If you have a home with more than one level, you’ve probably wondered how you can utilize the space under the stairway, turning it from an unused area to a functional one.
While the spaces under stairways aren’t typically large and often have an awkward shape, you’d be surprised to see the many creative ways you can utilize and decorate this space.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite hacks for unused space under stairways below. From pantries to libraries, you’ll love these ideas and will be inspired to renovate this space for your next home project.
- Mini Library
As any bibliophile knows, there’s never enough room to store all of your books! If that’s you or someone you live with, then turning the area under your stairs into a mini library is a great way to easily add more book storage into your home.
It can be as simple as installing a few shelves or cabinets and filling them with books that are probably in piles throughout your house. You’ll love having this special space for your personal mini home library.
- Reading Nook
Would you love a reading nook of your very own but don’t have enough space in any of the rooms in your house? Make a nook under the stairs and you’ll have the perfect spot to snuggle up with a blanket and a good novel.
Add comfy pillows, a blanket or comforter and, of course, good lighting, and you’ll have a new favorite spot to unwind in.
- Kitchen Pantry
Limited kitchen storage is an issue many people have and, if that’s you, you may want to consider turning the space under your staircase into a pantry.
Install floating shelves and some rolling drawers and get some clear storage containers and you’ll be set to store a variety of dry goods and even infrequently used small kitchen appliances.
- Mini Mudroom
Mudrooms are extremely convenient to have but many homes don’t have one. If your home doesn’t already have one and you don’t want to add on an entire mudroom, you can easily create a mini mudroom setup under the stairway.
With a small bench, some hooks and shelves and a few storage cubbies, you’ll have an easily accessible and practical area for storing shoes, coats, backpacks and umbrellas.
- Wine Storage
You don’t need to have a big space or invest a large amount of money to have a wine cellar installed in your home. You can simply turn the space under the stairs into an area to store and display your wine collection with some shelves or cabinets.
If you happen to have a larger area under your stairs, you can incorporate a bar area with bar room cabinetry, as pictured above.
This list is far from complete but gives you five of the most popular options for creating a functional space underneath a stairway. Whether you want to tackle one of the ideas listed here or have thought of another way to utilize this space, you’ll love having a home improvement project that can be completed quickly, easily and inexpensively.
Need some customized design help? Check out our free online kitchen and room design tool to get started on your project today.
