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Under stairs pantry shelving


11 larders to sit beneath a staircase |

(Image credit: Future)

Under stairs pantry ideas can be many things from cloakroom to broom cupboard to chaotic dumping ground. However, with the demand for a well-stocked pantry on the rise, this is also a prime candidate for an accessible food store. Let the coats to go hang someplace else.

We've rounded up an array of under stairs pantry ideas and inspiration to add to your list of pantry ideas top help get you started on your design.

Under stairs panty ideas

It’s important to take into account what essential services may be located here, such as an electricity meter or the mains water stopcock. These need to remain accessible so any pantry storage and kitchen ideas will have to work around them. 

Consider also how any doors and drawers may impinge on the flow of traffic in the hallway, especially a narrow one. Bespoke solutions will always offer the best solution from making the most of every inch of awkward space to creating smart doors that fitted to the millimeter.

Ideally the pantry would be near the kitchen but it’s not such an issue when used for bulk storage; ingredients in regular use should be kept in the kitchen.

A super-effective solution is where the original hallway has been opened up, allowing the kitchen to flow into this space. The odd-shaped cavity under the stairs can then become a row of pantry cupboards or pull-out larder units, putting all ingredients close to hand.

Find inspiration in these beautiful under-stairs pantry ideas and solutions.

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

If the staircase is set away from the main hub of the kitchen, consider how to use the space to your advantage. Here, a dedicated breakfast bar idea and drinks station away from the main cooking zone allows guests and children to safely help themselves. And there is still plenty of room for additional pantry storage ideas too. 

2. Put in pull-outs 

(Image credit: Lisa Robazza Gillard)

Pull-out larder units make a brilliantly accessible solution in an open plan kitchen layout. Designer Lisa Robazza created this clever run of pantry units for a client moving into a smaller home. 

‘The staircase is often the focal point in an open plan room so it's important that anything you do here looks good. These units are fronted with smart paneled doors; always use a good bespoke joiner to get that precise fit in such an odd-shaped space,’ advises Lisa.

3. Use the height

(Image credit: Humphrey Munson / Paul Craig)

Depending on which way your stairs run, you may find that you are facing into the void from the kitchen. 

For practicality, it’s a good idea to retain access to the lower portion from the side but the tallest portion can provide surprisingly generous pantry storage. Use the full height, adding a library ladder to reach the upper shelves. 

4. Store your wine collection

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

Depending on what you have to store, you may take the pantry solution a step further with a specialist project such as a wine room.  

Fitted out with tailor-made racks and glass doors to give some control over temperature and humidity, ambient lighting can add to the impressive vista.

5. Step it up

(Image credit: Roundhouse / Billy Bolton)

This open-plan apartment by Simon Whitehead Architects has a central staircase providing pantry storage to the kitchen backed by a media centre facing the adjoining living room. The kitchen and cabinetry is by Roundhouse and includes a moveable island making this a flexible space for entertaining. 

6. Go open plan

(Image credit: Blakes London / @82mmphotography)

Opening up the downstairs layout to enlarge the kitchen offers a great opportunity to create a really hard-working hub beneath the stairs. 

Here there is space for an American-style fridge-freezer with ample store cupboards all round, and all within handy reach of an island.

7. Surprise with a color pop

(Image credit: Plain English / Rita Konig)

Just because it’s functional doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish too. Clad the interior for a neat finish and to create sound and even surfaces for shelves and cabinetry. Choosing a bold color for the interior gives a wonderful element of surprise that will make the store a joy to use.

8. Add glazed doors

(Image credit: Devol)

The particular architecture of your home will be a big decider in how much usable space you can eek from the under stair area but, where you can, consider extending it to give a more generous space to boost storage and accessibility.

Using glazed doors will let in much-needed extra light. And, if it opens directly onto the kitchen, better integrate your pantry with the rest of the room.

9. Go deep

(Image credit: Humphrey Munson / Paul Craig)

A larger property with a staircase of grander proportions will provide more useable space. Bespoke furniture creates a perfect fit in awkward corners and this store is fitted with cabinetry to match the kitchen and is very much on view.  

‘We like to celebrate the simplicity and beauty of a walk-in pantry with glazed screens or, where space is lacking, a half-glazed Georgian door will do perfectly well,’ says Peter Humphrey, Design Director of Humphrey Munson. Bright, light and with gorgeous Georgian styling, this ticks all the boxes for a dream pantry. 

10. Quick drawer

(Image credit: Clever Closet)

Making the most of the space and accessibility are key factors, especially in smaller spaces. The benefit of drawers over doors is that you can store more and easily see and reach everything. 

Convert the entire space or combine with a traditional tall cupboard or cloakroom where space allows.

11. Utilize every inch of space

(Image credit: Future)

Pantry door ideas can conceal, reveal and display – so choosing the right ones for your space is crucial, especially in a small under stairs pantry.

‘With so much accessible space and versatility when it comes to food storage, a pantry door can bring order to the busiest of environments,’ says Tom Howley , Design Director at the eponymous kitchen brand.

The main purpose of pantries is to make the most of kitchen storage ideas, so make sure you pack as much of it in as you can – even on your doors. ‘From installing spice racks on the inside of your doors to dedicating a space to your most-used appliances, bespoke under stairs pantries allow you to design your space with your kitchen preferences in mind.’

What do you do with cupboards under the stairs?

Using cupboards under the stairs as a pantry is a great idea. If you're wondering how much usable space is enough for an under the stairs pantry, experts say there are two things to consider.

‘Head height and wall space are the two most pressing considerations for an under stairs pantry,’ says Peter Humphrey, Design Director of Humphrey Munson. 

‘If you want some form of prep space, it will have to be in the area with the maximum head height so position the doorway accordingly.’

How do I organize my under stairs space?

