What is a Loft Apartment?

If you’re planning to rent an apartment, you have plenty of options for the various types of buildings, units, and floorpans available. One type of apartment that has gained a lot of popularity is loft apartments. These apartments appeal to a wide range of renters because of their versatility and spaciousness. Check out this comprehensive guide to loft apartments to determine whether they’re the right choice for you.

What is a loft?

A loft apartment is a residential unit in an industrial building that has been converted into a modern apartment, typically measuring over 1,000 square feet. This type of apartment comes with characteristic features such as high ceilings, tall windows, and exposed beams, pipes, and brick walls. Much like a studio or efficiency apartment, a loft apartment is usually an open, singular space with no dividing walls — except around the bathroom.

Loft apartments offer renters a large space to design and make your own. You can section each area of the loft into different living spaces. They feature tall ceilings and large windows, and will often include a spiral staircase if separated into multiple levels.

Lofts are mostly located in former industrial areas in large cities, but you can sometimes find them in suburbs or smaller towns. You should consider renting a loft apartment if you want to enjoy the convenience and excitement of an urban lifestyle without having to sacrifice your need for space.

Types of loft apartments

There are basically two types of loft apartments: hard lofts and soft lofts.

• Hard lofts are genuine lofts, meaning they’re apartment buildings that were initially constructed for industrial purposes. The first hard lofts emerged in New York City during the 1960s when many domestic factories closed and left industrial buildings vacant. These buildings transformed into affordable residences for artists who could work and live in the raw space. Hard lofts are usually located in urban districts that were once industrial areas. One great example of this is in New York City’s Meatpacking District, where you will find lots of original loft style apartments.

• Soft lofts are new apartments that have been built in the loft-style to mimic the design of historic lofts. While they may not have the historic charm of hard lofts, soft lofts tend to provide a more pleasant living experience because they come with modern electrical and plumbing systems, fixtures, and finishes.

Loft apartment vs. studio apartment

While both a loft apartment and a studio apartment feature one single living space, there are very distinct differences. A studio apartment usually will not have the same square footage that the loft apartment will offer, especially since most studios will not have added benefit of tall ceilings. To save space, studio apartments may also feature a kitchenette vs a full kitchen. Studio apartments are generally less expensive and more cost efficient for utilities than loft style apartments.

Pros and cons of renting a loft apartment

While it can be a wonderful living space for a wide array of renters, a loft-style apartment comes with some drawbacks, too. Consider the following pros and cons before you decide to rent a loft apartment:

Pros of renting a loft apartment

• Plenty of space: A loft apartment has generous square footage and high ceilings. Its spaciousness creates an airy, relaxed atmosphere and gives you virtually endless options for decor and functionality. Whether you prefer a minimalist or elaborate decor style, you can fill the space any way you please. Additionally, you’ll have ample space to move around and even create a work-from-home area or studio. You can truly create your own unique layout without being constrained by dividing walls.
• Great versatility: While loft apartments generally feature an open-air concept, you may be able to find some with separate zoned areas inside — or you can break up the space yourself. You can turn these spaces into anything, from extra bedrooms for family members or roommates to work or hobby areas. Renting a loft is the ideal option if you work or run a business from your home.
• Natural light: Many lofts have floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of sunlight. Besides being a proven mood booster, natural sunlight can also help you reduce your utility bills because it eliminates the need to use artificial lights during the daytime. Plus, if you have a green thumb, your plants will thrive with the amount of natural light you’ll receive.
• Good location: If you rent a hard loft, you’ll most likely be in a desirable neighborhood. This is because most former industrial areas have transformed into vibrant communities with excellent shopping and dining opportunities, exciting nightlife, and start-up offices, so you’ll have convenient access to all of the amenities you need.

Cons of renting a loft apartment

• Comparatively high costs: Since they’re spacious and often well-located, loft apartments are generally more expensive than studio or one-bedroom apartments. If they’re nicely renovated, hard lofts might be even pricier because of their historical details. Additionally, they usually come with outdated utilities and ductwork, which can lead to significantly higher electric bills. Their high ceilings also make them less energy-efficient. If you’re planning to rent a loft apartment, especially a hard loft, it’s important to ask the landlord about the utility costs before signing the lease.
• Limited privacy: Unless you choose a loft with zoned areas, you have to be prepared to sacrifice privacy if you’re sharing your apartment with roommates. You can use divider screens or bookcases to create separate areas, but you won’t have walls and doors to create a space for solitude.
• Lack of storage space: Unlike other more common types of apartments, lofts usually don’t provide traditional storage space such as closets and kitchen cabinets. You may have to buy custom-built closets, dressers, and shelves to create your own storage space, which can increase your overall cost of living in a loft apartment.
• Lack of amenities: Many lofts don’t have a communal space or desirable amenities. This is especially the case with hard lofts, which would have to be extensively remodeled to add fitness rooms, roof decks, or storage areas. Some soft lofts come with amenities, but they may be considerably more expensive than traditional apartments.

To ensure you pick the best type of apartment for your needs, be sure to tour the potential unit, either virtually or in person, and take all of the appropriate measurements of the space. If you are looking for a unique living space that you can customize to your style and needs, a loft apartment could be a great option for your next rental.

Regardless of where you want to live, you can search thousands of apartments on Zumper to find a loft that perfectly meets your needs.