Help Your Stair Landing Take Off
Whether for storage, art, plants or whatever else strikes your fancy, your stair landing can serve your home in a thoughtful way
I have a nightly ritual. After we put the children to bed, my husband and I head back downstairs to watch a show before hitting the hay ourselves. Last night, when our stair landing was clean from the toys and clutter of the day, I was struck by the expanse of it and couldn't believe I'd overlooked it for so long. Our home is not large — it's a modest size for our family, and there is potential in that little landing. After doing some research I decided on a plan. A tiny chair, some art and a very narrow bookcase are now on my stair landing wish list.
It doesn't take much to make over a stair landing. See how adding books, shelves and artwork can turn your stair landing into a usable, functional and beautiful space for your family.
It doesn't take much to make over a stair landing. See how adding books, shelves and artwork can turn your stair landing into a usable, functional and beautiful space for your family.
Make it cozy. I would probably say this is the stair landing of my dreams. There isn't anything I'd change about the space. The cozy bench under the window is my favorite part.
Keep it simple. If the space on your stair landing is minimal, keep things simple. Gather a gorgeous mirror or artwork and a couple of decorative vases. The attention you give this space will not be overlooked.
Consider how it will function. Books are lined up on these shelves, but the mother in me sees an opportunity for storage and organization. This little nook looks to be about a quarter of the way up the stairs.
If this were my home, I would purchase baskets that fit snugly on the shelves and assign one to each child. Throughout the day as out-of-place items are collected, I would put them in the appropriate child's basket. At the end of the day they would be in charge of removing the items from their basket and putting them away.
If this were my home, I would purchase baskets that fit snugly on the shelves and assign one to each child. Throughout the day as out-of-place items are collected, I would put them in the appropriate child's basket. At the end of the day they would be in charge of removing the items from their basket and putting them away.
View it from every angle. When designing your stair landing, look at it from every vantage point and make sure you like the view.
Stick with the overall design of your home. It wouldn't make sense for there to be a cushioned bench, fluffy pillows and overstuffed chairs in this modern space. Decorating the stair landing with beautiful photography works with the design of this home.
Pay attention to the details. Details matter, even on a stair landing. One of the first things I noticed about these pretty built-in shelves was the wallpaper that backed them.
Optimize your space. If you have the budget, skill and space to add a built-in shelving unit, do it. You will love having the extra room to store things.
Get that high-end feel. By adding a nice stripe on the wall, a custom-made cushion for the bench and shutters, this stair landing has a well designed, thought-through feeling.
Tell us: What's on your landing?
Tell us: What's on your landing?