(slang) A person's head or brain.
Story
A news article or broadcast.
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.
Story
Something viewed as or providing material for a literary or journalistic treatment
"He was colorful, he was charismatic, he was controversial, he was a good story" (Terry Ann Knopf).
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:
Story
The background information regarding something
What's the story on these unpaid bills?.
Attic
An Athenian; an Athenian author.
Story
Romantic legend or tradition
A hero known to us in story.
Attic
Floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
Story
A complete horizontal division of a building, constituting the area between two adjacent floors.
Attic
The dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens
Story
The set of rooms on the same floor of a building.
Attic
Informal terms for a human head
Story
To decorate with scenes representing historical or legendary events.
Attic
(architecture) a low wall at the top of the entablature; hides the roof
Story
(Archaic) To tell as a story.
Attic
Of or relating to Attica or its inhabitants or to the dialect spoken in Athens in classical times;
Attic Greek
Story
An account of real or fictional events.
The book tells the story of two roommates.
Attic
Typically the highest point inside a building.
The attic is accessible by a ladder.
Story
A lie, fiction.
You’ve been telling stories again, haven’t you?
Story
A soap opera.
What will she do without being able to watch her stories?
Story
(obsolete) History.
Story
A sequence of events, or a situation, such as might be related in an account.
What's the story with him?
I tried it again; same story, no error message, nothing happened.
Story
A chronological collection of pictures or short videos published by a user on an application or website that is typically only available for a short period.
Story
(computing) user story
Story
To tell as a story; to relate or narrate about.
Story
A set of rooms on the same floor or level; a floor, or the space between two floors. Also, a horizontal division of a building's exterior considered architecturally, which need not correspond exactly with the stories within.
Story
A narration or recital of that which has occurred; a description of past events; a history; a statement; a record.
One malcontent who did indeed get a name in story.
Venice, with its unique city and its Impressive story.
The four great monarchies make the subject of ancient story.
Story
The relation of an incident or minor event; a short narrative; a tale; especially, a fictitious narrative less elaborate than a novel; a short romance.
Story
A euphemism or child's word for "a lie;" a fib; as, to tell a story.
Story
To tell in historical relation; to make the subject of a story; to narrate or describe in story.
How worthy he is I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing.
It is storied of the brazen colossus in Rhodes, that it was seventy cubits high.
Story
A message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program;
His narrative was interesting
Disney's stories entertain adults as well as children
Story
A piece of fiction that narrates a chain of related events;
He writes stories for the magazines
Story
Structure consisting of a room or set of rooms comprising a single level of a multilevel building;
What level is the office on?
Story
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead
Story
A short account of the news;
The report of his speech
The story was on the 11 o'clock news
The account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious
Story
A trivial lie;
He told a fib about eating his spinach
How can I stop my child from telling stories?
Story
A horizontal division of a building's interior.
Each story of the hotel has a unique design.
Story
A distinct level for living or working.
They live in a three-story house.
Story
Used to describe building height.
The new tower will be 30 stories high.
Common Curiosities
Can an attic be considered a story?
An attic is technically a story, but it specifically refers to the topmost level under the roof.
Are stories used for living?
Yes, stories are designed for regular use, including living and working spaces.
How many stories can a building have?
Buildings can have any number of stories, depending on design and purpose.
Do attics have standard construction practices?
Attics often have less stringent construction standards compared to regular stories due to their primary use for storage.
Why do attics have sloped ceilings?
Attics have sloped ceilings because they are directly under the roof, which typically has a pitch.
Is a basement considered a story?
Yes, a basement is considered a story, but it is below ground level.
What is a story in a building?
A story is a complete horizontal level of a building, like the first or second floor.
Is an attic always unfinished?
No, attics can be finished and converted into functional spaces like bedrooms or offices.
What defines an attic?
An attic is the space directly under the roof, often used for storage or occasional living space.
Do attics add value to a home?
Attics can add value if they are finished and usable, otherwise, their contribution is minimal.
Do all buildings have attics?
Not all buildings have attics; it depends on the roof design and construction style.
Are stories part of a building’s structure?
Yes, stories are integral parts of a building’s structure, providing usable space on each level.
Can an attic be a bedroom?
Yes, if properly finished and accessible, attics can be converted into bedrooms.
What materials are used in attics?
Attics may have less finished materials, often including exposed beams and insulation.
Can attics be accessed easily?
Accessibility of attics varies; some have stairs while others may only have ladders.
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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.
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.
