Under Stair Closet Storage Ideas

Often our under stair space can become neglected. Perhaps the closet gets used as a place to store those miscellaneous pieces of junk or it’s good enough to keep a few cleaning supplies. It might be that you have some space but it’s awkward to reach so you just don’t use it at all.

With creativity and a little work, you could put that void into great use. Under stair closets can not only be useful for storing things, but they can look awesome too. 

So measure up under your staircase and take some inspiration for improving your stair space.

Organize Your Under Stair Space

The first thing to do when working out the best configuration under your stairs is to empty out any existing closet and give it a good clean.

Then you can see the space and are left with the framework to check on any improvements you might make. Then think about if there are any other voids which might be covered up or which you might decide to knock through and use.

A handy way of improving the storage in a small under stair closet is to build or add shelving units against the wall. You can then have fun creating a tidy, organized, attractive space.

Bespoke Under Stair Storage

This is such a clever way of maximizing space under the stairs. You can build, or have a carpenter build for you, drawers that slide out from under the stairs. Why did no one think of this sooner?! You may also choose to incorporate a closet and hanging space too.

If you or someone you know are great at DIY, you may like to build your own under stair storage with drawers. It’s a relatively simple job but gives you storage you’ll want to show off.

Utilizing Your Door Storage Space

Your under stair closet door can hold a good amount of items with the right kind of storage. You can add a plastic pocket hanger or perhaps metal shelves to hold smaller items.

So whether you use your under stair space to store food or perhaps to keep needlework bits and bobs, a hanger over a door will instantly increase what the area can hold.

Aesthetics in the Box

If you have an open storage closet under your stairs, you’ll want the area to look neat. You might like this even if there is a door and it’ll simply satisfy you to have good aesthetics when you put things away.

Woven storage baskets on shelves or on a storage unit will look tidy and keep you organized. You may also like to add a shelf to the wall to contain some ornaments. Or perhaps hang a favorite print or picture on the wall.

Entryway Closet

In your hallway, you can extend the decor into a closet. So if you have a gorgeous decorative tile on the floor, continue that into the floor of the closet.

Don’t be afraid to add color or warmth to your shelves by staining in a mid-wood color. Or painting in a coordinating shade. 

An attractive way to hang outdoor coats and jackets is to add a discreet hanging rail under a shelf. So rather than hanging coats on hooks, you can put them on coathangers to better keep their shape. Important for those with a stylish wardrobe.

Hang Away on a Hook

If you don’t have space for a hanging rail, then of course coat hooks are a great way of storing the household’s outdoor wear. 

You don’t have to fix a pre-made row of hooks but you can take a look at the space and fix them in a diagonal row parallel to the stairs. You can fix single hools wherever is handy for a coat to go, even lower down the wall, to increase your coat storage space.

Use the Under Stair Closet as Your Pantry

Perhaps you’ve always wanted a walk-in pantry but there is no room for this in your kitchen. But you have an under stair closet you barely use. Then with the right kind of shelves, you can store away your cans and dried goods to your heart’s content.

Your shelving can be untreated or painted wood, simple in design and construction. But what a difference adding those shelves can make. You can also use the recess in your stairs to add shelves for further storage.

Designer Butler Pantry

It is possible to build a butler pantry so sophisticated and sleek looking that you’ll want to take the door off your under stair closet. You’ll need everyone to see the wonderful designer pantry you have created.

To get a trendy, expensive look, first paint the wall and under stair ceiling in a dark color. Ensure your flooring continues into the space, or pick a stylish tile to lay on the floor. 

Ensure storage receptacles are gorgeous – glass canisters, woven or wood baskets. If you’re feeling fancy, install a coffee machine. And then for maximum impact, fix under shelf lighting and some metal spotlights. You might just want to move there!

Make a Craft Room Under Your Stairs

If you’re handy, be that in DIY or perhaps sewing or crafts, you can create a little workshop space under your stairs to store your things. 

Some shelves fixed to the wall with useful pegboard on the wall above will mean you can store away your equipment and use the space also to work in. 

If you have no lighting and don’t want to use an electrician, there is a simple solution. Buy a battery or rechargeable clip-on spotlight and fix it to a shelf. Now you have a wonderful home craft or DIY space.

In the Dog House

My my, this is such a cute idea, you’ll be rushing out to home a pet even if you don’t have one! You can convert your under stair storage space to a home for your dog, or your cat.

Ensure the walls are clean and that you have appropriate waterproof flooring. Then add shelves for their leash and other doggy equipment. Then you can add a cozy dog basket, a wood box for toys and put down a water bowl. 

Switch on a light, and last, add your beloved pet. What dog would not love their new designer den?!

In Summary

An under stair closet can be a useful space for storing things but often it goes largely ignored. If you really take a look at the space you have, you might find there are some interesting, and even attractive ways of organizing your stuff.

From pullout drawers, to repurposing the entire area for a family pet to live, there are some clever modern ideas for best using the space. 

Getting organized with the right kind of shelving or hanging devices can vastly improve the amount you can store, plus it will be easier to find everything you need. So take some inspiration for the under stairs space in your beautiful home.