12 under stairs storage ideas to maximise the space in your home

understairs storage ideas

by Lorna White |
Updated on

We're always looking for clever storage solutions to maximise the storage space in our home. One area that we often forget about is the neglected space under our stairs. In most homes, this unused space can be transformed into a practical and organised space for our belongings, and there are plenty of under stairs storage ideas to get you inspired.

Whether you're in need of some simple drawers or shelving or on the hunt for clever ways to transform this space, we've scoured the internet to find some brilliant ideas for under your stairs.

Bookshelves

Not only does some under stairs book storage provide a really good place for all your favourite books, but it looks rather stylish too. This one is split into little cubes, making it easy to divide your books up by genre or on who is reading what in your home.

under stairs book shelf
©Brenda Wentworth Pinterest

Play cupboard

If you have children or regular little visitors, creating a little play cupboard is an excellent idea, and it makes a special hiding place for playing. We also love the idea of placing a curtain across the room so they can't shut themselves in, and it also creates a real cosy feel.

Under stairs playroom
©Dulux Pinterest

Shoe storage

If you're not keen on keeping your shoes underneath your bed or inside your wardrobe, storing them in your hallway or porch if you have one is a great idea. We love these under stairs shoe racks, ideal for storing away muddy or smelly shoes that you don't want guests to see.

under stairs shoe storage
©Cosmopolitan Pinterest

Coat cupboard

Another convenient way to use your under stairs space is to turn it into a coat cupboard so you have an organised place to store all your coats and jackets. This is especially handy during the winter months when you need to reach your coats easily.

Under stairs coat cupboard
©Style Me Pretty Pinterest

Drawers

Adding in some drawers underneath your stairs is an easy storage solution if you're looking to store a range of different things under the stairs. Whether it's your linens like towels, bedding and tea towels or things like your important files and folders. This makes it a really versatile and useful space and drawers like this are readily available in shops like IKEA.

under stairs drawers
©Space tidy Pinterest

Reading nook

This space really is a book lovers dream. If you're craving a cosy reading space in your home, then why not turn your under stairs space into a cosy spot for some reading? Take some cosy cushions, add in some built in shelves and invest in some big throws and blankets for an extra warm feel.

under stairs reading nook
©Melanie Jade Design

Desk space

With so many of us still working from home since the pandemic, a desk space is essential in most homes. We love this corner space with room for shelving, drawers and plenty of desk space to have a productive day.

Under stairs desk
©Alison Wolfe

Pantry

If your kitchen cupboards are getting a little crowded and you're having kitchen storage issues, then turning your under stairs space into a pantry is a great idea. Simply add in some shelves and buy some baskets to organise everything and you've got yourself a space to keep all your dry cupboard ingredients like your cereals, flour and canned goods.

Under stairs pantry
©Indiri Wood

Wine rack

We wouldn't say no to a stylish wine storage spot in our home, and if you're a wine lover, we think you'll love this fun under stairs wine bottle storage space. Adding in some triangles means you can easily stack your favourite bottles of supermarket wine and also divide them up easily.

under stairs Wine rack
©Wine Rack Pinterest

Downstairs toilet

If your home doesn't currently have a downstairs toilet, you may want to turn your under stairs space into a snug downstairs toilet if you have the room. All you need is room for the toilet, small sink and perhaps some extras like a mirror, toilet roll holder and towel holder. This one is a great idea if you're starting to struggle with stairs.

under stairs downstairs
©Fifi McGee

Boot room

If you like regular walks out in the rain or mud, then transforming under the stairs into a boot room might be a fantastic hallway storage solution for your home. It means you have an easy way to tidy away muddy boots and rainy coats without having to leave them in the hallway.

Under stairs boot room
©Ruth Mac Pinterest

Pet room

Does your perfect pooch or feline need a haven of their own? Turn your under stairs space into a home for your pet to get comfy in with a place to store their food and treats too. Add a cosy bed and toys for a real homey feel.

Under stairs pet room
©Decoration Treasure Pinterest
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