Most of us have an awkward under the stairs space, but how well are they really being utilised? These forgotten spaces are slowly becoming part of our design plans as there are so many creative, and practical ways they can be better used than a dumping ground.
Size doesn’t matter, whether it’s custom storage drawers for shoes, an elaborate home office or room for a bijoux downstairs toilet, prepare to be inspired with these different ideas to transform your space under the stairs.
19 Clever Ways to Transform the Space Under Your Stairs
1. Secret Bootility Corner
If you want a bootility room but don’t have a spare room to create a large one, the answer might be lying underneath your stairs.
This example below is a perfect way to maximise every inch of space, building useful compartments from floor to ceiling, with a little bench area and hooks for coats. If you have a small hallway as well, it helps to keep everything shut away, rather than cluttering the entrance to your hallway.
Using tongue and groove panelling on the exterior of the stairs is a smart way to create a seamless look with a door.
2. Create A Focal Feature
Arguably, the hallway is one of the most important rooms of the house. It sets the tone for what is to come, and opening up your under the stairs space to create a focal feature will immediately focus the eye as you step into the home.
Utilise space from the floor to create storage compartments, adding shelving and tasteful decor.
3. Reading Corner
Instead of storage, turn it into a usable space instead. A reading nook is a beautiful idea for a transitional space, pull up a small book shelf or add wall mounted shelving like the below to store your favourite books.
Introducing an armchair adds a soft, tactile feel to the area. Think about adding some layered lighting sources to create an ambient space such as a wall light or a wireless rechargeable table lamp.
4. Bench & Storage
Narrow hallways are notoriously tricky to tackle in terms of storage, so opening up under the stairs like shown in the below image is a smart way to maximise space, and solve the conundrum of where to get ready, and store coats and shoes when not in use.
Rattan baskets are an earthy and tactile way to store shoes, whilst bringing natural warmth to a hallway.
5. Cosy Place To Sit
Open up and transform your under the stairs space into an open, gorgeous and inviting place to sit in the hallway. A beautiful welcome in a transitional space for relaxing or using for putting on and removing shoes.
Choose a plump cushion seat and hardwearing textile design in a busy traffic like this, it will feel that bit more luxurious and stand the test of time.
6. Reading Nook
A cosy reading nook is just made for a space like this, it’s intimate, inviting and a perfect place to curl up with a good book.
Pull up plenty of cosy cushions and install a wall mounted light for an ambient feel. If you don’t have any wiring installed, opt for a wireless rechargeable wall light instead.
7. Focal Gallery Wall
Rather than creating an ascending gallery wall going up the stairs, make a feature one out of the space under your stairs instead.
The key to a good gallery wall is by combining a mixture of sized frames, styles and photography. Plan out your gallery wall on the floor first before putting it up on the wall.
8. Small Downstairs Toilet
A small downstairs toilet is the ideal way to make the most of an under the stairs space if you have the room. The best bit is you can afford to go bolder in a small, bijoux space like this.
Colour drench with a bold colour, wallpaper drench and add a fun floor tile to create a dramatic interior design moment.
9. Home Office
Creating a multi functional home is so important these days with more of us working from home than ever. Carving out a space for a home office like shown below keeps the space feeling light and airy, comfortable to work in yet zones the area perfectly.
Going for this option instead of combining a home office in a bedroom is a better choice if you can as it just helps keep that divide stronger between work and relaxing in your home.
10. Wallpaper Drench
I just love how this space has been wallpaper drenched for the most high impact space. Adding a curve just softens the look and makes the little seating area feel more intentional in the hallway.
Pull up a juxtaposing seat cushion and add plenty of books for the ultimate reading nook.
11. Coffee Station
Hallways are transitional spaces, so why not make a coffee station for coffees on the run before you leave for the day? A lovely extension to a kitchen, fit with a mini fridge for cool drinks, and setup your coffee station on top.
If you’ve not got a large kitchen, this can be a great way to lessen the load and avoid too much countertop clutter in the kitchen.
12. Sleek Home Bar
If coffee isn’t your kind of thing, swap it for a home bar!
Make it a luxurious experience like shown in the below image with wine glasses, a wine cooler and wine storage section.
13. Beautiful Storage (And A Dog Bed!)
This might be one of my favourite uses of under the stairs space because the finished look is simply beautiful. Custom storage drawers are becoming a very popular look in under the stairs spaces, but finish with an elevated knob or handle for that finishing touch.
You might also notice the sweet dog bed tucked away at the bottom which is such a fab way to incorporate your furry friends into your home design.
14. Built In Bookcase
Create a bespoke, built in bookcase to your under stairs space to really maximise every inch from the floor to the top of the stairs.
Adding a little seat alongside it lends itself to a cute reading nook that’s cosy and welcoming.
15. Shoe Storage
Not all staircases are built equally, and if you only have a very small amount of space to play around with, you can still maximise the practicality of the area too.
Incorprate handy drawers to store away shoes and cupboards to hang coats to keep your small hallway clutter free.
16. Cosy Cloakroom
Another example of the cosiest cloakroom toilet, leaving the stairs above exposed for a rustic end look. Panelling paired with wallpaper is a classic look that’s warm and provides a beautiful interior design moment from a long hallway.
17. Wine Cellar
If you’re a wine lover, take note of the below under the stairs wine cellar. Adding a glass window creates such a luxe look, it’s endearing and draws the eye into the space.
The black detail around the wine cellar adds definition and modernity.
18. Barkitecture!
Taking our precious dogs into account when designing our homes continues to grow in popularity. Creating a dedicated dog bed area that’s not cluttering up a kitchen or living room is something that many are looking to add to homes during an extensive renovation.
Take inspiration from the below, featuring lighting, toys, cosy blankets and a door so you can shut it off during the day.
19. Cocktail Bar
This cosy cocktail bar underneath the stairs rounds off all of the amazing ideas and ways you can transform that unused space under your stairs into something that actually adds value to your life, and home.
Which of these ideas if your favourite?
