Nowadays, the design of houses and flats assumes the maximum use of every possible free space, so that we can gain a functional and practical storage area, an aesthetic spot for relaxation or a cosy corner for children to play. The place particularly noteworthy is the space under the stairs, which has been neglected for many years. Although difficult to use, it offers plenty of room for various design ideas. How to make use of the space under the stairs? Check out our suggestions and design the place under the stairs creatively!

  1. Ready-made ideas for a practical space
    Some creative solutions for the understairs area
    Materials for the understairs area
    How to install doors on the stairs?
    How to design the understairs area in an original way?
    Aesthetic open space

Ready-made ideas for a practical space

The space under the stairs is an underestimated and, until recently, completely neglected area, which is definitely worth using when designing our dream home. Contrary to appearances, even such a small space will allow us to make the most of its potential if well-thought-out solutions are applied. So, how to make use of the space under the stairs?

The most important issue when creating a design for the space under the stairs is square footage and availability. It’s no use having carefully planned storage space or resting areas if access to them is difficult or even impossible. How to make use of the space between the floors in a practical and aesthetical way? There are really quite a few options, starting with a whole system of well-thought-out and functional drawers and lockers in which we can fit literally everything. It is worth considering the installation of sliding doors, behind which we can hide larger equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, Christmas decorations or children’s toys that are no longer used. It will be a good idea to create a small pantry with a well-displayed home bar. The space under the stairs is also an interesting option for creating a cosy spot for children to play. If the size of this space allows it, it is worth organizing a work area there by placing an appropriately sized desk and creating a well-thought-out system of drawers and shelves, as well as installing appropriate lighting. Dog or cat owners can use this part of the interior to create a cosy spot for their pet.

Some creative solutions for the understairs area

Currently available solutions will help us to make the most of a space that is difficult to manage. How to design the understairs area to make the most of this problematic space? It’s a good idea to create a custom-made closet. This will make the whole space look exceptionally elegant and practical. Thanks to such solution, we can create a consistent and harmonious finish, matching the rest of the room. Handleless modern doors or classic leaves matching traditional interiors will prove to be an additional design advantage. Under the stairs, we can easily create a wardrobe with pull-out rods which, when fixed at different heights, will allow to fit clothes of various lengths. Another interesting and handy idea is to install a pull-out ironing board. If the space is large enough, special holders for bicycles and other sports equipment can be easily mounted there. A book collection placed on custom-made shelves will also look extremely impressive. When complemented by atmospheric lighting, it will create a unique composition. If space allows, consider creating an entire reading corner, where, in addition to books, there will also be a small, comfortable sofa or armchair.

Materials for the understairs area

We often wonder how to finish the underside of stairs and whether it is worth doing at all. Experts recommend doing the above in any case. This will make the whole look coherent and harmonious with the rest of the interior finish. We can choose from a variety of finishes such as wooden or metal elements, as well as those made of concrete or glass. It will all depend on our needs, available budget, as well as interior design possibilities and aesthetics of the interior. We should consider how we want to use the space under the stairs, and then decide what type of material will work best for our dream vision. In the case of classic interiors as well as Scandinavian or boho interiors with wooden stairs, it is worth to cover the stairs from underneath with wood or wood-like material. In modern and industrial spaces, it is worth going for metal details combined with glass.

How to install doors on the stairs?

Installing a door on the stairs is an extremely rare solution, especially in modern construction, where the priority is to create large, spacious and bright interiors. The installation of a door on the stairs is not a difficult task, while it proves crucial to maintain safety considerations. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, doors on stairs must also be durable, which is why it is a good idea to choose good quality models made by leading manufacturers. Whether the door is installed at the bottom of the stairs or at the top, it is essential to ensure that it does not pose a threat. A door leaf should be installed in such a way that it opens outwards, so that we do not knock down the person on the stairs. It is worth considering the installation of a sliding door if the space is extremely difficult to manage. This will allow us to use it smoothly and functionally.

How to design understairs area in an original way?

Decoration Description
FireplaceA stylised fireplace is an idea that will delight everyone with its uniqueness. Installing a modern bio-fireplace in the space under the stairs located in the living room will allow us to enjoy a special, warm atmosphere during autumn rains and cold winters.
FlowerbedThe space under the stairs will be perfect for a small home jungle or a beautiful flowerbed mounted on hanging shelves or in the form of hanging pots. Plants properly selected in terms of the amount of light they need will create a unique space for every budget. They will not only purify the air, but will also be a versatile decoration for interiors designed in any style.
A work of artA sculpture of the right size matching the décor is an element suitable for modern and modernist interiors. A properly displayed decoration will please the eye for a long time.
AquariumAn aquarium placed under the stairs is an unusual and avant-garde solution, but a one that is worth considering. It allows for utilization of maximum space, especially in the case of smaller flats and houses. It is also a good solution for all fish keeping lovers, who were limited by the available space.

Aesthetic open space

How to design the space under the stairs so that it looks aesthetically pleasing? Creative use of the space under the stairs doesn’t have to mean covering it up with doors or a wall. What’s more, we also don’t have to decide to make the most of it by installing lockers, drawers or sliding systems. An open, minimalist space with a comfortable armchair or a piece of art that matches the decor will look just as good and elegant. We should remember to ensure that the finishing materials match the atmosphere of the interior, so that everything looks exceptionally coherent.