02 Nov 2023 | Updated Date: 17 Jun 2025, Read Time : 12 Min

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12 Under Stairs Storage Designs and Ideas for Maximizing Space

An ‘under stair space’ or ‘under stair storage’ is a space that is so often ignored by homeowners that many people don’t even know that this unique space can be used for so many convenient and useful purposes. There are various reasons why it is recommended to use the under stairs space including maximum use of space in the house, smart storage option, aesthetic appeal, functional space, and lots more. If you too have under stairs storage or space and are looking for various under stairs design ideas or under stairs storage plans, read this blog carefully to find inspiration for unique and highly useful under stairs storage ideas.

Under Stairs Design Ideas

The question of how to use space under stairs for storage is a pertinent question for every house owner who has a staircase in their house. The space under the stairs, whether space used for storage under u-shaped stairs or any other shapes of stairs is quite important but also a space that is often ignored by everyone. Many under stairs design ideas can help you solve the question of how to make under stairs storage efficiently. Let us have a look at some of these in this blog today.

1. Creating A Home Office: Under Stairs Design Ideas

A small room with home office under the stairs.

A home office under the stairs is a creative and space-efficient solution for those looking to carve out a dedicated workspace in their homes. Creating a home office under the stairs not only maximises your living space but also provides a quiet and focused area for work. It's a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for remote work or personal projects and surely an amazing staircase design idea!

2. Bookshelf Under Stairs Design

A room with a chair and bookshelf under the stairs.

Creating a bookshelf under the stairs is an ingenious space-saving solution that merges functionality and aesthetics. Tailored custom-built shelves optimise the under stair area, offering a seamless fit. Floating shelves introduce modern minimalism while providing storage for books and decor. Corner shelves maximise oddly shaped spaces with a unique touch. Adding stylish backdrops like textured paint or wallpaper enhances the bookshelf's visual charm. Custom carpentry details, such as arches and bevelled edges, infuse character into your under stairs bookshelf. Opting for glass-fronted bookshelves delivers a timeless, sophisticated appearance and showcases your book collection elegantly. This under stairs bookshelf not only maximises space but also caters to avid readers with an insatiable appetite for books, making it a brilliant addition to any home.

3. Home Bar Designs: Smart Under Stairs Storage Ideas

Transforming the space under your stairs into a home bar is a clever and stylish way to maximise your living area. You can incorporate various elements to create a chic and functional bar under stairs design, such as built-in shelving to organise your liquor collection and glassware, cabinets and drawers to keep bar essentials organised, and floating shelves for a contemporary look. You can also choose to add a bar counter by following some bar counter design under stairs design, along with barstools, a wine rack, and a mirror backsplash to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Glass cabinet doors, under-cabinet lighting, and unique carpentry details infuse sophistication and character into the bar area. Additionally, providing a cosy seating nook with plush cushions and coordinating the colour scheme with your interior design creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. For those who enjoy chilled beverages, installing a mini-fridge under the stairs ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature. Designing an under stairs home bar not only optimises your living space but also adds a touch of sophistication and entertainment to your home, making it a practical and stylish area to enjoy drinks and entertain guests.

4. Toy Storing: How To Use Under Stairs Storage for Your Kids

A white shelf with books under the stairs.

One of the best under stairs design ideas is utilising the space under your stairs for toy storage. You can incorporate custom-built shelves, cabinets, or cubbies to keep toys organised and easily accessible. Consider using bins, baskets, or labelled containers to further streamline the storage. To create an attractive and child-friendly space, you can add colourful curtains, cushions, or even a chalkboard or magnetic board on the stair wall. This under stairs toy storage not only maximises your living area but also helps keep your home tidy and clutter-free while providing a dedicated space for your child's toys to make the space more kid-friendly.

5. Pet-friendly Under Stairs Storage Ideas

A girl sitting on the stairs with a skateboard and storage space under the stairs

The storage space under the stairs can also be used for your furry friends. The under-the-stair space can also be used to store food for your pets along with their toys, leashes, clothes and more. For a smaller under-the-stair space, you can install a litter box for your cats. You can also add your pet beds under the stairs so that your friends have their nooks in the house. The space under the stairs can also be used to put in large aquariums and cages for your birds.

6. Living Room Design Under Stairs

Two blue chairs under the stairs in front of a glass wall.

Creating a cosy under stairs sitting area in your living room is a great way to maximise space and add a unique touch to your home. Transform the space under your stairs into a snug sitting area. Start by installing built-in benches or a custom seating arrangement that fits the space perfectly. You can use comfy cushions and throw pillows for added comfort. This is a great under stairs ideas in living room for homeowners to consider. To further enhance the functionality of your under stairs design, consider adding built-in storage options to make it even more useful. Choose cabinets with doors for storing blankets or books, or build open shelves to showcase décour pieces. These under stairs storage ideas not only maximise space but also add a touch of personality. For a modern under stairs ideas, consider using the tile pattern on built-in cabinets, creating a visually connected and polished space.

