25 Low Sloped Ceiling Bedroom Ideas That’ll Transform Your Awkward Space Into a Stylish Sanctuary
I’ll be honest – I used to think sloped ceiling bedrooms were just awkward spaces nobody knew what to do with. Then I helped my cousin tackle her disaster of an attic room last year, and wow, did that change my perspective. What started as this impossible space with weird angles became the coziest spot in her entire house.
Tons of people are dealing with these slanted ceilings in their attic bedrooms and upper-level rooms, and honestly, they offer character that regular bedrooms just can’t match – once you figure out how to work with them instead of fighting against them.
Here’s the thing though – my first attempt at designing one of these spaces was a complete disaster. I tried to cram a king-size bed under a 5-foot ceiling. Spoiler alert: I spent three months bonking my head every morning. You know that moment when you’re trying to put on pants and you smack your head on the ceiling? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
The trick I’ve learned is that these rooms can feel like you’re living in a cave if you’re not careful, but the right approach can turn challenging spaces into intimate sanctuaries that use every square inch while looking absolutely stunning. You need to get creative with proportions, get more light in there so it doesn’t feel like a dungeon, and figure out storage solutions that actually work with your room’s weird shape.
Table of Contents
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Key Design Considerations for Sloped Ceiling Success
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Color and Paint Strategies That Open Up Your Space
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Lighting Solutions for Challenging Angles
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Smart Furniture and Layout Approaches
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Storage and Organization Mastery
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Architectural Enhancements Worth the Investment
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Decor and Styling Techniques That Work
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Professional Decluttering for Your New Design
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Final Thoughts
TL;DR
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Stop fighting your sloped ceiling – embrace the weird and make it work for you
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Light colors and smart lighting placement make these spaces feel way less cave-like
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You need furniture that doesn’t make you feel like you’re living in a dollhouse
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Get creative with storage under those weird angled spaces – that’s where the magic happens
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Skylights and dormer additions cost serious money but totally transform the space
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Tricks with patterns and furniture heights can fool your eye into seeing more space
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Professional junk removal helps when you’re ditching all the furniture that doesn’t fit anymore
Key Design Considerations for Sloped Ceiling Success
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about what makes these rooms so tricky. Height clearance is your biggest headache – you’ll want at least 7 feet of headroom where you’ll be standing regularly, or you’ll be playing whack-a-mole with your skull every day.
Natural light gets weird because you can’t just stick windows wherever you want, making artificial lighting strategies super important. Storage turns into this puzzle where normal tall furniture laughs at your ceiling angles and refuses to fit.
These rooms can make you feel cramped if you don’t address the proportions through smart color and design choices. And here’s the kicker – you can’t just start moving walls around without checking if they’re holding up your house. Don’t ask me how I know this, but structural stuff matters.
|
Design Challenge |
What You Actually Need |
Real Solutions That Work |
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom Clearance |
7 feet where you stand |
Map out where you’ll walk, use low furniture under slopes |
|
Natural Light |
Enough windows to not feel like a cave |
Add skylights, paint everything light, lots of lamps |
|
Storage Space |
Places for your stuff that aren’t floor piles |
Custom under-eave closets, knee wall systems |
|
HVAC Access |
Room around your heating/cooling stuff |
Plan furniture around the mechanical stuff |
Understanding Height and Clearance Requirements
Look, proper headroom planning is the difference between a functional bedroom and three months of daily head bonking. You need to figure out where you’ll actually be standing versus sitting or lying down, and make sure you have decent clearance in the areas where you walk around.
Furniture placement becomes this strategic game – putting taller pieces where the ceiling actually allows it while using shorter stuff under the slopes. This planning phase determines whether your room works or becomes an exercise in daily frustration.
My friend Sarah was stuck with this weird attic room that felt like a funhouse – tall in the middle, basically crawl space on the sides. Her room had roughly 9 feet at the peak that dropped to about 4 feet at the edges. She figured out she needed about 6 feet of standing room down the middle for getting dressed and moving around, put her bed where she had about 6 feet of height, and used the 4-5 foot spaces for built-in storage benches and low dressers.
