Guest Blog by Indiana Lee

If you’re a homeowner with unused space under your stairs, it’s time to put it to good use.

Many folks have a closet under the stairs where they often throw unused items or clutter.

Others have a floating staircase with nothing underneath, but they wish there was something to fill the space.

Whatever the case, it’s time to take advantage of that unused square footage.

From adding an organized storage compartment to a fully functional wine cellar, many options exist for maximizing those under-the-stairs spaces.

Below are some design tips and ideas, along with important considerations to make to ensure that your project is done right and to your liking.

Steps Before You Get Started

Before you begin your stair renewal project, it’s essential to know what you’re in for.

If you already have a closet under the stairs and you want to make it more organized, then that will be easier than adding a room or making major modifications.

However, if you’re going to start a renovation, you need to ensure that you’re making big changes as safely as possible.

It’s also wise to check for any existing damage and fix that first.

While you may not want to start an additional project, there are some home repairs you shouldn’t put off.

An important one is structural damage.

• When walls and floors deteriorate, they upset the balance of the house, and over time, the damage can be so extensive that your home could fall apart.

Have an expert come out and ensure that your structure is okay and that modifying the space under your stairs won’t cause an issue.

Another problem to be aware of is pests and termites.

• If your existing stairs are made of wood, and there are termites, the stairs could fall apart and put your family in danger, so do your due diligence.

Your project might also entail modifying or building new stairs.

• Make the stairs a design element and focal point in your house by painting them a color that pops but also blends in with the house.

• You could add LED lights under each stair to add a bit of nuance and make it easier and safer to go up and down.

As a final word of encouragement, don’t stress over the stairs project. Try to have fun with it. If you need motivation, create a list of steps you plan to accomplish and cross them off as you go along. The act can be very satisfying.

Under The Stairs Storage Ideas

One of the go-to projects many people try when maximizing under-the-stairs spaces is adding storage with a closet or a similar setup for storing or showing off their things.

There are many ways that you can go about your storage.

• If you’re very limited on space, you could add drawers under the stairs that you can pull out when you need something.

• With the right design, you could store shoes, school supplies, coats, and more.

This type of setup is great because you’ll have storage when you need it, and the drawers are out of sight when you don’t.

• When space allows, consider adding shelves under the stairs where you can show off some of your prized possessions.

This is a great way to keep your collectibles safe. Whether it’s coins, comic books, video games, stamps, or anything in between, you can place them on the shelves, and you and your guests can admire them as you walk by.

Keep your collectibles secure by keeping them far away from the renovation until it's complete and keep them in their cases once you display them on the shelves.

Keep a record of your purchases and their value in case they’re stolen, or you want to sell them and get a good deal.

Your house may be set up so you don’t have space under the stairs, but there’s an empty wall along the side.

You could still use that space for storage by adding shelves where you can put your shoes, picture frames, and more.

Turn The Space into An Office

More people are working from home these days, and not everyone has an extra room for an office. However, many two-story homes have space under the stairs.

You could use this area to make a mini office.

• There’s furniture made for small spaces, including wall-mounted desks that fold down so you can work when necessary and put it back up when done.

Doing so also eliminates the need for bulky legs, and you’ll have more room to sit.

• If horizontal space is limited, consider a standing desk that will allow you to work while stretching and walking in place while keeping the blood flowing.

It’s a great trick that can help you to feel energized throughout the day.

• Include a folding chair that can also be put away when not in use, and you have an office when you need it and extra storage when you don’t.

Even if you don’t work from home, you could turn the space into a mini library or a reading nook. This is another situation where you could place a desk or even a small bed or couch where you can lie down and drift into your favorite novel.

Other Unique Ideas

Ever since people noticed space under their stairs, they’ve been finding ways to maximize it, so there are many ideas you can try in your own home.

One of them is to set up a wine cellar.

• You could either make it into a closed space with a cooling unit or add a nice wine rack and come by for a bottle when in the mood.

A wine cellar will allow you to throw the best wine dinners and impress your friends with the variety of bottles you have available.

• Another option is to add a built-in bar, complete with shelves for glassware and a locked cabinet for the liquor.

There are many other ideas to consider, such as:

• Adding your dryer and laundry machine for a mini laundry room.

• Create a children’s den with space to play with and store their toys.

• Add a door and make that space into a pet’s room.

• Build an extra or primary pantry.

The sky's the limit when it comes to filling that space under the stairs, so let your imagination run wild.

Make sure that the structure is sound and that you take it one step at a time, so you don’t get anxious while creating a nice little area for your needs.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.

Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.