Open shelving, cubby holes, bins on castors and racks on the inside of doors are all fittings that will make the best use of under stairs space.

Likewise, pull out pantry units are great for accessing all stored items, including those right at the back, but you will need to front such towers with bespoke doors. 

Bespoke cabinetry will give the smartest finish, not just for making the most of space but also for creating drawers, shelves and compartments tailored to the specific things your household likes to store. 

‘Angled cabinets have to be correct to the millimetre otherwise they look off,’ advises Sofia Bune Strandh, CEO at Sola Kitchens . 

‘If it’s a renovation, we usually wait until the space is completely finished, plastered and painted so that we can get the measurements spot on.’

What other services do you need?

So, what other services do you need in a pantry? Decent lighting is a must and needs to be considered at the start or the project before any fitted furniture is installed. 

‘It’s not a well-lit area so you need bright task light to get good visibility throughout,’ says Jane Powell, designer at Roundhouse.  

‘In a pantry on show, gentle illumination from dimmable LED spotlights integrated into open shelving is a great way to bring that space to life,’ adds Peter Humphrey.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

How to organize a small under-stair pantry

Looking for tips for how to organize a small under-stair pantry? Well, that's good because it's exactly what this post is all about! Today, I'm sharing my tips and ideas for small pantry organization. Create extra storage by turning your under-stair cupboard or closet into a functional and pretty pantry.

What can you do with a small

space under the stairs?

You'd be amazed at how much extra storage space you can achieve by utilizing the small space under the stairs.

If you don't have a pantry, why not turn your under-stair cupboard or closet into a pantry? It may be the perfect pantry storage solution for a small kitchen.

Pin for later

Why you should make an under-stair pantry

Our kitchen didn't have a pantry and all of our pantry goods were strew throughout various kitchen cupboards. Although we tried to keep like items together, the kitchen cupboards were so deep that often items would get pushed to the back and forgotten about.

How many times have you bought an ingredient and then realised you still have plenty of the same at home but you just couldn't find it? Hmm, guilty!

What does this mean? Wasted money and ingredients when they fall beyond their storage date.

Have you ever gone to the cupboard to find the ingredients for a meal and then realised you are out of half of them? Yes? Me too! What does this mean? Wasted time, frustration and stress.

That right there is reason enough to start thinking about under-stair pantry storage ideas!

Organize a small pantry under the stairs with shelving

The first thing to do is to figure out how you are going to organize the space you have available. In our case, there was a small indent in the wall which was big enough to add decent size shelves. If your space is not as deep as ours, there are plenty of narrow shelving options to buy or DIY.

We decided to build shelves for our small under-stair pantry so that we could create a custom size to match the space we had available.

How to put up shelves

We used the same process for making shelves as we did in my office makeover. I created a post and video showing how to put up shelves so pop on over to read that post if you want to see how we did it.

You could also add wallpaper or a stencil to the back of the shelves to make them look even prettier or just paint the wall a pretty colour. We wanted to keep this space bright and airy and love the look of wood and white so that's what we went with.

How to organize an under stairs pantry

Ideas for ready-made shelving

If you don't want to mess with making shelves, there are plenty of ready-made shelving options which can be used for pantry shelving. See below for some ideas about that.

How to organize a small under-stair pantry

So now, you're shelves are installed, what's next? Do you dump all the extra goods which were overflowing in the cupboards, onto the shelves and close the door to hide the mess? Well, that's kind of what happened to our small under the stairs pantry when we first built the shelves.

Because our under stair pantry was at the top of the stairs leading down to the cellar, all sorts of things would collect there which had no business being there at all! In short, our under the stairs pantry became a dumping ground for things which were meant to be returned to the cellar (like flower seeds, string and tools). That's not exactly how you want to organize a small under stair pantry is it?

Although there is a door to the small pantry, we tended to keep it open and that area always looked messy. We also still couldn't find anything we wanted and our lack of organization meant we were still losing things and buying unnecessary ingredients.

Here's what the pantry looked like before – what a mess!

organize a small under-stair pantry – dry goods

The best way to organize dry goods in your pantry

These are my tips for organizing the dry goods in your pantry. They may not work for everyone but they worked for us!

Here's a pic of some of my pantry items on our table.

How to organize an under stairs pantry

Corral all your baking items together in one place. Do the same for cooking, spices, breakfast, canned vegetables, canned fruit, bottles of water and juice and so on.

Next, remove any items from the rest of your cupboards which belong with any of the above ingredients and put them with their like items. You may be surprised at the amount of stuff you have stashed away.

Icing sugar is one of those ingredients I tend to unintentionally stock up on. I hardly ever use it so I always tend to forget I have it, then end up buying a new box when I need some. I also found various opened bags of pasta, rice and spices.

organize a small under-stair pantry – containers

By corralling like items together, you will be able to better judge the amount of storage space you will need for them. Here are a few of the containers I used for organizing our small under stair pantry.

Pantry storage ideas - Glass Jars

I highly recommend using glass jars or clear glass containers to organize a small under-stair pantry because it's so much easier to see what you have even without a label (more about that later).

How to organize an under stairs pantry

Pantry storage ideas - Baskets

I used a basket to store all the ingredients which I use for making natural skincare. It means that I can just grab the basket and take it to the kitchen counter when I want to make something and I have everything I need.

Pantry storage ideas – Crates

We use the space at the bottom of our under stair pantry for bottles of water and juice. For the sake of convenience, we keep the bottles in the crates in which they come from the supermarket. You could always buy prettier crates if you want your under stair pantry to be more insta-worthy. That kind of stuff doesn't bother me. I like things to look pretty but at the end of the day, it has to be practical and function in our home too.

How do you organize loose recipes?

I use a small wooden file organizer which I like to keep in the pantry under the stairs for the sake of convenience.