This planning let her actually use almost all the floor space without feeling like she was constantly ducking. The sloped ceiling helped define different areas in her space – the higher parts became her getting-ready zone, while the lower sloped areas worked perfectly for sleeping and storage.
Maximizing Natural Light in Challenging Spaces
Sloped ceilings mess with normal window placement, creating darker spaces that need creative solutions. Skylights become total game-changers for bringing light from above, while dormer windows can add both light and actual usable space.
You’ll need to get strategic with artificial lighting to make up for the lack of natural light. Multiple light sources at different levels create bright, welcoming spaces that don’t feel like you’re hibernating.
When dealing with limited natural light in your slanted ceiling bedroom, consider attic clean out services to remove clutter that might be blocking existing windows or preventing you from arranging furniture optimally.
Here’s something cool I discovered – the slanted ceiling can actually help bounce light around the room if you paint it in light colors. I’ve seen rooms where the sloped ceiling becomes this giant light reflector, bouncing natural light deeper into the space than a flat ceiling would.
Solving Storage Challenges Creatively
Normal storage solutions just don’t work in sloped ceiling spaces, so you have to get weird with it. Built-in solutions usually beat freestanding pieces because they can actually use those awkward spaces that would otherwise just collect dust bunnies.
Custom closets under eaves, knee wall storage systems, and furniture that does double duty become essential. You’re basically creating storage that fits your space instead of trying to make your space work around normal storage.
The key is thinking in 3D. Every sloped ceiling creates these unique pockets of space that can become storage gold mines if you approach them right.
Color and Paint Strategies That Open Up Your Space
Color choices can make or break how spacious your sloped ceiling bedroom feels. Light colors reflect whatever light you have and create this visual flow that makes the space feel bigger. Smart paint applications can either show off or hide those ceiling slopes, depending on what you’re going for.
I’ve seen rooms completely transformed just through paint choices. The right colors can make a cramped slanted ceiling bedroom feel airy and open, while the wrong ones make it feel like you’re sleeping in a cave.
1. Monochromatic Light Palette Magic
Using different shades of the same light color on walls, ceiling, and trim creates this seamless flow that eliminates harsh lines. This gets rid of those jarring angles that make sloped ceilings feel awkward and makes the whole space feel put-together.
This approach works great for bouncing light around and making spaces feel bigger. You need to mix up textures so it doesn’t look boring, but it’s budget-friendly and works with pretty much any furniture style.
The sloped ceiling becomes part of the whole color story instead of this thing you’re trying to hide.
2. Gradient Ceiling Treatment
Painting sloped ceilings slightly lighter than the walls creates this ombre effect that draws your eyes up and makes the space feel bigger. This takes more skill to pull off right, but the results are pretty dramatic without any construction.
The gradient thing works especially well if you have decent natural light. It makes the sloped ceiling’s angles feel intentional and interesting rather than awkward.
You’re basically creating your own custom sky effect that makes the room feel taller and more open.
3. Dark Accent Wall Strategy
Creating depth with a strategic dark wall draws attention away from ceiling weirdness while adding visual interest. This works best on walls opposite the sloped ceilings, creating focal points that balance out the room’s proportions.
You need enough natural light to keep it from feeling too dark. When done right, it adds sophistication and dimension to challenging layouts.
The sloped ceiling becomes less noticeable when you give people something else interesting to look at.
4. Ceiling as Feature Wall
Embracing those slopes by painting them in bold colors or patterns turns structural limitations into intentional design elements. This confident approach requires careful color selection so you don’t make spaces feel smaller.
When it works, it creates stunning focal points that celebrate your room’s unique architecture. The technique works especially well with lighting that highlights the dramatic angles.
You’re basically saying “yes, this is a slanted ceiling, and it’s awesome” instead of trying to pretend it’s not there.
5. Two-Tone Horizontal Division
Painting walls in two colors with horizontal lines where the slope starts creates illusions of higher ceilings in the lower parts. This doesn’t cost much and gives you immediate visual impact.
