The area beneath the staircase often goes unnoticed and becomes wasted space in many homes. However, with a bit of creativity and careful planning, this unused space can be transformed into a functional and stylish addition to your home. Here we explore some exciting ideas on how to make the most of the space underneath your staircase, incorporating bench seating, a downstairs loo, a boot room and even a wine room.
Bench seating with storage
One practical way to utilise the space beneath your staircase is by incorporating bench seating. Install a custom-built bench, complete with comfortable cushions and throw pillows, to create a cozy seating area. Maximise its functionality by adding hidden storage compartments and/or drawers beneath the seating. These storage areas can house various items such as blankets, board games or seasonal decorations.
Downstairs loo
If your home lacks a downstairs WC or cloakroom, or you're tired of guests navigating multiple floors to find a bathroom, consider converting the space under the staircase into a compact downstairs loo. With the help of a plumber you can install a toilet, sink and even storage for essentials such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Opt for space-saving fixtures and clever storage solutions to create an efficient and stylish washroom.
Boot room and shoe storage
The area underneath the staircase is perfect for creating a dedicated boot room that keeps your hallway clutter-free. Install panelling and paint it in a different colour to the walls in the hallway, and put up hooks or a rail on one side to hang coats, jackets and umbrellas. On the other side, incorporate a shoe rack or shelving to store shoes neatly. Consider adding a small bench for comfortably putting on and removing shoes. Make use of the vertical space by installing shelves or cubbies for storing bags, hats or other accessories.
Cupboard or pull-out drawers
Optimise the storage potential by transforming the space under the staircase into a built-in cupboard or pull-out drawers. These can serve as an excellent storage solution for items such as vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies or Christmas decorations. Incorporate shelves and dividers to maximise organisation and ensure easy access to your stored items. Use doors or curtains to conceal the storage space and maintain a streamlined appearance.
Wine room
For wine enthusiasts, the area beneath the staircase can be transformed into a stylish wine room or cellar. Install specialised wine racks designed to fit the dimensions of the space. Enhance the ambience further with proper lighting and temperature control measures to create an ideal environment for your wine collection. You could even consider incorporating a small tasting area with a countertop and some bar stools for an added touch of luxury.
At Strive for Design, we're all about coming up with quirky, space-saving ideas using areas of your home that you wouldn’t immediately consider. By thinking outside the box and making creative use of the space underneath your staircase, you can add functional and visually appealing elements to your home, and that's exactly what we're good at! Whether it's incorporating bench seating with hidden storage, creating a downstairs loo or designing a boot room or wine room, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Why not take advantage of this often-ignored space and turn it into a valuable addition to your home's aesthetic by getting in touch today for help in designing this functional space!
If you'd like to book a complimentary phone conversation to discuss a space you'd like to make more functional, call us on 01223 622 688 or send us an email.
Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so if you're looking for expert advice on your next renovation, please complete our enquiry form.