Ideas on how to Make the Most of the Space Under the Stairs

If you’re looking for extra wiggle room in your home, look under the stairs. Whether in the main part of the house or the basement, this area can have enough room for uses like a mudroom and coat storage, wine cellar or craft station. Here’s how Houzz designers are making the most of this often-wasted space.

Stairs 1: California Closets HQ, original photo on Houzz

1. Makeshift mudroom. Many of us are not lucky enough to have a dedicated mudroom. But a combination of under-stair space and clever cabinetry can provide plenty of room for a family landing zone. This design incorporates drawers for shoes, gloves and mittens; hooks for coats and bags; and cubbies for sports equipment and hats.

Stairs 2: Shiflet Group Architects, original photo on Houzz

2. Wine cellar. Several of the most popular wine storage spaces in 2016 were cleverly tucked underneath the stairs. In addition to maximizing the space, it also helps keep the wine out of direct sunlight on an upper floor.

Stairs 3: Porebski Architects, original photo on Houzz

3. Home bar. For big entertainers, it’s nice to have a spot to pour your friends a drink as they enter the house. This one even has a sink. Another fun thing about this particular under-stair bar is that when the paneled door is closed, it’s concealed in a secret Prohibition-style way.

Stairs 4: Stackable + Squires Design Group, original photo on Houzz

4. Home office. For those without a dedicated home office or extra bedroom, the space underneath the staircase can be maxed out into a home office. Because this staircase has a landing and turns, there is a little extra wiggle room.

For a staircase with less room beneath it, the office can be tucked into an alcove.