The approach works with most furniture styles while fixing proportion problems common in sloped ceiling spaces. You get flexibility in color combinations while solving practical visual issues.
The horizontal line tricks your eye into seeing more height where the sloped ceiling starts closing in on you.
Lighting Solutions for Challenging Angles
Proper lighting transforms sloped ceiling bedrooms from dark, cramped spaces into bright, welcoming retreats. These lighting strategies address both the natural light limitations and the weird challenges that angled ceilings present for putting fixtures anywhere.
Each approach offers different benefits, from ambient lighting that makes spaces feel bigger to task lighting that provides functionality without needing ceiling height. The key is layering different types of light to create a well-lit space that feels open and inviting.
|
Lighting Type |
What It Costs |
How Bright It Gets |
What It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LED Strip Lighting |
$150-300 |
Really bright |
Ambient lighting along ceiling edges |
|
Pendant Clusters |
$200-500 |
Pretty bright per fixture |
Task lighting over seating areas |
|
Wall Sconces |
$100-250 per pair |
Decent brightness |
Reading lights, accent lighting |
|
Skylights |
$1500-3000 |
Natural daylight |
Primary natural light source |
6. Recessed LED Strip Lighting
Installing LED strips along where the wall meets the ceiling creates this ambient lighting that visually expands space while being energy-efficient. This costs more upfront but saves money long-term and makes a dramatic difference in how the space feels.
The technique works great for highlighting architectural features while providing consistent, glare-free lighting throughout the room. The sloped ceiling becomes part of the lighting design instead of something working against it.
I’ve installed these in several sloped ceiling rooms, and the transformation is always incredible. The light bounces off the ceiling and creates this amazing ambient glow that makes the space feel twice as large. Fair warning though – if you’re not handy with electrical stuff, this can be a nightmare to install yourself.
7. Pendant Light Clusters
Multiple small pendant lights at different heights work with the ceiling flow rather than fighting it. This creates dynamic lighting that accommodates slopes naturally while providing both ambient and task lighting.
Careful planning prevents you from smacking your head while creating sophisticated lighting designs. The slanted ceiling actually helps create interesting shadow patterns and light distribution that you can’t get with flat ceilings.
You’re working with the angles instead of against them, which always gives better results.
8. Wall-Mounted Reading Lights
Adjustable wall sconces solve bedside lighting problems without needing ceiling height for normal table lamps. These fixtures provide focused light for reading while freeing up nightstand space for other stuff.
This approach is cost-effective and pretty easy to install while offering flexibility for different bed setups. The slanted ceiling doesn’t mess with wall-mounted fixtures, making this one of the easiest lighting solutions to pull off.
9. Skylight Integration
Adding skylights provides the ultimate solution for natural light problems. This involves serious structural work and investment, but the benefits include dramatic improvements in how the space feels, light quality, and connection to the outdoors.
Different skylight types offer various features, from simple fixed ones to venting models with automated controls. Each requires proper installation and maintenance, but the impact on your sloped ceiling bedroom can be transformative. Skylights are game-changers, but they can leak if not installed properly – don’t ask me how I know this.
The sloped ceiling actually makes skylight installation easier in many cases since you’re already working with angled surfaces.
Smart Furniture and Layout Approaches
Furniture selection and placement become critical in sloped ceiling bedrooms, where normal pieces often don’t fit or work properly. These approaches focus on maximizing usable space while maintaining comfort and style.
From beds that don’t make you feel like you’re sleeping in a coffin to furniture that does double duty, each strategy addresses specific challenges that angled ceilings throw at you. The goal is creating a functional bedroom that doesn’t feel cramped or awkward.
10. Low-Profile Platform Bed
Basically, you need a bed that doesn’t make you feel like you’re sleeping in a coffin. Platform beds work great because you’re not adding extra height with a box spring. They often include built-in storage, solving two problems at once.