7. Shoe Cabinet Under Stairs Design Idea

Designing under stairs shoe storage is a practical and space-efficient solution to keep your footwear organised. You can install custom-built shoe shelves or racks to maximise space utilisation and keep your shoe collection neatly stored. Sliding cabinet doors provide a sleek look while concealing your shoes. If space allows, you can add a built-in bench on top of the cabinet to create a comfortable seating area for putting on or taking off your shoes. Illuminating the cabinet with LED strip lighting or motion sensor lights, an under stair storage idea makes finding the right pair of shoes a breeze. Customising the design with decorative elements like panels, paint, or wallpaper ensures the shoe cabinet blends seamlessly with your home's interior decor, offering both practicality and style in one space-efficient solution.

8. Displaying Beauty: Storage Space Under Stairs Ideas

A small bedroom with a dresser under the stairs and a stairway.

If you are looking for staircase side wall designs then you can use the space to display a variety of things including urns, vases, antique art pieces, antique tables, chairs, stunning mirrors, and even green plants. This nook will surely be the central focus of your living room!

9. Breakfast At Stairs: Contemporary Under Stairs Storage Ideas

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table and small breakfast table nestled under the stairs.

A small breakfast table nestled under the stairs is a space-efficient and charming dining solution. This cosy nook utilises the often-overlooked area beneath the staircase to create an intimate setting for morning meals. This can include a simple small table with stackable chairs or stools. This space can be quite a convenient space to catch a quick breakfast. It is surely an ideal choice for homes with limited dining areas or for homeowners looking to create a cosy breakfast spot.

10. Let’s Hangout: Space Under Stairs Design Ideas

A living room with a tv under the stairs.

Designing a hangout and TV space under the stairs is a clever way to make the most of your home's layout. This cosy nook beneath the staircase can be transformed into a comfortable entertainment area. Consider incorporating built-in seating, a TV mounted on the wall, and storage for media equipment. Cosy cushions, soft lighting, and a well-placed TV create an inviting space to relax, watch movies, or unwind with friends and family. The under stairs location provides a sense of seclusion and a unique atmosphere for hanging out and watching your favourite shows or movies. It's a practical and stylish solution for optimising your living space while creating a designated entertainment hub.

11. Artsy Corner: Under Stairs Storage Plans

An image of a stairway with bookshelves and shelves under the stairs.

Creating an art display under the stairs is a visually captivating way to showcase your favourite artworks. By arranging a gallery wall with a mix of artworks in various sizes and frames, you can maximise the use of vertical space and create an elegant backdrop. Adding track lighting or adjustable wall sconces enhances the display's visual appeal and directs attention to the art. Floating shelves offer flexibility for displaying smaller pieces, while built-in niches provide dedicated spaces for individual artworks. You can even incorporate art on the stair risers, painting or decorating them with stencils for an artistic touch. This under stairs art display not only optimises unused space but also elevates your home's aesthetic by allowing you to appreciate and share your art collection freshly and engagingly.

12. Kitchen Ideas for Under Your Stairs

A small kitchen with a wooden staircase.

Utilising the space under your stairs for a kitchen is a creative and practical design solution, perfect for maximising space in smaller homes. Kitchen under stairs storage ideas encompass custom-built cabinets and shelves tailored to the specific dimensions of the area, ensuring efficient utilisation. Consider incorporating pull-out drawers for storing kitchen essentials, making access easy and organised. Floating shelves offer a minimalist and modern design for displaying cookbooks, utensils, or decorative items. A small countertop and sink can be added, creating a functional workspace. Lighting plays a crucial role; under-cabinet lights or pendant lights brighten up the space and add a warm ambience. Coordinating the kitchen's colour scheme with your overall interior design ties the look together. This innovative kitchen under stairs design maximises your living space, combining style and functionality to enhance your home.

Under Stairs Storage Ideas

Along with various ways you can design the space under your stairs, there are many different ideas in which you can utilise the space as a quick yet efficient storage option. Here are a few essential tips to help you to use the area as a convenient storage space.

Built-in Under Stairs Storage Ideas

A laundry room with a washing machine under the stairs.

For people who are constructing a new house, ask your contractor to install furnishings, shelves, and compartments under the stairs right away. For other homeowners, there are many other under stairs storage design solutions such as various cabinet design under-the-stairs ideas and under stairs closet storage ideas to choose from.

Custom Cabinets and Shelves Under Stair Storage

A white stairway with a lot of storage space.

Each storage space under the stairs is unique and the utility it has (or might have) also changes depending on the way it is designed and where it is located. For outdoor stairs, you can install custom cabinets that can serve as an under stair garage storage option. For indoors, customised shelves can be used to display works of art, photographs, paints, craft items, and more.

Pull-out Drawers Under Stairs

A wooden staircase with a storage compartment under it.

Understairs storage drawers are easy to install and can provide you with a lot of space to store various items with ease. It is recommended to buy drawer separators or storage bins that can help you multiply the storage space under your stairs by manifolds.

Hidden Closet Under the Stairs Design

It is not necessary to flaunt the storage space under the stairs, you can also use the space for storing various things and then hide it seamlessly with the surroundings. There are many hidden under stair closet storage plans and options available for homeowners including wardrobe design under stairs and cupboard design under stairs ideas. Talk with an expert interior designer to plan out the space efficiently.

