Ways to Utilize the Space Under Your Stairs

If you live in a two-story house, your stairs to the second floor take up a lot of space on the first floor and leave a wedge-shaped vacant area beneath them. This area under the stairs is oftentimes neglected or is used for shoes and hanging coats if there is enough room. The problem with this is that it can rapidly become a dumping ground for hiding random things.

There are many ways you can transform the area underneath your stairs, however, once you recognize its potential. With a little thought, you could turn it into an efficient area that serves multiple needs.

Here are few tips to make the space under your stairs more useful:

1. Install shelves, cabinets, and drawers under the stairs. You can buy ready-made stackable units or add custom, built-ins if you have an usually sized area.  This provides plenty of room to store off-season clothing, seasonal decorations, and keepsake items you do not display in the main part of your house.
2. 2. If the space is close to the water supply or drain lines, you can install a small half-bath or powder room. You can use space-saving fixtures, like a wall-mounted sink and toilet, to maximize the space and add value to your home.  You can also turn the space under your stairs into a mini-utility room, where you can hide your washing machine and dryer from the main part of the house.
3. 3. If you have an open staircase, the space underneath is a great place to squeeze in a little home office or study nook. You can add bookshelves and a  small desktop that is either shallow enough to fit under your stairs or has the ability to fold up into the wall. Use space-saving containers to keep desk accessories and stationery neat and tidy without causing clutter.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com