This approach creates modern, clean looks while providing practical solutions for both sleeping comfort and storage needs. The slanted ceiling becomes less of an issue when your bed isn’t competing for vertical space.
You get the bonus of built-in storage without sacrificing the clean lines that make sloped ceiling spaces feel more open.
11. Built-In Window Seat with Storage
Creating cozy reading nooks under the lowest ceiling areas transforms unusable space into functional, attractive features. Window seats provide comfortable seating while hiding valuable storage underneath.
This custom solution adds character and functionality while working with rather than against your room’s weird architecture. The sloped ceiling creates a natural cozy feeling that’s perfect for reading nooks.
My buddy Mark converted the 4-foot height area under his dormer window into a custom window seat with lift-up storage. The 6-foot long bench seats two people, stores seasonal bedding underneath, and creates this cozy reading spot that takes advantage of natural light. The project cost $800 in materials and probably added $2,000 in home value.
12. Graduated Furniture Heights
Arranging furniture from tallest to shortest following the ceiling lines creates visual harmony that works with your room’s natural flow. This approach maintains functionality while creating pleasing proportions that don’t fight against architectural features.
This works with existing furniture and doesn’t require any construction, making it doable for most budgets. Your sloped ceiling becomes part of the design rhythm instead of this awkward interruption.
You’re essentially creating a visual flow that guides the eye naturally around the room.
13. Wall-Mounted Floating Nightstands
Floating bedside tables keep floor space open while avoiding the need for tall furniture that won’t fit under slopes. These space-saving solutions provide essential bedside storage and surface area without visual bulk.
This is cost-effective and pretty easy to install while offering clean, modern looks. The slanted ceiling doesn’t interfere with wall-mounted pieces, making this ideal for tight spaces.
14. Multi-Functional Ottoman Storage
Storage ottomans replace traditional dressers while serving as seating, storage, and surface space all at once. These versatile pieces work well in low-ceiling areas while providing flexibility for different room setups.
This addresses multiple needs with single pieces, reducing clutter while maintaining functionality. The sloped ceiling creates natural zones where ottomans can serve different purposes throughout the room.
Before implementing new furniture layouts in your slanted ceiling bedroom, consider professional furniture removal services to clear out oversized pieces that no longer work with your optimized design.
15. Murphy Bed or Daybed Configuration
Fold-down beds or daybeds maximize floor space during the day, creating flexible rooms that serve multiple purposes. These solutions work especially well in smaller sloped ceiling spaces where every square foot counts. Murphy beds sound cool in theory, but honestly, most people get tired of folding and unfolding their bed every day. While requiring wall mounting and higher initial investment, they provide unmatched space efficiency. The slanted ceiling bedroom becomes a multi-purpose room that adapts to your daily needs.
You’re essentially getting two rooms in one, which is perfect when space is at a premium.
Storage and Organization Mastery
Let’s talk about storage, because this is where things get creative out of necessity. You literally can’t fit normal furniture, so you have to get weird with it. These strategies focus on maximizing storage capacity while working with your room’s unique angles and height limitations.
From custom built-ins that utilize every inch to clever under-bed solutions, each approach addresses specific storage challenges. The key is thinking creatively about how to use spaces that standard furniture can’t access.
16. Built-In Closet Under Eaves
Custom closets designed specifically for sloped areas maximize storage in otherwise unusable spaces. These solutions require professional installation but provide excellent storage density while adding home value.
Built-in closets under the eaves are amazing, but they’re also where clothes go to die because you forget what’s back there. Planning includes different storage zones for hanging, folding, shoes, and accessories, with proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues. Material options range from wire systems to custom wood built-ins, accommodating various budgets and looks.
The sloped ceiling creates natural compartments that work perfectly for organized storage systems.
|
Storage Solution |
Installation Cost |
Storage Capacity |
ROI/Home Value Added |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Built-In Eave Closet |
$2000-4000 |
40-60 linear feet |
$3000-5000 |
|
Knee Wall Drawers |
$1200-2500 |
15-25 cubic feet |
$1500-3000 |
|
Under-Bed Storage |
$200-600 |
10-20 cubic feet |
$300-800 |
|
Overhead Systems |
$300-800 |
5-15 cubic feet |
$400-1000 |
17. Knee Wall Storage Systems
Installing drawers and cabinets in knee walls transforms structural necessities into functional assets. These hidden storage solutions provide concealed organization while maintaining clean room aesthetics.
