22 Stylish Under-Stair Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Add Custom Shelving

Leanne Ford Interiors maximized the dead space under the stairs with custom-built shelving that is used here to house a collection of art books and a small home bar. The cubbie-style shelves also house a small home bar at eye level and could also be styled with decor objects or plants.

Create a Coat Closet

A discreet coat closet with double doors occupies the empty space under the staircase in this 1920s Spanish-style Florida house from Calimia Home. You can also use a coat closet to store off-season outerwear or add shelving or wall hooks to turn it into a storage closet for whatever else you need to organize.

Build Kitchen Cabinets

In this Swedish apartment from Fantastic Frank, the space beneath the stairs leading to the loft bedroom is outfitted with custom-built upper kitchen cabinetry that follows the line of the steps. A bank of lower cabinetry on the wall that houses the sink helps to maximize square footage in the compact space while creating a unique design aesthetic that makes the kitchen and stairs into an integrated unit.

Store Seasonal Decor

John McClain Design utilized the unused space underneath this curving staircase to house a fully decorated Christmas tree that can be pulled out for the holiday season, and stowed away for the rest of the year. The hidden door located on the far right of the under-stairs blends seamlessly into the wainscoting design in the foyer, making it look like part of the woodwork.

Step Up Storage Space

The steps up to the loft bed in this tiny Stockholm studio from Fantastic Frank include built-in storage cabinets that add functionality to the small space and complement the kitchenette cabinetry. In a larger space, you can create storage closets under the steps to house bulkier items or pull-out drawers with built-in lighting to make it easy to see the contents of deeper drawers.

Stow the Dog Bed

Even the most stylish dog bed can feel like an eyesore or create a tripping hazard. This under-stairs built-in dog crate from Crisp Architects is a cozy place to store the dog bed—and your pet when need be—that virtually disappears when closed.

Set Up an Open Bar

This spacious under-stair basement bar from Envi Interior Design includes wall-to-wall storage drawers, cabinets, and a glass-front fridge for beverages that anchors the niche. A patterned tile backsplash defines the space in the open-plan room, turning it into a functional focal point.

Build a Pantry Room

Brophy Interiors utilized the space under the curved staircase of this spacious modern home foyer to build a pantry. The functional pass-through room is fitted with a combination of closed and open storage to keep it looking neat and tidy given its visible location at the front of the house.

Create a Home Office Niche

This under-stairs home office niche from Marie Flanigan Interiors has built-in open shelves on the left side that keep the above-desk area free. It also provides easy access to books and desk supplies. The desk fills the space and includes built-in storage cabinets and drawers to keep clutter at bay.

Display Your Wine Stash

Brophy Interiors added a combination of storage and display space under the stairs of this modern home for a collection of wine. The backlighting turns the storage space into a feature wall.

Build a Wardrobe

This Paris rooftop apartment from Leymarie Gourdon Architectes includes a wall of seamlessly built-in wardrobes that maximizes the space under the sculptural black metal staircase and loft bed. Concentrating storage in one main area creates an airy, uncluttered feel in the open-plan room.

Carve Out Space

Sissy + Marley Interior Design added an asymmetrical door that follows the steep line of the stairs to the mezzanine bedroom in this black-and-white guest cottage that has the allure of a secret room.

Revamp an Old Closet

Thistlewood Farm gave a modern makeover to the inside of a deep and narrow former built-in coat closet in this older home that runs the length of this staircase.

Paint the Inside

Dark navy paint, wall hooks to maximize wall space, and a small storage chest with pull-out fabric bins turned a once dated closet into an organized utility closet for cleaning tools and supplies in this makeover from Thistlewood Farm.

Create a Secret Laundry

This hidden under-stair laundry room from Sydney, Australia-based interior designer Joanne Yeomans of Issy & H Creative utilizes the space under the stairs and disappears behind nearly invisible doors when not in use.

Behind one door is a laundry sink, built-in shelving, and a tile backsplash. A stacked washer dryer combo is hidden behind an adjacent door to maximize every inch of under-stair space.

Keep It Open

Brophy Interiors used the empty space in front of the stairwell wall to anchor a small dry bar with cabinetry that fits the space and built-in refrigerated beverage storage. This solution would work for renters or those who want to save their renovation budget for other projects.

Create a Kids' Reading Nook

Using the space under the stairs to create a kids' reading nook like this one from Maestri Studio gives children a place to escape with a good book. Outfit the inside with simple shelving or woven storage baskets to store books, and be sure to include lighting (either a wall sconce or a solar-powered or USB-powered portable lamp will do).

Add an Under-Stair Closet

This downstairs kitchen from Brophy Interiors includes enough space for an under-stairs closet that can be used as a pantry for food, supplies, and cookware, or a small laundry or powder room.

Install a Powder Room

Leanne Ford Interiors borrowed space beneath the staircase and adjacent entry to build a powder room for guests.

Add Wallpaper

Kate Marker Interiors added dog-themed wallpaper to this small under-stair dog cage, complete with a mesh front and a latch so that you can temporarily stow away your pet in comfort and style when the need arises.

Go Beachy

Interior designer Maite Granda added double functionality to the under-stairs space in this bright Florida home.

On one side a custom-built, wood-clad mudroom with wall hooks contrasts with the contemporary white-and-glass staircase. On the other, a pair of colorful surfboards is complemented by a painted wood slanted wall and a small bench with cubbies underneath filled with storage baskets.

Bring in a Dog Shower

This arched doggie shower niche from Kate Marker Interiors is tucked under the front foyer staircase and can be accessed from the front door so that you can wash your best friend's muddy paws before entering the house. The under-stair space is painted in a light terracotta that gives it depth and definition, with practical gray floor tiles lining the floor.