Storage Under Staircases: 11 Inspiring Ideas
Our old-fashioned staircase has a window at the landing, and a storage area underneath. In order to access the storage, you have to open the door to the adjacent first floor laundry room. Nooks under staircases can be so charming, and functional too. Today I’m sharing 11 inspiring ideas that might prompt you to re-think what you can do with your own stairway.
You’ve probably all seen the staircase with a powder room tucked below. Although this isn’t really a storage concept, it does provide a great way to add an additional bathroom to your home. And as any realtor will tell you, an extra bathroom always adds to the value of your home.
Photo by Tim Cuppett Architects
Drawers beneath a stairway located by the front door create storage space for hats, mittens, car keys, mail – you name it. Anything you need to drop off when entering your home. What a great way to conceal important clutter.
Photo by Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc
Here’s a fun idea for adding storage under staircases – a wine cellar!
Maybe you’re a renter and aren’t allowed to construct something in your home. You can still enjoy ample storage under staircases by stacking old wooden crates as makeshift book shelves. My mother would think this looks messy, but I find it a bit charming and endearing.
Can you ever have too much storage? Â I don’t think so. I’m always rearranging closets, hutches, even under-the-bed storage boxes to create more space. Organization however, is your best friend when it comes to storage. Â Right now I’m on a purging binge, removing items from closets and drawers that I no longer use. What’s the point of letting them occupy much-needed real estate?
Photo by Tom Stringer Design Partners
So I have this friend who has about 10 bikes. He was a semi-pro racer and all his cycles are stored in the basement. But one day his dream is to convince his wife to let him promote them to the main floors of their house and use them as décor.  When I saw this idea for storage under staircases I immediately thought of him. He would love this!  I think his wife might even be keen to it.
A genius idea is to tuck a butler’s pantry under a staircase located near the kitchen. Store bar ware and beverages in the cabinets beneath the bar area.
A contemporary stairway enjoys a built-in desk below. Drawers and doors provide storage space for office supplies, maybe even a printer.
Photo by CHC Mountain Structures
Who has a secret room under their staircase, and what kid wouldn’t love their own private playroom? Â This is a great idea for mom too, since toys can be easily stored here. Just shut the door and no one can see the mess!
A little reading nook is a great idea to maximize the space under a stairway. Drawers underneath create storage for books and writing materials, and maybe even a blanket or two.
Photo by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
When it comes to storage under staircases, this example is probably the grand daddy of them all! Â Not only is there oodles of storage capability, but the craftsmanship is pretty gorgeous.
Photo by Jack’N Tool Box, Inc.
So tell me, what’s under your staircase? If your home is newer, chances are it’s the stairway to the basement. I hope you enjoyed this roundup of creative uses for space under the staircase!
See More Storage Ideas and Inspiration:
Small Space Kitchen: Style and Storage
Wonderful ideas for staircases. Always good to use the spaces available.
Like all of these. Love the look of that hallway and kitchen with the bar under the stairs. Whole thing is warm and inviting with pretty rugs.
My beautiful French armoire reminds me of home, I was born in France, and it is a perfect liquor / wine cabinet and storage for all my table linens. Right now you can find French armoire at a reasonable price.
Thanks for sharing your article, it is so helpful to me