I find it much easier to grab this file organizer from a lower shelf than from a high cupboard shelf where it would probably be pushed to the back.

Cleaning an under-stair pantry

Before you fill up your pantry shelves with all your lovely storage jars and containers, wipe the shelves down with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

From now on, your under-stair pantry is going to be so much easier to keep clean - jars out, wipe down, jars in – done!

Organize a small under-stair pantry – Labels

The last step of organizing a small under-stair pantry is to label everything! I designed some labels myself and printed them off on my printer at home. If you'd like to have mine, I've added them to the free subscriber library. If you're not a newsletter subscriber, look for the information at the end of this post explaining how to sign up.

Do you need to label your pantry jars?

I'd say, yes! Ingredients like cornflower and icing sugar look the same in a glass jar so it's easy to get them mixed up.

How to apply labels to jars

As I said, I printed these labels onto A4 printer paper. Once I had them all cut out, I just used wide clear parcel tape to attach the labels to the jars. You can't even see the tape at all.

How to organize an under stairs pantry

Small under-stair pantry finished!

Well, those are my tips for how to organize a small under-stair pantry.

I can't tell you how good it feels to finally have this pantry organizing project finished. I lost count of the number of times I've 'just popped to the shops' to get another round of glass jars but it has been worth it!

Our under the stairs pantry has gone from being a dumping ground for things to be returned to the cellar to organised bliss! We all love that the labels are so clearly printed and that it's easy to see where everything is.

I wish I had tackled this pantry organizing project a long time ago but you know how it is, there's always something bigger on the list!

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How to organize an under stair pantry

How to make a pantry under the stairs: interesting and simple ideas?

Contents

The staircase is a very important element of a two-story building, but such a device always takes up a lot of space. Therefore, all owners of private houses are interested in the question of how to efficiently and rationally use the space under the stairs. In this article, we offer a solution to this issue - a pantry under the stairs. The idea is quite common, since arranging a storage room under the stairs does not require a lot of money and effort, and even a novice builder can handle it.

Use the space under the stairs

The storage room under the stairs is the ideal solution for making practical use of the space created under the stairs. You can use a closed niche for storing things, for example, household appliances. Also, for household items that are small in size, you can make shelves, racks and tables with your own hands. However, you should be aware that in such a room it will be necessary to establish a certain temperature regime, an acceptable level of humidity.

Equipment can be stored in this room

Features of the arrangement of niches under the stairs

The arrangement of the space under the stairs should begin with the implementation of a competent and thorough project. You should definitely pay attention to the following points:

Also note that the design of the niche must match the interior of the entire room. When designing a room under the stairs, it is necessary to follow fire safety rules, take into account the number, age and needs of people living in the house.

In this video you will learn more about the pantry under the stairs:

Arrangement of the pantry

Pantry under the stairs is not an affordable luxury for every owner of a private house. In fact, the pantry is a small room in which you can store everything your heart desires: from small household items to books and products. However, not in every case, the space under the stairs allows you to enter and turn around, so most often in such places it is customary to make cabinets, shelves and racks for storing things.

The main advantage of such a place is its versatility.

Consider the most popular pantry ideas and their degree of convenience:

  1. If there is a kitchen next door. In this case, it is best to store preservation and other edible supplies, as well as dishes in the pantry. In this room, you can make boxes for storing cans, shelves for bags with vegetables and root crops. The only obstacle to this may be the passage of heating pipes in the room, then you will not particularly keep the vegetables warm. Also, under the stairs, you can organize an additional bathroom if a lot of people live in the house. In this case, pipes for water supply and sewerage should be connected to the pantry, and you should also take care of normal lighting. Such use of the area will be quite rational and will solve many of your problems.
  2. Adjacent to the living room. If the staircase structure is located next to the common room, whether it be a dining room or a living room, then you need to competently approach the interior design, for this you can peep ideas on the photo on the Internet, magazines. In such a room, you can do anything, even a wine cellar with glass doors, and place exquisite shelves for bottles and glasses on the walls. Also an interesting idea would be the implementation of drawers for storing various items for gatherings: tablecloths, festive dishes, candles, napkins. Such a building looks aesthetically pleasing and convenient to use when guests descend on the house.
  3. Arrangement of a children's room. In such a room you can put extra toys, children's books and other infrequently used, but necessary things. Another option for using a pantry is to build a children's house under the stairs, because kids love to build various structures, and why shouldn't parents make this task easier for them.
  4. If there is a creative nature in the house. In this case, the pantry can be used as a workshop. There you can store threads, knitting needles, yarn, fabric, if a craftswoman lives in the house. Or canvases, paper, paints, if a small artist grows up in the house. The area under the stairs can also be used to store the owner's tools: screwdrivers, screws, nails, then in case of any breakdown in the house, everything you need will be at hand.

As you can see, the pantry room is striking in its versatility, in such a room you can equip any room, even an office, and all that is required for this is desire and a little effort, and then just a flight of your imagination.

Wardrobe equipment

If there is a corridor next to the home staircase, in such a situation it is most logical to equip a wardrobe in the form of a wardrobe in the space under the stairs. It will perfectly fit winter clothes, outerwear, shoes, as well as various women's attributes: bags, belts, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Such a structure will significantly relieve the hallway from the constantly interfering bulky seasonal items and shoes, and to make the room visually appear larger, you can build in a large mirror there, by the way, it will be very useful for fashionistas.

Bar equipment

If the house does not have a real cellar, then the space under the staircase is perfect for this purpose. Moreover, this room can be used with maximum benefit - in the lower part of the niche, organize a small cellar for storing alcoholic beverages, and in the upper part of the structure, install a bar counter with cabinets for glasses and drinks that do not require storage in a certain temperature regime.

