Maximizing Under-Stair Storage: 22 Stylish Ideas for Every Home
Are you looking to make the most of the often-overlooked space beneath your staircase? Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, finding clever ways to utilize this dead space can add both storage and functionality to your home. From creating a small home office nook to building a pantry or even setting up a hidden laundry room, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some stylish under-stair storage ideas that will inspire you to maximize every square inch of your space.
Add Custom Shelving
Leanne Ford Interiors took advantage of the dead space under the stairs by installing custom-built shelving. These cubbie-style shelves are perfect for storing a collection of books or showcasing decor objects. You can also use them to create a small home bar at eye level, adding both style and functionality to the space.
Create a Coat Closet
Calimia Home transformed the empty space under the staircase in a 1920s Spanish-style Florida house into a discreet coat closet with double doors. This clever storage solution is ideal for storing off-season outerwear or adding shelving and wall hooks to create a versatile storage closet for all your organizing needs.
Build Kitchen Cabinets
Fantastic Frank outfitted the space beneath the stairs leading to a loft bedroom with custom-built upper kitchen cabinetry. By following the line of the steps, they were able to maximize square footage while creating a unique design aesthetic that integrates the kitchen and stairs into a cohesive unit.
Store Seasonal Decor
John McClain Design utilized the unused space under a curving staircase to house a fully decorated Christmas tree that can be pulled out for the holiday season. This hidden storage solution blends seamlessly into the foyer, creating a functional yet visually appealing way to store seasonal decorations.
Step Up Storage Space
In a tiny Stockholm studio apartment, Fantastic Frank incorporated built-in storage cabinets into the steps leading to a loft bed. This not only adds functionality to the small space but also complements the existing kitchenette cabinetry. In a larger space, consider creating storage closets under the steps or adding pull-out drawers with built-in lighting for easy access to stored items.
Stow the Dog Bed
Even the most stylish dog bed can feel like an eyesore in your home. Crisp Architects created an under-stairs built-in dog crate that offers a cozy place for your pet to rest while blending seamlessly into the surrounding decor. This clever storage solution keeps your furry friend happy without sacrificing style.
Set Up an Open Bar
Envi Interior Design transformed an under-stair basement space into a stylish open bar complete with wall-to-wall storage drawers, cabinets, and a glass-front fridge. A patterned tile backsplash defines the space, turning it into a functional focal point in an open-plan room.
Build a Pantry Room
Brophy Interiors utilized the space under a curved staircase to create a pantry in a modern home foyer. This pass-through room features a combination of closed and open storage to keep it looking neat and tidy, making it a practical yet visually appealing addition to the home.
Create a Home Office Niche
Marie Flanigan Interiors designed an under-stairs home office niche with built-in open shelves to keep the desk area clutter-free. This functional and stylish workspace includes storage cabinets and drawers to help you stay organized while working from home.
Display Your Wine Stash
Brophy Interiors integrated storage and display space under the stairs of a modern home to showcase a collection of wine. Backlighting adds a touch of elegance, turning the storage space into a feature wall that adds a decorative element to the room.
Build a Wardrobe
In a Paris rooftop apartment, Leymarie Gourdon Architectes installed seamlessly built-in wardrobes under a sculptural black metal staircase and loft bed. Concentrating storage in one main area creates an airy and uncluttered feel in the open-plan room, providing ample space for storing clothes and accessories.
Carve Out Space
Sissy + Marley Interior Design added an asymmetrical door that follows the line of the stairs to a mezzanine bedroom in a black-and-white guest cottage. This unique storage solution has the allure of a secret room, adding a touch of mystery and charm to the space.
Revamp an Old Closet
Thistlewood Farm gave a modern makeover to a deep and narrow former coat closet by painting the walls a dark navy, adding wall hooks for maximum storage, and incorporating a small storage chest with pull-out fabric bins. This organized utility closet is perfect for storing cleaning tools and supplies in style.
Create a Secret Laundry
Issy & H Creative designed a hidden under-stair laundry room in Sydney, Australia, that disappears behind nearly invisible doors when not in use. This clever storage solution includes a laundry sink, built-in shelving, and a stacked washer dryer combo hidden behind adjacent doors to maximize under-stair space.
Keep It Open
Brophy Interiors used the empty space in front of the stairwell wall to anchor a small dry bar with cabinetry and built-in refrigerated beverage storage. This space-saving solution is perfect for renters or those looking to save on renovation costs while adding functionality to their home.
Create a Kids’ Reading Nook
Maestri Studio transformed the space under the stairs into a cozy kids’ reading nook, complete with simple shelving or woven storage baskets for books. Adding lighting, such as a wall sconce or portable lamp, creates a warm and inviting space for children to escape with a good book.
Add an Under-Stair Closet
Brophy Interiors designed a downstairs kitchen with enough space for an under-stairs closet that can be used as a pantry, small laundry room, or powder room. This versatile storage solution is perfect for keeping food, supplies, and cookware organized and easily accessible.
Install a Powder Room
Leanne Ford Interiors borrowed space beneath the staircase to build a powder room for guests, adding both convenience and style to the home.
Add Wallpaper
Kate Marker Interiors added dog-themed wallpaper to an under-stair dog cage, complete with a mesh front and latch for easy access. This stylish storage solution allows you to stow away your pet in comfort and style when needed.
Go Beachy
Maite Granda added double functionality to the under-stairs space in a bright Florida home by creating a custom-built mudroom on one side and displaying colorful surfboards on the other. This clever storage solution adds both style and functionality to the space, contrasting contemporary design with a beachy aesthetic.
Bring in a Dog Shower
Kate Marker Interiors incorporated an arched doggie shower niche under the front foyer staircase, allowing you to wash your pet’s muddy paws before entering the house. The light terracotta paint and practical gray floor tiles give the space depth and definition while providing a convenient solution for pet owners.
Maximizing Storage Space Under the Stairs
Depending on the size of your staircase and the layout of your home, there are countless ways to maximize storage space under the stairs. Whether you opt for open shelving, hidden closets, or custom-built cabinetry, the key is to make the most of this often underutilized space. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Open Shelving: Perfect for storing books, decor objects, or even a small home bar.
- Hidden Closet: Ideal for coats, cleaning supplies, or off-season outerwear.
- Small Laundry or Powder Room: A convenient addition for homes with limited space.
- Home Office Nook: Create a functional workspace with built-in shelves for storage.
- Wine Collection: Showcase your favorite wines with custom storage and display space.
- Kids’ Secret Room: Transform the space under the stairs into a cozy reading nook for children.
- Dog Room: Incorporate pull-out dog bowls, a dog bed, or a hidden dog crate for your furry friend.
Making the Most of Basement Steps
Don’t overlook the triangular space under your basement steps—it’s another opportunity for storage in your home. Whether you choose to install wine storage, pantry shelving, or shelving for tools and cleaning supplies, maximize this space with practical storage solutions that suit your needs.
When it comes to maximizing under-stair storage, the key is to get creative and think outside the box. Whether you’re looking to add functionality to a small apartment or enhance the storage capacity of a spacious home, these stylish ideas will help you make the most of every inch of your space. So, roll up your sleeves, get inspired, and start transforming that dead space under your staircase into a practical and stylish storage solution today!
