How to Embrace Sloping Ceilings and Low Heights

Alright, let’s talk about sloping ceilings and low walls—two things that often get a bad rap, especially in attic rooms or loft conversions. But here’s the thing: these quirky spaces? They’re far from the problem people think they are. In fact, they can be an absolute dream to design. What might seem like an awkward challenge can actually be a huge opportunity to create a cosy, welcoming space that’s full of personality.

At Emma Merry Styling, we see these slanted walls as just another design element to get creative with. Instead of trying to work around them, we lean into them. Sure, there’s some finesse required to make these spaces feel balanced, but trust me—once you nail it, these spaces become your favourite parts of the house. Here’s how we do it.

Balance, Baby: Lean into the Angle, Don’t Fight It

First up: balance. You might be thinking, “Sloped ceilings? Ugh, they’re just a nightmare to work with.” But hear me out: there’s magic in asymmetry. When designing spaces with sloping ceilings, the goal is to balance the high and low points. Place taller furniture (bookshelves, wardrobes, or whatever you fancy) along the higher walls, and then nestle in cosy seating, like a little reading nook or low storage, under the sloped parts.

We’ve all been in rooms where you feel the low ceilings—like, you can practically touch them with your forehead. But that’s where you can get creative! That space under the low ceiling is basically begging for a comfy corner. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have that extra storage room, pop in some low shelving to make the space work for you.

Case in point: a recent project in North London turned a narrow, awkward attic into a vibrant reading nook. I’m talking warm lighting, plush cushions, and books for days. By embracing the angles, we made it the perfect hideaway to escape and read all day (or, you know, scroll TikTok for hours—we’re not judging).

Cosiness Is Key: Built-in Beds and Low Storage

When it comes to low ceilings, I’m all about that cosy life. If you’re dealing with a space that doesn’t lend itself to, say, standing upright, why not turn it into a little cocoon? Think built-in beds that make the most of the low walls. Not only do they maximise the space, but they also make the room feel so cosy. It’s like the room is hugging you. Plus, it’s a total design hack.

If you don’t need a second bedroom, though, don’t fret. Use the higher part of the room for something functional—like a desk or workspace. And underneath that sloped bit? Storage, storage, storage. Or a little seat. Think of it as personal space goals.

In one of my recent projects in Surrey, we created a little nook with built-in storage under a slanted ceiling. The result? An absolutely vibe. It’s functional, it’s comfy, and it maximises the space. You’d never know it was once an awkward, unused area.

Paint That Ceiling: No, Really

Here’s a sneaky trick I’m obsessed with: painting your ceiling the same colour as your walls. It’s a design hack that’s almost too good—I use it all the time, especially in rooms where the ceiling feels low or boxed in.

When you paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls, it tricks the eye into thinking the room is taller and more expansive. Yes, please. It’s also a great way to tie everything together if you’re using one colour throughout.

In one of my recent projects (yep, another one in North London), we painted a low ceiling with vertical stripes to stretch the room upwards—like magic, but with paint. It totally distracted from the fact that the ceiling was on the shorter side and made the whole space feel more dynamic.

Keep It Simple: One Colour, All the Feels

When working with sloped ceilings, you’ve got to think about the layout, sure, but also the colours. If there are too many patterns, angles, or materials fighting for attention, it can get a little chaotic—kind of like trying to watch a Netflix series with multiple plotlines happening at once. Just keep it simple.

I’m a big fan of using one colour for the entire room to help reduce visual distractions. This doesn’t mean a boring, beige box, though! Nope, you can still get some texture and depth in there. For example, we recently used tongue-and-groove panelling in a historic space (cue the vintage vibes), which added richness and character, while keeping everything light and airy. It’s all about finding the balance.

If you’re not feeling the panelling, you can’t go wrong with the colour-drenching technique. This involves painting the walls and ceilings the same shade to create an illusion of space. Whether you’re going for a soft pastel or a deep, moody hue, it makes the room feel expansive without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts: Sloping Ceilings = A Creative Opportunity

So here’s the deal: sloping ceilings and low walls don’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, they’re an opportunity for creative design—and you get to make the most of every inch of space. With a bit of imagination, you can turn a tricky space into something cozy, functional, and full of personality.

Whether you’re maximising your angles with built-in furniture, colour-drenching your walls to create a sense of spaciousness, or using paint to play with the room’s proportions, these spaces can be transformed into something amazing. So, stop stressing about the “problems” and start thinking about the possibilities.

And, hey, if you need help transforming your awkward attic or loft conversion, drop me a message! Let’s get creative, and I’ll help you make those sloping ceilings work for you.