Can be made into a working area or a bar

You can also take into account the purpose of the room and design the interior accordingly, for example, cover the walls with mirror sparkling tiles in gold or silver and decorate the room with appropriate attributes.

You can complete the whole structure with a small table and a sofa for relaxing. Why don't you have a place to relax?

[1]

Arrangement of a closet

In every house there are always things that are a pity to throw away and have nowhere to store. In this case, the arrangement of a closet will be an excellent solution to this problem. When equipping a closet, it will be most convenient to carry out the design using small drawers, where you can conveniently place various household items: a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a children's bicycle, etc. Doors in such a building are better to install inconspicuous, which will merge with the interior of the room.

Furniture

When arranging the area under the stairs, it is customary to use special furniture that can be made by hand or ordered in special salons. The choice of furniture depends on the purpose of the structure.

Understairs cabinet

Today, various types of cabinets are used for the area under the steps of the stairs, which make it possible to use every square centimeter of the room in the most rational way. This includes wardrobes, drawers, built-in structures. Doors can also be installed different: sliding, with deaf doors. Such accessories, as a rule, also perform aesthetic functions, decorating the interior of the entire room.

Drawers

Installing special drawers allows you to maximize the use of all parts of the structure. When arranging such devices, the entire width of the flight of stairs is used, so they are very convenient to use and roomy.

In order to make sliding cabinets, special mechanisms are used that freely allow them to be pulled out, to get the necessary things.

[2]

Shelves

With the help of shelves you can create a whole storage system, such devices will never be empty, because there is always a whole bunch of different small and medium items that have nowhere to put. Shelves are made in various configurations, they are mainly attached to the wall or the lower part of the march.

Rack

Rack is a functional structure that is divided into cells. This principle of structure allows you to group different types of objects. The main requirements of the device are functionality and spaciousness. The external airiness and lightness of the racks makes it possible to effectively use the space under the stairs, without creating a feeling of bulkiness.

Sliding doors and drawers are especially popular in shelving, they allow you to make the device more functional.

Shelving is an important element of the pantry

Step-by-step process for equipping a pantry

Step one. Preparatory work

You can equip the pantry in advance, even at the stage of finishing the house itself. In this case, you do not need to remove the facade. If it is not there, then you can safely proceed to the second step, otherwise you need to carefully remove the plaster fabric.

Next, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials:

Step two. Finishing work

The storage room should be well plastered, painted, wallpapered or tiled for neatness.

Step three. Organization of space

It all depends on the purpose of the room and your imagination. As mentioned earlier, you can make special cabinets, shelves, racks, drawers in the pantry.

Step four. Doors

It is necessary to hang doors on shelves or cabinets for a more aesthetic appearance. For this, a small edging is made, and facades are hung.

Doors to the room itself should also be installed, unless you decide to use the closet as a library. Doors are different: sliding, deaf, glass, you need to choose the most suitable option for your design. Also, the doors can be made invisible so that they merge with the interior of the room, this is necessary if you decide to use a pantry under the closet.

In conclusion

From the above, we can conclude that the storage room is a fairly versatile building that is perfect for arranging both an inconspicuous closet and equipment for a separate room. Such a room can be used as a bar, a playroom for children or a guest room, it all depends on your imagination.

When planning the construction of a second floor or an attic in a house, the question always arises of how best to use the space under the stairs. We offer you the best modern options that will help you practicalize the place under the stairs. Which one to use? It all depends on your technical (and financial) capabilities and on the needs of your household. In addition, it is important at what stage you thought about what to place under the stairs: as usual, the earlier you plan, the more opportunities you have.

Storage: use the space under the stairs.

The most common practical way to organize a space under the stairs is to use it for storage. It can be cabinets, pantries, dressing rooms or just open shelves.

  1. Storage systems under the stairs.

    The main problem of organizing storage under the stairs is the significant cost of furniture, which must fit under the bevel of the flight of stairs. Therefore, this option using standard rectangular cabinets and chests of drawers will allow you to relatively painlessly equip the space under the stairs. This technique works very well for a studio apartment, where the most efficient use of every centimeter of space is required at minimal cost.

    Another way to place a cabinet under the stairs on a budget is to use standard cabinets and complement them with beveled door fronts. In this case, an additional fee will be only for the manufacture of individual facades.
    Open storage is the cheapest. Using standard shelving profiles and inexpensive storage containers, you can create space under the stairs quickly and inexpensively.

  2. Hallway under the stairs.

    It is very convenient to use the space under the stairs as part of the hallway. Storage space can be at the top of the high part of the stairs - in a closet with a mirrored door.

    Or you can use the entire staircase - high cabinets for outerwear, low cabinets for shoes.
    It is not necessary to hide all outerwear in wardrobes. Under the stairs, you can easily equip an open hanger for clothes and place shelves for shoes.

  3. Wardrobe under the stairs.

    If the staircase in the house is in the room, then in the space under it you can arrange a wardrobe. These can be simple open storage systems - with clothes rails and sectional drawers.

    Or you can set up a real walk-in closet at the back of the stairwell. This storage option is the dream of every housewife.

    If the location of the stairs does not allow access, then the traditional option with built-in wardrobes under the stairs is also quite practical.

  4. How to place a cabinet under the stairs.

    The stairway is not always located in a secluded corner of the house, if the stairs go through one of the main rooms, then the organization of convenient storage of a lot of things needed for the bedroom or dining room can be framed using a beautiful mirror cabinet in combination with mirror chests of drawers. Such use of the space under the stairs not only does not spoil the room, but also decorates it.

    It is not necessary to use special furniture to create a stylish space under the stairs. You can always achieve a harmonious effect by complementing standard furniture with shelves. Such shelves visually more fully fill the space under the stairs without cluttering it up.

