Built in furniture
People strive to make maximum use of the entire area of their home.
Under a beautiful glass or vintage wrought iron staircase, place a sofa or chest of drawers, hang paintings and lamps. Closed flights of stairs are filled with storage systems, which are more convenient to make with your own hands according to the specific dimensions of the niche. Open wall shelves are made of wood, metal or glass. They are decorated with objects selected in color and style: baskets, vases, figurines. To store various small household items, it is better to make closed drawers. This will avoid the feeling of clutter.
Storage under the stairs in a private house
Basements and storage rooms are not present in all houses. A basement under the stairs would be a great solution. It is in it that you will hide all the things that should not remain in plain sight. You can also create a mini-laundry room there, separating it with an elegant curtain. However, if you need a warehouse to store sports equipment, various types of liquids, such as detergents, then this place is ideal.
A utility room under the stairs is an ideal area for storing essential household appliances, including a vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, iron, ironing board, mops, dustpan and broom and many other items.
Of course, this is also a great place to store food. To do this, you can use a variety of containers and special ceramic products. However, you must ensure that the correct air temperature is maintained. If you are a wine connoisseur, invest in attractive shelves with plenty of bottles of alcohol.
Due to inadequate design or careless planning, the space under the stairs is usually left undeveloped. However, this area can be used in many ways, making it an important part of any home. There you can successfully set up a home bar, work space, wardrobe, conservatory, small bathroom, storage space here, not to mention a place to display art or plants.
Practical options for using the space under the stairs
Modern lighting in the hallway, how to arrange lamps to make the space look stylish 74 photos
Here are just a few options:
Lumber room. Each of us has a lot of things that are either in seasonal demand (skates, roller skates, skis), or are lying around and waiting for their finest hour (a bunch of old clothes from which you will immediately weave rugs), or it’s completely unclear what they make at your home, but you don’t dare throw them away (a ceramic sculpture of a pegasus, an Uzbek woman’s costume that was brought to you as a souvenir, the broken toys of your son, who is already 13 years old).
Equip the space under the stairs with convenient shelves on which you can place all these riches, and hide them behind an inconspicuous door.
Laundry. Or a mini bathroom. Or a dishwasher. Or a refrigerator. Or a mini kitchen option. In general, think for yourself what you feel particularly deficient in, or what bothers you the most, and move it to the area under the stairs.
Workshop. Depending on your interests, you can turn the space under the stairs into a creative corner. For example, put an easel, a sewing machine, a computer desk there. Add coziness to your workshop - you should enjoy being there and creating. And informing all your relatives that from now on this is your refuge, where outsiders are prohibited from entering.
Children's room. Or rather, a play corner. Kids love to hide in cozy little holes - they, like us, need their own personal space. Place a small bed or a soft fluffy carpet under the stairs. Place a container or rack with toys there. Throw in some cute pillows. And curtain this little children's kingdom with a cheerful curtain.
Your child can hang his drawings and crafts on the walls.
And most importantly, remember: you need to invade a child’s world very delicately, preferably by knocking first. Dressing room. You can put a large wardrobe under the stairs and put clothes and shoes there (alternatively, several drawers). It is advisable to place there things that are not in very frequent demand - for example, street clothes, activewear, pastels, etc.
Relaxation zone. Place a comfortable sofa under the stairs and a small nightstand next to it. There is a nice rug on the floor of the bed. Make sure the space is well lit. You can hang some pleasing reproduction on the wall.
The main thing is that everything in this small corner breathes peace and comfort.
Library. Books are family treasures. Under no circumstances should they be thrown away, recycled or stored in boxes somewhere under the bed. The space under the stairs is an ideal place for a library.
Equip it with a high rack or many shelves and finally realize your long-standing idea: create a real library, where books will be arranged not by bindings, but by authors and sections.
Creative corner. A person with imagination will always find how to effectively decorate the interior, and at the same time intelligently use the space.
You can install an indoor version of an alpine slide, a fountain, an aquarium, a bar under the stairs, or turn this area into a mini-art gallery.
Here are just a few options for how to use the space under the stairs. Perhaps our tips will inspire you to come up with your own unique ideas.
Furniture items
When arranging the area under the stairs, it is customary to use special furniture, which you can make yourself or order in special showrooms. The choice of furniture depends on the purpose of the structure.
Understairs cabinet
Today, for the area under the stairs, various types of cabinets are used, which make it possible to make the most efficient use of every square centimeter of the room. This includes sliding wardrobes, pull-out cabinets, built-in structures. Doors can also be installed in different ways: sliding, with blind doors. Such fittings, as a rule, also perform aesthetic functions, decorating the interior of the entire room.
Drawers
Installing special drawers allows you to make maximum 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 easy to use and spacious.
In order to make retractable cabinets, special mechanisms are used that make it possible to freely pull them out and get the necessary things.
Shelves
With the help of shelves, you can create an entire storage system; such devices will never be empty, since there is always a whole bunch of different small and medium-sized items that have nowhere to put them. The shelves are made in various configurations; they are mainly mounted on the wall or the lower part of the flight.
