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12 Amazing Under-Stairs Planning and Decorating Ideas

Transform the under-stairs area with creative ideas that add more function and beauty to the house

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari12 February 2018
Blogger, dog mom
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All those in favour of more storage space, an extra room, a pretty corner or a snug seating area, say aye! Having one these extra features in your home isn’t all that difficult if you know how to make the most of what you have. We are, of course, talking about the dead area under the staircase. This can be transformed in the most stunning ways possible, increasing the home’s functionality and beauty.

Browse through these examples and pick out your favourite under-stairs planning ideas.
Prachi Damle Photography
1. Pretty green patch
A feeling of tranquility and a decorative effect are created with the use of the Buddha statue and the foliage. The long pendants add sparkle to complete the vignette at the foot of the stairs.
Shabnam Gupta
2. Cosy seating
The small square space is ideal for an under-stairs reading nook, perfect to enjoy a book, a long phone conversation or listen to music. A nice little place to get away from it all.
Savio & Rupa Interior Concepts (Bangalore)
3. Extra storage
We could all do with additional storage around the house … the more the better, right? That’s why these under-stairs storage cabinets makes for a great idea. Also, the unit sports the same colour combination as the stairs – wood and white paint – making sure it does not stand out and make the area look too bulky and busy.

Learn from these clever hacks for extra storage
LD&A
4. Tiny library
The space under the stairs can also lend itself to a built-in bookcase. No need to purchase an entire cabinet or dedicate a room for your literature – this is a great under-stairs bookshelf idea.
Studiovistara
5. Puja corner
The space below and beside the staircase is large enough to accommodate many functions – in this case, prayer time, as is apparent by the presence of an idol and the puja accompaniments kept in front of it.

These elements will bring a sparkle to your puja space
Shabnam Gupta
6. Poolside seating
The seating for this swimming pool area fits snugly under the stairs, making it an ideal spot for a quiet moment after a swim – or just for contemplation. I like how the wall is painted a dark purple, with lots of wall art installed on it. A smart, stylish and functional space.
Electric Mirror
7. Powder room
Why dedicate precious square footage in the house for a powder room elsewhere when there is this ideal area under the stairs?

Take a look at 7 powder rooms that will make you go wow
fsnd
8. Water feature
Just watching calm, still water can induce a feeling of relaxation and help cool down the temperature of a place. Which is why the ample area under the staircase here has been utilised to accommodate a small water body with graceful sculptures.
3dseekers
9. Home office
This work area and staircase design has my vote. A chair & desk under the stairs and voilà you have a home office!
See how the treads are a combination of metal pipes, shelves and wooden boxes, and a small chair and board of wood are used to create a work space. Ingenious!

Check out 10 home offices that will compel you to work from home
Von Fitz Design
10. Play area
Almost reminds me of Harry Potter’s room which was a broom cupboard under the stairs. Of course, I don’t suggest converting this into a bedroom but a tiny play space for the young ones wouldn’t be a bad idea if the space and layout allows. What say you?
Candlelight Homes
11. Pet’s sleeping area
Looking for a nice, comfortable spot for your dog or cat? How about the area under the stairs? Here, you could fit in their food and water bowls, bed, and perhaps even a little art to personalise the corner.
sullivan + associates architects
12. Bar cabinet
You can ring in the good times anywhere, even if it’s under the stairs. Raise a cheer to this compact, built-in bar unit with a wine rack, shelves for glasses and things, and drawers to keep all the rest of the accessories.

Read more:
9 Clever Understairs Storage Hacks For Your Home

Tell us:
How have you utilised the space under the stairs? Share images and your ideas in Comments below.
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