Decorating Ideas For Under Stairs

Room, Interior design, Furniture, Living room, Property, Building, Ceiling, House, Home, Floor,

Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

Out of all the home design challenges we've faced, figuring out how to style that awkward space under the stairs is arguably the most fun. Tricky, yes, but mostly just fun. We like to think of it as a puzzle that's satisfying to solve—except this one has results that actually pay off. Wether you want a cozy reading nook, need more storage space, or have been considering building a powder room, the opportunities are endless in this humble little nook. So read on for 16 clever and stylish ideas that'll help you utilize the space under your stairs.

Staircase storage ideas

Nicole Franzen

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Turn It Into Cubbies

If you squint, you can see that there are actually open cabinets under this staircase. Think about what specifically you need in that given room, and then customize your under-stair storage accordingly.

Nook under staircase ideas

PHOTO: Josh Franer; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Try to draw your attention away from the edgy artistry of these beautiful painted stairs—tough, we know! The potentially awkward space right next to them, though, becomes a functional mudroom with a simple bench for pausing to remove shoes, and a basket for things like gloves or umbrellas.

Furniture, Stairs, Room, Interior design, Property, Building, Floor, Ceiling, Living room, House,

Catherine Kwong

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Make An Entrance

If that awkward gap is present in your entryway, just use it to your advantage and see it as an opportunity for a style moment. Keep things classic with a console table, mirror, and bench.

Unique entryway staircase design

Jonny Valiant

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Make It About The Art

If you don't need the space for something functional like storage or a coat rack, just add a jolt of energy from striking art or a whimsical object (hello, Mr. Snail).

Unique staircases interior design

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Line Up Some Plants

When the gap between the floor and the stairs only leave room for a few tiny objects, liven things up with short plants. They're affordable, stylish, and add oxygen!

Blue entryway ideas

Luke White

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Create A Vignette

The otherwise unused area can a catch-all for your favorite interesting objects—an urn, a cool antique mirror—that don't have a place elsewhere.

Fireplace storage ideas

Nicole Franzen

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Customize a Closet

Ask yourself what you'd like more storage for, and then customize an open closet nook around your needs. Since these stairs are right next to a wood burning fireplace, a place to keep that firewood is ideal. The natural pattern the pile creates happens to be beautiful and textural, so it works as décor, too.

Stairs, Handrail, Property, Interior design, Architecture, Building, Daylighting, House, Floor, Home,

Studio DB

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Put Your Breakfast Nook There

If it's a super long staircase, just style it as you would any room. Whether you want to make it a family room or a breakfast nook for more casual dining, this is your chance to make a space that's both cozy and stylish.

Entryway styling ideas

PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Create A Hidden Closet

We all need extra storage room, and here's your chance. A slimmer door will leave more room for a stylish console table moment so our eyes can focus on that. Keep your linens, coats, and shoes in the closet, or, if it's near the kitchen, use it as a pantry.

Bench styling ideas

Nicole Franzen

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Just Add A Bench

If you're someone who prefers minimalist, clean-looking environments, take note of the space above and keep things simple with one statement bench.

Bookshelf staircase

PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Turn It Into a Library

A staircase that's also a home library? Sign us up. If you don't have enough books to fill the whole thing, put some other decorative objects on display.

HBX070112_111

Francesco Lagnese

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Make It A Hang Out Zone

Why not transform this extra space into something truly useful and comfortable? This is the ideal spot to curl up in with a good book or enjoy your coffee in the mornings.

Décor under stairs

Nicole Franzen

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Keep It Casual

Leaning a surfboard against the wall makes this home office look easy-going yet personality-packed. For a more formal look in the same vein of thought, opt for a tall sculpture.

Bathroom under staircase

PHOTO: Max Kim Bee; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Construct A Powder Room

Ah, the ultimate functional room to put anywhere with extra space: the guest bathroom. If your space allows, call your contractor and put a powder room under the stairs on the main floor. Not only will an extra bathroom increase the value of your home, but you'll also have somewhere to send guests.

Creative gallery walls

Gordon Beall

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Make It An Art Wall

Have you been collecting something special but don't know where to show it off? Put a shelving unit behind or under the staircase for to display those keepsakes for a gallery makeshift gallery wall that's both meaningful and pretty.

Breakfast nook under stairs

Karyn Millet

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Customize It

If you have kids or love entertaining, create an extra seating area that functions as a dining space or a place to hang out on game night.

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Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.

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