Under stairs storage ideas take innovative storage solutions to new heights. Have you been thinking about how to utilize the space under the staircase in your home? With a bit of creativity, this confined and oddly shaped area can become a functional storage area you may not have noticed. From kids’ playrooms to wine rooms, we have developed a list of original under stairs storage ideas that will get you thinking about your next home storage improvement project.
When an individual is renovating their home, there are often some spaces they overlook that can be extraordinary opportunities to create something unique and functional.
These interesting under stairs storage ideas will provide you with some extra room and help you use the space under your staircase instead of wasting it. You can design and build something on your own or talk to a professional to help create custom built-ins.
Under Stairs Special Spaces
Under Stairs Storage Ideas to Create a Small Office
Instead of using that extra bedroom in your home for a workspace, think about converting the space under your stairs into a small office. Regardless of how much available space you have in your home, you can put together a small office area that will be not only compact but functional. If you do not have room for a small desk and chair in there, you can always add a custom shelf that is wide enough to hold your laptop.
Think about placing some unique lighting in there to brighten your workspace. You can even install a couple of shelves above your work area to store files, supplies, and other office items.
Under Stairs Pet Retreat
Dog houses and cat trees take up a lot of household space, but pets love them. How about using that wasted empty space under your stairs for your pet’s personal sanctuary?
For dogs, you can easily open up a staircase and slide a premade dog house into the space. Depending on how many cats you have, a similar setup could work. For multiple cats, you could create a small room under the stairs and add shelves of varying heights to give them places to climb and, of course, nap.
Under Stairs Storage Ideas for Foodies
Kitchen Pantry Under Stairs Space
If you struggle with limited kitchen storage, this one’s for you. A great way to manage space under the stairs is to make it into a staircase pantry. With a few rolling drawers, wall shelves, and clear storage containers, you can store cans and dried goods of all shapes and sizes. You can even add some permanent shelving options in there, too.
Expand Your Kitchen Cabinet
Instead of converting the area under your stairs into an extension of your pantry, you can use the storage space to hold your serving trays, flatware, and silver, all in one convenient place. A rolling kitchen island that you can bring out for those bigger family gatherings and events is a great option you have. This keeps your kitchen’s space free to house the everyday essentials that can sometimes be otherwise out of reach.
Design Your Dream Wine Room
You do not need a huge basement in your house to store your wine collection. Convert that under stairs space into a wine cellar that can store and display all of your bottles. With a little luck, this room can have the look of a major wine cellar renovation for a fraction of the cost.
For most homeowners, a dedicated wine cellar seems impossible because they simply cannot afford to give up that kind of space in a modest home. But with a bit of creativity, almost anyone can proudly store and display their elegant wine collection.
Build Your Own Bar
Converting your under stairs storage space into a wet bar will take your entertaining experience to the next level. Items you will want to include for your bar may be a countertop for creating cocktails and serving drinks, a portable refrigerator, and a bit of cabinet space for storing bottles and glasses. You can make that awkward space under your stairs into something really unique and fun.
Although bar carts are popular right now, an under stairs bar will bring your hosting status to the next level. To complete the bar, you can add shelves under the stairs for the bottles, as well as some mood lighting. Think of the bonus points you will earn with friends and family if you can hook up plumbing in there for a sink and ice machine.
Add a Room Under the Stairs
Make an Under Stairs Bathroom
Another way to maximize extra space under your stairs is to add a small bathroom there. This can be a welcome addition to the first floor of your home, especially if you entertain guests often.
Having a small bathroom on the main level keeps your own personal bathroom neat and tidy. If that is not a viable option, you can always downsize a bit and create a small half-bath powder room. Generally, adding a bathroom is a fast way to increase the value of your home.
Build a DIY Mudroom
Do you long for a practical entryway? A place where you and everyone in your household can drop their things as soon as you walk in the door? Is the space under your stairs too small to make into a full-blown coat room?
By installing a few storage cubbies for shoes and a small bench so your guests can sit down, you can convert your under stairs storage space into the perfect little mudroom. This is a great place to hang coats, backpacks, umbrellas, and footwear.
Built-In Shelving for Seamless Storage
This often-overlooked area beneath your staircase can quickly transform into a design masterpiece with built-in shelving. These custom storage solutions not only make use of unused space but also add a functional and classy element to your home. With proper design, the shelving can seamlessly blend with your staircase to create a cohesive look. Built-in shelves underneath the stairs provide the perfect spot to display any decorative items, family photographs, houseplants, or books.
Install some cabinets or a few shelves under your stairs, fill them with your favorite reference books, novels, and periodicals, and turn that tiny awkward space under the stairs into a beautiful home library.
This unique area will provide a perfect book storage solution, and you will not have to purchase or build large bookcases that can eat up floor space. It can become an accessible place to store all of your entertainment, from records and board games to photo albums and DVDs.