Read more: how to make shelves under the stairs?
Rack
A 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 shelving makes it possible to effectively use the space under the stairs, without creating a feeling of bulkiness.
Sliding doors and drawers are especially popular when arranging shelving; they make the device more functional.
Shelving is an important element of the pantry.
Installation technology for built-in wardrobes
Sliding glass doors to the balcony expand the space
Before making a closet under the stairs, you need to measure the space under it and determine how many compartments the built-in closet will have, the height of each of them, the type of drawers and shelves.
It is better to depict all the data on paper in the form of a diagram with marked marks for installing partitions and doors.
Figure 2. Layout of cabinets under the stairs.
To install shelves under the stairs you will need:
- wooden block 5x5 cm;
- Fiberboard, plywood, plasterboard or other sheet materials;
- furniture facade, laminated chipboard, etc. for doors or panels;
- fittings for installing drawers, hinges, mechanisms for sliding doors;
- electric saw or hacksaw;
- drill, screwdriver;
- plumb line and level, measuring tool.
The frame for the shelves and partitions will be made of a 5x5 cm bar. Based on the height of the side walls of each compartment, cut the material into paired parts of the required length for mounting vertical supports. Rice. 2. Fasten the bars closest to the wall using dowels in brickwork or concrete, and for a wooden surface, nails or self-tapping screws of sufficient length are suitable. Install internal partitions by attaching a block to the bottom of the steps at the top and to the floor at the bottom.
Figure 3. Cabinet assembly.
Attach horizontally located pieces of timber to the installed vertical supports. Their length is equal to the depth of the shelves or cabinet compartments. Some of them are usually used as a base for attaching shelves or drawer fittings, so the distance between the bars must be selected depending on the height of each tier.
Sheathe the prepared frame from the inside with selected sheet material (plywood, plasterboard, etc.), forming partitions. If you planned to build an open shelving, then at this stage you can already move on to finishing the internal surfaces of the cabinet and installing shelves.
If the built-in cabinet needs to have doors or drawers, the work will continue. A sliding wardrobe under the stairs will require complex operations to install the mechanism for doors of different heights. To carry out such work efficiently, the best solution would be to invite a professional specialist.
How to make hinged doors or drawers
Even a home handyman can handle this work. Attach the bars for the door frame to the front vertical supports of the frame and the bottom of the stairs. Under the inclined part of the span, the box will have a complex shape, so you need to carefully measure the angles at which its vertical and inclined elements will join. Having achieved an exact match of the parts, you need to fasten them together with screws and mount the box under the span, screwing them to the frame with self-tapping screws.
When hanging doors, it is important to install the hinges so that the doors do not warp when closed. It is difficult to check the horizontality of the hinge on an inclined area, so you will have to focus on the visual coincidence of the top edge and the door frame
Make horizontal boxes in such a way that there is a gap of 5 mm between their sides and frame. This is necessary for installation of fittings and free movement inside the cabinet.
After all the boxes have been made and tried on, the movement mechanism has been installed, you can proceed to attaching decorative facades to them. It must be remembered that the height of the outer panel should be chosen so as not to interfere with adjacent drawers, but also not to leave too much of a gap.
The facade must be fastened through the front wall of the box, screwing screws into pre-drilled holes. The length of the fastener should be 2-3 mm less than the total thickness of the material of the front wall and facade, so that the tip of the screw does not come out from the front side.
Vertical boxes are also installed using the same principle. Rice. 3. Unlike horizontal ones, they do not require a roller mechanism, since movement occurs thanks to wheels fixed at the bottom of the box. Therefore, when calculating and assembling the inside of the boxes, you need to be guided only by the ease of movement of these elements relative to each other.
The outer panel should be slightly wider than the front wall of the drawer to bridge the gap between adjacent elements, but not interfere with movement.
Typically, the width of the allowance is calculated as ½ the width of the desired gap between the drawers, minus 1 mm. If 2 panels are adjacent, in this case there will be a visually imperceptible gap of 2 mm, and the fronts of the drawers will not touch each other.
These elements can repeat the style of fittings on the rest of the furniture in the room, thereby combining with it.
How to make a door under the stairs with your own hands
The staircase structure is the most important element of any multi-storey building, including two-level apartments and private houses. For its organization, a certain area is allocated, which, with the right approach, can be used to store various household items and clothing.
Functional wardrobe located under the stairs
Modern designers, architects and designers pay a lot of attention to organizing the space located under the stairs. One of the most successful and popular options is to install a built-in wardrobe under the stairs. There is enough space under the span to store things here.
Built-in wardrobe under the stairs for storing things and small household items
A closet under the stairs allows you to use every centimeter of free space and use it profitably and for its intended purpose. This solution allows you to beautifully arrange a place to store household items, unnecessary small items or clothes. In addition, a closet under the stairs can act as decoration, giving the interior a special charm and beauty.
