Ever notice how, on those tiny house home-improvement shows, one of the first things a prospective buyer looks for is extra storage space under the stairs? While the typical homeowner may not have the same concerns about how to maximize every last inch, making the most of the space you do have is a great way to eliminate clutter and enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, regardless of its size.
So, rather than view that area underneath your stairs as nothing more than a waste of space, consider converting it into something useful. Some of our favorite methods of doing so involve:
1. Creating a Workspace
Dream of having your own home office, but lack the extra room? Why not convert the space under the stairs into a designated work area? Having a set spot to sit down and focus when you need to can help boost productivity, and you can utilize built-in or standalone desk options to create a cozy, comfortable at-home workspace.
2. Adding Cubbies and Coat Storage
Closet space is a hot commodity, and if it’s hard to come by in your house, consider adding more of it under your stairs. Create a coat cupboard to encourage your kids to keep their outerwear off the furniture and out of sight, or add cubbies like the ones you had in preschool to further encourage organization and cleanup.
3. Designing a Reading Nook
What’s better than having a cozy spot in your home where you can curl up with a good book? Add cushions, blankets and pillows to the space to encourage long stays, and if it’s big enough, it could potentially even double as an extra bed for guests.
4. Building a Bar Area
Depending on how much room you have under your stairs, you could use the space for everything from storing wine to installing a kegerator. If it’s a small space, use it as a liquor cabinet and add some elegant glassware for an upscale look and feel. If it’s larger, you could use it as an at-home bar, even adding a stool or two to pull up when you want to kick back.
If you have valuable square footage under your stairs that you aren’t currently using, don’t hide it. Instead, turn it into a space you’ll actually utilize for working, storing, reading, sipping or whatever else your heart desires.