From a cosy reading nook to a decadent bar, KBB journo Amanda Cochrane discovers how to make the most of the seemingly ‘dead’ space underneath your staircase…
Let’s face it, most of us neglect the space under our stairs – at best, it’s basic storage for a vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket, or a motley collection of odds and ends. However, the good news is that using that untapped corner has the potential to not only unlock storage opportunities but to also completely transform your home. And – better still – it can add serious value to your property.
Increased construction costs have meant extending one’s home has become far more expensive, so tapping into what’s already there can prove to be a very affordable option.
“Rising property and construction costs, smaller living spaces, and a growing awareness of sustainability have required homeowners to make the most of their existing footprints,” says James Roberts, managing director at Sanctuary Bathrooms. “The rise in multi-generational living, remote working, and the desire for enhanced home entertainment spaces is also increasing the demand for more adaptable layouts.”
So, how can that little (or big) corner under the stairs turn into an asset?
Storage and beyond
Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a very large house, you can never have too much storage, and the area under the stairs can definitely help with that. “Perfectly sized items such as baskets, shelving, fitted wall units, or even a compact locker, are great ways to help make the space under the stairs functional,” says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made. It’s true – all of these solutions will make use of the space while keeping clutter at bay. But what if there was more to it than plain old storage?
Yes, this area is usually an awkward shape and has a crawl space at one end, but with professional help, you can soon create something that works hard and creates a surprisingly efficient new zone.
“The valuable space under your stairs doesn’t need to be redundant,” says Ella Macleod, architectural designer at Urbanist Architecture. “While many people default to using this awkward area as overflow storage, there are some clever ways to maximise its potential. We encourage homeowners to think beyond the obvious.”
Before you get too excited with the numerous options available, the key is to take a hard look around your home and work out what’s missing. Do you long for a cosy reading nook with built-in bookshelves or, perhaps, have a collection of shoes to rival Imelda Marcos but nowhere to store them?
From a handy cloakroom to a beautiful bar area or your personal home office, the possibilities are endless. Here are five ideas to inspire you…
1. Work from home spot
With some thought and clever planning, this zone can be transformed into a stylish and highly functional home office. “The key is striking the right balance between aesthetics and practicality – maximising every inch without overcrowding the space,” explains Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps.
Work out your design carefully and consider every angle. You’ll probably need slimline furniture and built-in pieces to ensure that you utilise every inch under the stairs. Floating shelves and concealed storage will help the area look neat and tidy.
“Wall-mounted desks or cantilevered surfaces are ideal here to maintain legroom in tighter areas,” suggests Ella. “Add power outlets and data points early in the design stage, and consider ventilation if the space is enclosed – especially for tech equipment.”
One of the most common pitfalls when it comes to designing an office space is poor planning. Faced with limited head height and awkward angles, it usually makes sense to ensure the table is positioned in the most open area of the space rather than feeling crammed against a slanted wall.
“Embrace custom design and use vertical space to keep the footprint minimal, and consider multifunctional elements like built-in bench seating with storage to make the area adaptable,” suggests Rachal. “Choosing light, neutral colours and reflective surfaces can open up the space visually. Done well, an under-stairs office doesn’t just serve a practical purpose, it can become a design feature in its own right, elevating the entire entryway and even boosting resale appeal.”
Lighting is also important to consider, as under-stair spaces are usually naturally dark. Combining ambient lighting with focused task options will make this zone welcoming and hardworking. Also bear in mind how the area will look when the office is not in use, and make sure to include practical storage for everyday items such as coats, shoes, and bags, as you don’t want your work zone to become a dumping ground for household clutter.
2. The home bar under the stairs
Increasingly, home bars are turning into a very popular choice for UK homeowners and, if you have limited room in the kitchen, the space under your stairs could be an excellent location for it. It’s a project that can be created with varying levels of commitment and budget.
If you have the space, why not go for a decadent ‘70s style wet bar, complete with a sink, electrical points, and an all-important fridge-freezer for chilling wine, making ice, and concocting your favourite cocktails?
Install some shelving and moody, backlit glass at the back for displaying your favourite glasses and bottles, and your guests will never want to leave. Even if the space under your stairs is more of an alcove, this can still be a great spot to set up a small bar with shelving, a worktop, and cabinetry below. Keep your bottles organised with a pretty tray, and if you’re not that close to the kitchen, make sure you have an ice bucket on hand to keep drinks chilled. Chin-chin!
3. Cosy reading nook
If you want somewhere relaxing to unwind and escape but all the room in your home is already in use, then consider using the space under the stairs to create a library or reading nook. Embrace the shape of the stairwell to maximise the storage and, when designing the shelving, make sure to use every square inch.
Consider installing a bench with storage, too, so you can tuck away any non-essential items – it will instantly become a fantastic spot to curl up with a good book.
4. Hidden WC
Converting an otherwise unusable area into a functional cloakroom offers a very affordable and straightforward solution in smaller homes. It also gives you the opportunity to have some fun and get creative. Space is tight, so efficiency is key. Go for neat solutions such as compact and space-saving fixtures – such as a slim basin, for example, or a short-projection WC.
“A common and effective layout is to position the toilet at the tallest end of the under-stairs space, with a slimline basin opposite or adjacent to the WC,” says Ella. “Integrate a sliding or outward-opening door to avoid internal clearance issues, and make sure to account for head height, ventilation, and access to plumbing.”
In many ways, it’s about turning a negative to a plus point. “That unused area under the stairs can become a bright, functional, and stylish room,” explains James. “It is transformed from a liability into an asset, not just for daily convenience, but also for resale value.”
5. Space-saving kitchens
Placing a kitchen or a pantry under the stairs is a great idea for compact homes where floor area is limited. And with some clever planning, it can turn into a very hardworking space. “Whether in a studio flat, an annex, or a basement apartment, a small but functional under-stairs kitchen can be a game changer,” says Martyn Wigginton, design manager at Kitchen Architecture. “But it does take careful planning.”
Opt for a bespoke design so everything is built to your specifications, choose space-saving appliances, and consider how any doors or drawers may impinge on the flow of traffic in the hallway, too, especially in a narrow design.
Final tips for designing the area under your stairs
Whichever solution you find works best for your property, these smart additions can truly make your home stand out. Take the time to explore the various options and ensure you use this limited space to its full potential.
“Ultimately, the key principles to remember when designing the area under your stairs are: functionality, proportion, and coherence,” says Ella. “Make sure the use suits your lifestyle, the scale aligns with the surrounding space, and the material palette feels intentional rather than like an afterthought. When done thoughtfully, this often-overlooked nook can become one of the most charming and useful parts of your home.”
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