Step Back: How to Use the Space Under Your Stairs
Turn that awkward space under your staircase into a proud point of interest
That unassuming bit of space under your staircase has long had negative connotations associated with it. Over the years it's been a favourite dwelling for ‘things that go bump in the night’ – case in point Wes Craven’s 1991 horror flick The People Under the Stairs. Then there was poor Harry Potter whose bedroom was the cramped cupboard under the stairs at his Aunt and Uncle’s house. Yep, this oddly shaped space has definitely had a bad rap.
Sure, it can be a great place to store your growing collection of used shopping bags, cobwebs and general cleaning apparatus – but with a little imagination, this quirky area can become so much more than a neglected storage space. Think of it as a little bit of extra room that you can do anything with. Yes, the shape is a little restricting – but you might find yourself surprised at what can be achieved within three walls…
Sure, it can be a great place to store your growing collection of used shopping bags, cobwebs and general cleaning apparatus – but with a little imagination, this quirky area can become so much more than a neglected storage space. Think of it as a little bit of extra room that you can do anything with. Yes, the shape is a little restricting – but you might find yourself surprised at what can be achieved within three walls…
2. Add an extra bathroom
Let’s face it, any house could do with an extra bathroom – and under the staircase is an ideal place for it. Build into the space you already have and add a conveniently placed downstairs bathroom.
More: Small Bathroom Ideas That Are Big on Style
Let’s face it, any house could do with an extra bathroom – and under the staircase is an ideal place for it. Build into the space you already have and add a conveniently placed downstairs bathroom.
More: Small Bathroom Ideas That Are Big on Style
3. Make a whimsical kid’s corner
This is such a simple idea that has great visual impact. The addition of a twisted branch affixed to the wall and adorned with kid’s clothes looks like a modern work of art in itself. The old-school rocking cradle, floor rug and mirror make it an attractive and playful kid’s corner.
This is such a simple idea that has great visual impact. The addition of a twisted branch affixed to the wall and adorned with kid’s clothes looks like a modern work of art in itself. The old-school rocking cradle, floor rug and mirror make it an attractive and playful kid’s corner.
4. Add a sneaky study
This home office space works in perfectly with the shape of the staircase. A desk, desk drawers and extra shelving above has everything a workstation needs, but still blends in with the overall room aesthetic.
More: 8 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Home Offices
This home office space works in perfectly with the shape of the staircase. A desk, desk drawers and extra shelving above has everything a workstation needs, but still blends in with the overall room aesthetic.
More: 8 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Home Offices
5. Design your own bar
For those who love a DIY cocktail at home – the narrow area under a staircase can lend itself perfectly to a bar. Incorporate shelving, storage space, a bar fridge and even a sink for an instant ‘happy hour’ at home. Downlighting can also help to highlight the area and give it an inviting glow.
For those who love a DIY cocktail at home – the narrow area under a staircase can lend itself perfectly to a bar. Incorporate shelving, storage space, a bar fridge and even a sink for an instant ‘happy hour’ at home. Downlighting can also help to highlight the area and give it an inviting glow.
6. Lighten things up with a window
This crafty nook has a number of things going for it. Firstly, the fan-shaped window opens up the small space and shows of the view outside. The wall light warms up the area and makes it an ideal place to flip though a magazine or have an afternoon siesta. The daybed can also be used as a spare bed for overnight guests and the drawers underneath allow for ample storage for extra rugs and bedcovers.
This crafty nook has a number of things going for it. Firstly, the fan-shaped window opens up the small space and shows of the view outside. The wall light warms up the area and makes it an ideal place to flip though a magazine or have an afternoon siesta. The daybed can also be used as a spare bed for overnight guests and the drawers underneath allow for ample storage for extra rugs and bedcovers.
7. Construct a calming water feature
This open staircase and stone wall surrounds work beautifully with the simplicity of this indoor water feature. The calming sound of trickling water can add a tranquil atmosphere to any home. The minimalist design of the feature doesn’t dominate the space, but rather works with it.
This open staircase and stone wall surrounds work beautifully with the simplicity of this indoor water feature. The calming sound of trickling water can add a tranquil atmosphere to any home. The minimalist design of the feature doesn’t dominate the space, but rather works with it.
8. Fashion a display case
This simple, built-in box shelving and downlighting makes for a great way to display your decor, indoor plants or flowers. The box shelving would also lend itself to a display of family photos or collectables. The trick is not to overcrowd the shelf space or it becomes an open storage area as opposed to an artful display.
This simple, built-in box shelving and downlighting makes for a great way to display your decor, indoor plants or flowers. The box shelving would also lend itself to a display of family photos or collectables. The trick is not to overcrowd the shelf space or it becomes an open storage area as opposed to an artful display.
9. Use as wine storage
Beneath the stairs is usually a great place to store wine as it is out of the way of direct sunlight. This wine storage display has an industrial edge to it, and the addition of back lighting makes it even more of a dazzling showcase than a mere storage area.
Beneath the stairs is usually a great place to store wine as it is out of the way of direct sunlight. This wine storage display has an industrial edge to it, and the addition of back lighting makes it even more of a dazzling showcase than a mere storage area.
10. Create a staircase library
Closed curved staircases can be a bit tricky, but this staircase is perfectly matched to this grand home library and its plentiful rows of books. The glow of the lamp paired with the high bookcases is reminiscent of that old-world charm found in ancient libraries or sprawling country manors.
MORE
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7 Clever Ways to Create the Illusion of Space In a Small Bedroom
10 Clever Ways to Find Extra Storage at Home
Weekend Project: A Dozen Ways to Give Your Stairs a Creative Makeover
SHOW US
Have you used the space under your stairs in an imaginative way? We’d love to see it. Please share a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
Closed curved staircases can be a bit tricky, but this staircase is perfectly matched to this grand home library and its plentiful rows of books. The glow of the lamp paired with the high bookcases is reminiscent of that old-world charm found in ancient libraries or sprawling country manors.
MORE
Dining Tables Squeezed Into All Manner of Small Spaces
7 Clever Ways to Create the Illusion of Space In a Small Bedroom
10 Clever Ways to Find Extra Storage at Home
Weekend Project: A Dozen Ways to Give Your Stairs a Creative Makeover
SHOW US
Have you used the space under your stairs in an imaginative way? We’d love to see it. Please share a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
Fill your space with a comfy chair to curl up in, a chest of drawers an arm’s reach away and bits and pieces that you enjoy looking at every time you pass by. This welcoming space is the perfect spot for a cup of tea and your latest favourite book.