This approach requires planning during construction or renovation but delivers valuable storage that doesn’t compete with living space or visual appeal. Your sloped ceiling creates the perfect opportunity for these built-in solutions that would be impossible in regular rooms.
18. Overhead Hanging Systems
Ceiling-mounted storage utilizes vertical space efficiently for seasonal items or stuff you don’t need often. Make sure your ceiling can actually hold this stuff and you have room to install it without crawling around on your belly.
This works great for items that don’t need frequent access while keeping them organized and out of sight. The slanted ceiling angles can actually provide more overhead storage options than flat ceilings in some setups.
19. Under-Bed Maximization
Choosing beds with built-in drawers or using rolling storage containers underneath provides easily accessible storage without any construction. This approach works well with height limitations while keeping frequently used items within reach.
This accommodates various bed styles and budgets while providing significant storage capacity in otherwise unused space. The sloped ceiling doesn’t interfere with under-bed storage, making this one of the most practical solutions.
When transitioning to more efficient storage systems in your sloped ceiling bedroom, professional decluttering services can help you determine what items are worth keeping in your newly optimized space.
Architectural Enhancements Worth the Investment
Some sloped ceiling challenges require structural solutions that, while more expensive, provide dramatic improvements in functionality and looks. These architectural enhancements address fundamental space and light limitations through permanent modifications.
Look, some of these cost serious money – we’re talking more than your car in some cases. But if you’re planning to stay in your house for a while and the space is driving you nuts, it might be worth it. Each option requires professional planning and installation but delivers long-term value through improved livability and home value.
20. Dormer Addition
Adding dormers creates more usable headroom while introducing additional natural light and ventilation. This major investment requires structural engineering, permits, and professional construction but provides the most dramatic improvement in space usability.
Planning includes electrical, insulation, and HVAC integration, with costs varying significantly based on complexity and finishes. Timeline typically runs 2-4 weeks depending on weather and complexity. This isn’t a weekend project – plan for at least a month if you’re doing major changes.
The sloped ceiling becomes less restrictive when you add vertical wall space through dormers, fundamentally changing how the room functions.
21. Exposed Beam Treatment
Exposing and treating ceiling beams as decorative elements adds character while working with existing structure. This approach transforms structural necessities into attractive features that enhance rather than hide architectural elements.
Costs vary depending on existing conditions and desired finish levels, but the technique adds authentic character and visual interest. The sloped ceiling gains rustic charm that makes the angles feel intentional and appealing.
22. Built-In Shelving Niches
Creating custom shelving that follows rooflines turns awkward spaces into functional display areas. These architectural elements provide storage and display opportunities while working with rather than against ceiling angles.
This requires moderate investment but delivers excellent functionality and visual appeal. Your sloped ceiling bedroom benefits from storage that looks built-in and intentional rather than like an afterthought.
Decor and Styling Techniques That Work
The right decorative approaches can dramatically improve how sloped ceiling bedrooms look and feel, using visual tricks and strategic placement to address common proportion and lighting challenges. These techniques focus on creating spaciousness illusions and preventing visual clutter that can make low-ceiling spaces feel cramped.
Each approach offers cost-effective ways to enhance your room’s appeal without structural modifications. The goal is making your sloped ceiling bedroom ideas come to life through smart styling choices.
23. Vertical Pattern Integration
Using vertical stripes or patterns on walls draws eyes upward, creating height illusions that counteract low ceiling effects. This doesn’t cost much and provides immediate visual impact while being easily changeable as your tastes evolve.
This works with various pattern types and color combinations, offering flexibility for different aesthetic preferences and room configurations. Your sloped ceiling becomes less noticeable when vertical elements pull attention upward.
