The space under your stairs may seem like it's unusable, often dismissed as wasted space. Most homeowners feel it’s small, oddly shaped, and pretty much useless. Sound familiar? But at Docking Drawer, we know that even the most awkward space can be transformed into a wonderfully usable space with a bit of clever interior design. What’s more, this space beneath your stairs can add true value to your home if utilized in a practical or fun way! Especially if your home is on the smaller side, it can be truly beneficial to create useful living space out of every spare inch. Try one of these nine brilliant ideas to convert that tricky space under your stairs into a unique part of your home:
Create a reading nook
Nothing is better than a quiet place to sit and read a book. The space under your stairs can become just that. Build in a bench with a comfy cushion, add some pillows, a blanket, and a stylish wall sconce to illuminate your pages - voila, the perfect nook for you and your book! For an added touch of functionality and style, consider placing a sleek console table nearby. It's perfect for holding your coffee cup or stacking your favorite reads. Not feeling quite that fancy? A comfortable chair and table lamp in the space will do just fine.
Add a pantry
If your kitchen doesn't already offer a pantry or enough cabinet space, the space under your stairs can become a great substitute for additional storage space! How so? Simply add some built-in shelves and a door to create a pantry for your canned goods, your extra dishes, or anything else that may not fit in your kitchen space. Easy-peasy.
Design a children's play area
Depending on the size of the space under your stairs, you can transform it into a fun play area for kids, providing more storage space for their toys and games! Add some decorations to create a secret room for your little ones to hide out in the safety of your home. If the space is too small for a play area, it could also be converted into the perfect place to store your kids' toys.
Transform into a breakfast nook
If there's enough space under your stairs, why not convert it into a cozy breakfast nook? This innovative dining space can offer a unique spot for morning meals or a quiet afternoon tea. With the addition of a small table and some comfortable seating, you can enjoy a new, intimate area to dine and relax. It's a creative way to make every inch of your home functional and stylish.
Build a dog house
Much like finding extra space for children to play, sometimes finding the best location for your dog can be tough. The space under the stairs can be a good place for a built-in dog house or kennel, making it a fantastic functional stairs idea for pet owners. Your best friend will enjoy having his own space to hide and sleep.
Organize your books in a mini-library
A mini-library is not only a functional use of the space under the stairs, but it can also be a good way to add a new focal point to your room and display your favorite books. Custom shelves will add beauty to the room and put that unused space to good use.
Incorporate a compact powder room
Utilizing the space under your stairs for a compact powder room can be a game-changer, especially in homes where extra bathroom space is needed. With smart interior design choices, this underutilized area can be transformed into a convenient and stylish powder room. It's a perfect solution for guests and can significantly increase your home's functionality and value.
Install a coat closet
Every house needs more closets, so why not turn the space under your stairs into one? It can be a great place to store coats and other outdoor items that do not currently have a home. Add wall hooks and cubbies to create spaces for all of your items, including a dedicated area for your cleaning supplies. This organizes your essentials and keeps your stuff easily accessible yet out of sight.
Assemble under-stair cabinets and drawers
You may think that the empty space below your stairs needs a lot of work in order to make it functional—but what if you simply installed built-in cabinets or drawers? We’ve noticed this becoming a growing trend, as many Docking Drawer customers have been utilizing this additional space by installing cabinets and drawers, complete with an in-drawer charging station. Ensure your smartphone, tablets, and wearable technology stay charged up and out of site by installing a Docking Drawer Blade in-drawer charging outlet into those new built-ins under your stairs.
There are so many more ways to utilize the space under your stairs so don’t stop with these nine tips - consider installing in-drawer outlets throughout your home, as well! They’re the perfect way to create better-organized and more functional spaces. Need some inspiration? Be sure to check out the Docking Drawer Project Gallery!