What Is a Loft Apartment?

Loft apartments are frequently found in urban areas and although they are similar to studio apartments, they're desirable for their larger open floor plans. A loft apartment usually has more living space than other types of apartments because they were originally converted from disused industrial buildings.

What Is a Loft Apartment?

The meaning of "loft apartment" is more of a real estate and design term that loosely defines a large open floor plan. Today, loft apartments can be found in buildings in cities, as well as suburbs, as industrial-style architecture and design has gained popularity.

History of Loft Apartments

The history of loft apartments can be traced to cities like New York, where in the 1960s in lower Manhattan, artists turned former industrial buildings into live-work spaces, paying no or low rent in exchange for a place to create in the days when living in New York City was still affordable for artists.

Over the years, many of the artists were pushed out by developers looking to capitalize on the bohemian aura of those days by creating luxury versions of artists lofts that now sell for millions of dollars. 

Key Characteristics of Loft Apartments

• Industrial materials: Loft apartments highlight raw materials and industrial elements such as original brick walls, exposed piping and ductwork, concrete flooring, metal, glass, and distressed wood.
• Open floor plans: They generally feature open floor plans and are typically devoid of walls.
• High ceilings: Apartments with large volumes include generous floor plans and high ceilings. 
• Tall windows: Loft apartments often feature large floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Limited walls: Depending on the size, inhabitants may divide up space with room dividers, partitions, temporary walls, or by building self-contained bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices within the existing space that offer privacy and sound mitigation.
• Mezzanine floors: Some lofts capitalize on vertical space and high ceilings by building mezzanines for sleeping, lounging, or working.
• Sustainable architecture: Because they repurpose existing buildings, loft apartments are considered a form of sustainable architecture.
• Historic details: The buildings that house loft apartments often have historic or traditional architectural elements, such as columns, beams, and exposed brick.

Pros and Cons of Loft Apartments

Pros

• Open plan living creates flexible floor plans that can be adapted over time to address changing lifestyles.
• Loft apartments with original features offer a sense of character and history.
• Raw spaces offer a blank canvas effect for creative space planning and loft decor.
• Integrated living spaces where everything is on the same level can work for those with reduced mobility and seniors who want to age in place.

Cons

• Lofts can be challenging for families, roommates, or couples working from home due to a lack of privacy.
• Large, raw, open spaces can create noise and light control issues. 
• Spaces built for industry can feel less than homey and inviting without thoughtful interior design.
• Lofts require a lot of energy to heat and cool a large space with high ceilings.

Authentic Lofts vs. Other Meanings

An authentic loft is defined as being housed in a previously industrial or commercial building that has been converted for residential use. The difference between a loft apartment and a studio is square footage. A loft is repurposed space in a converted warehouse or industrial building. It is often larger than a studio, which can be found in any type of building, and often with amenities that loft apartment buildings may lack.

Sometimes a real estate professional will loosely define a loft as a raised sleeping platform in a studio apartment that is accessed by a ladder or staircase, an apartment with very high ceilings, or a work-live studio.