  5. How to make shelves under the stairs.

    As we saw above, shelves in combination with standard rectangular furniture will help to organize the space under the stairs neatly and practically. Properly selected finishing materials, fashionable accent wall - and you have an excellent result at low cost.

    To store things under the stairs, you can get by with only shelves. It is important to understand here that the depth of the shelf can rarely take up all the available space, because. it will be inconvenient for you to look for things in the depths of the shelf in a half-bent state. But to beat some part of the stairs as shelves is quite a practical option.
    If the style of designing the space under the stairs is important to you, then such spectacular contrasting shelves, in harmony with the design of the stairs, are a spectacular and fashionable solution.

  6. How to make a pantry under the stairs.

    The basic approach to arranging a pantry under the stairs is easy access to the entire space. Therefore, it is convenient to make double doors here so that it is convenient to work with the lower part of the pantry.

    Alternatively, front drawers can be made under the stairs. But this option is suitable for rarely used things, because. has limited storage capacity in terms of the dimensions of things and such access to things can hardly be called comfortable.

How to place the kitchen under the stairs in the house.

In an ordinary apartment there is no problem to organize a kitchen in a separate room, but what about studio apartments or small private houses? There, this task from the category of exotic grows into an urgent problem. First of all, the kitchen needs communications, so such placement is planned at the construction stage.

For furniture arrangement in the kitchen, the general rule is: no matter how small the kitchen is, they try not to place work surfaces and dining tables under the stairs. It is very convenient to equip kitchen cabinets and built-in appliances under the stairs.

The kitchen under the stairs is not always the prerogative of small houses, even in a large house the space under the stairs can be used as a pantry for food storage or as a wine bar.

How to make a toilet under the stairs.

Despite the exotic idea, the task of placing a small toilet or bathroom under the stairs has a very practical solution.

Indeed, in an attic room with a sloping roof, a bathroom is not uncommon, but the rule. And here we play with a similar configuration of the space under the stairs.

Of course, having the right communications plays a key role here. But the very placement of a shower or toilet under the bevel of the flight of stairs is quite acceptable.

If the idea of ​​having a bathtub under the stairs is still fantastic for most of us, then placing a washing machine under the stairs is a great solution. Equip a small pantry under the washing machine and put an ordinary fan heater in it - you will have an excellent dryer for things. Wet things are hung on hangers, the fan heater is turned on and the door is closed: in half an hour the things are almost dry. They turn on the hood and leave them to dry on their hangers - things after such drying do not even need to be ironed. A similar approach to washing is a familiar method for Scandinavian countries and Japan.

How to organize the space under the stairs for an office.

A secluded place under the stairs is logical to use as a small office. It can be ordinary open shelves with a work surface and storage space.

Or you can use the space under the stairs as a large built-in closet, where the office is located in its highest part. So, you will have the opportunity to close your workplace without worrying about its safety.

How to use the space under the stairs?

In addition to the above traditional approaches to arranging space under the stairs, other options are no less interesting and everyone can figure them out to suit their needs. So under the stairs you can make an aviary for a dog.

If your four-legged friend is small, you can put a cozy sofa next to it.

Or take a place under the stairs for your library.

If reading books isn't your thing, you might like the idea of ​​a home theater under the stairs more.

What can be done under the stairs in a wooden house?

A private country wooden house often has two floors or an attic floor plus a cellar. The staircase in such a house is not only a functional, but often a luxurious decorative element of the entire interior. How to decorate the space under the stairs so as not to spoil, but only increase this beauty?

The simplest solution is to make an entrance to the cellar under the stairs.

Or furnish a stylish bar.

It is possible to place a boiler room under the stairs. Such a decision is made at the project stage and is tied to the wiring of all communications in the house and the location of the stairs.

A stylish and fashionable solution is to place a small wine cellar under the stairs.

this approach should guarantee the right microclimate for storing wines, such a cellar is made closed with its own microclimate system. Usually a small part of the wine collection is placed in this way, and the main stocks are still stored in a traditional cellar.

What to place under the stairs in the country house.

A house is not always a luxurious country residence, a small country house is no less cozy and loved by its owners. If the country house is made according to the loft principle - with a sleeping place in the attic floor, then even a small staircase can eat up a lot of space. Therefore, it is necessary to use the stairs in full. You can make storage boxes on the side of the stairs.

Or straight from the steps.

In addition, the option with a kitchen built under the stairs works great for a country house.

What else can you think of under the stairs?

The options are endless: this is how the entrance to the secret room can be made under the stairs. Perhaps this is just the entrance to the cellar, but it looks intriguing.

Do you like crafting, but there is no place in the house? Workshop under the stairs, as one of the options.

Light enters the workshop from the stairs. As we all understand, there is never too much workshop, and there is not much room under the stairs, so in the back of the stairs you can connect this part of the workshop with the main workshop or a garage in the yard.

If adults need their own toys, then children doubly need them - give a place under the stairs for a children's playhouse.

How to decorate the space under the stairs.

And although all the ideas before that also tried to carry a certain aesthetic load, they still cannot compete with placing such a wonderful stove under the stairs.

And if, admiring the stove, we understand that such a solution is not for everyone, then you can equip this cozy place under the stairs with the help of an electric decorative fireplace: so to speak, a budget option for a winter fairy tale.

The garden under the stairs is a favorite part of using this space. Add lighting, put the appropriate indoor flowers - and you no longer have a dark dull corner under the stairs, but, practically, a living oasis in your own home.

Busy option: Buy a piece of artificial turf, gravel it with simple geometric shapes, add potted or artificial flowers. Cute attributes in such a mini-garden will create a cozy magical atmosphere.

If you are a fan of indoor plants, there is a chance to realize your dreams: by glazing the space under the stairs, you can create the necessary microclimate in it and use it as an amazing winter garden. The same approach can be applied to the arrangement of a terrarium or a large aquarium under the stairs. In any case, it will be a fantastically beautiful solution.

