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10 Easy Ways to Create a New Room Under Your Stairs
It doesn’t just have to be for coats and cleaning stuff, so transform the space under your stairs – and do it without calling in the builder
While most of us are likely to stash our vacuum cleaner and coats in an understairs cupboard, why not try thinking outside the box and bump up usable space by creating a mini extra room?
Builders and carpenters can work wonders in a postage stamp-sized area like this, but there’s also plenty you can do yourself. Here are 10 simple ideas for trying something a little different. Hammer and nails at the ready…
Builders and carpenters can work wonders in a postage stamp-sized area like this, but there’s also plenty you can do yourself. Here are 10 simple ideas for trying something a little different. Hammer and nails at the ready…
Fit in a work station
Squeezing a home office under the stairs doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive, tailor-made solution with integrated furniture and a hefty price tag.
Instead, use a mix of freestanding pieces and budget-friendly wall shelves and utilise what you’ve got around the home. You might borrow a chair from the kitchen, for example, and pick up a vintage desk from a charity shop.
Use every inch of available floor space, too, with sturdy storage boxes, files and trays, but be sure you leave enough space to be able to move around comfortably. And don’t forget, this area will be very visible, so be sure to keep it relatively tidy.
Squeezing a home office under the stairs doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive, tailor-made solution with integrated furniture and a hefty price tag.
Instead, use a mix of freestanding pieces and budget-friendly wall shelves and utilise what you’ve got around the home. You might borrow a chair from the kitchen, for example, and pick up a vintage desk from a charity shop.
Use every inch of available floor space, too, with sturdy storage boxes, files and trays, but be sure you leave enough space to be able to move around comfortably. And don’t forget, this area will be very visible, so be sure to keep it relatively tidy.
Position a practical desk
Even if you don’t require a permanent office set-up, there’s always a need for a table or desk for catching up on paperwork, bills and homework.
Slotting a simple table and chair under the stairs will do the job nicely. And remember to keep surfaces clear and clutter-free in this highly visible area of the home.
Need to max your storage? Check out these staircase storage tricks
Even if you don’t require a permanent office set-up, there’s always a need for a table or desk for catching up on paperwork, bills and homework.
Slotting a simple table and chair under the stairs will do the job nicely. And remember to keep surfaces clear and clutter-free in this highly visible area of the home.
Need to max your storage? Check out these staircase storage tricks
Build a wine cellar
While we might dream of a spacious, built-in wine cellar stacked neatly with our best bottles of vino, for most of us this isn’t an option.
As a creative DIY alternative, an open space under the stairs can be fitted out with wine crates stacked on their side. Even if you find you don’t have enough bottles to fill them, the unused recesses come in handy as extra shelving. The result: a unique, upcycled wine rack that doesn’t take up any space in the kitchen.
While we might dream of a spacious, built-in wine cellar stacked neatly with our best bottles of vino, for most of us this isn’t an option.
As a creative DIY alternative, an open space under the stairs can be fitted out with wine crates stacked on their side. Even if you find you don’t have enough bottles to fill them, the unused recesses come in handy as extra shelving. The result: a unique, upcycled wine rack that doesn’t take up any space in the kitchen.
Fit in a utility
OK, so this idea might be slightly more ambitious – and may require a plumber – but it’s still a viable option if you have the space. If you don’t want your washing machine out on display in an open-plan area, simply make a curtain from your favourite fabric to hide it when not in use.
Get tips for planning the perfect utility room
OK, so this idea might be slightly more ambitious – and may require a plumber – but it’s still a viable option if you have the space. If you don’t want your washing machine out on display in an open-plan area, simply make a curtain from your favourite fabric to hide it when not in use.
Get tips for planning the perfect utility room
Plan a doggy den
Your canine friend will love their very own dedicated nook under the stairs. It’s so central to the rest of the house, and it’ll free up space on the kitchen floor, where their bed, bowl and toys might usually go.
Your canine friend will love their very own dedicated nook under the stairs. It’s so central to the rest of the house, and it’ll free up space on the kitchen floor, where their bed, bowl and toys might usually go.
Squeeze in a social hub
Without the need for a permanent bespoke creation, this freestanding bar unit and stools set tucks neatly under the staircase, creating a drinking spot for impromptu weekend get-togethers.
For an easier alternative to these recessed cubbyholes, fix up a row of sturdy shelves, line with glasses, bottles and decanters, and get ready to party.
Without the need for a permanent bespoke creation, this freestanding bar unit and stools set tucks neatly under the staircase, creating a drinking spot for impromptu weekend get-togethers.
For an easier alternative to these recessed cubbyholes, fix up a row of sturdy shelves, line with glasses, bottles and decanters, and get ready to party.
Create a kids’ playroom
Don’t think Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs, but rather a magical den your little ones will adore.
Paint the interior with a bold colour – let them choose their favourite – and fit in some simple items (cubes, rugs, shelves and toys will do the trick nicely). Replace the door with a pretty length of fabric so there’s no fear of anyone getting locked in.
Don’t think Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs, but rather a magical den your little ones will adore.
Paint the interior with a bold colour – let them choose their favourite – and fit in some simple items (cubes, rugs, shelves and toys will do the trick nicely). Replace the door with a pretty length of fabric so there’s no fear of anyone getting locked in.
Grow an indoor garden
Alright, so this is probably rather ambitious, but there are definitely some design ideas to steal from this understairs jungle. Think about bringing some green in with a living wall or a grouping of your favourite potted plants. If your green-fingered project doesn’t go to plan, there’s always fabulous fakes as a back-up.
Alright, so this is probably rather ambitious, but there are definitely some design ideas to steal from this understairs jungle. Think about bringing some green in with a living wall or a grouping of your favourite potted plants. If your green-fingered project doesn’t go to plan, there’s always fabulous fakes as a back-up.
Curate a mini art gallery
Sometimes less really is more, and a clutter-free understairs area needn’t be seen as wasted space. Add in your favourite pieces of art and some comfy seating to create your very own gallery.
See how dark colours can work a treat in a hallway
TELL US…
What have you done with the space under your stairs? Share your photos in the Comments below.
Sometimes less really is more, and a clutter-free understairs area needn’t be seen as wasted space. Add in your favourite pieces of art and some comfy seating to create your very own gallery.
See how dark colours can work a treat in a hallway
TELL US…
What have you done with the space under your stairs? Share your photos in the Comments below.
In terms of storage, bikes can be tricky so-and-sos – particularly if you don’t have a garage or shed, or if you live in a block of flats and the shared hallway is completely out of bounds.
One solution is to hang your beloved bicycle upside down underneath the staircase using special fixings and brackets. You could also hang them diagonally from the wall if you’re not sure you want to drill into your staircase.