10 Genius Ways to Renovate the Space Under Your Stairs

One of the most oft-neglected spaces in the home is under the stairs. Even if it’s not significant in size or part of an open-concept floor plan, there are plenty of ways homeowners can use it more efficiently. From built-in storage units and playrooms to bookshelves and mini greenhouses, check out these creative uses for the space under the stairs that even Harry Potter would love.

A small space with exposed brick beneath a staircase is transformed into a small music nook complete with keyboards

HGTV Canada

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Music Nook

Small spaces don’t get much tinier than this spot tucked away beneath the stairs of a home featured on Save My Reno. One of the homeowners, an avid keyboardist, combined his musical instrument of choice with a makeshift office, complete with a flip-up desk made from old kitchen countertops and barn boards from the living room.

Playroom cubby space for kids beneath the home's main staircase

HGTV Canada

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Time to Play

Kids were top-of-mind for the Property Brothers when it came to figuring out the unique design features of this family home. This whimsical playroom cubby creatively uses the unusually-shaped space under the stairs. Take the full tour and see how this Property Brothers’ forever home features kid-friendly designs.

White storage with books and framed photos beneath a staircase

Lauren Kolyn

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Simple Storage

Simple storage shelves are a great way to utilize that awkward space under the stairs. Whether you use it to store a variety of odds and ends or as a means to display artwork, family portraits or favourite books, the shelving fills the space without making it look too cluttered. Find other ways to organize small space for maximum storage.

Bookshelf beneath an open staircase in an open-concept home

Lauren Kolyn

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Storytime

A simple solution would be to opt for a bookshelf stacked with family favourites and houseplants. It’s one of the most creative ways to use the space without overcrowding the entire room.

Wooden square storage space beneath the staircase of a tiny home

Lauren Kolyn

5 / 10

Step by Step

This teeny, tiny mobile home has a genius solution for that space under the stairs – make the storage space an actual part of the staircase. With each step, add an extra storage unit for kitchen appliances, non-perishable food items or dishware.

Black staircase with TV unit beneath in an open-concept home

Lauren Kolyn

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Essential Viewing

For a modern twist, make the space beneath your stairs one of the focal points of your living room by making it the ideal nook for your TV stand.

Pristine white living room and dining space with pictures and house plants beneath the staircase

Lauren Kolyn

7 / 10

Greenhouse Effect

Plants have been undergoing a bit of a renaissance of sorts in recent years, with more households turning to greenery for decor inspiration. And why not? They’re relatively inexpensive, air-purifying and can liven up any room – or that awkward little nook beneath the stairs. But before you go plant shopping you might want to learn more about which plants are poisonous for kids, cats and dogs.

Carpeted staircase with a mounted statue in the small nook beneath it

Lauren Miller

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Historical Perspective

A space like this slightly awkward square nook requires a little more creativity than usual when it comes to decor. These homeowners opted for sleek and simple, mounting a sculpture that creates a classy art gallery vibe and doesn’t leave it feeling cluttered.

Small shelving storage space beneath a small staircase

Lauren Kolyn

9 / 10

Keep it Organized

Even a shorter staircase of five steps or less can provide ample storage space if utilized creatively, like this spacious home that uses it for book collections and board games.

Exposed brick beneath a white staircase that leads into an open-concept kitchen

Lauren Miller

10 / 10

Feeling Exposed

Sometimes it’s tempting to let a space speak for itself, such as with this kitchen covered in gorgeous exposed brick. There’s nary a wall hanging or plant in sight – even the stairs leading into the basement are hidden in plain view.