Photo of a beautiful cabinet under the stairs
Today there are a huge number of ideas that make this dream a reality. Before starting work, look at the photos of the finished work, and you will also need competent and detailed instructions for installing the built-in structure with your own hands. This can be either written instructions or video material.
Photograph of an unusual use of space under the stairs for storing various types of items
If you decide that a closet under the stairs is vital for you, then you should decide on its type. The following options for under-staircase cabinets are available:
- Closed cabinets in a traditional design. Inside, you can use completely different filling options: shelves, hooks. All this is closed with ordinary hinged doors. Door sizes can be very different. It is allowed to make blind areas for storing boxes.
- An excellent alternative to cabinets with hinged doors are sliding wardrobes. They save a lot of free space due to the fact that their doors do not swing open, but move along guides. In this case, it is best to make the doors the same height. Otherwise, difficulties may arise with their movement along the guides.
- Open shelving is very convenient to place under steps. Simple shelves are great for storing books or decor. You can install multi-level racks with beveled or rectangular sections.
- Drawers are very convenient to use. Suitable for storing small items that should not be put on public display and are difficult to place in cabinets on shelves. Such boxes can be mounted on a special frame using internal guides.
- Glass display cases are suitable for storing dishes, souvenirs and other decorative items. An ideal option if the staircase structure is located in the living room or dining room. The presence of glass doors on the display case will reliably protect things from dust. And to achieve the maximum decorative effect, you can equip the showcase with LED strip. Such glass showcases will give the interior a feeling of incredible lightness and visually expand the space, making it more functional.
Wardrobe under the stairs with glass sliding doors
Having decided on the design of the wardrobe under the stairs, you should pay attention to the material from which it will be made. The most common materials today are the following:
- Wood, which can be used to create the frame of the product, as well as in the manufacture of individual cabinet elements (drawers, shelves, doors, and so on).
- Chipboard and MDF are materials that are used as an alternative to wood. They are cheaper and can be used to create doors and shelves.
- Metal underlies almost all fasteners. The frame of some models, as well as guides, are made from it. This also includes fasteners for internal filling.
- Mirrors and glass are ideal for decorating a structure. Cabinet doors and shelves can be made from these materials.
Cabinet under the stairs, made of solid wood
In order for the staircase structure to turn into a functional cabinet under the stairs, you need to carefully consider the appearance, as well as select the material for the structure. And then it’s a matter of technology. Making your dream come true will not be a problem.
Photo of an unusual cabinet under the stairs. Suitable for a cottage or a country house
Focus on photo and video materials, and also make sure that you always have instructions for installing a built-in structure with your own hands at hand. With this approach, you are guaranteed to get excellent results.
A beautiful cabinet under the stairs that you can make yourself
Having decided to make your own cabinet under the stairs, you need to make a detailed drawing. Calculate the number of shelves, sections and doors. Decide on the texture of the interior and exterior decoration. The work is simplified by the fact that the role of the top, side and rear walls of the cabinet is performed by the staircase structure and the walls of the room. Therefore, finishing will only be needed for the doors of the product.
DIY installation instructions for stairs and built-in structures
To work you will need certain materials and tools:
- Tape measure and pencil.
- Self-tapping screws and brackets for furniture.
- Electric jigsaw, drill and screwdriver.
- Material for creating frames and interior decoration.
- Material for finishing the front side.
- Furniture fittings.
Take measurements carefully when building a cabinet under the stairs.
Prepare the space under the stairs by clearing it of extraneous items. To avoid damaging the floor covering during work, cover it with fabric or film.
Be sure to mark the shelves depending on their location immediately after production. It is best to make small sections for shoes, and large ones for outerwear. Partitions are constructed from plasterboard or chipboard. Combine sections for clothes with different shelves or drawers.
Nice cupboard under the stairs for different things
Follow the following sequence of actions:
- Cut out the parts strictly with the dimensions indicated in the drawing. To do this, you can use a hacksaw or an electric jigsaw. Do not forget that all elements require a careful approach and adherence to dimensions.
Calculation of used racks The interior space can be decorated with decorative panels. The easiest option is to stick wallpaper or paint it. It all depends on the individual preferences of the residents. The internal space can be hidden or left open. To zone the space, install internal partitions. The internal space can be divided into zones. Mark with a pencil the places for shelves and other fasteners. To install one shelf, use two bars. The length of the shelves should match the length of the niche. The simplest option for arranging the space under the stairs Installing the door frame is the most difficult stage, requiring accurate calculations and painstaking work. It is best to entrust the manufacture and installation of cabinet doors to specialists. It is better to entrust the installation of exclusive cabinets under the stairs to experienced craftsmen
- The door leaf is decorated before installation.
- At the last stage, hooks and rods for hanging hangers are installed inside the cabinets.
- Careful design. To ensure that the resulting interior element does not disappoint you, you need to find out what you really plan to keep in it.
Photo of a beautiful, functional cabinet placed under the stairs
Making a cabinet under the stairs with your own hands is quite simple. But, if you want to get not just a functional product, but an exclusive model that will adequately decorate the room, then it is best to turn to professionals for help.
