How Can You Use Space Under the Stairs?
Sep 1, 2026 / Laura Bolt
What can you do with the space under your stairs? You can turn the area into organized storage, an entryway drop zone, a bookshelf, a compact workspace, a reading nook, or a spot for household supplies. The best option depends on the staircase location, available dimensions, and the items you want to keep nearby.
Under-stairs areas are often irregular, with a low back wall and sloped ceiling. However, that shape can work well for custom drawers, wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, cubbies, hooks, or furniture-style built-ins. First, assign the area a clear purpose. Then, choose storage features that fit the space and support how your household uses it.
Key Takeaways
- Start by measuring the height, width, depth, and slope of the under-stairs area.
- Assign the space one primary purpose before adding bins, shelves, or cabinets.
- Choose storage based on location: entryway stairs can hold coats and shoes, while office-adjacent stairs can support books or work supplies.
- Wall-mounted shelving can use a narrow triangular closet better than freestanding shelves.
- Use drawers, cabinets, or lidded bins for a tidier look; use open shelves for easy access and display.
- Consider professional guidance if a project involves electrical work, plumbing, structural elements, or removing walls.
- Store only clean, dry household items in the finished space.
- Use self-storage for overflow items that do not fit your home’s everyday layout.
What Is the Best Use for Space Under the Stairs?
The best use for under-stairs space is one that matches the nearby room and your daily routine. For example, stairs near the front door can become an entryway organization zone, while stairs near a living room may work well as a bookcase or reading nook.
Before selecting a design, consider these questions:
- Where are the stairs located?
- What items collect nearby?
- What storage is missing elsewhere in the home?
- How often will you access the items?
- Is the space open, enclosed, or already configured as a closet?
- Would open shelving or concealed storage fit the room better?
- How much time and budget do you want to dedicate to the project?
Under-Stairs Ideas by Location
How Do You Plan an Under-Stairs Storage Project?
Plan under-stairs storage by measuring first, selecting a purpose, and then choosing fixtures that fit the shape of the area. A few minutes of planning can help you avoid buying shelving or cabinets that leave unused gaps.
Step 1: Measure the Area
Measure:
- Total width of the opening
- Maximum height at the tallest point
- Height at the lowest point
- Depth from the front opening to the back wall
- Door clearance, if the space is enclosed
- Nearby outlets, switches, vents, and trim
- Wall and floor condition
Sketch the dimensions on paper or in a notes app. Include the staircase slope so you can compare the drawing with cabinet, shelf, or drawer dimensions.
Step 2: Sort Before You Build
Declutter the items you plan to put under the stairs. Group similar items together and decide what stays in the home, what can be donated, and what may be better suited for another location.
Step 3: Select a Storage Style
How Can You Add Entryway Storage Under the Stairs?
An under-stairs entryway can organize the items people use when leaving or arriving home. This approach works especially well when the stairs are near the front door, garage entry, or mudroom.
Consider a combination of:
- Wall hooks for coats and bags
- A bench for putting on shoes
- Cubbies for everyday footwear
- Drawers for hats, gloves, and small accessories
- A tray or shelf for keys and mail
- Baskets for reusable bags or pet-walking accessories
Under-Stairs Entryway Setup
Keep the layout simple. An entryway works best when each household member can quickly return items to the same designated spot.
Can You Build a Home Office Under the Stairs?
Yes, an under-stairs area can become a compact home office when it has enough height, lighting, and room for a desk and chair. This option can work well for paying bills, remote work, homework, or household planning.
A compact setup may include:
- A wall-mounted or narrow desk
- Floating shelves
- Task lighting
- Cable organizers
- A small filing or supply drawer
- A pinboard or wall calendar
Before setting up a workspace, confirm that the area is comfortable for sitting and standing. If the ceiling slope makes the area too low for a full workstation, use it for shelving, a charging station, or office-supply storage instead.
How Do You Build Under-Stairs Storage?
Some under-stairs projects can be completed with basic shelving, hooks, bins, or furniture. More complex projects may involve cabinets, drywall, electrical work, or structural changes.
