Maximizing storage space in your home can be a challenge, especially in small dwellings. One often overlooked area with excellent potential is under the stairs. This wasted space is perfect for installing customized storage solutions that can help declutter and organize busy households.
With some creative thinking and clever designs, under-stair storage can become an indispensable part of your home. Here are 22 stylish ways to transform that unused cavity into valuable storage space.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Under-stair areas tend to have a lot of vertical space. Installing storage solutions that go all the way to the ceiling is a great way to maximize capacity. Some good options include:
- Tall shelving units: Sturdy bookshelves or shelf units that reach the ceiling provide ample storage for everything from books and boxes to decor items. Go for open shelves or ones with doors.
- Multi-level cabinets: Custom built-in cabinets with two or more levels separated by shelves fully utilize all the available height. Perfect for general household storage.
- Hanging rods: Install clothing rods across the length of the stairwell. You can then use it to hang coats, bags, accessories and even pantry items in bags.
Built-In Drawers Offer Hidden Storage
Drawers built seamlessly into under-stair custom cabinetry provide out-of-sight storage for items you may not want on display. Consider storing:
- Seasonal clothing and beddings
- Sports equipment and kids toys
- Tools, hardware and maintenance supplies
- Wrapping paper, craft supplies and holiday decorations
Integrate deep drawers to hold bulkier items and shallow ones for smaller stuff. Attach handles for easy access.
Optimize Space with Shelving
Open or enclosed shelving maximizes stairwell storage capacity. Consider these shelving ideas:
- Angled shelves: Installing shelves at an angle parallel to the stairway utilizes space efficiently. Great for books and collectibles.
- Floating corner shelves: Mount corner shelves in the empty triangular space where the stairs turn. Use for displaying decor items.
- Narrow shelves: Lines of narrow ledges work well for organizing smaller items that would otherwise get lost, like toiletries, cosmetics, medicines, etc.
- Enclosed cabinet shelves: Built-in cabinets with adjustable shelves inside provide concealed storage. Use for valuables or private items.
Creative Solutions for Shoes, Bags & Accessories
The narrow space under stairs is ideal for storing shoes, bags, hats, scarves and other accessories that accumulate quickly. Some fitting options:
- Hanging canvas shoe organizers: Affix canvas shoe holders under the staircase. The compartments neatly store multiple pairs of footwear.
- Mounted coat racks: Install hooks or a coat rack to hang coats, bags, shawls, etc. Stagger them at different heights.
- Freestanding hat/coat stands: A compact coat tree, hat or shelf rack fits perfectly into corner stairwell spaces. Use for bags, accessories, keys, etc.
- Under-stair cabinets: Custom under-stair cabinets with shelves, rods and cubbies store all types of accessories and gear neatly out of the way.
Under-Stair Pantry for Food Storage
The enclosed space under stairs makes an ideal pantry for organized food storage. Consider these ideas:
- Built-in cabinetry: Maximize space with built-in cabinets and shelves under the stairs to store dry goods, canned items, spices, etc.
- Freestanding cabinet: A standalone pantry cabinet with doors fits conveniently into the stairwell cavity. Use for snacks, breakfast foods, etc.
- Wine rack: Install a wine bottle rack under the stairs to store and display your wine collection. It utilizes vertical space efficiently.
- Narrow shelving: Opt for narrow shelving units to store canned goods, jars and packaged foods in row. Labels help identify contents.
Opt for Multipurpose Furniture
Choosing multipurpose furniture is a smart way to maximize under-stair storage. Look for pieces that serve more than one function:
- Storage ottomans: Upholstered ottomans with lift-up tops offer seating as well as hidden storage inside. Use to store linens, toys, etc.
- Trunk-shelving combos: Trunk coffee tables with shelving above provide style, surface space and storage. Great for living rooms.
- Cabinet-seat combos: Bench seating with cabinet bases offer both seating and concealed storage. Useful in entryways or bedrooms.
- Cabinet desk: A cabinet fitted with a fold-down desk surface works as a compact home office. Store office supplies inside.
Take Advantage of Dead Space with Custom Built-Ins
Oddly shaped dead spaces are common under stairs. Make the most of awkward angles and gaps with customized built-ins like:
- Angled open shelves: Shelves installed parallel to the walls use up awkward dead space under stairs.
- Corner cabinets: Custom cabinets built to fit triangular or curved corners have specialized storage.
- Pull-out drawers: Install pull-out drawers in otherwise unusable narrow gaps to hold cleaning supplies, tools, etc.
- Kids play nooks: Construct a small niche under the stairs for kids to use as a secret play nook or reading corner.
Establish Separate Zones
Dividing the under-stair space into separate storage zones designated for different functions can make it more usable. Possible zones include:
- Kitchen pantry zone: Devote space for a pantry to contain foods and cooking items.
- Household supplies zone: Designate shelves or cabinet area for household cleaning gear, light bulbs, batteries, etc.
- Sports equipment zone: Use part of the area to neatly store sports gear like balls, rackets, bats, frisbees, etc.
- Pet supplies zone: Keep pet food, medicines, grooming accessories and toys organized in designated under-stair storage.
