Kari & Kijsa wrote a post asking their readers to share what they do with that “potentially fabulous” space under the stairway.
All to often that space under the stairs is wasted or at least half of it ends up as a coat closet like ours. Our home builder also thought it was the perfect place for a thermostat and a huge air vent. In our next home I am hoping we will have a space under the stairs that we can actually use. I personally think it is prime real estate. There are so many options and here are a few I have been collecting.
Built in shelving under the stairs with a pull down work table.
Shelving with baskets to hold table linens, magazines, and toys. Or what about using this area as a recycling center and line the baskets with plastic so they do not get ruined. The large baskets on the bottom shelf would be perfect for newspapers.
Pull out shelves used in a basement for storage. However, I would love having a pull out drawer like this near the entryway for shoes.
A built in office space with drawers next to it for supplies. Maybe even build in a file cabinet. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
And let’s not forget about Benita’s lovely closet space under the stairs.
What other ideas can you come up with? Great topic Kari & Kijsa!
[photos from top to bottom: 1) Better Homes & Gardens 2) Better Homes & Grdens magazine January 2008 3) Storage Projects You Can Build, 1977 4,5) Taunton Home's New Built-Ins Idea Book]
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
What about an understairs closet that has a door on the tall end and the ceiling slants backward down? Clear? All is has is a clothes pole in the front with lots of wasted space toward the back. Would like to add shelves
I totally get what you are describing. I had a client with a closet like that. The only thing the closet company suggested was to put in shelves but with a back so that things would not fall into that space. Then you are just blocking off that space though. It really is an unfortunate waste. You could build shelves and leave the bottom open in the back to slide storage into that angled area. Just don’t forget you have stuff in there.
THAT is totally cool. Thanks for all the ideas!
Thank you all for the comments, I think I like the pullout shelves the best myself. Imagine adjustable shelves, that would be great!
Great ideas! Jen R
Hey there! Thanks for the great ideas – found you on Kari & Kijsa’s blog – - – so glad we found yours!!
We have a wall that is a pathway to the half bath and has access to wonderful space from the stairs on the other side of the wall – I’m bookmarking you so that I remember these great ideas when I’m ready!!
Karla
Fabulous suggestions!!! love the baskets…the pull outs…oh so many good uses for underused space!!
lots of wonderful visuals that make a great post, great pics, & great job!!!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Oh I love the pull out shelves, great pictures!!!