See how a dark, dated historic farmhouse attic bedroom was transformed on a small budget in this attic room makeover reveal.
My husband and I both grew up in houses filled with music. We spent hours at the piano—him diligently practicing, and me trying to convince my teacher I had practiced more than I actually did. Our boys never became pianists, but they did fall in love with guitars. Growing up around campfires and communal music had a lot to do with that. Guitars are more portable than pianos, and over the years I’ve loved hearing guitars and voices fill our home.
With a budget-conscious makeover, one of the attic bedrooms became a dedicated music room and library—bright, welcoming, and practical for instruments and books.
Attic Room Before and After Makeover Reveal
Come on in and take a tour. Below I describe the key changes we made to transform a dim, dated attic space into a cozy farmhouse music and reading room.
This historic farmhouse attic room was dated and dark before the makeover
This room used to be our oldest son’s bedroom. When he packed up and moved to a new job in another province, the quiet house inspired a fresh plan: reclaim the attic as a shared space for music, reading, and relaxing.
Paint made the biggest visible difference
The most dramatic transformation came from paint. The dark boards were primed and painted to open up the space and reflect light. It was a messy project, but the bright, airy result made every drop of effort worthwhile.
The original walls had a sponge-painted finish that dated the space. Repainting walls and ceiling refreshed the room and created a neutral backdrop that complements rustic farmhouse accents.
Once the walls and ceiling were done, I turned to the floors. I wanted to use leftover paint, so my first coat was a fun experimental purple. After experimenting with a special final coat technique, the floor settled into a rich dark brown/black that resembles the original stain while feeling renewed and intentional.
Accessories and layout created a rustic, musical atmosphere
Simple additions made the space feel finished: a large rug for warmth and softness, two small chairs for a reading or conversation nook, and guitar storage that doubles as decor. What had been a dark, heavy wall now displays framed art and instruments.
The awkward small closet area was resolved by a cost-effective curtain made from painter’s drop cloth. It hides stored items while keeping the room visually tidy. Built-in shelves became neat storage for blankets and books, and open shelving invites display of meaningful objects and vintage finds.
We added a gallery wall that reflects the farmhouse character of the home—old painted frames and vintage book pages give the room personality without feeling cluttered.
One of my favorite finds is a chippy painted chair base repurposed as a small end table. It adds texture and history to the room and now sits proudly beside a stack of books rather than collecting dust in the garage.
Storing and arranging guitars was part of the design brief. Placing instruments against the newly painted walls turns them into part of the room’s decor while keeping them accessible for playing. The arrangement feels both lived-in and intentional.
Photographing a small attic space with low walls is a challenge—three photo sessions were required—but the images and the lived experience both show how light paint, layered textures, and thoughtful storage can transform an underused attic into a functional, charming music room and library.
Pull up any chair you like and stay a while—coffee and conversation are always welcome in this cozy attic retreat.
For those interested in practical details: the makeover focused on affordable, high-impact updates—priming and painting walls and ceiling, refinishing floors with paint and topcoat techniques, simple sewn curtains for hidden storage, thrifted furniture and reclaimed finds, and strategic shelving for books and blankets. The result is a bright, cozy attic space that celebrates music, reading, and the farmhouse heritage of the home.