17 Clever Uses for the Space Under the Stairs

Creative solutions, ranging from sneaky storage to cozy nooks, tackle the home's trickiest triangle.

Stealthy Storage

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shoe cabinet under stairs

Every home can use more storage. Fortunately, the often-neglected space beneath a staircase provides an ideal spot for drawers and cabinets. This stylish example of under stair storage, built byBen Herzog Architect, offers a discrete space to stash shoes and other goods. With its simple hardware and detailing, you'd have no idea there's storage hiding behind the wall.

Related:The Best Furniture You Can Buy for Extra Storage

Marco Valencia | Design:Ben Herzog Architect, PC

Petite Playroom

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下楼梯游戏室

有现货的t出头的玩不oys creating a mess around the house. This crawl space under the stairs created byVon Fitz Designis a fun hideaway for the kids and the clutter.

Related:8 Brilliant Ways to Get More Space—Without Moving

Von Fitz Design

The Ultimate Nook

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under the stairs nook

Carve out a cozy nook for yourself likeJWT Associatesdid for these homeowners. The space under the stairs provides just the right depth for a comfy bench and bookshelf. Add in fluffy pillows and a lamp and it's the ultimate reading spot. Here they even left room for crawl space storage with a charming little door.

Related:20不可思议的想法DIY Storage Bench

JWT Associates

Covert Laundry Room

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washer and dryer under stairs

Not every house is fortunate enough to have a laundry room, especially for city dwellers. You might not have ever thought of it before, but the space to store a washer and dryer may have been underfoot all along.Brickhouse Kitchens and Bathsbuilt this genius laundry space beneath the stairs. Not only are the appliances kept out of sight, but the built-in counter provides a place to store your laundry supplies.

Related:20 Instant Updates for a Laundry Room You Can Love

Brickhouse Kitchens and Baths

Supreme Storage

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cubby under stairs

Being one of the most trafficked spots in the house makes the stairway a prime spot for clutter. With built-in shelves and cabinets, like these byHighCraft Builders, your family has a place to put backpacks, books, and other everyday necessities.

Related:The 30 Easiest Organizing Tasks Ever

HighCraft Builders

Room Divider

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interior design under staircase

Take advantage of all sides of your stairway if it sits in the center of the house, just likeJLV Creativedid here. The design team didn’t waste any space on these large stairs, creating a sitting and storage area on one side and a mini bar on the other. The stairway becomes a focal point of the house providing space for entertaining and divvying up an open floor plan.

Related:18 Inviting Entryways We Love

JLV Creative

Cheerful Home Office

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Office Under Stairs

If you've always wanted a work area but thought you didn't have enough room, claim the space under the stairs as your own just likeHugh Jefferson Randolph Architectsdid. A sturdy chair, a work surface attached to the wall, and extra shelves on the side create a fun and functional home office.

Related:21 Clever Tricks to Make Your Home Look Bigger and Brighter

Whit Preston | Design:Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects/@hughjeffersonrandolpharchitect

Decked with Drawers

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Drawers Under Stairs

A narrow hallway might not be conducive for storage furniture, yet you still need somewhere to toss your keys, bags, shoes, etc.John Bynum Custom Homesoffers a space-savvy solution with these drawers built into the stairs. Heck, they’re even better than a console table or cubby since they keep your stuff hidden away.

Related:21 Ways to Fake More Space Around the House

John Bynum Custom Homes

Comfortable Entryway

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Bench Under Stairs

A simple banquette piled with pillows and lit from above with a wall sconce is a tempting spot to curl up with a favorite book, and it makes for an easy spot to sit and tie your shoes. Take some inspiration fromJMA Interior Design'swelcoming front room. Drawers below the bench provide additional storage for a neat and tidy entry.

Related:11 Things to Keep by the Front Door

Carmel Brantley fromBrantley Photography| Design:JMA Interior Design

Artful Display

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built ins under stairs

Alcove shelving built into the stairs is the perfect place to showcase treasured antiques and decorative items. This stairway byGilberte Interiorsis an excellent example of putting your prized possessions on display without them getting in the way.

Related:23 Insanely Clever Ways to Beat Clutter

Gilberte Interiors

Children's Den

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under stairs childrens den

A playhouse in the backyard is nice, but not very useful on a cold or rainy day.Metro Building and Remodeling Groupgot creative with the space under one family’s basement stairs and built a playhouse the kids can enjoy year round.

Related:Beautiful Basements: 13 Surprisingly Cool Underground Amenities in Real American Homes

Metro Building and Remodeling Group

Built-In Bar

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under stairs bar

This built-in cabinet under the staircase, designed byKaty Bell Interiors, creates superb storage for all your cocktail hour essentials: shelves for glassware, a cabinet for liquor, and a countertop to put it all together. It's rustic style fits in perfectly with the rest of the home's decor.

Related:Why Go Out? 12 Bars You Can Build at Home

Katy Bell Interiors

Catchalls in the Hall

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Under Stairs Storage Ideas

These little cubbies situated at the bottom of the stairs are a stylish way to keep the front hall tidy. Created byJeff King & Company, the clean and classic design is evidence you don’t need a fancy organizational system for a neat home.

Related:These 14 Ideas Are the Next Best Thing to a Mudroom

Paul Dyer Photography | Design:Jeff King & Company

Pet Refuge

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under stairs dog room

The space under your staircase can be fashioned into a cozy, custom nook for the favorite family pet. This interior dog house byMichaelson Homesis much nicer looking than a bulky crate. Who wouldn't want to tuck themselves in to such a sweet spot?

Related:For the Dogs: 11 Crazy Home Upgrades Made by Pet Owners

Michaelson Homes

Kids' Corner

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under stairs play area

In this house fromSilver Maple Construction, the elegant arch created from the stairs above fashions a snug corner for the kids. It has just the right amount of space for toy storage and a quiet spot for story time. Rather than having wasted space, it’s a brilliant way to carve out an area just for the kids.

Related:Control Kids' Clutter with 7 Creative DIYs

Susan Teare Photography| Design:Silver Maple Construction

Animal House

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dog house under stairs

Everyone in the house likes to have a little space for themselves, including the family pet. This tiny room, created byCummings Architect, provides a quiet spot for the dog as well as convenient storage for the toys and supplies.

Related:10 House Hacks Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Eric Roth|Cummings Architects

Book Nook

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under stairs library

Take inspiration from this reading corner designed by theWilliams Group Inc. A built-in bookcase under the stairs with a comfy chair and soft lighting makes just the right environment for getting lost in a story.

Related:The Best Armchairs You Can Buy on a Budget

The Williams Group Inc.

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