The often-overlooked space around and under staircases represents genuine storage and design opportunity in multi-floor homes. Thoughtful custom furniture can transform this frequently wasted area into valuable functional space.
Under-Stair Storage Options
- Built-in drawers or cabinets maximizing the triangular space
- Open shelving for books or display items
- Dedicated shoe storage if positioned near an entryway
- Custom-shaped storage that follows the exact staircase contour
Furniture for Landing Areas
- Small reading nooks if the landing offers adequate space
- Console tables for display or additional storage
- Seating benches for larger landing areas
- Wall-mounted shelving that doesn't consume floor space
Design Considerations for Staircase Spaces
- Ensuring adequate headroom clearance throughout usable areas
- Coordinating storage design with overall home aesthetic
- Lighting integration for spaces that often lack natural light
- Safety considerations given the proximity to stairs
Custom furniture is particularly valuable for staircase areas, since the irregular, sloped dimensions of these spaces rarely accommodate standard ready-made furniture effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much storage can typically fit under a staircase?
A: This varies significantly by staircase design, but even modest staircases often accommodate surprising storage capacity when custom-fitted to the space.
Q: Is under-stair storage difficult to access?
A: Well-designed custom storage with appropriately placed doors or drawers can make even angled under-stair spaces quite accessible and practical.
Q: Can under-stair space be used for something other than storage?
A: Yes, some homeowners convert this space into small home offices, reading nooks, or even compact powder rooms, depending on available dimensions.
Q: What furniture works well on a staircase landing?
A: Small console tables, reading chairs, or wall-mounted shelving typically work well, depending on the landing's available square footage.
Q: Should staircase storage match the rest of the home's furniture?
A: Coordinating wood tone and style with adjacent rooms generally creates a more cohesive look, though exact matching isn't strictly necessary.
