Transforming the space under your stairs

Bespoke storage

Integrated storage is probably the most popular under the stairs solution, both due to the space being ideal for storing belongings and the low-cost nature of this improvement. You’re most likely already stashing things under the stairs anyway, but with careful planning you can make much better use of this space and create real order.

How you create this storage is down to your imagination – you may choose to go with closed-off storage to keep the hallway neat, tidy and minimal; or you may choose to create a real feature of the space with a more open storage solution.

While you may decide to go with a multi-purpose drawer or shelve storage solution to maximise the space, why not consider one of these more innovative storage solutions:

• Book shelves – if you’re a fan of reading why not showcase your collection of books with your very own under the stairs library. You could even fit a small cushioned bench among your books for a relaxing reading area. 
• Outerwear closet – are shoes, coats and umbrellas clogging your hallway? Adding custom-built integrated drawers, rails and racks inside a closet provides a year-round solution to your outerwear storage needs.
• Wine racks – if you love wine, then a fantastic idea is to add a wine rack under your stairs, bringing a decorative and wow-factor to your hallway. You could also close it off with a glass front and door to create your very own wine cellar.
• Tool storage – handyman with limited space for your hammers, measuring tapes and planes? A simple arrangement of labelled shelves and drawers allows for easy access to all your tools.  

Under stairs rooms

In many homes there may even be space to add an additional room. While this requires more investment, if done right it’s certain to add value to your home. 

With or without a door, with planning and the right features you can create really functional areas, including:

• Office space – with working from home becoming increasingly popular, not only does this free up a bedroom but it helps increase concentration with minimal disruption likely.
• Utility room – appliances such as washing machines and dryers take up valuable room in kitchens. Why not move them under the stairs and create additional room for your pots and pans. You can add shelves above your appliances for additional storage too.
• Downstairs toilet – while needing more budget, space and permission a downstairs toilet is a desirable additional to any home. 

Relaxation area

Under the stairs can also be a comfortable and escapist space to relax. By adding a bench and cushions you can create a real cosy spot to curl up with a favourite book, have a telephone chat with friends and family, or even to take a power nap.  

A play space for the kids

With a bundle of imagination, enthusiasm and a lick of paint you can create the ultimate space for your children within this space too. Hideaways, dolls houses, colouring zones, tea party retreats – the options are endless. You can even get your kids involved in the design of the area.

Furthermore, you can start to reclaim your own living space by building in toy storage in this area – meaning those teddies, toy cars and rattles are hidden away when they’re not being used. 

A space for the pets

While in some homes there may not be enough space for our own relaxation area, there may be space for a place for pets to bed down – after all they need as much rest as we do. Particularly after long walks.