Hey There! Did you know I’m obsessed with finding storage wherever possible? I hate to see unused, wasted space anywhere, and the area under a staircase is often overlooked but has HUGE potential.
One of the common complaints about creating storage under stairs is it can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. With some basic diy skills you can create shelving, a mini bar area or a small office space. I’ve scoured the internet and have come up with some ideas that I hope will provide some inspiration. A few of them would be expensive to duplicate but I figured I would throw them in the mix for fun.
This first pic came from our cabin, not the internet. It was affordable and a pretty easy diy project. We purchased the cabinets at a discount store, and I think they were less than $150 for both. Granted, they’re not well made solid wood cabinets with dove tailed joinery, but we didn’t need that. They don’t get a lot of use and with a distressed finish, they suit the room just fine. We placed a piece of plywood on top cut to size and I decoupaged photos from a book on top. I finished it with epoxy for a waterproof, durable finish. The back splash is simply thin copper ’tiles’ purchased at Home Depot, and we covered the back of the stairs with a piece of birch plywood. The ‘wine rack’ is PVC pipes cut to size, spray painted black and sandwiched between plywood that was simply nailed to the stairs and cabinet. We made sure they were cut so that they fit very snugly. The most expensive item was the mini fridge, and I splurged a bit on the hardware, but you could do something like this for under $300 if you don’t need the fridge.
I have to be honest…I included this next picture because I love the stone wall and the door! There’s really nothing creative about this :).
Here’s a mini office tucked away under the stairs that was clearly custom built, but could be duplicated with free standing cabinets and simple shelves.
A cool way to store your wine. These look like they could accommodate nearly 100 bottles. Not a bad use of space.
Here you have an area under the stairs that was not open, but the wall was opened up between the studs to create little cubbies.
I like how this design incorporates both a place to hang clothes, some storage and seating.
Here’s a good example of simple storage that packs a wallop! You could buy shelves like these at Ikea for not much money and store all your books.
This under stair storage is more about the visual than the practical. Sleek, different and eye catching!
Pull out drawers make use of the deep spaces sometimes found in staircases. This would be a not-too-difficult diy project.
How clever is this!? Ok, maybe not cheap, but if you need a powder room and you don’t think you have the space, think again.
I love this! Installing covered and opened storage, plus a recessed tv! Genius!
One of the more expensive storage ideas certainly, but can you imagine how much can be stored here?
Now THIS is creative!
Photos Sourced At DesignSwan.com
I don’t know about you, but I’ll never look at a staircase quite the same way again! What about in your house? Do you use the area under the stairs?
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
Love the use of space under your cabin stairs. Excellent job! I’ve posted lots of under stair ideas on my Facebook page. It’s such an under-utilized area; I love finding new ways to use it. You’ve shared some great examples for this space. Thank you so much, Doreen!
Leanne@TheBurlapCottage says
Hi Doreen,
It seems every home we live in has very little storage. I just love how these examples carve out more usable space! I too love the rock wall in the entry.
maternity photos dallas tx says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on creative under stair storage.
Regards