- Kids zone: Give kids their own cubbies, shelves or closet for toys, books, arts & crafts, etc.
Incorporate Doors for Concealed Storage
Installing doors across under-stair storage systems provides both concealment and aesthetic appeal. Door options include:
- Cafe-style doors: Multi-panel folding doors give an attractive look while hiding contents.
- Curtains: Hanging curtains across shelves conceals clutter yet contents are easily accessible.
- Sliding doors: Install sliding doors across cabinets or closets to maximize use of stairwell space.
- Bifold doors: Bifold doors are space-saving and slide neatly out of the way into the enclosure.
- Rolling doors: Install rolling doors that lift and roll up overhead, maintaining easy access.
Use Unexpected Materials
Experimenting with unique materials can give your under-stair storage an extra stylish edge. Some chic options:
- Woven baskets: Natural woven baskets act as attractive storage bins on open shelves.
- Vintage luggage: Recycled retro suitcases mounted on shelves make novel storage containers.
- Repurposed crates: Old wooden fruit crates mounted on the wall provide rustic open shelving.
- Salvaged shutters: Install salvaged interior shutters as cabinet doors for a shabby-chic look.
- Wine crates: Line the wall with open wine crates to hold books and decorative objects.
Incorporate Lighting
Good lighting transforms under-stair spaces from dark cavities into bright, usable storage. Lighting ideas include:
- Overhead lights: Install flush overhead lighting to brightly illuminate the area. Go for LEDs.
- Task lighting: Add adjustable task lamps or swivel wall sconces to shine light where needed.
- Motion lights: Use battery-operated automatic motion sensor lights that switch on when you enter the space.
- Touch lights: Tap-on touch lights are easy to mount and provide just enough light to find what you need.
- Step lighting: Lining stair edges with LED strip lights illuminates the area and improves safety.
Maximize Hidden Corner Spaces
Make use of awkward corner spaces in stairwells with these ingenious storage solutions:
- Baskets: Floor baskets tucked into corners are great for stashing clutter quickly.
- Corner shelves: Install shelves in corner gaps to hold books, plants and decor items.
- Corner coat racks: Maximize corner space with a coat and hat rack stand.
- Narrow cabinets: Custom narrow cabinets built precisely for triangular corners provide specialized storage.
- Pet bed nook: Create a comfy nook for your pet’s bed in an unused corner.
Prioritize Safety
When installing under-stair storage, be sure to keep safety considerations in mind:
- Leave adequate headroom so you don’t bump your head.
- Avoid poorly secured heavy objects that could fall.
- Anchor tall bookcases and cabinets to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Use kid-safe storage gear like rounded edges and soft closing drawers/doors.
- Don’t overload power strips and limit use of combustible materials.
- Ensure good lighting and ventilation to reduce mold/mildew risks.
- Leave some open space for ease of cleaning and maintenance access.
Make It Aesthetically Pleasing
While functionality is important, you also want your under-stair space to look stylish and blend with your home’s decor. Ways to beautify the area:
- Paint or wallpaper the walls and ceilings to match your color scheme.
- Install trim, crown molding or panels for an integrated built-in look.
- Use unified cabinet fronts, handles and hardware for a streamlined look.
- Incorporate glass doors, lighting or other accents for visual interest.
- Conceal functional but unsightly items like fuse boxes or circuit breakers behind closets or doors.
- Add an area rug in front of the stairs to define the space.
Conclusion
Once regarded as dead space, the area under stairs can be transformed into valuable storage real estate with some creativity. Use these ideas to turn wasted space into organized storage that both declutters your home and adds a touch of style. Experiment with enclosed cabinets, open shelving, multipurpose furniture, custom built-ins and smart organization systems. Just remember to prioritize safety and aesthetics. With some strategic planning, those awkward cavities and odd corners under stairs can become ingenious storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good ways to use the vertical space under stairs?
Some ideas to use vertical space include installing tall bookshelves, multi-level cabinets, and hanging rods for coats, bags or pantry items. You can maximize height with floor-to-ceiling storage solutions.
How can you incorporate lighting under the stairs?
Good lighting options include overhead ceiling lights, swivel wall sconces, battery-powered motion sensor lights, LED strip lights along stair edges, and tap-on touch lights. Proper illumination makes the space more usable.
What safety tips should you keep in mind?
Leave adequate headroom, avoid heavy unsecured objects, anchor tall furniture to walls, use kid-safe gear like rounded corners, limit combustibles, ensure good ventilation, don’t overload power strips, and leave some open space for cleaning access.
What are some ideas to make under-stair storage look stylish?
Paint or wallpaper the walls, add trim and molding, use coordinated cabinetry fronts, incorporate glass doors or lighting accents, conceal unsightly elements like fuse boxes, and define the space with an area rug. Aim for a unified, built-in look.
How can you use awkward corner spaces under stairs?
Make use of odd corners with floor baskets for clutter, corner shelves, coat racks, narrow custom cabinets, pet bed nooks, and other specialized storage custom-fit for those spots. Take advantage of all available space.