10 ingenious ideas that prove how useful the space under the stairs can be
In our homes, certain areas tend to be overlooked, especially when planning the interior, like the space beneath the stairs - which is often deemed as useless and inconvenient. Nevertheless, with the right ideas, this area has the potential to transform into one of the most remarkable spots in our home.
From design ideas that spark inspiration to those emphasizing functionality without compromising style, we can set up pantries, shoe storage, bathrooms, wine cellars, and a variety of other possibilities. Explore the suggestions below; there's something to suit every taste!
There is extra space under the stairs: what do you need?
Every staircase that has a space underneath tends to become a neglected spot: aesthetically unappealing and usually turning into a jumbled mess.
The first thing to do is to decide what we need or would like to see set up in this space. Then, we can go ahead and furnish it to meet our needs.
A shoe rack
Shoes can occupy a significant amount of space in parts of the home, and it could be quite useful to store them under the stairs. This is particularly useful for those shoes not in use during a specific season or those we want readily to hand before heading out – especially if the stairs are located at/near the entrance of the house.
A pantry under the stairs
Canned goods, oil bottles, unopened condiments, and various other non-perishable items often clutter the kitchen but can be neatly organized in a custom pantry under the stairs. With the doors closed, it remains a hidden storage solution!
An extra closet
It's not only for coats and clothes; under the stairs, we can also store household linens or a full extra closet that may not fit in a bedroom. Using appropriate furniture - whether with standard doors or pull-out shelves - we can create a functional closet under the stairs. This becomes particularly handy at the entrance!
A bookcase under the stairs
Ridgecrest Designs/onekindesign.com
There may not always be enough depth to create a spacious closet, but it's very likely that shelves can be installed for a custom bookshelf that fills the entire area under the stairs. Then, your books, decorative vases, plants, and anything else can be displayed here!
Mini office
The nook under the stairs could be transformed into the perfect spot for a mini office. This is particularly useful if the area isn't in a high-traffic area, making it easy for you to concentrate as you work.
An indoor garden
Jaime Juárez R Arquitecto/dezeen.com
This beautiful setup by Mexican design studio Jaime Juárez R Arquitecto is located in a San Antonio house in Morelia, a historic city in the Mexican state of Michoacán. If the stairs allow light to pass, and if the space around it really airy and bright, growing plants in this spot is an absolutely wonderful idea!
A wine cellar
@irishvernacularnewbuild/Instagram
A truly modern cellar, beautiful to look at and full of treasures inside: there are a thousand ideas online to find the model best suited to your needs and tastes, and they are a must-have for wine lovers!
Be guided by the architecture of the house
Staircases, as an architectural feature, contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the decor with their unique style. Their placement guides us in optimizing and seamlessly incorporating them into the decor, especially when deciding how to utilize the space under the casement. Take, for instance, the ingenious approach by Anderson Architecture, where they "slimmed down" the stairs and aligned perfectly with an existing window. This design choice gives the illusion of the steps almost disappearing, revealing a clear view. Additionally, it created a cozy nook for relaxation!
A secret sitting room
Imagine a cozy nook with a deep seat extending under the stairs, forming a unique "roof". This creates a secret retreat, a personal little lounge where you can read and unwind whenever you desire!
How would you like to utilize the space under your stairs?"