Random empty area behind stairs

last year

Hey guys,
I’m redoing my apartment and I have an empty space behind my stairs. Unfortunately these are the best pictures I have (from a video) and I don’t have exact measurements but I’d guesstimate the space is about 1m wide (facing the left wall). I’ve removed the blocky balustrade and I’m having a glass balustrade fitted to open the space up a bit.
It’s complete dead space next to the window - any thoughts and examples on what I could use this space for?
Further details, it’s a 2 bed apartment and generally quite tight for space.
Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

kazzh

last year

A reading area? A chair which has a smaller footprint... a lighter style, with a small side table? Would a leather butterfly chair fit? A narrow bookcase in white against the furthest wall so chair is a little forward towards the entry to the space.....

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Comments (20)

Daisy England
last year
I would have suggested a small chair too.
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wow, thank you so much for all your great ideas!!! Unfortunately I cannot move the table centrally as it would block the way between the kitchen and the stairs/ doorways... I like the ideas of moving the pendant lights right above the table, installing a large mirror on the empty wall..I could actually move the sideboard there and add nice baskets for shoes next to the door . Also add a big painting above the table. Gonna give a few try to see what works! and agree the blind doesnt look good, it was just previously there. Thanks :)
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If you've re-plastered and removed the shelf from above, etc., I'd just put a plant on it, like a Philodendron. Something that can live in a dark(ish) corner. If you put a table/floor uplighter behind it that will shine up the walls and light up that corner in the evenings, I think it could be a lovely effect (this one is from (loads available, for example on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astro-4532-Limina-Uplighter-Plaster/dp/B005LVJPH2 )
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PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
Did it used to be an access door there
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
Maybe you could reconfigure and maximise the plan of the floor
Sandeep
Original Author
last year
Unfortunately no way to reconfigure, and no access door, I think it was just poor planning when they originally built the property.
I thought about a small reading area, not sure it would get used much though, although may look nice.
Any other thoughts for a useful space?
Sarah U-S
last year
What about remodelling it and removing that section of floor altogether? The banister over the stairs could be replaced by a glass banister spanning the full width of the landing, and you would have a wow factor double height hallway. (I have no idea on costs though, or structural issues - so it might not be an option 😂)
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
Due to large scale windows (1970s property?) If Reading area will depend on view, roof and neighbours otherwise you allocate an area that will never accomplish function. Maybe a big plant and a comfortable chair but not big
tamp75
last year
I would just go for a large pot plant on the floor. The bigger, the better but check the plant’s requirements with regard to the amount of sun that comes in. Some don’t like to be in direct sunlight.
Juliet Docherty
last year
I would use the space to hang a long skinny Boucherouite rug or stacking baskets. Then it will look like it had a purpose. Or a plant of course.
Louise Burke
last year
Looks like you get plenty of light there. Why not try growing some edible crops, tomatoes, chillies etc.
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
What's happening on blues
Sandeep
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Here’s a full floor plan for more context

The boxes to the right of the ringed area are cupboards
Sandeep
Original Author
last year
Thanks for all of your replies! Suggestions in summary:

1) Comfort area: chair+plant

2) reconfigure stairway to have double storey entryway

3) veg/plant area

I think I have decided to utilise the space for a mini office area (provided I can easily get a socket on that wall from the wiring in bedroom next door) - 80cm width desk and a compact chair with a nice desk plant. Any reason this may be a bad use of space?
PRO
Organise Space
last year
If you use it for an office, consider how hot / sunny this space might get
Angie
last year
Mini office area is a good idea. You can get blinds if sunlight proves to be a problem. The space reminds me of the hallways in flats we had when I worked in a housing association. There were four flats to a block, two upstairs and two down. The stairs and landing were between the two upstairs flats and there was an area just like yours by the window. These were built in the 70s. It proved to be a bit of an issue as people wanted to put things there, but the fire officer wasn’t so keen! Anyway, an office space sounds good to me given it is within your flat. Angie
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
The living room cupboards are structural? I think you could maximise the livable space and add value to the property
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
If office area, make space for storage and not big computer otherwise will make it look workplace every time you go downstair. Light will not be ideal for computer screen.
Sue
last year
I would suggest one of those tiered plant stands with some striking greenery to brighten it up. Plants always improve any living environment. Not an office unless unless you are really stuck for space.
Little Jem
last year
That's an extremely large glazed area with a not-very-spectacular view beyond. I'm just wondering whether you could block off the lower 2 panes (perhaps with some self-adhesive 'obscuring' material), and then place an appropriately sized cupboard there for extra/ seasonal storage ? Stuff you don't want in your living room or bedroom - suitcases, sports gear ... There will still be plenty of light coming through, especially as your having a glass balustrade. I agree - it was poor design originally !
Lynn Mallon
last year
It would make a lovely compact office/laptop space.

Agree with Little Jem window adhesive on lower half of window would allow diffused light giving a sense privacy making it 'an area'.

Maybe for the top of the window if its possible - two indoor hanging plants? Thinking something low maintained eg. spider plant or mother of pearl?

Random empty area behind stairs

kazzh

Comments (20)

Daisy England

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