In order to surprise everyone with its beauty, you can do without glazing by placing a small murmuring home fountain under the stairs. They say, according to Feng Shui - with such an amazing arrangement of the darkest corners of your home, you simply have to become happy!

We hope you liked the practical and modern ideas for arranging the space under the stairs, and we managed to surprise you!
More great ideas on how to use stairs in our video:

Write in the comments what you liked, what you didn't - we are always happy to hear your opinion.

If you show a little imagination and have such a desire, then the place under the stairs can be used to the delight of all family members and with great benefit. We bring to your attention some interesting ideas. We are sure you will like at least one of them!

Mini-office

Organizing outside the office, albeit a small but working space, is a must for those who are used to taking part of their duties home. If space permits, you can place everything you need under the stairs: a table, hanging shelves, the necessary equipment.

The main thing is not to forget about lighting, because it will definitely be missed. If your work requires more privacy, then you can isolate the space with a screen or a sliding door.

Reading area or library

If you like to read and you already have a decent collection of books, it will be convenient and original to place it under the flight of stairs. The niche may contain open shelves or drawers.

Arranging books not alphabetically, but depending on the colors of the spines, you can complement the interior, add zest to it.

Set up a small sofa or rocking chair nearby and let the whole world wait while you read! Do not forget about a floor lamp or any other source of light so as not to tire your eyes when reading.

Kitchen under stairs?

Why not, if you are ready to order furniture according to an individual project, because it will be difficult to find the right size. It is also worth worrying about laying all communications in advance. Not an easy task, but worth it if you like originality. This option is ideal for those whose house is made in the style of "loft".

Ensure good ventilation and insulation. It will be a little easier to take a place in a niche with just a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a shelf with a microwave oven or a washing machine than to equip a full-fledged kitchen.

Another closet

If your flight of stairs has 10 steps, there is enough space underneath to accommodate a toilet and even a sink. This solution is indispensable for those who like to receive guests. Of course, you will need to enclose the space with additional walls.

Another bathroom?

It will be problematic to place a full-fledged bathroom under the stairs, but a shower cabin is quite possible. Only in this case, the walls should be finished with moisture-proof and heat-insulating materials. Pay special attention to ventilation. It is better to make the design light in order to visually expand the space.

Entrance hall

Convenient if the stairs are right next to the entrance. A wedge, ottoman, cabinets, a table will ideally fit into a niche. Perhaps you have enough space to accommodate larger furniture. This solution will free up space next to the entrance. Your guests will feel comfortable and free right from the doorstep.

Bar

Ideal for connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages. Inside, place an open rack with cells, and in the higher part of the span - a small bar counter. Complete the picture with bar stools or a sofa and get a chill out zone. A collection of wines and champagnes that you save for a special occasion will look gorgeous in a niche.

Closet or pantry

In a large house, every little thing always accumulates, which at the same time has nowhere to attach. Such storage for unforgotten, but not necessary every day things can be the space under the stairs. Organize drawers, hooks, chest of drawers or other furniture to make it easier to store and find small items.

Bed

Do you remember Harry Potter? Of course, not as punishment for the child, but for the sake of convenience, you can place a bed under the stairs. A friend staying at a party can spend the night there. And in general, it is never out of place to have a spare bed. Use folding models to save even more space.

But enough about how to make a separate mini-room out of a niche under the stairs. Even without additional walls, it can be designed in an original and useful way.

You need to decide what exactly will be located under the stairs in advance, because in the case of original and complex ideas, you need to worry about wiring electricity, laying walls, protecting against moisture and organizing ventilation.

In any case, this is a pleasant chore, because there is a special magic in the flight of stairs and the space below it, don't you agree? For children, this little nook will always be a habitat for various miracles and magical creatures; for adults, this room or corner will become an indispensable assistant or a place with a unique atmosphere.

Video (click to play).

© Anzhelika Bondar

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In this article, I will talk about the construction of a closet under the stairs. You will learn about the types and purpose of furniture, materials and equipment. I will review other options for arranging the space under the stairs.

Pros and cons

A flight of stairs significantly narrows the functional space of housing, taking up valuable square meters.

There are many options for using the space under the stairs, but the most practical one is organizing storage space.

Here are the advantages of the cabinet under the stairs:

The staircase in the house is a great field for creativity

The lack of a closet under the stairs is only conditional.

Structural design depends on the complex geometry of the space and the performance standards of the staircase itself.

This may limit the implementation of ideas, require additional effort and possibly money.

Types of cabinets under stairs

There are many practical and original options for cabinets under the stairs. Consider the main modifications.

Wardrobe with hinged doors

Hinged doors are easy to install, hide the entire contents of the cabinet, allow access to the entire interior space and are relatively inexpensive. [3]

Canvases are best made narrow so that they are in harmony with the stairs.

This door system lasts up to 50 years. The internal space of the cabinet is equipped in different ways: shelves, sections with a bar, drawers. Cloths can hide a wardrobe with clothes and shoes, shelves with blanks for the winter, storage places for household items, etc.

Wardrobe with hinged doors requires at least 50 cm of free space in front of the front.

Wardrobe with swing doors

Another modification with a similar purpose is a cabinet with sliding doors. The blades move frontally along the upper and lower guides. The advantages of compartment doors are saving space in front of the facade, a beautiful and neat appearance.[4]

There are more disadvantages:

Since non-symmetrical doors move only in one direction, access to the outer sector of the cabinet is limited in any design.

This is inconvenient. A sliding wardrobe under the stairs is rarely installed.

