When planning to embark on interior renovation, many questions deserve answers. What paint color for a living room? Or, what type of flooring to choose for your kitchen?

Type of layout	Description and advantages
Custom storage	Closets, drawers, or niches adapted to the shape of the staircase. Discreet and functional.
Office corner	Small workspace with integrated lighting. Ideal for teleworking or studying.
Bookshelf	Shelves for books or decorative objects. Adds a warm and personalized touch.
Reading nook	Bench with cushions, lamp, and shelves. Creates a cozy and relaxing space.
Compact kitchen	Kitchenette or storage cabinets. Useful in small homes.
Additional toilet	WC under the stairs with appropriate ventilation. Practical solution for guests.
TV or multimedia furniture	Integration of a screen, console, or hi-fi system. Optimizes the living room space.
Wine cellar	Elegant storage for bottles, with lighting and controlled temperature.
Pet space	Dog or cat nook or resting corner. Harmoniously integrated into the interior.
Plant decoration	Plants, LED lighting, or art objects. Highlights the staircase and the overall ambiance.

Also, when you have a free space under the stairs, it’s time to arrange it to cleverly store belongings.

Remember that every square centimeter is undeniably useful in a house. Take advantage of the space under the stairs to create storage. If you’re out of ideas, this article provides practical tips and advice.

How to optimize the space under the stairs?

With the aim to modernize a staircase, adding flowers and plants can do the trick. Otherwise, paint can refresh it.

However, if you leave the space under the steps empty, it can affect the overall decoration. You can thus draw inspiration from the configurations below to optimize it intelligently.

Create storage

If the staircase is located directly next to the entrance, don’t hesitate to use the space underneath to install a storage closet or even a wardrobe.

Use a clothes rail and fix it at the top. This serves to hang your coats. As for the bottom, install shelves to organize your shoes.

If you have wicker baskets, place your gloves, hats, or scarves in them. When you plan to leave the house, all your belongings are within reach.

A bookshelf

If the staircase is located in the living room, installing a bookshelf under the steps is trendy. Call on a cabinetmaker in your area to design a nice storage unit.

There is nothing more pleasant than seeing well-organized books under your staircase. Your guests can enjoy browsing them. The collection can also serve as a decorative object enhancing the style of the house.

A Desk Corner and Relaxation Area

It is common to find in a modern-style interior a desk corner under the stairs. This space combines practicality and aesthetics. Its advantage lies in its complete independence. It is separated from the room, helping you focus on your task.

If you want to take a short break, the area can also be transformed into a small relaxation corner. Since no one passes through there, you won’t be disturbed.

For optimal comfort, decorate the space with warm accessories such as throws, cushions, a string of lights, and many others.

A Kitchenette

If you have space issues at home, why not create a small L-shaped or I-shaped kitchen under a staircase. Choose a custom-made piece of furniture and arrange storage adapted to this room.

If the electrical connections allow it, embed an appliance such as a dishwasher or an oven.

It is also possible to install a table and two designer chairs there. With a supplementary lamp, the setup is complete.

A Bar Corner

For those who have a sufficiently large living room with a wide area under the stairs, a bar corner will be welcome.

This convivial space is the ideal place to host guests at aperitif time. Enjoy your refreshing drink and chat with your loved ones about various things.

A small bar doesn’t necessarily need a lot of accessories. You just need to equip it with two or three high stools and a bar table. All that remains is to enjoy it. Don’t forget to also add cupboards and compartments for your bottles.

A TV Cabinet

If the staircase runs along your living room and starts from the entrance, the idea of placing a TV cabinet underneath is not only practical but also trendy. This style is well known in an industrial-style interior.

The cabinet can hold your large-screen TV, game consoles, a hi-fi system, or even books. Thanks to this arrangement, you will gain space in your living room.

A Play Area

If you want to keep your little ones at home even just to have fun, create a cozy corner under the stairs. The idea will surely please them, as the place will allow them to engage in many different games.

Let your imagination run free and beautifully decorate this small comfortable cocoon. Your treasures can also give their opinion on the style to adopt. Other households create a small cabin under the stairs.

In any case, don’t forget to illuminate this little nook with a wall sconce or a self-adhesive LED strip.

Other possible configurations

Even if the idea is still little known by most, it is quite possible to install toilets under the stairs. 

Toilets do not necessarily require a huge space. If a straight staircase offers you at least 2.40 m², you can easily install toilets there.

Also, many build a small house there for their dogs or cats. With some adjustments, the place provides them with better comfort.

How to organize under the stairs?

• Prior reflection: Whatever the idea, bar corner, reading nook, office, kitchen, or even toilets, it is essential to think carefully before taking action.
• Project preparation: Bringing your project to fruition requires preparation. Consider testing its feasibility to avoid making a mistake.
• Definition of needs: The first step is to precisely determine your needs. You can arrange the area under the stairs according to your expectations. If you plan to create a relaxation corner, are you sure you have the right accessories? The same applies to the library and kitchen.
• Taking measurements: Once this phase is complete, take measurements defining the available space. With the right dimensions, you can determine if a standard piece of furniture suits you or if you need to order a custom one.
• Electrical check: For setting up an office, a kitchenette, or a play area, check for the presence of an electrical outlet. If there is none nearby, a new installation is necessary.
• Choice of materials: If you are considering adopting a particular theme, carefully choose the materials to use and the furniture. If necessary, do not hesitate to create custom furniture.
• Sources of inspiration: For those who are short of inspiration, the internet can provide clear and detailed ideas. Otherwise, you can rely on our suggestions explained above.

What is the space under a staircase called?

When searching on the web, it remains difficult to find a proper name for the space under a staircase.

Almost all sites call it by these terms. Since it is generally unused, it can be referred to as <strong"lost square meters.

But with our ideas, it becomes possible to exploit it. So don’t hesitate to follow our advice and you can gain space in the house for your various storage needs.

Which shape of staircase takes up the least space?

There are several types of staircases, each with its disadvantages and advantages. The straight staircase is the classic configuration. It takes up space, but you can use the underside to create a separate area in the house.

The spiral staircase or helical staircase differs by its aesthetic side. However, it seems impractical and dangerous for elderly people and children.

Since it takes up little space, it is perfect for a small apartment. But it remains impossible to optimize the wasted area under the stairs.

As for the turning staircase, it also helps you save more space in the home. Since it is wide, it proves to be more practical than a spiral staircase.