Exclusive cupboard under the stairs, created by professionals
The company “Stairs Master” employs specialists who can easily bring to life any, even the most daring and unusual idea of the customer.
The end result created by the company’s craftsmen is guaranteed to please not only all family members, but also guests.
Modern design thought is extremely restless and inventive, and sometimes strives to use every piece of free space to place something necessary and functional there.
The staircase in the house is a wonderful field for creativity.
Under its span you can place a lot: shelves, a cabinet with doors, a sitting area, even equip a small office there.
The most functional option is to place shelves in the under-staircase space.
It is possible that you have already thought about this. Maybe you even asked the question: “How to make a cabinet under the stairs with your own hands?”
First you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of cabinets under the stairs in the house. The advantages of such an interior element are obvious.
A staircase-wardrobe to the second floor can become a convenient place to store things of different sizes.
This interior will immediately attract the attention of guests!
Don’t organize a closet there - rely on modern approaches to organizing a “smart” space at home.
Just like every coin has two sides, installing a built-in wardrobe under the stairs in your home has its own stumbling blocks. These must be taken into account before starting work. Let's call them shortcomings:
Try to provide several options.
Even a staircase created together with shelves will still have to be adjusted to the actual space.
Try not to increase the load on the stairs, and also protect from moisture and parasites.
The main quality of a cabinet under the stairs is its convenience and practical location in space. This is what needs to be assessed first when choosing its external and internal appearance. Design options:
On the shelves you can store your favorite volumes and pleasant little things, notebooks with notes.
A wine collection requires an appropriately thoughtful approach. You can display them behind transparent display cases - like in a museum.
If the size of the staircase allows, you can organize a mini-wardrobe under the steps, arranging places to store shoes and seasonal clothes there.
Convenient lockers will make all things easily accessible and allow you to keep them clean and tidy.
The design of drawers is suitable for storing documents, tools and other not too bulky things.
A kitchen under the stairs is a great option to save space in your home.
Under the stairs you can place a kitchen or dining area, and the area under the steps of the structure is perfect for building in numerous cabinets, which you cannot do without in the kitchen.
The most affordable option is to simply install shelving. So, you can easily make a cabinet under the stairs with your own hands. In some cases this is even preferable.
If, for example, the staircase leads from the basement, or you plan to use the under-staircase space in the house to store books, framed photographs and souvenirs.
Modern shelves under the stairs look beautiful. A display case will help hide them from excess dust.
Such a cabinet will look modern and will not overload the room with its volume.
The wardrobe built under the stairs will have sliding doors. This is a particularly good design in cases where access to the staircase is limited.
The scope of such doors will not take up extra space in the room, but you need to take into account the distance they roll to the sides.
Hinged doors are suitable for spacious rooms.
A reliable and practical design will serve you faithfully for a long time.
Filling a niche under the stairs with drawers is a great idea. You just need to “play” with their width and, possibly, shape. This option will be convenient if the stairs have a decent depth.
It would be original to place small hidden drawers under the steps.
Another option is to simply place a few hanging and floor-mounted cabinets at the bottom of the stairs. This option is convenient for creating a working and kitchen area, since they require space to place equipment and various accessories.
Pieces of furniture intended for stairs can be used ready-made, made by yourself or to order.
Combined options can combine the features of any of the above types of stairs with a built-in wardrobe and other interior items.
A sofa under the stairs and several shelves for your favorite books are an excellent option for a relaxation area.
In this section we will answer the difficult question: “How to make a closet under the stairs appropriate in a particular room and truly comfortable?” The first thing you need to look at is what room it will be in. A wardrobe under the stairs in a country house certainly has its own special characteristics, compared to the same piece of furniture in a two-level apartment.
In this case, it is easier to make a cabinet under the stairs with your own hands.
In general, the design depends on what is supposed to be stored in it. At the same dacha, not all things can be left for storage in outdoor buildings, so put in it what you would like to bring into the house after an active holiday in the garden. In a cottage, the staircase can be found almost anywhere: the variety of modern layouts allows this.
Under the stairs with a built-in wardrobe in the living room, it makes sense to place especially valuable things.
So that you can show them off to guests, make several doors glass and equip them with lighting. The staircase to the attic floor in the office will obviously require a work area underneath with shelves for books and documents. And under the stairs in the hallway you need to have a wardrobe and shoe boxes.
In general, it is up to you to decide what size cabinet you need under your home stairs. Will it be clearly included in the march, less than it or more? Designers in their practice sometimes include one small part of a separate room in the space under the stairs: a dressing room or a bathroom.
Just provide a height so that you can stand up to your full height.
Also, small shelves may protrude slightly beyond the staircase. Keep in mind - the number of things in the house tends to increase, so do not skimp on shelves under the stairs to store them.
Wood, metal, glass are materials that you should focus on.
- Wood is the basis of construction in a house. A frame is made from it using structural elements of the wall and stairs. It is suitable for creating various parts: doors, drawers, shelves under the stairs.
MDF and chipboard can be an alternative.
