under stairs kids desk area

6 Creative Storage Ideas for the Space Under Stairs

Under-stairs storage solutions are an excellent way of maximizing unused space, and there are many different ways to go about it. You can use shelves or cupboards, or you could even use the space as an office.

Depending on which area of your house the stairs are located, what they are next to—such as the kitchen, bath, living room, or entryway—this space can be designed for different purposes.

If you want to store something in the space under your stairs, there are a few things you need to know. This article will help you understand how to make the most of this unusual and under-designed storage space with some clever design ideas.

6 Under the Stairs Storage Ideas

1. Utilizing functional furniture.

Furniture is not just about what looks good. It is about what it does for you. If you have a lot of stuff that needs to be stored under your stairs, then functional furniture may be a better option. 

Functional furniture describes furniture that has a function other than just being aesthetically pleasing. This can be anything from a storage unit and shelves to a bench. It can help with organization and even provide seating. You can store your books, clothes, and other items in the drawers or cabinets of your functional furniture. 

The beauty of functional furniture is that it’s much more affordable and DIY-friendly than custom-made pieces, and it still provides the same functionality in your home. 

2. Installing built-ins to make use of the existing space.

Built-ins are shelving storage units that are custom-made or built into your home. These designs are a great way to solve space problems in any room. Professionals can install them under your stairs, in the kitchen, or in the living room.

under stairs built-in storage

Custom built-ins are often built in a way that complements a house’s architecture and also matches the homeowner’s style. They can be designed as functional as possible, with maximum storage in mind. 

Can you make built-ins yourself? Yes, it’s very doable! You can build do-it-yourself built-ins from materials you have lying around at home or purchased at your hardware store. There are many DIY tutorials on YouTube for those who don’t know how to build their own.

3. Using bins, racks, or bookshelves to eliminate wasted space.

Some people use their stairs to store their shoes, coats, and seasonal wear. This is one of the best ways to use this area because it does not take up any floor space in the living room or entryway. It also provides an easy way for people to find their favorite pair of shoes quickly without having to trip over a pile of shoes at the door. They can be neatly organized on racks or in bins under the stairs and hidden by a door or curtain.

under stairs bookshelves

4. Creating an office or art desk area.

An under-the-stairs closet is a great way to make the most of your space. You can use this kind of area for anything you want, from storage to a place to work.

Homeowners or renters alike can use the space under the stairs to create a small office, a crafting area, or art space. It is not just about the desk under the stairs, but it’s also about using your imagination and creativity to create different storage ideas. 

built-in desk underneath stairs

You can slide a desk and chair under the stairs or get someone to build a custom workspace area for you. Due to this area’s general layout, be sure to consider lighting, ventilation if you choose to close it off, and comfortability.

5. Dreaming up a cozy reading nook.

Designing a reading nook under the stairs is not only a great storage solution but also an excellent way to create a cozy and comfortable reading or play area for kids or adults in your home. There are many ways to design this space, and the best one is based on personal preference and needs. Some people like to keep it simple with just a sofa and some bookshelves; others may prefer more of a dynamic design with toy chests, beanbags, art on the walls, and personality. You can include furnishings for comfortably reading or playing, shelving and baskets for books and toys, or fanciful lighting for enjoyment.

6. Installing an under-the-stair pantry for kitchen storage.

Kitchen storage is a problem that many people face. There are many ways to solve this problem, from using vertical space to creating new storage areas. You can do many things to improve your kitchen storage without having to do major renovations. Some people have found it helpful to remove the cabinet doors or store some kitchen items under the stairs.

Installing an under-the-stair pantry will make your home look more organized and give you a lot more storage space. The best part is that you don’t need any construction skills to do the installation—all you need is a drill and some screws.

If your stairs are not too low or steep, they can be used as a walk-in storage space. You can install shelves on them or use them as a place for your vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies. You can also create a cleaning closet by installing a door on the stairs and fitting it with shelves, drawers, hooks, and bins for items.

Finding More Storage Solutions

We hope you enjoyed this how-to guide for maximizing the space under your stairs so that you can make the most of every inch that often goes unused. You can find more information about storage solutions on our blog. At SelfStorage.com, we care about helping people improve their lives by getting a handle on their storage needs. 

Categories Storage