JOIN USThere are many spaces at home that are often left unused, especially the area under the stairs. A Dyuti shares some great ideas to help you optimise the space
A staircase, big or small in design, can make the home look modern and elevated. However, a staircase uses a lot of space and often leaves a big expanse underneath unused. Most homeowners are confused as to how the space can be used creatively, as the ceiling is slanting and at times, there is very little ‘useful’ elbowroom.
So, how does one use the space under the stairs creatively? Here are some ways to help you utilise the area and spruce it up elegantly:
Organise well
Keep the area neat and organised. The options for harmonising the space with the home’s decor or the area where it’s located depends on its size, style and exact location. Moreover, it also depends on whether you are looking for something that is traditional in design or something that is unconventional and modern. If you’re hard-pressed for room, tradition will, in all probability, take a backseat!
Store in style
The most common use to which this space is put is storage. Vertical partitions with hooks can be used to hang stoles, scarves, bags and umbrellas, while below these, horizontal shelves can hold shoes. Such a storage space is especially suited to a staircase sitting in the hallway. But, arrange things aesthetically as shoving all your surplus stuff into these prevents visibility!
Or, install doors in colours gelling with the overall colour scheme of the larger space in which the area is located to screen the unsightly scene from view. Inserting doors with mirrors to cover the storage space creates an illusion of spaciousness. Otherwise, you can also consider placing some sliding drawers that can conceal the stored items. A simpler option is to keep a chest of drawers there. Spruce it up by placing an artefact or two, or a flower vase on the surface.
Just relax
Add a wallpaper that matches the colours of the surrounding space. Additionally, adding wall sconces for lighting will lend a charming touch to the space. Placing a cushioned or upholstered chair in the area can turn it into a resting nook.
For an airy look, carve out a huge window beside it and place a day-bed or a couch with rich fabric in hues coordinating with the overall colour scheme. Use throw pillows and cushions in accent colours. Spread a patterned throw rug to bolster the cosiness quotient.
For the kids
You can convert the space into a kids’ play-room. Place an oversized throw pillow on the floor and go for colourful shelving to hold their toys. Paint the background wall-space with bright colours and focus on fine lighting. Even if the kids don’t confine themselves to this spot for playing, you can at least use it for storing their toys!
Makeup or mini-bar?
The spot should be a closed space to serve as a makeup room. Spruce up the space with an elegant wallpaper or a colourful paint, a dressing-table with drawers, a seat and task lighting.
In case you want to convert the space into a mini-bar for your home, it can be the
perfect option to store all your drinks.
Storing the bottles on wooden racks lends to a quaint decorative look.For those who want it to be hidden from view, there’s always the option of placing an aesthetic door in front.
Knick-knacks corner
If the space under the staircase is located prominently in the living room, exquisitely designed tile shelves can hold photographs, knick knacks, travel souvenirs and artefacts. Or, if the space is large enough, you can place an open cabinet with nooks suitably-sized to harbour a TV and other electronic items. Position a couch before it with throw pillows or cushions and
some overhead lighting. For an open, winding staircase located in the living room, installing a water feature, such as a fountain underneath can create an exquisite ambience.
Books & more
If you love reading and need more space to accommodate your favourite books, having a reading nook under the stairs is a perfect way to go. Build shelves to suit the stair’s shape and arrange your frequently-read books there. Besides, all the resting nook
requirements can find a place here too.
You can also turn the area into your workstation. Fit in a sleek desk to hold your laptop, desktop, sewing machine, oven or whatever else you use as your work device. Install bright lights above with task lighting; and remember to use neutral wall colours.
A minimalist chair will do fine if space is scarce. Slim shelves above the desk can hold papers, files or other items connected to your work. The same fixtures can work if you wish to convert the place into a study for your children.
All about food
Another option for the unconventional is to convert the space into a kitchen. This would make for a unique cooking area and would help you out if you have absolutely no
other space to house the kitchen! Fix a counter with the sink against the wall with hooks and shelves above to hold pots, pans, and your cooking ingredients.
If you are just looking to extend your present kitchen, you can let this space act as an area to store all your extra plates, mugs and other utensils. You could also make it purely decorative by displaying your dinner sets there.
Whichever use you may decide to put it to, remember that the space under the stairs looks great only if it’s properly decorated and neatly maintained. With some creativity, you can easily put the space to good use as it shows immense potential to shine in a variety of designs. And if it is done intelligently and the design is well thought out and executed, the space under that staircase at home will never look the same again!