8 Clever Ideas for the Space Under the Stairs

The proverb “Waste not, want not” applies to many aspects of life, and interior design is no exception. Making the most of every square foot of your home is a great way to gain the most value (both financially and emotionally) from it. If you live in a house with stairs, the space beneath them is a gold mine of creative possibilities. Here are eight ways to make the most of it.

1. Reading Nook

The small dimensions of the space under the stairs make it ideal for creating a cozy reading nook. This Los Angles book nook, designed by JWT Associates, is wrapped in tongue-and-groove wood paneling for a down-on-the-farm aesthetic.


With its white beadboard walls and storage cabinets underneath, this cozy Washington, D.C., reading nook is a great place to unwind with a good book.

Explore 15 cozy book nooks


This reading nook, by architect Jon R. Sayler for a home in Seattle, was designed around a full-size mattress. It’s a comfortable napping spot and overflow guest quarters.


2. Bookshelves

The shape of the space under the stairs also lends itself to built-in bookshelves. Unlike standard shelves or bookcases, under-the-stairs units take up just the right amount of space and can be made in a variety of styles.

This angular built-in bookcase in Calgary, Alberta, includes a bottom row of drawers for extra storage.

Wall paint: Lava Gray, PPG Pittsburgh Paints


A curved staircase, like this grand example in New York, creates the perfect space for a dramatic library wall along the stairs.


A single-shelf bookcase cut into the bottom of the stairs can be eye-catching, as in this contemporary home in Austin, Texas.


3. Playspace

While putting a child’s bedroom under the stairs à la Harry Potter might be a little cruel, the space can make for a great play area for the young ones.

A narrow door built into the side of this Los Angeles staircase leads to a private retreat for the homeowners’ children.


The interior of this playspace under the stairs include vibrant green walls, a shaggy throw pillow, faux-fur rugs and a helpful reminder about the importance of brothers.

Wall sign: Pottery Barn Kids


This contemporary nook cut into the stairs is a magical place in which kids can play and dream. CplusC Architectural Workshop designed this space for a home in Sydney.


4. Office

If you don’t have an entire room available for a home office, consider the space under the stairs as a great alternative. The built-in desk and bookshelves of this modern office in Austin, Texas, make for a stylish workspace.

Discover 95 dazzling deskscapes


It’s not necessary to build an entire office under the stairs. Sometimes a desk and chair below an open staircase do the trick, as shown in this industrial loft in Toronto.

Eames aluminum Management Group leather chair: Room & Board


5. Pet Space

The space under the stairs offers a wonderful private spot for a family pet. This doghouse in New Orleans features a custom wrought iron gate made to match the stair railing above.


Simply adding a water bowl, food bowl and dog bed to an alcove under the stairs also creates a custom and stylish space for your pet.


6. Powder Room

Adding a bathroom, even just a powder room, is a great way to raise the value of your home. The space under the stairs may provide just enough space for a toilet and sink, as seen in the marble-clad powder room above.


This London powder room, by My Bespoke Room Ltd., makes good use of the small space under the stairs.

Browse 102 pretty powder rooms


7. Wine Storage

For the wine enthusiast, finding storage space for bottles can be a challenge. Consider the space under the stairs as a prime location to add wine racks or even a walk-in wine cellar, as seen above.


If you don’t have enough room for a walk-in wine cellar under your stairs, a few stylish wine racks might do the trick. This modern space in Los Angeles can hold up to 33 wine bottles.

Eames molded plastic stacking side chair: Design Within Reach


8. Hybrid

If you’re having a difficult time deciding between one option for your space under the stairs, why not try two? This Houston home, designed by Keechi Creek Builders, has both a doghouse and office space under the stairs.


This San Francisco home, designed by Feldman Architecture Inc., includes a built-in bookshelf under the stairs …


… and the bookshelf is also a secret door that leads to a children’s playspace.

Discover secret doors and hidden passages


Finally, this cleverly designed space under the stairs in a Montreal home has a washing machine and dryer, as well as an alcove where the family cat likes to hang out.

Tell us: Do you have more ideas for the space under the stairs or pictures of completed projects? Please share them in the Comments.

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