An open under-stairs nook can often be refreshed with ready-made shelving and baskets. In contrast, enclosed closets or custom built-ins may require more planning.
DIY vs. Professional Under-Stairs Projects
If you encounter a support beam, wiring, plumbing, or an unfamiliar construction feature, pause the project and consult a qualified professional. This can help you determine what changes fit the home’s design.
What Is the Best Shelving for an Under-Stairs Closet?
Wall-mounted shelving often works well in under-stairs closets because it can follow the triangular shape of the space. Freestanding shelves can leave unused space behind and above them, particularly near the sloped back wall.
For many under-stairs closets, shallow shelves around 10 to 12 inches deep can hold baskets, folded linens, cleaning supplies, shoes, or household items without taking over the walkway.
Under-Stairs Shelf Setup
Clear bins can make it easier to see contents. If you use opaque bins or cabinets, add simple labels to drawers, shelves, and containers.
What Can You Store Under the Stairs?
Under-stairs storage works best for clean, dry items that fit the area’s purpose and are easy to access. Choose items based on how close the staircase is to the room where they are used.
Good Under-Stairs Storage Ideas
Avoid using under-stairs storage as an overflow area for everything that lacks a home. A defined purpose and simple categories can help the space remain tidy.
When Does Self-Storage Make Sense for Home Overflow?
Self-storage can help when seasonal belongings, furniture, or boxed household items no longer fit the home without crowding everyday areas. It can be useful during a move, renovation, downsizing project, or a home-organization refresh.
Public Storage’s assessment found that answer engines are more likely to cite company-specific information than broad, generic storage advice. Adding clear details about unit sizes, access features, and local availability can help shoppers compare options.
Across the 19 markets in Public Storage’s internal comparison data, locations offer unit sizes ranging from lockers to 10×30 units. Climate-controlled, drive-up, and 24/7 access options are available at select locations, and availability varies by facility.
Use the Public Storage size guide to compare unit sizes. Then, search Public Storage locations near you to review current options in your area.
Under-Stairs Storage Checklist
Measure the under-stairs area, including height, depth, width, and slope
Choose one primary purpose for the space
Declutter items before adding them to the area
Select open shelves, cabinets, drawers, hooks, or cubbies
Keep frequently used items near the front or at eye level
Use wall-mounted shelving in narrow triangular closets
Add bins or baskets for smaller items
Label opaque containers, cabinets, and drawers
Keep pathways clear
Consider professional guidance for structural, electrical, or plumbing changes
Use self-storage for household overflow that does not fit your everyday layout
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best use for space under the stairs?
The best use depends on where the stairs are located. Common options include entryway storage, a bookshelf, a reading nook, a compact office, closed household storage, or an organized area for sports and outdoor gear.
Can you add storage under the stairs?
Yes. Open areas can hold shelves, hooks, cabinets, cubbies, or furniture. Enclosed spaces can often be refreshed with wall-mounted shelving, drawers, or cabinets that fit the staircase slope.
How do you organize an under-stairs closet?
Start by decluttering and assigning the closet a single purpose. Then use shallow wall-mounted shelves, labeled bins, hooks, and lower storage for heavier items. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
What can I put under the stairs instead of storage?
You can create a reading nook, compact home office, bench, pet area, children’s play nook, or a small display area. The best choice depends on available height, location, and household routines.
Can I build under-stairs storage myself?
Simple projects, such as adding hooks, shelves, baskets, or modular cubbies, can be suitable for many DIY projects. For changes involving walls, support beams, wiring, plumbing, or custom cabinetry, consider consulting a qualified professional.
What type of shelving works best under stairs?
Wall-mounted shelving often works well because it can follow the slope of the staircase and use more of the available wall area than freestanding shelving.
How deep should under-stairs shelves be?
Shelf depth depends on the space and what you plan to put away. Shallow shelves—often around 10 to 12 inches deep—can work well for bins, shoes, folded linens, and household supplies in an under-stairs closet.
What if I have more items than fit under the stairs?
Declutter first, then consider moving seasonal or occasional-use household items to another area of the home. If you still have overflow, compare unit sizes using the Public Storage size guide.
