10 Great Ideas for What Lies Beneath (the Stairs)
Secret forts, libraries, wine cellars, sewing stations and more make the most of this often-overlooked space
If you’re looking for extra wiggle room in your home, look under the stairs. Whether in the main part of the house or the basement, this area can have enough room for uses like a mudroom and coat storage, wine cellar, children’s fort or craft station. Here’s how Houzz designers are making the most of this often-wasted space.
1. Makeshift mudroom. Many of us are not lucky enough to have a dedicated mudroom. But a combination of under-stair space and clever cabinetry can provide plenty of room for a family landing zone. This design incorporates drawers for shoes, gloves and mittens; hooks for coats and bags; and cubbies for sports equipment and hats.
This space serves as a front-door landing zone with catch-all space for toys, books, magazines, mail and household paperwork.
2. Wine cellar. Several of the most popular wine storage spaces in 2016 were cleverly tucked underneath the stairs. In addition to maximizing the space, it also helps keep the wine out of direct sunlight on an upper floor.
Here is another version of the same idea that’s more concealed.
Trending Now: 6 Eye-Popping Wine Cellars
Trending Now: 6 Eye-Popping Wine Cellars
3. Home bar. For big entertainers, it’s nice to have a spot to pour your friends a drink as they enter the house. This one even has a sink. Another fun thing about this particular under-stair bar is that when the paneled door is closed, it’s concealed in a secret Prohibition-style way.
4. Home office. For those without a dedicated home office or extra bedroom, the space underneath the staircase can be maxed out into a home office. Because this staircase has a landing and turns, there is a little extra wiggle room.
For a staircase with less room beneath it, the office can be tucked into an alcove.
Create a Home Office That Works for You
Create a Home Office That Works for You
5. Craft station. Other kinds of workstations can be tucked underneath the stairs. Here it’s a cozy sewing space.
6. Library. Built-in shelves can create a mini library in the space. This one extends up the staircase as well.
7. Secret fort. When I was a kid, my cousins and I used to love the secret space underneath my great-aunt’s staircase. This one not only has a hobbit-like door, but it also has a window.
8. Reading nook. This spot is a comfy space to nestle up with a book. Shelves underneath keep them handy, while a sconce provides plenty of light for reading.
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
9. Pet bed area. Lots of dogs and cats love a cozy spot to feel secure. Place their bed in an under-stair nook. I know my cat would love to hide out in a place like this when I’m running the vacuum cleaner.
Renovation Detail: The Built-In Dog Bed
Renovation Detail: The Built-In Dog Bed
10. Powder room. With the help of an architect or interior designer, it’s possible to lay out a powder room that meets code in the tight space beneath the stairs. Newer inventions like the sink-loo combo can help squeeze everything in.
Share: What clever uses have you incorporated underneath your stairs? Please let us know in the Comments section.
More photos: See more ideas for the space under the stairs
Share: What clever uses have you incorporated underneath your stairs? Please let us know in the Comments section.
More photos: See more ideas for the space under the stairs