Wardrobe under stairs Drawer cabinets

Convenient and functional drawer cabinets. It can be just boxes of different sizes for storing household items, seasonal clothes, accessories and shoes. If the design of the stairs allows - the drawers are also equipped in the steps

An interesting and more functional option are retractable modules that move along ball guides. Retractable sections are also available without handles - they open with a light touch of the hand using the Push Open and Tip-On systems. Depending on the location of the cabinet, it contains a wardrobe, shoes, dishes or products.

DrawersOpen shelving

The simplest and most cost-effective option for arranging the space under the stairs. With the manufacture of the structure, you can cope on your own. In fact, here you need to make shelves and combine them with the span.

Open shelving under stairs Combination cabinet

In this version, the design combines all or several of the modifications described above.

Combination wardrobe is functionality, originality and a beautiful aesthetic appearance.

At the same time, the following rules are followed:

Combination cabinetHow to choose cabinet materials

When choosing a material, they are guided by the budget, the performance of the stairs, the purpose, the future load and the location of the structure. Therefore, they pay attention to strength, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness and compliance with the overall interior.

Wood

Solid wood cabinets are strong, beautiful and durable. Wood furniture is rightly called elite, but it is expensive. Another disadvantage is heavy weight and the need for special care.

An alternative to solid wood - furniture boards.

These are vertical or horizontal bars fastened into a common panel from different tree species. The material has a characteristic checkerboard surface.

Furniture panelWood boards

These are wood-based materials that are produced by pressing sawdust, shavings and fibers. According to the pressing method, there are 2 types: chipboard and MDF.

Chipboard - sawdust and wood chips are pressed using formaldehyde resins. Cons - low strength (crumbles) and moisture resistance. Not suitable for cutting curly products. Pros - low price.

furniture chipboard

Chipboards are available with different finishes. The most popular - laminated - chipboard.

MDF - small chips and sawdust are pressed using natural substances. Pluses - strength, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness, density and plasticity. Complex carvings can be made on the plates, fittings can be fastened without problems and curved surfaces can be created. Cons - the cost is more expensive than chipboard.

MDF boards are of high density and are as durable as wood.

MDF

Wood-based panels are available with coatings:

The face of the veneer matches the type of wood from which it is made. Artificial coatings come in different colors and textures, if desired, you can order with a pattern.

Plastic

Used for making furniture in rooms with high humidity or decorating facades. Pros - practicality and low price. Cons - toxicity when heated, fading, the rapid appearance of scratches and chips.

PlasticGlass

Used to decorate the facade, it gives a beautiful look and eliminates the feeling of bulkiness of the structure.

Glasses are:

Cabinets with mirrors, for example in the hallway, play a functional role and visually expand the room.

Do not skimp on fittings, too cheap products cannot be of high quality.

Failures and incorrect operation of sliding, pull-out and hinged mechanisms will invariably lead to deformation of the entire furniture structure.[5]

When purchasing, take into account the expected load on mechanisms and fasteners.

Tinted furniture glass Cabinet under stairs and interior

Thinking through the purpose and appearance, you need to start from the location of the stairs and the general style of the interior. Only in this case, the new furniture will look natural, perform all its functions.

Entrance hall

It is practical to equip a wardrobe under the stairs located near the entrance doors. It houses casual clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and sports equipment. So that at the entrance to the house there is no feeling of disorder, the closet is covered with canvases as much as possible, leaving small racks for bags, umbrellas and shoes.

Entrance hall under the stairs Living room

Combined or open shelving looks harmonious in the living room. They put a TV, a library, figurines and decorative dishes. High segments are allocated for the wardrobe.

Living room under the stairsCorridor

Under the narrow flights of stairs, located in an adjacent room, equip a place to store seasonal items or a pantry. Here, sliding mechanisms with modules and drawers of different sizes are most convenient.

Kitchen area

When stairs are located near the kitchen or dining room, a cascade of drawers and shelving is the most convenient option.

Fits all kitchen utensils and some groceries.

If space allows, household appliances are built in, and the facade is covered with hinged canvases.

Kitchen set under the stairs Duplex apartment

Racks, pull-out and combined are appropriate here. Depending on the location of the stairs, they arrange space for storing dishes, wardrobe or household items.

So that the wardrobe does not look unnatural, be sure to focus on the main interior materials and stairs.

For example, if the staircase is wooden to the second floor, then a glossy model with plastic elements will look bad. In this case, in addition to solid wood, veneered wood boards are suitable.

Vertical and horizontal lines of shelves, doors and drawers are combined with lines of steps and flights of stairs. This will look natural.

Duplex interior with stairs

Be sure to take into account the main colors of the interior - the cabinet should be neutral in relation to them or overlap with shades. In a narrow room, it is desirable to use light shades of materials and dilute the facade with mirrors. This will visually expand the space.

How else to arrange the space

An overview of the most interesting ideas that will help you find the best solution for a multi-level private house.

Minibar

Stylish bar counter becomes a corner for relaxation.

Here in the lower part there are drawers for storing alcohol and dishes, along the edges of the counter there are bar stools.

Mini bar under stairsCabinet

A separate work area can be provided. To do this, shelves are hung on the walls, a desk, a chair and office equipment are placed. The lower tiers are occupied by chests of drawers. [6]

If space allows, the niche is covered with a door leaf.

Cabinet under the stairsBathroom

If the flight of stairs is wide and high, then it is quite possible to equip a bathroom.

A bathroom, of course, cannot be placed there, but a shower cabin is possible.

Bath with toilet under the stairs

A cozy sitting area with soft cushions and a well-sized sofa will fit into any room.

Resting place under the stairs Sleeping place

It is possible to arrange an extra bed for guests. To do this, use a transformer bed, which is reduced in size and accommodates all bedding.[7]

Depending on the location of the stairs, a child's sleeping place is equipped.

Bed under stairs Home theater

Great home theater area with drawers, lighting and decor.