Custom Pantry Options

If your staircase is located close to your kitchen, the space under the stairs can also be used as a custom pantry to store all the necessary items required for cooking. You can store everything including flour, grains, oils, spices, and many other kitchen-related items in this pantry space. If you are worried about fungus or mould, you can use this space to store kitchen gadgets and equipment such as blenders, air fryers, etc.

Vintage Ideas for under stairs storage

A 3d rendering of a stairway with a wrought iron railing.

For people who love the vintage charm and the retro look, you can install vintage-looking cupboards and shelves. These shelves can particularly be used to display your vintage toy collections or artworks.

Combining Aesthetics and Functionality Under Your Stairs

A house that is functional but not pretty is incomplete. Every homeowner must focus on making every space in their house as functional and as aesthetically pleasing as possible. This criterion also applies to the space under your stairs. Here are a few tips that can help you make the space under your stairs aesthetically pleasing.

Beautifying the Walls

A 3d image of a stair case with butterflies wallpaper.

The wall around the space under your stairs can be beautified in multiple ways including exciting paint options, stunning wallpapers, and amazing wall tiles as well. Depending on the amount of space you have, you can also add hanging shelves on the walls and use stickers and decals to make them look even prettier.

Lighting Options For Under, Over, and Around the Stairs

There are many creative ways in which you can add light to the space under your stairs. While the space under the stairs often needs lights for functional reasons (as these spaces tend to be dark) you can also add ambient and aesthetic lights such as small scones and LED panels. There are various LED strips and LED panel designs under stairs ideas to choose from.

Art Attack With A Touch of Green

A living room with wooden stairs and plants.

Another way to make the most of the space under your stairs without forgoing aesthetics is by adding pieces of art and plants (if possible). Pieces of art can include your handiwork or souvenirs from various places. Display the photographs of your loved ones here to create a small corner for memories that you would want to cherish forever. Green plants can be added to the space under the stairs and the space around it, especially if the space receives ample sunlight. If the space does not receive proper sunlight, you can go for artificial plants instead or pretty vases with real-cut flowers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the space under the stairs- an oft-dismissed area can serve various practical purposes and offers multiple reasons for being harnessed. From maximising living space, offering smart storage solutions, adding to the visual appeal of a home, and creating unique and functional spaces, the under stairs region presents a versatile canvas for design and utility. Under stairs design ideas encompass a wide range of possibilities, including home offices for productive remote work, bookshelves that cater to bookworms and merge functionality with aesthetics, stylish home bars for added sophistication and entertainment, kid-friendly toy storage, pet-friendly spaces, cosy sitting areas, shoe cabinets that keep footwear organised, artistic displays, small breakfast nooks, entertainment hubs, and much more. To strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, homeowners can beautify the walls, add imaginative lighting, incorporate art and green elements, or opt for vintage-inspired designs. These ideas can be customised to fit the specific layout and size of the under stairs area, making it a space-efficient and visually appealing addition to any home. Ultimately, this often-overlooked space holds vast potential, offering a range of possibilities to create a more functional, attractive, and personalised living environment. If you would like to know even more about design and decor ideas, you can visit the Orientbell Tiles Blog today!

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FAQs

What are the best ways to make the most of the space under the stairs?

There is no one ‘best’ way in which you can use the storage space under your stairs as the utility differs from homeowner to homeowner. Do focus on the location of the staircase and the space under the stair while choosing what to store or how to use it. For instance, indoor staircases near the kitchen can be used for pantry purposes while outdoor under-the-stairs space can be used to store gardening and garage tools. Analyse the space carefully to find out the ‘best’ way in which you can use the space under your stairs.

What shouldn't be stored under the stairs?

You can store virtually anything and everything under the stairs, but the location of the stairs matters a lot in this case. For instance, do not place green plants under the stairs if the space does not receive sunlight. Similarly, if the space is a bit difficult to clean, it is recommended to avoid storing any perishable goods under it as they might go bad quickly.

What are some latest under-the-stairs space design ideas for modern and new houses?

Using the under stairs space as a nice in-home bar, using it to display various objects and souvenirs, and using it as a mini-library are some of the hip and trending ways in which you can use the space under your stairs.

How to seek a proper balance between aesthetics and functionality while designing the space under the stairs?

First, analyse the space and the location of the space. Then you can use various ideas mentioned in this blog to create a space that is not only highly functional but extremely aesthetically pleasing as well.

Can a storage room be placed under the stairs?

Yes, it is quite easy to install a storeroom under the stairs especially if you have ample space to do the same.

Author

A well-lit image of a beautifully tiled space, featuring intricate tile patterns and color coordination

Prerna Sharma

Prerna Sharma boasts 12 years of comprehensive experience in content creation and marketing strategies. For the past two years, she has served as the Content Website Editor at Orientbell Tiles, where she has been instrumental in shaping engaging online narratives. Prerna's expertise has been honed through impactful roles at CyberMedia, HT Media, and NIIT University. She holds an MBA in International Business from Amity International Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Asia Pacific Institute of Management.