Polymers should not be considered: the service life of the same plastic door wheels is on average one calendar year.
Reliability of fastening and absence of excessive mechanical load are important.
If you choose this option, be sure to call a measurer or craftsman to your home: do not provide the numbers yourself.
An experienced worker will be able to give valuable design recommendations and make adjustments to the drawing.
Actively collaborate with specialists at the design stage! Be sure to tell us how much space, what containers are needed for certain things, and indicate the dimensions. Together, using the catalog, select the style and color for the doors, handles, and compare them with other elements of the room.
Particular attention should be paid to materials and components. It is better not to skimp on the durability of the structure.
The most important thing is to remember that you have left your task to the professionals. So don't be too pushy. A good option is to choose a certain frequency and, in accordance with it, inquire about the progress of work.
Other options for using the space under the stairs
Design of a toilet under the stairs in a wooden house
It is not necessary to make storage for vegetables and preparations. There are several more options for organizing the space under the stairs to rationally use every centimeter. Interior finishing can be very simple, so there will not be large expenses for purchasing lumber.
By installing shelving or cabinets, it is easy to create storage space or another room.
Wardrobe equipment
If the staircase is located in the hall, then under it you can equip a wardrobe with drawers, an area for storing winter clothes and shoes. It’s easy to arrange the space; just cover the walls with plasterboard and install a sliding door.
It is necessary to install shelving and several wardrobes for outerwear in the room. Small items are stored in drawers, and shelves are needed to store boxes. You will need hooks for shoehorns, and for storing clothes that are worn every day, it is better to install brackets. In the room you can install a device for steaming clothes and an ironing board. Place a mirror on the wall.
Office under the stairs
If the flight of stairs is high, then you can build a home office or office underneath it. During work, you need privacy and soundproofing, so the room should be closed. You can make a partition from plasterboard.
A small space should not be closed, but you can use this area to the maximum. By installing a computer desk, office equipment and other furniture, it is easy to create a workspace. The main problem will be connecting the computer to the network and organizing lighting.
Shelves and racks for home library books
You can make a library under the flight of stairs by placing suitable furniture and installing shelving. Furnishings should be selected so that things are convenient to get out.
The shelves under the stairs are mounted on brackets, placing them every 0.5 m. The heaviest and most voluminous objects are stored at the bottom. The shelving under the stairs is made of boards. If things are light, the shelves are made of 20 mm thick lumber. The maximum width of the shelf should not exceed 70 cm. To place large items or heavy objects, you will need a more durable board with a thickness of 30 mm.
Bar equipment
A good option for using the space under the stairs would be to organize a wine cellar. Fans of home winemaking can easily create display cases for bottles. By installing 2 chairs and a table, you can create a comfortable place for tasting drinks.
Inside, the bar is divided into several sectors. A chair is placed in one, shelves are placed in the other. Winemaking supplies are stored on the top. The lower shelves are reserved for food.
Place to rest
The room under the stairs can be converted into a relaxation area by placing a small sofa. It's a good place to relax during the day. An extra bed is used to accommodate guests staying overnight.
For such a solution, the area must be open; you should not make a wall and a door, turning the niche into a closet. Instead of a bed or a large sofa, transformable furniture is installed, and bedding items are stored in it during the day. If it is not possible to purchase such furniture, cabinets for things are built in a niche.
Features of the arrangement of niches under the stairs
Arranging the space under the stairs should begin with a competent and thorough design. You should definitely pay attention to the following points:
- features of the device, that is, the shape of the structure, the presence of risers;
- the size of the staircase, sometimes you can equip a full-fledged room under it, and in some cases you have to be content with small pieces of furniture;
- purpose and position.
When the structure is located in the corridor, then it is better to use the area under the stairs for a dressing room or closet, if in the living room - for a library, in the kitchen - a closet for conservation or dishes; This is interesting: how to equip a closet under the stairs? - the presence of technical communications, that is, lighting, water supply, sewerage, etc., depending on what kind of room you want to equip.
It should also be taken into account that the design of the niche must match the interior of the entire room. When decorating a room under the stairs, it is necessary to comply with fire safety rules and take into account the number, age and needs of people living in the house.
In this video you will learn more about the storage room under the stairs:
Arrangement of the pantry
A storage room under the stairs is not an affordable luxury for every owner of a private home. In essence, a pantry is a small room in which you can store everything your heart desires: from small household items to books and groceries. 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.
Let's consider the most popular ideas for arranging storage rooms and the degree of their convenience:
- If there is a kitchen next door. In this case, it is best to store canned food and other food supplies, as well as dishes, in the pantry. In this room you can make boxes for storing cans, shelves for bags of vegetables and root vegetables. The only obstacle to this may be the passage of heating pipes in the room, then you won’t be able to keep the vegetables particularly warm. You can also organize an additional bathroom under the stairs if there are a lot of people living in the house. In this case, pipes for water supply and sewerage should be connected to the storage room, and care should also be taken to provide adequate lighting. This use of space will be quite rational and will solve many of your problems.
