17 Unique Under the Stairs Storage & Design Ideas | Extra Space Storage (2024)

Wondering how to use the space under the stairs in your home? With a little creativity, this compact and sometimes awkwardly shaped staircase area can be transformed into a functional living or storage space you’ll love! From pantries to libraries, check out this list of unique staircase storage ideas that will inspire your next home improvement project!

Build Under Stair Bookshelves

Install a few shelves or cabinets, fill them with your favorite novels, and turn that awkward space under the stairs into a gorgeous small homelibrary! This area provides a perfect book storage solution without having to add extra furniture to other rooms. You can also store magazines, photo albums, andboard games here!

Createa Kids Playroom

Turn an open space under stairs into a children’s playroom. Not only does this make a fun hideout spot for your little ones, but you can store books, games, and toys in this space to keep everything neatly tucked away.

Install Under Stairs Storage Drawers

Sliding drawers are an easy and compact way to maximize staircase storage space that would otherwise go to waste. They also provide a way to hide unsightly items, making them great forsmaller homes that may not have enough closet space.

Design a Cozy Reading Nook

If you can’t fit a reading nook in a small living room or bedroom, you can make one out of the space under the stairs. Simply add comfy cushions and good lighting, and you’ll have a space you’ll never want to leave! If you have enough room, build a bench and a few book shelves to give yourself some extra under stair storage.

Make aPhone Booth & Charging Station

Need a private space in your home to take phone calls? Turn the area under the stairs into a personal phone booth forcalls. If you don’t have a landline phone, this area can be used as your home’s designated charging station for smartphones, smart watches, and other electronic devices.

Create an Under Stair Pantry

Do you have limited kitchen storage? One amazing way to utilize storage under the stairs is to create a staircase pantry. With a few floating shelves, rolling drawers, and clear storage containers, you can store dry goods of all shapes and sizes and give yourself a bit more space in the kitchen as well!

Expand Your Kitchen Cabinet

Instead of turning a space under the stairs into an additional pantry, you can use it as a cupboard to store your dishes, silverware, and serving trays! This under the stairs storage idea is especially great for storing china or dishes that you only use for special occasions and entertaining.

Design Your Dream Wine Room

You don’t need a large cellar in your house to store your wine collection. Turn that under stairs space into a wine room that can both store and display your bottles. With a little work, this space can have the visual appeal of a major renovation for a fraction of the cost. There are a number of ways to style your staircase wine room, from upcycled crates to glass walls and custom cabinets.

Build a Wet Bar

When you turn that under stairs storage space into a bar, every hour is happy hour! All you need for an under stairs bar is a countertop for mixing and serving drinks, cabinet space for storing spirits, and a mini fridge. Bonus points if you can hook up plumbing under your stairs for a sink.

Put Together a Coat Closet

If you have limited closet space throughout your home, the space under the stairs can be a great spot for a coat closet. All you need are a few shelves, rods, hangers, and hooks to store umbrellas, hats, scarfs, bags, and other accessories. You can even add a door to conceal the space!

Install an Under Stairs Bathroom

Another way to utilize extra space under your stairs is by adding a small bathroom! This can be a great addition to the first level of your home, especially if you entertain a lot of guests. If that’s not an option, you can always go the less expensive route and create a small powder room.

Build a DIY Mudroom

Are you missing an entryway or drop zone in your home? With a small bench and storage cubbies, you can turn your staircase storage space into a small mudroom! This idea is an excellent option for storing backpacks, coats, umbrellas, and shoes.

Set Upa Custom Storage Room

The area under your stairs can be challenging to fully maximize because it’s such an awkward shape. But with some creative organization and the help of storage containers, you can turn that odd area into an under stair storage room for linens, holiday decorations, sporting equipment, and seasonal clothing.

Create a Staircase Office

Instead of using that extra bedroom for a workspace, consider turning the space under the stairs into a home office. No matter the size of your space, you can create a custom under stair office area that will feel like a private workstation. Add a few shelves above your desk to store papers, files, and other office items!

Design aLinen Closet

Do you have limited closet space in your home? With a few shelves, you can turn that free space under the stairs into a linen closet to store additional sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. You can also store beach towels, washcloths, and guest towels so you don’t have to sacrifice any of your bedroom closet space or bathroom cabinet space.

Make aSmall Pet Room

Even our pets need a cozy space where they can hide or take a snooze. So why not turn the space under the stairs into a mini dog room or cat room where your pet can get away? All you need to create your pet room is a pet bed, pet toys, pet food dishes, and a door or gate.

KeepBikes Out of View

Use the space under your stairs to hang up your bicycle and free up floor and wall space in your home! All you need are a few heavy duty hooks that can be held securely by your stairs. You can also put up hooks on the wall for helmets, water bottles, a tire pump, and other biking equipment you need to store.