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28 Under stairs storage ideas

By Elise Hodge

Updated: January 4th, 2024

Don't waste any space in your home by maximising every nook and cranny under your staircase.

Every home can use additional storage space. You may not realise that there are many convenient and ideal places you can utilise for storing your things, like using the spot under the stairs. Even triangular corners can be made use of. You’ll find you don’t have to go through major renovations just for all that extra room.

There are also many clever ways that furniture can be added under your stairs for additional seating space too. Read on to discover all the possibilities with under-stairs storage ideas.

1. Wine storage

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enjoyer, you may want to use space under your stairs as wine storage. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re hosting guests.

Modern living room with a wine storage underneath the stairs
Source: Followtheflow on Shutterstock

2. Simple storage

If you don’t quite have the room under your stairs for a whole room, then perhaps simple storage shelves are the best way to go. They’re great for storing shoes, kids’ toys, additional crockery, or pretty much anything small in these little nooks. 

storage boxes under stairs
Source: GaevoyB on Shutterstock

3. Custom cabinet

You can have custom cabinets made to accommodate the kind of things you’d like to keep. You can mix and match shelves and cabinets to suit your home. 

empty home interior with shelf under stairs
Source: alexandre zveiger on Shutterstock

4. Seamless storage

Allow storage to blend seamlessly into your stairs. Disguise the doors the same colour as the walls, and if you can, have a small signifier like a subtle knob or latch to open the space.

Storage room under wooden staircase
Source: Boydz1980 on Shutterstock

5. Entertainment console

Depending on your home’s layout, you can use space under your stairs to rest your TV, speakers, and gaming console. Position your best seats there for the best view, too.

Modern two floor apartment with wooden stairs and living room with tv open to kitchen
Source: Dariusz Jarzabek on Shutterstock

6. Dining area

If you’ve got limited space in your home, you can position your dining table and chairs there. Turn it into an open space next to your living room so you have more seating for guests.

Stylish decorated living room with stairs, big tv screen, cozy sofa and small dining table
Source: Dariusz Jarzabek on Shutterstock

7. Multilevel storage

If you have lots of different types of things to store, having a mix of shelves and cabinets is a great way to go. You could have shoes down the bottom and folded towels up the top. 

Custom built pullout cabinets on glides in slots under stairs
Source: Bilanol on Shutterstock

8. Bookshelf 

If you’re rearranging your furniture, you can make more room in your home by tucking away your bookshelf under the stairs.

A corner under the stairs with a bookshelf and a comfortable blue chair
Source: GrafON on Shutterstock

9. Desk space

Are you still looking for a way to fit a desk into a limited space? You can rest your work desk under the stairs. Put in a basket for storing miscellaneous things.

wooden desk and desktop under black stair,
Source: united photo studio on Shutterstock

10. Sitting space

Create a nice sitting space for yourself under the staircase. Install drawers at a good height to use as a desk as well. Bring in some stools that are easy to tuck underneath, and voila!

Under Stairs Home Office In Contemporary Family Home
Source: Monkey Business Images on Shutterstock

11. Mini-storage

If your staircase doesn’t go too high up, you can still use the space underneath to keep clutter away. Make it seamless by putting hooks right behind the storage doors.

Wooden staircase to second floor with a small cabinet underneath
Source: Aleks Kend on Shutterstock

12. Cupboard space

Double your staircase into cupboard space. Camouflage it by using the same colour as your walls or stairs for a seamless finish.

Space under stairs leading to a basement made into a storage cabinet
Source: go daewan on Shutterstock

13. Reading Nook

Create a reading nook with a comfy chair and a little table. Add a candle and some plants to make it just a little cosier.

A cozy reading corner at home with a small armchair in modern design, accompanied by a similar size coffee table
Source: Zdena Venclik on Shutterstock

14. Cubby storage

If you already have an existing staircase and aren’t interested in major renovations, you can always fit a cubby or shelving unit underneath your staircase. This allows you more room to organise a variety of things.

a white room with stairs and shelves on the wall next to an open door
Source: Procreators on Shutterstock

15. Plant area

Are you still looking for space for your plants? Use the room under your stairs to fit bright greens. You can also opt for low-maintenance plants in case not a lot of light filters through the place.

Space under stairs used for gardening into pots with wooden rack
Source: dedygold on Shutterstock

16. Modern drawer space

Elevate your home’s interiors with unique drawer space. Chat with an interior designer and contractor who can help bring your idea to life.

interior of beautiful modern living room with stairway and fireplace
Source: Ventura on Shutterstock

17. Laundry room

If you live in a home or apartment that is on the smaller side, then you will know the struggles of finding space for all your belongings and needs. If you can, create a mini laundry room under the stairs. You can add hooks to hang things instead of taking up floor space.

an at-home laundry area tucked under the stairs

18. Assorted storage

Take the opportunity to make the most out of your storage. Create storage with every nook and cranny under the stairs with shelving space for shoes, toys, and miscellaneous items you might have run out of space for.

under stairs storage containing boxes, shoes, and other various clutter

19. Decorative shelves

If you collect unique figurines, you can add shelving dedicated to displaying them all. Ensure each level has enough height for the kinds of knickknacks you’d like to show off.

Wooden staircase with decorative shelf
Source: Mumemories on Shutterstock

20. Closet space

Need more room for your clothes, coats, and accessories? Turn the space under your stairs into a closet!

Convenient closet space under the stairs

21. Secret room 

Turn the space under your stairs into a secret room. You can turn it into a quiet reading nook or a private napping spot.

Modern loft with door under stairs
Source: alexandre zveiger on Shutterstock

22. Wood Storage

If you have a fireplace at home, take the opportunity to hide away wood in this little nook. You can add steel bars to keep them all neat and in place.

storage pile of wood under the stairs at home
Source: fotokop on Shutterstock

23. Fill it with fine furniture

You can hide away neat furniture or dressers under the staircase. Add some plants or art pieces to give the corner visual interest.

Open space with industrial half-landing stairs and wooden dining area
Source: Ground Picture on Shutterstock

24. Kitchen space

When you have limited space, you can tuck your kitchen under the stairs too. You can add some cabinets for pots, pans, and kitchen tools, which can double as counter space as well.

Kitchen packaged under the stairs
Source: Edvard Nalbantjan on Shutterstock

25. Lounge area

If you love having areas in your home to hang out and relax, then perhaps a lounge area would be a good idea for under your stairs. Install some shelves to keep the books away, too.

Corner sofa and coffee table under stairs in an elegant living room interior
Source: Ground Picture on Shutterstock

26. Shadow boxes

For easy installation, you can add shadow boxes to go under your stairs. You can keep various things like books, trinkets, and documents on each shelf.

Loft apartment with white, modern, mezzanine stairs with led light in railing
Source: Dariusz Jarzabek on Shutterstock

27. Toybox

If you’re running out of space for your kids’ things, take the opportunity to add a box or storage just for toys. This is a great way to give kids more responsibility for cleaning what’s within their reach too.

white cabinet with teddy bear near stairs
Source: Editos foto on Shutterstock

28. Shelf stairs

If you have the opportunity to extend your stairs, they can double as shelving too. Display collectables or figures to make your home feel more personal and unique to what you love.

modern staircase with steps used as shelves
Source: adpePhoto on Shutterstock

Take inspiration from these under-storage ideas to help you make the most out of your space. If you’re keen on getting started, contact interior designers and builders to kickstart your project.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise H

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