24. Mirror Placement Strategy
Positioning mirrors on walls opposite windows or in light-reflecting locations brightens spaces while creating spaciousness illusions. Mirrors provide relatively affordable solutions with immediate impact, doubling existing light while making rooms appear larger.
Strategic placement becomes key – large floor mirrors, mirrored closet doors, or collections of smaller mirrors each offer different benefits. The slanted ceiling can actually help reflect light at interesting angles when mirrors are positioned thoughtfully.
My friend Jessica installed a 6-foot tall mirror on the wall opposite her small dormer window in her 10×12 sloped ceiling bedroom. The mirror reflected both natural light and her white ceiling, making the room appear way larger while only costing $150 in materials. She positioned it at the room’s highest point to maximize the height illusion effect.
25. Minimalist Approach
Adopting a less-is-more philosophy prevents visual clutter that makes low-ceiling spaces feel cramped. This approach requires discipline in what you keep but can be budget-friendly while creating calm, spacious atmospheres.
This focuses on essential items with clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, allowing architectural features to shine rather than compete with excessive decoration. Your sloped ceiling bedroom benefits from breathing room that emphasizes the unique architecture.
Some of these Pinterest-perfect sloped ceiling rooms look amazing but probably cost more than your car. Pretty doesn’t always mean practical – remember you still have to live in this space every day.
Professional Decluttering for Your New Design
Implementing sloped ceiling bedroom improvements often reveals that your existing stuff doesn’t fit new, more efficient layouts. Professional decluttering becomes essential when transitioning to optimized designs that require letting go of oversized furniture, excess clothing that won’t fit in custom built-ins, and accumulated items that contribute to cramped feelings.
Rather than struggling with hauling away old furniture, mattresses, or construction debris from renovation projects yourself, professional services can efficiently handle removal while ensuring eco-friendly disposal through recycling and donation programs. JiffyJunk’s white-glove treatment protects newly designed spaces during removal processes, with particular value in tight spaces and access challenges common in attic bedrooms where maneuvering large pieces proves especially difficult.
This professional approach allows you to focus on implementing your sloped ceiling bedroom ideas while experts handle the decluttering logistics. The transformation becomes smoother when you’re not wrestling with removal tasks that can damage your newly optimized space.
When renovating your slanted ceiling bedroom, consider professional estate cleanout services to efficiently remove outdated furniture and belongings that no longer fit your space-optimized design. Additionally, if your project involves removing old carpeting that doesn’t work with your new layout, carpet removal services can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on implementing your transformation.
Final Thoughts
Look, sloped ceiling bedrooms will never be as easy as regular rooms. But with some creativity and patience (and maybe some professional help), you can make them work pretty well. These unique architectural features become defining elements that set your bedroom apart from conventional spaces when approached with thoughtful planning and creative design strategies.
Success lies in embracing your room’s natural angles while implementing smart storage solutions, appropriate lighting strategies, and cohesive color schemes that enhance rather than fight architectural constraints. Whether you prefer minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, dramatic Gothic romance, or vibrant maximalist designs, the principles remain consistent: work with your space’s natural flow, get more light in there, and choose furnishings that complement rather than compete with ceiling angles.
The transformation process often requires letting go of items that no longer fit your optimized layout. Professional services can handle the removal of oversized furniture, old mattresses, and renovation debris, allowing you to focus on creating your perfect retreat while experts manage the logistics with care and environmental responsibility.
The biggest thing is adjusting your expectations. You’re not going to have a magazine-perfect bedroom, but you can have one that’s uniquely yours and actually functional. Your sloped ceiling can become a cozy sanctuary that perfectly balances functionality with distinctive style, turning what many consider architectural challenges into your home’s most captivating space.
Not every solution works for every space, and that’s okay. Sometimes you just have to embrace the weird. The key is patience, planning, and embracing the unique character that these angled spaces provide. With the right approach, your sloped ceiling bedroom transforms from an awkward afterthought into the room everyone wants to spend time in.