Attractive and functional spots under the stairs: 16 creative projects to exploit these empty spaces
The stairs in our homes often have empty spaces underneath them that we struggle to use productively due to their small dimensions. Often located right near the entrance, these spaces typically look bare and impersonal.
However, there are many creative ways to improve these spaces: reading corners, children's play areas, wine cellars, simple closets or home offices can easily be placed in these voids.
No matter what shape your staircase is (and the space under it), you can creatively transform these typically neglected areas.
Below, we show you 16 creative "under-stairs" projects you can consider:
1. Benches and coat hooks
The most classic of uses, especially at the entrance, is to transform the space under the stairs into a place to hang up coats. Put up some practical hooks for bags, jackets and coats and complete the project with a comfortable bench that has soft cushions.
2. Relaxation area for the little ones
Especially if the stairs are very low and the space is limited, make a small relaxation area for your children: a small shelf with their favorite games and books and soft blankets and cushions on the floor will be enough to achieve this.
3. A nautical reading corner
How about a simple nautically-styled reading nook with a storage sofa and soft cushions? All strictly in white and blue - perfect for relaxing next to a window and reading a good book.
4. Kennel
@imperial.home.design/Instagram
If you have a dog, the space under the stairs is the ideal place to place his or her kennel: create a welcoming environment for their pillow, favorite toys and their food and water bowls.
5. Home office
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Many of us today now engage in smartworking but you may not have a dedicated office area at home. So why not build one in the space under the stairs? All you need is a shelf as a desk, one or two other shelves and a comfortable chair. And you can decorate the rest of the space however you like!
6. Guest bathroom
In large families the bathroom seems to always be occupied, especially when we need it most. A good idea to exploit the space under the stairs is to create a small bathroom, it will certainly be useful.
7. Sitting room
You may have a large space under the stairs and perhaps it's next to a large window.This would be the perfect place to set up a small sitting room, don't you think?
8. Romantic nature reading corner
Bring a little romance into your home by setting up a romantic botanically-themed reading nook under the stairs. It will be the perfect place to dream about love stories.
9. Bookcase
A bookcase is always useful, so why not put one up under the stairs. And add extra seating for your guests.
10. Relax on the floor
@blondebutterflyhome/Instagram
All you need is a rug, soft cushions and warm blankets to create the perfect relaxation spot on the floor under the stairs. It will become a favorite hide-away!
11. Reading corner
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Put up a built-in bookcase under your stairs with a bench at the base; decorate it with brightly colored cushions and blankets, a few green plants and now, you have a cute library/reading corner.
12. Cellar
Create a small cellar for your wine collection: this will give the are under the stairs style and elegance.
13. Home office
All you need is a rug, a desk and a comfortable chair to set up a home office under the stairs. Make this area more attractive by carefully choosing fetching furnishing accessories and decorating it with green plants (and other decorative pieces).
14. Children's play area
Create a playroom under your stairs for your children: they will have a lot of fun playing in their "hidden kingdom".
15. Closet
If storage space is what you want, you can build a closet under your stairs; alternatively, put up a door and shelves ito create the perfect pantry.
16. Quick and easy
And how about creating a "R&R" spot, like the one shown here, for your under-stairs area using just a small bench and a side cabinet?
Which project is your favorite?
