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Each space of our home can be used intelligently. From an architectural point of view, there are no dead spaces but badly used. One of these is usually the one under the stairs. Although the solution is simpler than it seems: you just have to create an under stairs storage.
Our alternatives are practically unlimited when designing an under stair closets. Are we looking to store small objects or do we have large boxes to stack? This is the first thing we must consider for its construction.
We may have just space under stairs that only allows us to place shelves and cabinets, or it is possible that ours is a whole room under stairs, ideal for brooms and vacuum cleaners.
We do not have to end up making unpleasant storage, and more considering that we will see it constantly when using the ladder. Our under stairs storage must overflow life, should be an extension of the home design.
If you have many ideas in your head and cannot decide on one, or if you still do not know how to approach this field, then read on to learn some clever remodeling tips for this much-neglected space.
How to use the understairs space with smart solutions
The list that we leave you are just some of the most popular decorating ideas, but there are many other options when it comes to building smart solutions. With no more to add, we started it:
Always be prepared with an under stair bathroom
Image source: Timothy James Interiors
Previously we had already mentioned it, but one of the most practical solutions is to install a bathroom under the stairs. It is a combination of a small warehouse with all the functionalities that a W.C. and a sink give us.
The bathrooms are the most requested rooms in a home. Having one with immediate availability and easy access is ideal for our guests or for children and seniors. If we need another bathroom, but space is scarce, stairs are always an option.
Another aspect that we did not mention is that a well located and constructed bathroom can increase the value of your property by up to 5% (although this is just rumors, it is good to consult with real estate agents).
However, today we will not go into detail about its preparation. If you are interested in getting more information about it, you can follow this guide that we prepared where we cover more thoroughly the aspects to consider.
An elegant design with high functionality
Image source: Golden Design
Have a bookshelf under stairs is no reason to neglect the aesthetics of this area. Many times, we end up with a lot of drawers without shape that we simply hide with the use of plants or other ornaments.
Let’s be smart in the location of the stores. Let intermediate spaces to hang small portraits. See in the designs that we present as a mixture of decorative elements and free spaces can create pleasant environments.
Keep this space lit. Play with light tones to create eye-catching zones that do not require more elements to highlight.
The pantries are wonderful as under stairs storage
Image source: JPM Construction
If you are one of those who like to store food in large quantities, you may find yourself in the predicament that the kitchen does not always offer enough space. An additional pantry is a solution to our resource problems.
Inside the pantry, we can store everything that the small kitchen cabinets do not allow us since it will be a room exclusively destined for this. Using shelves, we can have everything ordered and ready to find it easily.
A curious fact: although now the term has been combined to fulfill both functions, formerly the larder and the pantry were different rooms. Due to the smaller spaces, it is common to use the same room to store everything, although if we have additional space, we can always choose to make a larder for our meat.
The pantry is more versatile in its usefulness since it can store fruits, dairy products, bread, canned, cereals, among a wide variety of options.
If we are going to choose to install this type of storage under our staircase, it is important that we take into consideration if it really is the best option. If it is far from the kitchen, it is not advisable to build it.
The stairs are the perfect laundry in small homes
Image source: McGarry Constructions Pty Limited
At the moment of designing a house, it is normal that located near the kitchen or the backyard, a room of reduced dimensions will be built where our products and laundry artifacts will be found.
The laundry room has become a necessity today. However, sometimes space does not allow a whole room to be dedicated to it. If you do not have one of these, you can intelligently use that under stairs space.
We simply have to add some portable shelves to place some of the implements such as soap or detergent, a tube that allows us to hang clothes hangers, and of course, we must install the appliances that we need, such as a washing machine or dryer. We can also add a retractable ironing board.
Under stair, closets-cupboards are an always good option
Image source: Men At Work Design Build
Thanks to its ease of installation, and its practicality, cabinets are the most versatile and considerable options to be carried out in small spaces. Depending on what we have to build, we can make simple shelves or racks.
With a little organization, we will achieve a striking space. You can review this article if you want to know more tips to create a dream under stairs wardrobes.
Attracts attention with the use of draws and shelving
Image source: Juliette Byrne
Although at first glance we may not understand very well the difference between this and the previous point, the truth is that they are very different. A cupboard is usually simply closed rooms where we store our objects.
On the other hand, when we use draws or open shelving, what we are looking for is what we store mixes with the set since we are showing it to the public.
As these will be part of the home’s decoration, we can play with the heights and positions in which we install them.
Install a mudroom and keep your home clean
Image source: California Closets of Michigan
A mudroom, for those who do not know the concept, is a room of small dimensions that receives us when entering the house, and whose utility is not more than to prevent dirty garments from entering the home.
The concept originates from the United States, but there are more examples around the world such as the porch on Great Britain or the houses’ entrances in Japan. In general, its construction consists of a gap between the street’s slab and the house’s slab, and in that space we find different cabinets and hooks to store clothes and shoes.