Home theater under stairsKitchen

A kitchen area will also be equipped under the stairs. At the same time, high humidity, temperature changes, sewerage and ventilation are taken into account. Difficult, but quite possible.

Kitchen under the stairs in a wooden house

A wine collection can be placed under the stairs.

Wine cellar under the stairs

Household items, preparations for the winter and long-term storage products are placed under the stairs.

The cupboard under the stairs will stay in the house for more than one year. Therefore, it should be as practical as possible, not harm the staircase itself and match the overall interior.

Storage room under the stairs

It is impossible to achieve this on your own, without skills and education. Therefore, it is better to contact a furniture company, having previously studied the reviews of their work.

Video (click to play).

Sources:

  1. Telichenko VI, Slesarev M. Yu., Stoikov VF, Sviridov VN, Nagornyak IN Safety and quality in construction. Basic terms and definitions; Publishing house of the Association of construction universities - M., 2016. - 336 p.
  2. Statsenko, AS Technology of stone works in construction. Textbook / A.S. Statsenko. - M .: Higher school, 2014. - 256 p.
  3. Burmistrov, G.N. Building cladding materials / G.N. Burmistrov. — M.: Stroyizdat, 1988.-175 p.
  4. Building materials. Study guide. - M .: Phoenix, 2007. - 620 p.
  5. Zertsalov, M. G. Use of underground space. Textbook / M.G. Zertsalov, D.S. Konyukhov, V.E. Merkin. - M .: Publishing house of the Association of construction universities, 2015. - 416 p.
  6. Sinyansky, I.A. Design and estimate business / I.A. Sinyansky, N.I. Maneshin. — M.: Academy, 2011. — 560 p.
  7. Malyavina, E. G. Thermal physics of buildings. Textbook / E.G. Malyavin. - M .: Publishing house of the Association of construction universities, 2013. - 144 p.
  8. Movchan, F.F. Handbook of a young painter / F.F. Movchan. - M .: Higher school; Edition 6, revised. and additional, 2018. - 216 p.

Mikhail Sukhanov

Welcome to our portal. My name is Mikhail Sukhanov. I have been in construction for over 6 years. I believe that I am a professional in my field, I want to teach all site visitors to solve complex and not so difficult tasks.
All materials for the site are collected and carefully processed in order to convey all the necessary information as accessible as possible. However, in order to apply everything described on the site, a mandatory consultation with professionals is always necessary.

Space under the stairs in the house

18-09-2021

Contents:

  1. Wardrobe under the stairs
  2. Shelving, pantries
  3. For children
  4. Understairs kitchen
  5. Toilet

In modern homes, stairs are multifunctional elements that not only serve their immediate purpose, but also become a real decoration and addition to a cozy interior. In order for this design to be beautiful and comfortable, a rather large area needs to be allocated for it, while the space below remains empty and useless.

But after all, it is enough to show a little imagination and make an effort to turn a free corner into a cozy place to relax, a spacious closet or a playroom for a child. Perhaps this is what you have been dreaming about for a long time, but could not find the area and ideas for implementation.

There are a lot of options for decorating the place under the stairs. Any homeowner will be able to find among them suitable for himself and bring it to life. We propose to consider a few examples of how to equip the space under the stairs.

Wardrobe under the stairs

This is the most rational way to organize the space under the stairs. The wardrobe may include wardrobes with sliding or hinged doors, pull-out modules, open shelves. Storage sections are best made to order so that they fit perfectly under the stairs, occupy every free centimeter, clearly fulfilling their functions. The designs are roomy, you will forever forget about the lack of space for storing household appliances and tools.

boxes for shoes, things dressing room storage location mirror cabinet
drawer built-in cabinet wardrobe with mirror drawers and cabinets under steps

Storage - shelves, racks

This is one of the easiest options to fill the volume in the room. It will require a minimum of costs. You can buy ready-made shelves of any size and shape in the store or order them according to individual parameters. Here there is an opportunity to dream up, because the shelves can be placed not only on the wall, but also directly under the stairs on the back side of the steps. The rest of the space is equipped with a coffee table, live indoor plants or a flower garden.

The library will look cozy and harmonious here, i. a range of bookshelves. Near them it is worth putting a comfortable chair for reading.

chest of drawers rack under stairs library bookshelves
spacious pantry,
deep closet 		pantry
(closet without shelves) 		wine cellar for drinks, wine bottle cabinet shoe rack

Sofa or seating area

The best option when the ladder is near the window. A comfortable sofa or a small lounger will become your favorite place to relax.

bed sofa Scandinavian style bed

Work area

Setting up a workspace under the stairs in the house is very easy. To do this, you need to purchase or select suitable furniture from the available in the house: a table, chair, bedside table. For comfort, you can hang pictures or small shelves for books on the wall, install additional lamps.

office mini office workstation in niche desk with computer

Children's playroom

Every child dreams of having their own little nook. Arranging the space under the stairs in the form of a small room where toys will be stored and the child will be able to spend his free time is a simple matter that you can handle on your own.

baby house children's home play space children under stairs

Kitchen and living room

kitchen, kitchen set bar counter, dining room home bar refrigerator
living room sitting area with sofa and soft cushions

Bathroom and utility rooms

shower room, compact shower toilet in the doorway bathroom cabin sauna
wall cabinet, washbasin, toilet toilet washing machine
behind the curtain 		washing machine
laundry
toilet toilet

Hallway

hanger at the entrance to
country house 		shoe cabinet
with seat 		entrance hall in corridor dressing room
at the front door

How else can you use the empty space?

TV set traditional classic:
fireplace in the corner 		fireplace stove boiler (mini boiler room)
platform for
cat ladder 		kennel, dog house or pet cage

wood rack and oven

utility room, inside
basement entrance (cellar)

Decorated space

Any design idea can be beautifully realized under the turning staircase.

Learn more