Built-in shelving is also advantageous for homes with limited storage or awkward layouts. It gives you the unique opportunity to combine both style and practicality. For example, creating a reading nook with a small bench and shelves can create a cozy space for you to retreat and relax.
If you cannot create a reading area in a small living room or bedroom, you can make one under the stairs. The attic may be too hot, and your basement may be too dark and chilly. Just add some comfy cushions and good lighting, and you will have a space you may never want to leave.
Alternatively, you may prefer to use this area to showcase some of your carefully curated decor on your shelves. Whether you prefer the contemporary or classic style, built-in shelving for under-the-stairs storage can be tailored to suit your needs. For custom shelving solutions, contact us today!
Hidden Drawers to Maximize Storage Potential
For those who want a little more discretion and utility, hidden drawers under the stairs are a game-changer. These drawers are integrated into the structure of the staircase so you have a sneaky way to store items without cluttering your living space. Not only can these drawers increase the storage capacity, but they are also the perfect place to store shoes, seasonal accessories, and cleaning supplies.
One of the biggest advantages of hidden drawers is that they maintain a clean and streamlined appearance. Instead of dealing with bulky storage bins or overflowing entryway closets, tuck items neatly away within the staircase so no one ever knows it’s there.
Many homeowners love this option because the opportunities are endless, and you can design the drawers to match the staircase perfectly. For added functionality, invest in soft-close mechanisms and creative pull designs to further enhance the sophistication of hidden storage drawers.
Storage is not just reserved to the side of your staircase; each step can hold storage potential as well. Landings can feature a lift-open lid and be a place to conveniently store blankets and pillows. Steps can individually become pull-out drawers by adding drawers and pull-handle hardware to risers. Or, you can create lift-up lids on each step for places to store things like tools and batteries.
Toy Storage for Extra Storage Under Stairs
Playrooms are incredibly practical under stairs storage solutions. Maybe you are facing some challenges locating a room in your home to make a children’s playroom. Perhaps you have a closet under your stairs buried in holiday decorations. Simply clean those ornaments and goodies out of there, and get to work on the space.
The area may be small, but that just makes it easier and less expensive to decorate and customize it. This area will make a special hideout children will cherish. Store books and toys here to keep things organized and out of the way. This also helps designate their bedroom, where toys often get stashed, as a place for sleep rather than play.
If there isn’t enough area for a playroom under the stairs, you can use it to organize all of your toys. This space can be dedicated to toy storage under the stairs while still keeping it practical and accessible.
You can organize these toys with customizable options like cubbies, shelves, drawers, or Pull-Out bins. Labeling each section can help your children keep everything organized and also help them find it when it’s playtime. You can also incorporate fun designs, patterns, and colors to make this space even more inviting.
Under Stairs Closet for Extra Storage Under the Stairs
If there is one thing most homes do not have enough of, it is closet space. The space under your stairs can be a good spot for a coat room. All you need are a few well-placed shelves, rods, hangers, and a few hooks to hang umbrellas, hats, bags, scarves, and other seasonal accessories. An under-stair closet can serve as the perfect spot to keep these items out of sight and create a more inviting entryway into your home.
Drop some absorbent mats on the floor to catch the moisture of wet clothes. You can even add a door or a unique curtain to conceal the space.
The area under your stairs can be challenging to fully utilize because it is such an awkward shape full of odd angles. But with some inventive organization and the help of storage containers and shelves, you can turn that space into a storage room for holiday decorations, linens, sports equipment, and seasonal clothing.
Add in all the items you want to have easy access to but do not want to store in anyone’s bedroom.
This type of storage under the stairs solution is particularly effective in entryway staircases, where shoes, coats, and bags often get hung up.
Custom closet designs underneath your stairs include a mix of hanging rods, shelves, and compartments to accommodate your various needs. If you’re looking for expert tips to make the most out of your new closet, use a taller section if you’re going to be hanging coats and jackets, and use the lower shelves for house shoes or accessories.
A custom closet can be tailored to fit your household’s unique storage needs. Whether you’re interested in a minimalist design with sliding doors or a statement piece with a decorative handle, the options are endless.
Contact ShelfGenie For Custom Storage Solutions
When it comes to storage solutions and maximizing your household space, thinking out of the box is what we do. Your staircase might hold endless potential to expand your space. From built-in shelving that enhances your home’s aesthetic to hidden drawers to discreetly hide all of your belongings, you can use this area for anything, and ShelfGenie® can help you make the most of it.
When you are looking for storage solutions to fit your home’s needs, having an expert in organization solutions can save you a lot of time and frustration. Schedule a free design consultation to have a ShelfGenie designer evaluate and maximize all of your under stairs storage solutions to make your organization's dreams come true. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re working with the experts and that all our work is backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. ShelfGenie is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local ShelfGenie location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