- Adjacent to the living room. If the staircase structure is located next to a common room, be it a dining room or a living room, then you need to competently approach the arrangement of the interior; for this you can look for ideas in photos on the Internet or in magazines. In such a room you can create anything you want, even a wine cellar with glass doors, and place exquisite shelves for bottles and glasses on the walls. Another interesting idea would be to make retractable cabinets for storing various items for gatherings: tablecloths, festive dishes, candles, napkins. Such a building looks aesthetically pleasing and is easy to use when guests come to the house.
- 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 storage room is to build a children's house under the stairs, since kids love to build various structures, and why not make this task easier for parents.
- If there is a creative nature in the house. In this case, the pantry can be used as a workshop. You can store threads, knitting needles, yarn, fabric there if a craftswoman lives in the house. Or canvases, paper, paints, if there is a little artist growing 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 storage room amazes with its versatility; in such a room you can arrange any room, even an office, and this requires only 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 arrange a dressing room 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 constant nuisance of bulky seasonal items and shoes, and to make the room seem larger visually, you can build in a large mirror; 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 structure is perfect for these purposes. Moreover, this room can be used with maximum benefit - in the lower part of the niche, organize a small cellar for storing alcoholic drinks, and in the upper part of the structure, install a bar counter with cabinets for glasses and drinks that do not require storage at a certain temperature.
You can make a work area or bar
You can also take into account the specific purpose of the room and design the interior accordingly, for example, cover the walls with mirrored sparkling tiles of gold or silver color and decorate the room with appropriate attributes.
You can complement the entire structure with a small table and a sofa for relaxing. Why is this not a place for you to relax?
Arrangement of the closet
In every home there are always things that are a pity to throw away and have nowhere to store. In this case, arranging a closet will be an excellent solution to this problem. When equipping a closet, it will be most convenient to make a design using small pull-out cabinets, where you can conveniently place various household items: a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a children’s bicycle, etc. It is better to install doors in such a structure that are inconspicuous and will blend into the interior of the room.
Main types of cabinets under the stairs
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the options for cabinets that can be safely installed in the space under the stairs:
Sliding wardrobe under the stairs - this model of wardrobe will match any interior. Since modern manufacturers of this furniture offer customers the opportunity to apply any drawings, photographs to cabinet doors, and also decorate the doors with a combination of mirrors and glass, glossy and matte surfaces, etc. Therefore, choosing a wardrobe for any room is quite possible. In addition, when ordering such a cabinet, the buyer independently chooses the number of shelves and their location. Using a built-in wardrobe will save space and place a large number of things in it. If you have a rather steep staircase, it is recommended to combine a sliding wardrobe with other types of cabinets, for example, with hinged doors, since a very large angle of inclination does not allow the cabinet door to function normally.
- Built-in wardrobe under the stairs with a swing door - if you have a staircase in the hallway, an excellent solution would be to build or buy just such a wardrobe. But keep in mind that in cramped small spaces it will be inappropriate, since a certain amount of space is required to open the door. In such a closet there are various shelves, hangers, and hooks for clothes. A mirror is installed on the door. A key holder and a stand for hats or umbrellas are installed near the cabinet. If the area under the stairs is large, then in such a cabinet it is convenient to hide a vacuum cleaner, mop and buckets for cleaning the house.
- Installing an open shelving unit with a large number of shelves will make the interior unusual and original. This type of cabinet is quite easy to install and is quite inexpensive. After all, to arrange it, it is enough to buy boards that are nailed to the wall. These shelves fit well into small rooms. But keep in mind that they are not particularly practical, since they do not allow you to store large objects, clothes or shoes on them. To do this, sliding doors are provided on the open shelving that will hide all unnecessary items. They are made of wood or frosted glass. It is appropriate to store photographs, souvenirs, decorative items, candles, etc. on an open shelving unit, so the best room to install them is the living room. On such a shelf there are books that will give it the appearance of a home library. In addition, a TV is installed in the space between the shelves, and audio and video equipment is installed on the shelves. The cabinet looks beautiful in the same color as the steps, they are completely merged, but at the same time, the things installed on the shelves draw the outline of the cabinet. Open shelves will allow you to store wines or collections of the owners of the house.
- The construction of a retractable cabinet will allow you to store documents, tools, clothes, shoes, children's toys, etc. in it. The appearance of such a cabinet resembles a chest of drawers. They are installed on roller guides, providing maximum comfort when opening and closing the drawer. In the interior, such a cabinet looks light and almost invisible. In addition to a horizontal pull-out cabinet in the form of a chest of drawers, it is possible to build a vertical cabinet with several pull-out shelves. They fit perfectly into bed linen, pillows and bedspreads. The opening of such a cabinet is carried out using special wheels; they are not capable of damaging the floor surface, since they are located above it, and do not produce noise during operation. It is possible to transport the sliding cabinet to another place, so it is not only practical, but also mobile. It is recommended to store things in such a cabinet on hangers or in a box to avoid them accidentally falling out while moving it.
