The major appeal of a loft is tons of light and space. Once used primarily for commercial purposes, these properties require drastic alteration to become cozy living spaces. Let’s see how modern interior loft design can change their feel.
True lofts and their advantages
There are Lofts and lofts. True lofts are converted from manufacturing or commercial buildings—unlike those apartments that are originally built with a “loft style” or simulate it. The distinguishing features of true lofts include open floor plans, high ceilings, exposed pipes, and brickwork, as well as large industrial windows. Additionally, such properties may have a very attractive location or stunning view.
The main draw for many loft hunters is the generous open space of these apartments. It makes them flexible for many different uses and allows for implementing almost any design idea:
- You can easily add another level thanks to the high ceilings.
- You can effortlessly arrange the entire space according to your unique lifestyle since there are no floor-to-ceiling room dividers in the open concept.
- You can choose the trendiest designs to decorate the loft apartment, and they will all look chic and appropriate.
- You will have a lot of natural light due to huge, sometimes floor-to-ceiling, windows throughout the entire living space.
- You can keep an eye on every part of the home since views remain unobscured by walls.
That all sounds gorgeous and this is what makes lofts the most sought-after living spaces in many major cities such as New York.
Glass partitions help turn lofts into a living space
What lofts lack is privacy, or rather, a feeling of coziness, something that creates a secluded feel that every living space should have. Thus, as a blank canvas for many design ideas, the loft space requires some zoning into separate rooms. This is especially true when it comes to kitchens, bathrooms, and master bedrooms but may also apply to home offices, guest rooms, or playrooms.
The most minimalistic solution that would preserve the open nature of loft apartments while simultaneously creating zones is glass partitions. They can be framed or frameless, as well as stationary, sliding, or bifold. They can be of any width and height. Half-wall solutions create only a hint of a barrier between rooms, whereas full-height partitioning systems with doors create fully secluded spaces within spaces. There are a sufficient number of options to fulfill any need and lifestyle.
Besides minimalism, lightness, and easy installation and re-installation, glass dividers offer differing privacy levels depending on the chosen finish and level of opacity. They offer the perfect balance between privacy and natural light—and provide marvelous views! Such solutions allow homeowners to enjoy the loft’s advantages and mitigate its weaknesses.
A major complaint of lofts is their high costs: a larger space means higher expenses on lighting, heating, and air conditioning. And here again, glass partitions can help. Being made from glass, they allow for light to spread freely throughout the space, and both stationary and moving partitions help air to flow between different living zones.
When it comes to soundproofing, it is a little trickier, but framed full-height partitions can tangibly reduce noise level.
Thus, by zoning an interior with glass partitions, you can uphold a modern aesthetic, reconcile practicalities, and add a secluded feel to particular areas without abandoning the idea of an open concept.