It’s no secret that Downtown Dallas is home to some of the city’s most luxurious and chic loft living options. Much more than just a trendy interior design move, lofts provide a stylish living space that embodies the urban and artistic vibe of Downtown Dallas. From oversized windows and high ceilings to edgy exposed brick, lofts offer stunning living spaces that often feel larger and more open than traditional apartments. Of course, this trendy industrial look can also come with some potential downsides.
If you’re looking for a new rental in Dallas, and have been considering a loft, here are some essential things you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of loft apartments.
Mockingbird Lofts, Dallas, Texas
What Is A Loft Apartment?
Traditionally, lofts are bold and edgy living spaces converted from warehouses and other commercial buildings. With an abundance of historic commercial buildings, Dallas boasts an array of gorgeous converted lofts. In general, the most popular features of a Dallas loft include the following:
- Large, open space with few interior walls
- Industrial architecture and interiors, such as exposed brick walls, pipes, beams, and high ceilings
- Fantastic views through large oversized windows
- Great location at the heart of Dallas
What Is a “Hard Loft?”
Due to the individualistic nature of Dallas loft conversions (particularly in historic districts), it’s not uncommon for certain buildings to have unique, building-specific features. This is especially true of “hard lofts.” Hard lofts are commercial warehouses that have been transformed into modern living spaces that complement the history and design of the original building.
Hard lofts feature many of the industrial charms you’d expect, such as exposed plumbing, beams, and large, metal-encased windows. If you’re looking for spacious living, the square footage of large lofts tends to be larger than other apartment types. Of course, high ceilings and oversized windows aren’t always the most eco-friendly design feature, especially when it comes to heating or cooling your space. With this in mind, it’s important to factor in utility costs when deciding whether a hard loft is the right choice for you. In addition, hard lofts often lack built-in storage due to the large open space and few interior walls. Keep this in mind if you need a lot of storage and closet space.
Deep Ellum Lofts, Dallas, Texas
What Is a “Soft Loft?”
Looking for the cool aesthetic of a “hard loft” with a little more comfort and luxury? Take a look at “soft lofts.” Soft lofts take the stylish, industrial-chic design features of a hard loft but are located in traditional apartment buildings. As they tend to be smaller, soft lofts often lead to more affordable utility bills – which is perfect if you’re budget conscious. Another benefit of soft lofts is that they feature many amenities that traditional lofts lack, such as resort-style pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
What Is Better: Loft or Apartment?
When it comes to apartments versus lofts, lifestyle and budget are the most common deciding factors. If you’re looking for a large, open space that has lots of character and is the perfect backdrop for feeding your creativity or entertaining friends, a hard loft could be the perfect choice. Of course, if you’re budget-conscious and looking for a more energy-friendly option, a hard loft might fall short of your expectations. In addition, if you plan to have a roommate, it’s important to remember that hard lofts have few (if any!) interior walls and therefore don’t provide much privacy.
In comparison, an apartment tends to be smaller than a hard loft; however, the space is often utilized more efficiently. With more interior walls, it’s easier to create private spaces in a traditional apartment. Plus, unlike hard lofts, many apartment buildings offer multiple bedrooms, making them more suitable for roommates. One drawback of traditional apartments is that they lack a hard loft’s character and trendy design features. Fortunately, if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, there are plenty of soft loft options to choose from!
M-Line Tower Penthouse Loft, Dallas, Texas
Find Luxury Apartments in Dallas
Whether you are looking for the perfect loft apartment or a contemporary apartment, Live Dallas Realty can help! From providing you with a curated list of exclusive buildings based on your needs and budget to scheduling showings and reviewing lease documents, our licensed real estate agents can help streamline your apartment search. Relocating from out of town? No problem – Our Dallas relocation experts have the local know-how to walk you through the entire process. Click here to connect with one of our local real estate agents today and schedule your tour of Dallas’ most exclusive apartments!