If our staircase is near the entrance, a mudroom may be the option we are looking for storage. With a little design, we will be able to completely change the way we enter our home.
Use combinations of drawers and trunks; create cubist designs where stepped distributions are important. Also, place some hooks to hang jackets or hats, and maybe a special drawer for shoes.
If there are several people who live in the house, everyone should have their personal space to store their clothes in the mudroom. That includes children, who can use it to deposit their school supplies, such as handbags, or those occasional items such as scarves.
Treat your pet as another member of the family with its own room
Image source: Michaelson Homes LLC
Pets are another member of our family. That is why it is fair to treat them in the same way as any other person. A room for them is an excellent gift, but since we are not going to build a full-size one, a room under the staircase is a practical solution.
It does not matter if it is about dogs or cats (or rabbits, or any other animal), this small space that we will dedicate will be to keep all of their toys, a bed, even the bowls of food and water.
Among the benefits of this room, we can list that now our pet will have a fixed place to rest. It will also know where to get its toys and food.
A game room that will grow with your child
Image source: Bianco Renovations
What to do with the space under the stairs? Well, if we have a child; why not give him/her a small personal space where he/she can spend hours playing?
A game room specially designed for the little one in the house can save us more than one headache. Of course, it should be spacious enough to place cushions, toys, blankets, and some lights that give that childish touch.
The only “disadvantage” is that eventually the child will grow up and the room may lose its current usefulness. However, we can solve this by updating its purpose, since it could become a personal study area for your child, especially in the stages of the GCSE and the A- Levels.
Think carefully about this possibility, and remember that the limits will be your budget, and of course, your child’s imagination.
It’s time to store our finances understair
Image source: Red House Remodeling
Use the under stairs storage for storing papers and documents is common. However, a smarter way to use it is if we turn it into an entire office where we can work.
If we look for an area where we can place a computer to manage our finances, this confined space may be the silent area you are looking for.
Although many people are not thrilled by the idea of taking work home, the truth is that an office in our house is always ideal.
Structure a couple of shelves to store documents, place a desk where you can use at least one laptop, and leave enough free space for a comfortable chair. Of course, consider that, if the stair area is very busy, it may not be the best place for an office.
Create a personal corner to read
Image source: Leslie Goodwin Photography
This option is as simple as locating a small shelf with books, a comfortable chair and our desire to have a quiet time. A bookshelf under stairs alone is good, but we can improve the bet by turning it into a space of personal comfort.
A way to maximize space under stairs if we are going to install seats is through furniture that has drawers. Install full built-in chairs to the wall that have lower drawers. You can also embed small shelves in the wall to gain additional space.
Another daring option to create a rest area is to simply forget about the chairs and place cushions in the room. Apply sconces and paint the walls with pastel colors, and you will have a cheerful room with a tranquility air.
Elevate the party with a dry or wet bar
Image source: Casey’s
Your home can be the soul of the party with the proper implements and salons. Many people decide to install a full liquor bar in their homes, but size can be a problem. However, there are more compact solutions.
An option of under stairs storage is the installation of a dry or wet bar. The difference between them is easy: the wet bar includes a sink to be able to wash the dishes and glasses, while the dry one totally dispenses with this.
The choice of the type of bar will depend on whether it is necessary to install an additional sink or if we can save those pipes. For example, if the kitchen is very close to it, what is the need to add another sink?
The space required for the bars is not as large as you would think. You just need a counter where you can prepare cocktails. But it is not the only thing that we must consider if this is our dream choice.
The stairs may not be the best location for the bar if, for example, you need a sink and the installation of pipes is very complicated. Additionally, will the location of the bar be ideal for parties?
All this we must ask ourselves in a personal way. If we also want to continue with this idea and select the wet bar, we have a series of additional tips for its installation.
An aquatic eccentricity
Image source: Domiteaux Architects
This last option on the list is crazy, but it’s definitely something worth to see. If we do not want to create an under stairs storage, but we definitely want to occupy that space, why not consider a giant fish tank?
A series of large well-sealed glass panels or a glass molded to the shape of our staircase, and we can have a fish tank unique in its style. Its decoration is already part of each one, like using lights, but we must remember the pumping systems that are required to keep the fish happy.
Find the option that best suits your taste
As we said at the beginning of the article, these are just some of all the creative options that you can implement in that small space that remains understairs.
The list offers some of the most ingenious and popular options among users, and we seek to serve as an inspiration to motivate you to one of these projects.
We would be delighted if you tell us some of your ideas and solutions for this very useful space. Has any recommendation escaped us? Then do not be shy and share your opinion. Remember that at the end of the day, the only limit in the decoration of our home is our imagination.
If you enjoyed reading this article about under stairs storage, you should read these as well:
- Carpet for stairs: How to pick the best one out there
- Stairs Designs That Will Amaze And Inspire You
- Bedroom storage ideas to best optimize your space