We are in the process of getting a loft conversion as well. The builders have suggested a number of thinner alternatives for steels etc that have squeezed out a few more inches. Might be worth looking into that? I think 2.1 is pretty normal for lofts though.

I think 2.1 is daily normal for a loft- so you need to decide what the space is for….. lots of people put the Master bedroom in the newest space but sometimes the master is grander and feels bigger on a lower floor.

It isn't great. Usually a 2.4m height is a minimum and even 2.3m can start to feel low although this will be a bedroom but you are relatively tall. Have you had an architect and structural engineer design the conversion? It usually depends on the height of the ridge on your roof how far up you can build and perhaps installing a steel beam higher up might allow you to gain height. Don't just rely on a builder, get a good local architect to advise, they might even save you money or look after your interests contractually which is especially important with builders. good luck

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Hi all. Thanks for the advice. Actually, hopefully a little bit of a win win on this. My contractor is going to lower the ceilings and we should be able to grab an extra 10cm. I’m also living in a loft room at the moment which is around the 2.25 mark, so my new space should be about the same as that in the end, which has never felt cramped at all. I did a little bit of extra research and did find that the average is often only around 2.1 so probably lucky to get it as high as I am.

Oddly i think it is a perceptual thing as well. I went round to a friends town house recently and 2.25 on their top floor felt very low - yet the same size in a loft conversion feels perfectly normal

It might also be worth considering what decorating tips you can use:

Paint ceiling and walls one colour (if you don't want to do that, choose colours with less contrast in tone)

Choose lower furniture

Hang curtains/blinds to the the ceiling and art higher than usual. wardrobes would also take to the ceiling

Avoid ceiling lighting and use wall, table lights etc

Vertical patterns are also good, maybe fluted or t&g panelling which would work well in a loft?

Choose thin flooring, i don't actually know this but LVT is really thin so assume it’s a good option!

i’m sure there are loads more!

Hi there Paul, From our own experience of working on over 5000 extensions and renovations across the UK, loft rooms must have at least 2.1 metres of head height in the middle of the room, leaving space to safely build up the floor if you intend to use it as a habitable room. You can read more about loft conversions on our website here: https://resi.co.uk/advice/loft-conversions/hip-to-gable-loft-conversion. If you are looking for any more architectural advice, don't hesitate to look through our blog for information or get in touch for a free consultation with our team at Resi on +44 208 068 4811. Hope that helps. Have a lovely day, Bríd.