- Universal combined types of cabinets allow you to make the most functional type of cabinet; they consist of two or more of the above types of cabinets. Cabinets with a combination of closed and open types are convenient to use. The first part contains shoes, clothes, etc., and the second part contains books, candles, flowers, figurines, framed photos. This cabinet model is not only practical, but also beautiful, since a properly selected combined cabinet can decorate any room. The closed part is made in the form of glass, mirrors, stained glass, and photo printing is applied to the doors. And open structures make the room spacious and light.
Wardrobe under the stairs photo:
How to arrange a toilet or kitchen under the stairs
If your house has a flight of stairs, then the space available under it will be quite enough to accommodate an additional bathroom. Use a small washbasin and a compact toilet here - in order to place these plumbing accessories comfortably for a person, a staircase of 8-10 steps will be enough.
From an ergonomic point of view, the ceiling height in such a space can be between 2-2.7 meters, the length should be 2 meters or more, and the width should be more than 1.2 meters. This bathroom will be convenient for people of different heights.
Small toilet in the space under the stairs
Important. The bathroom must have all the necessary communications, as well as high-quality ventilation, otherwise mold will very quickly appear in the room.
Nuances of the arrangement of kitchen elements
The kitchen will require even more communications than the bathroom - electricity (many sockets for connecting household appliances and lighting fixtures), plumbing, wastewater drainage, ventilation. The kitchen under the stairs can have different dimensions, depending on the size of the flight of stairs and its configuration.
Photo: kitchen under the stairs
Sometimes only a portion of the necessary items are placed here, and sometimes a full room is placed here, especially if the rest of the rooms in the house are very compact.
The cooking area in the kitchen is located under the stairs return to content
Under Stairs Storage - Home Library
If you can't imagine a day without a good book, then a spacious library full of bulky volumes will surely make your dreams come true. So if you're wondering how to use the area under the stairs, consider a functional library. You can put a rack or individual shelves there with interesting shapes and designs. Then you will receive an unusual decoration that will definitely attract the attention of all guests.
If you don't want books to be stored without collecting dust (this is especially important for allergy sufferers), then you can consider glass doors for the shelves, which will also give the structure an elegant look. A bookcase will work first when you're arranging an under-stairs space in your living room because it fits perfectly with the classic vibe.
The space under the stairs is an additional space that can be used in an original way. Are you wondering what the most popular methods for under-step storage are? A spacious wardrobe, practical pantry, utility room or maybe a bar? The most interesting inspirations are presented in photographs of real interiors.
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Room under the stairs - photos of rooms
In a country house or country house, the space under the stairs can be equipped as a full-fledged room. The room under the stairs, although it has a small area, can become very useful if the space is used rationally.
Kitchen under the stairs - interior photo
A staircase in the kitchen is not common, but it does happen, especially if we are talking about a room decorated in the “loft” style, that is, a studio apartment. In this case, it is advisable to use the area as rationally as possible. To do this, you can place some of the equipment in a niche under the stairs. Thus, the entire structure ceases to look like a foreign body in the interior.
Kitchens under the stairs, as a rule, consist of a sink, cabinets and shelves for every little thing; sometimes in this area you can see a gas water heater or boiler. Finding suitable furniture will be quite difficult, so you will either have to make it yourself or order it.
The kitchen under the stairs has its own nuances associated with the inclined shape of the flight. Consider whether you will hit your head on the steps while washing dishes. Plan in advance the supply of communications to the under-staircase area.
It is also important to take into account that the hot steam rising from the sink will not have the most beneficial effect on the condition of the stairs (especially wooden ones). Therefore, you should take care of good vapor and moisture insulation, as well as provide this area with good ventilation.
The drawing shows a kitchen under the stairs, consisting of a sink and cabinets.
If there is another place for the sink and kitchen cabinets, then any household appliances can be installed in the niche under the stairs. A refrigerator for which you allocate the highest place will fit perfectly. And next to it, where there is a little less space, you can put a dishwasher or a small table with a microwave oven. If the bathroom is a bit cramped, you can also place a washing machine under the stairs.
Toilet under the stairs in a house or country house - photo of a bathroom
Usually, under a flight of stairs of 8 or 10 steps there is enough space to install a toilet and washbasin. A toilet under the stairs, located on the lower floors of the house, will come in handy if you have guests. And at the dacha it can easily pass for the main bathroom.
The arrangement of a toilet room begins with enclosing the space with walls. The bathroom under the stairs is located on the square:
- minimum height 1 meter;
- maximum height 2.6 meters;
- room length 2.3 meters;
- The width of the room is 1.2 meters.
Bathroom under the stairs
If space allows, you can install a small bathroom under the stairs. In this case, it is better to use a small-sized bathtub or replace it with a shower stall.
When arranging this room, take into account its specifics: changes in humidity and temperature. The understairs finishing should be such as to protect the stairs from dampness and water. When arranging a bathroom, be sure to ensure ventilation, good vapor and heat insulation, and compliance with all safety requirements.
