13 under stairs storage ideas – how to make the most of this often forgotten space and keep it organised

The space under the stairs often goes underutilised. But in a world (and country) where space is considered luxury, we can’t afford to neglect a perfectly good storage opportunity. So if you are not using this precious space, these under stairs storage ideas are for you.

Whether you want to make a feature out of the area with some of these staircase ideas or completely conceal it for a sleek, built-in look, there are some tips and ideas for everyone here. One thing is for sure – this will provide a lot of help in the often limited hallway storage department. Because you can never have quite enough of it.

Under stairs storage ideas

‘Space under the stairs can be a fantastic area to use, providing it’s utilised well and with the correct storage,’ says Siân Pelleschi, founder of Sorted! and APDO president. ‘If you’re lacking in good in-built storage space, as a lot of houses are, then it’s worth looking at ways you can create additional storage, either in-built or freestanding. The opportunity to make use of spaces that would otherwise be hollow and covered up is worth investing in but it’s key to know why you’re doing it and what its purpose is. Make sure it’s easy to access and easy to put back.’

Siân Pelleschi

Siân Pelleschi is the owner of Sorted!, a Cheshire-based home and office decluttering and organising service, and the current President of APDO - the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers. With Sorted!, she aims to take away the stress and hassle that everyday life can sometimes bring, both in your home and working environment.

1. Use the door for hanging space

Don’t let any storage opportunity go to waste – and that goes even for the likes of the under stairs cupboard door. Just like with small bedroom storage ideas, when it comes to under stairs storage, you need to get creative.

‘Look at using the back of the door for hanging space,’ Siân recommends.

2. Keep the internal storage organised

To prevent the area from becoming a dumping ground for anything and everything, it’s important to carefully consider the type of storage you choose and also regularly declutter the under stairs space.

‘Consider the layout internally by making sure that any area is accessible and suitable for the items being stored. For instance, don’t put a storage box at the back where it’s least accessible. Use the vertical wall space for shelving. The key to stopping the under stairs area from becoming disorganised and cluttered is to regularly keep on top of the space. Assess what’s in it,’ Siân says.

3. Make the space into a larder

This space can be used for storing really anything you need, depending on what other storage solutions and opportunities you have access to in your home. For example, if you have a small kitchen or one without enough storage, a great under stairs idea is to turn it into a pantry.

‘Depending on what other storage options you have within the area near to the stairs will determine what goes in it. It can double up as a small larder if close to the kitchen and struggling for space to store items,’ Siân says.

4. Set up a colourful family storage hub

Make good use of an open under stair area by creating a wall of storage. Cover the back section of wall with pegboard, as shown in the wall panelling idea above, and paint it in a cheery shade. Then add a row of peg rails for hanging coats and jackets, slotting in a few single hooks here and there for keys or dog leads.

Give little ones somewhere to sit when they’re taking off shoes by slotting in a longline bench. Tuck a few baskets underneath labelled up for different family members so they can chuck bits and bobs in.

The use of bright colours here makes this an enticing spot, which should hopefully encourage everyone to use it! Learning how to paint a staircase is a simple yet effective way to enhance your home's entrance, and there are plenty of other ways to make your entrance hall pop with colour, too.

5. Access all areas

Leaving the space under the stairs open and not boxing it in with cupboards and doors allows access to the whole area so you can pack more storage into a tight space.

Short floating shelves fitted to the end wall give orderly storage for shoes and boots. Just arrange at different heights so you can slot them in. Add coat hooks on the adjoining wall at staggered heights for storing longer coats, jackets and scarves.

6. Slot in a storage bench

Fitted storage is a permanent option and can work out pricey, so if you’re undecided, try an off-the-peg piece instead. A longline hallway bench with storage drawers or cubbies underneath will keep clutter hidden away and makes a cosy spot to sit tucked in under the stairs. Paint the wall behind a dark moody shade and add a row of plush cushions on top.

7. Maximise space with pull-out storage drawers

Use under stair space to its full potential by opting for a bespoke storage arrangement. Awkwardly-shaped end space tends to be inaccessible and often gets wasted. But this system uses every inch with clever angled cupboards and pull-out drawers that are a perfect fit.

Generously-sized drawers are great if you're looking for practical hallway shoe storage ideas, and they also work well at hiding bags and bulky items. While taller end cupboards give stowing space for coats, jackets or the ironing board and vacuum cleaner.

8. Invest in bespoke built-to-fit storage

Solve the problem of an awkwardly-shaped under stair area by having storage custom-built to fit. In this white hallway, full-length cupboards look sleek and streamlined and will keep outerwear and other household clutter hidden away out of sight.

Although it can be costly, having storage custom-built means that the interior can be kitted out to suit specific storage needs, whether that’s rails and racks for clothing and shoes or shelves and cubbies for dining kit or kitchenware.

9. Try built-in coat cubbies

Easy-access cubbies offer a less-costly alternative to fully-fitted cupboards that can easily be put together by a handyman or carpenter.

Angled sections like the ones shown in the hallway storage idea above are built to fit the slant of the stairs and give different-sized coat cubbies for mum, dad and little ones. Add a couple of benches underneath for extra storage and seating space.

10. Do it yourself with modular storage

For a super-affordable option that’s a doddle to put together, too, opt for modular cube storage to fill under stair space efficiently. Single cubes can be stacked in sections, going higher each time, to create a staggered effect.

A roll-out trolley is another great option. Fill it with everything you need for the kids' craft projects, cleaning materials or laundry equipment like the iron. Wheel it out when you need it, and hide it away in one swift movement when you're done.

11. Build in a cosy reading nook

Combine under stair storage with a reading corner idea, so family members can tuck themselves away and snuggle up with a good book.

A longline cupboard at one end makes good use of height and gives somewhere to store coats or stash the vacuum cleaner. While large pull-out drawers at the bottom give lots of stowing space for books or bulky bits and pieces. Top with a cushioned pad so it’s comfy to sit on.

12. Slot in an under stairs office

Create work space with this clever under-the-stairs home office idea. Make use of the awkward angle by adapting a couple of flat-pack kitchen cabinets to fit. A tall larder unit at one end, combined with a short base unit at the other, give plenty of drawer and cupboard space for office kit and stationery. Finish off with a length of worktop to create a desk.

13. Arrange furniture by height

In this clever break-away study area, furniture has been placed to fill the space to the max. Storage for books and other essentials is created by slotting in a tall shelf against the end wall. Just make sure it’s narrow enough so that it doesn’t jut out.

A slimline desk or console table will tuck neatly under the stairs without getting in the way of people passing through. And finally, a basket for books and magazines fills the tightest of gaps nicely.

FAQ

What's the best way to incorporate storage under the stairs?

Your budget will play a big part in finding the best way to add under stairs storage. But our ideal option would be to add built-in furniture.

'Incorporating fitted furniture under the stairs is a great way of maximising the space that you have and provides you with ample storage solutions,' says Neville Johnson's national design team manager, Mike Grenier.

'Not only will this fully utilise awkward alcoves and sloping roofs, but it can also provide you with an additional room in the home that may have previously seemed impossible.'

'Unusually shaped spaces like under stair areas are notoriously difficult to work with. But if you approach it right, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve a home office or library feature in a tricky area of your home.

'A small area in the home will often benefit from the use of less intrusive materials, allowing maximum impact from natural light and creating the illusion of more space.'

In other words, avoid statement colours and dark woods, and instead focus on pale timbers or furniture painted in white, pale grey or soft pink. Mirrored and glass furniture are also your friend here!