10 Clever Uses for the Space Under Your Stairs
Clear out any mess and monsters… The space under your stairs offers possibilities for storage, seating or even a snazzy bar
When space it at a premium, it’s essential no nook goes to waste. And there’s a decent-sized triangle under most staircases just begging to house a home office or neat cloakroom. Check out these creative ideas for turning this often unloved corner into an exciting – and useful – design feature.
Create a cloakroom
The hidden space beneath the stairs is the perfect place for a cloakroom. An extra loo is not only a useful addition to your home, it should also add value. Keep the fittings neat – wall-hung ones work well – and decorate so the space looks attractive when the door is open. Here, your eye goes to the wallpaper rather than the sanitaryware.
The hidden space beneath the stairs is the perfect place for a cloakroom. An extra loo is not only a useful addition to your home, it should also add value. Keep the fittings neat – wall-hung ones work well – and decorate so the space looks attractive when the door is open. Here, your eye goes to the wallpaper rather than the sanitaryware.
Work in an attractive bookcase
Really make a feature out of your redundant triangle by building in boxy open shelves. Stack books and magazines for an attractive display, and why not use a couple of sections as a drinks cabinet for when guests come round?
Really make a feature out of your redundant triangle by building in boxy open shelves. Stack books and magazines for an attractive display, and why not use a couple of sections as a drinks cabinet for when guests come round?
Tuck in a paperwork corner
If a place to do paperwork and a little net surfing is all you need, the cosy under-stairs space is a winner. This desk and chair have a living room rather than an office feel, and the filing cabinet is discreet enough to fit right in.
If a place to do paperwork and a little net surfing is all you need, the cosy under-stairs space is a winner. This desk and chair have a living room rather than an office feel, and the filing cabinet is discreet enough to fit right in.
Turn it into a focal point
Under-stairs storage doesn’t have to be discreet. Turn it into a design feature with bespoke shelving. This wall adds interest while offering plenty of useful display space and concealed sections for less-than-lovely items.
Under-stairs storage doesn’t have to be discreet. Turn it into a design feature with bespoke shelving. This wall adds interest while offering plenty of useful display space and concealed sections for less-than-lovely items.
Build in home office furniture
Built-in furniture is always going to make better use of your space, and never more so than in an awkward area, such as this under-stairs nook. Being able to take the desk around the corner turns it into a very useful surface, as well as offering more opportunity for storage.
Built-in furniture is always going to make better use of your space, and never more so than in an awkward area, such as this under-stairs nook. Being able to take the desk around the corner turns it into a very useful surface, as well as offering more opportunity for storage.
Mix storage to meet your needs
This space has been fitted with a series of chunky drawers, cubby holes and wide, slim drawers that answer the needs of the owner. Work out what you want to use your storage for, then have it designed accordingly. It might be a series of drawers for lightbulbs and a big cupboard for the vacuum cleaner, or a mix of slim cupboards for the ironing board, brush and mop.
This space has been fitted with a series of chunky drawers, cubby holes and wide, slim drawers that answer the needs of the owner. Work out what you want to use your storage for, then have it designed accordingly. It might be a series of drawers for lightbulbs and a big cupboard for the vacuum cleaner, or a mix of slim cupboards for the ironing board, brush and mop.
Incorporate a bar
What a fabulous way to make use of this oft-neglected space. Everything a host could need, from glasses to a fridge and sink, are accommodated, while the glittering splashback instantly gets everyone in the mood.
What a fabulous way to make use of this oft-neglected space. Everything a host could need, from glasses to a fridge and sink, are accommodated, while the glittering splashback instantly gets everyone in the mood.
Pamper your pet
Does everyone in your home have a dedicated room that oozes personality? What about your pet? This could be just the space for them. Tuck in a comfy bed and food bowls, hang up some pet-friendly artwork and, hey presto, a cosy nook that’s perfect for your four-legged friend.
Does everyone in your home have a dedicated room that oozes personality? What about your pet? This could be just the space for them. Tuck in a comfy bed and food bowls, hang up some pet-friendly artwork and, hey presto, a cosy nook that’s perfect for your four-legged friend.
Mix work and play
This, admittedly decent-sized, under-stairs space is home to an office and cupboards big enough to store coats, sports equipment and cleaning paraphernalia. Tucking the office shelves out of sight keeps the look unfussy in line with the rest of the space.
This, admittedly decent-sized, under-stairs space is home to an office and cupboards big enough to store coats, sports equipment and cleaning paraphernalia. Tucking the office shelves out of sight keeps the look unfussy in line with the rest of the space.
Squeeze in an enviable amount of super-accessible storage beneath the stairs with clever drawers. Even where drawers won’t fit – up against the stairs, for instance – these doors conceal little storage nooks useful for small or flexible items. When the doors are closed, they form a smooth surface that complements the rest of the room.