It is also important to consider that the bathroom space will most likely be small and cramped. Therefore, when decorating it, it is better to use light colors, avoiding a dark border around the perimeter, which visually makes the room smaller. It is also worth refusing to use large-sized facing tiles. Mirrors and shiny surfaces will help to visually enlarge a cramped room. It is better to replace the point light source with several lamps installed around the perimeter of the ceiling.
Hallway under the stairs - photo of a functional interior
If the staircase is located in the hallway, you need to carefully plan the room. Some of the furniture can be placed under a flight of stairs, for example, installing a small sofa or bench, where you can sit down and take off your shoes.
If there is enough space, a coffee table and an armchair or a mirror with a wooden bedside table for bags and things that you need to take with you when leaving the house can be placed under the stairs.
How to make a storage room under the stairs - photos of storage rooms
A small closet under the stairs is ideal for storing household items. If there are animals in the house, it is in the pantry room that you can place everything you need for your pet. For every little thing, install shelves, securing them not only on the walls, but also on the back side of the rise. If the pantry does not look very aesthetically pleasing, then you can fence it off by installing a door under the stairs.
There should be no heating pipes or radiators in the under-stairs area. It is necessary to maintain room temperature and humidity. Under-stairs storage is ideal for storing items that need a “dark and dry place.”
Wardrobe under the stairs - photo of dressing room design
A dressing room under the stairs will save the hallway from a clutter of closets with outerwear and shoes and save space. With a well-chosen project, it is possible to create a very interesting design.
The figure shows an option for arranging a dressing room with a height of more than 2 meters. In the cabinets (6) and mezzanines (12) it is possible to store shoes and small items. A closet (10) is provided for storing outerwear.
A wardrobe under the stairs is ideal for storing items that are rarely used and require careful storage, such as fur coats.
If the hallway is small, then you should not make it a closed room, otherwise, use mirrored doors to visually expand the space. So, the dressing room under the stairs will not look massive, and the mirror will definitely come in handy in the hall.
Cellar under the stairs with bar
If the house does not have a real cellar, then a niche under the stairs is suitable for this. At the same time, in the lowest part of the span there is space for a wine cabinet, and the higher part can be used to install a bar counter and a pair of chairs. With this design of the space, you get not only a cellar, but also a bar under the stairs.
To store alcoholic beverages, racks with cells are installed, each of which holds a bottle.
When equipping a wine cellar, you should remember that if the staircase is in the house, then a full-fledged storage facility suitable for aging and long-term storage of wine will not work, because it is impossible to meet strict requirements for temperature conditions and lighting.
A real wine cellar can only be made in the basement. It is here that the air temperature ranges from 8 to 14 degrees, the humidity is slightly high and there is no light, that is, there are all the conditions for storing wines.
The closet under the stairs is a secluded corner in the house
Everyone in their home has a bunch of unnecessary things that they hate to throw away. The closet under the stairs is just the place where such household items can be stored.
When arranging a closet, a good solution would be to use pull-out sections that will make it easier to find the necessary things in a tight space.
Place a vacuum cleaner, children's bicycle, skis, sleds in the closet, and these items will not clutter up your home. It is better to make the door invisible, merging with the partition.
If the area of the closet is large enough, then it can be converted into a living space. A cozy closet under the stairs will appeal to children and can serve as a sleeping place for guests.
Office under the stairs or home office - photo of the workspace
If you want to equip every meter of your home with maximum benefit, then you can place a small office in the space under the stairs. Depending on the design and size of the flight of stairs, it can be either a desk with a couple of shelves, or a full-fledged room with all the accompanying attributes. The photo shows how you can equip a home office under the stairs.
As a rule, the disadvantage of an office under the stairs is the acute lack of light, so when designing a work space, you need to carefully consider the local lighting system.
The workplace under the stairs is best equipped with folding furniture, lots of drawers and hanging shelves. This approach will allow you to use every corner.
If you like privacy, then you should isolate your office using sliding doors or a static partition. Such a decision is sometimes dictated by the need to hide expensive office equipment or important documents from children's eyes.
If you have an entire home office under a flight of stairs, you'll need a sophisticated storage system..
These can be just shelves attached to the bottom of the stairs, or drawers, cabinets and racks - it all depends on the area of the room and your imagination.
Library under the stairs - shelves and racks for books
In a modern interior it can be difficult to find a place for books, especially if you like minimalism. In this case, the space under the stairs is perfect for equipping a small home library. Books are placed either on special shelves or in drawers and racks.
Books mounted on shelves under the stairs will successfully complement the interior look of any home. Fortunately, the design of the library and its functionality do not conflict with each other: books with beautiful spines add completeness to the interior, making the library look elegant and monumental.
If you also install a neat table with a cozy chair, you will have a comfortable reading place under the stairs.
Garage for bicycles or strollers under the stairs
Any family, especially if there are children, has bicycles, strollers, skateboards and other vehicles that take up quite a lot of space. Therefore, using the space under the stairs as a mini-garage will be absolutely justified.
This solution works especially well if the stairs are located close to the front door.