The space below stairs can be utilized in a variety of ways, depending on the size and layout of your home. For small homes, the space can be used for storage of items you may not use on a regular basis, such as holiday decorations, extra bedding and furniture, or sporting equipment.
If the space is large enough and accessible, it can be converted into a mini-office or a playroom for kids. For larger homes with larger staircases, the area can be transformed into a luxurious reading nook or a cozy seating area with a coffee table.
Some people also create a home office or craft studio in the unused space below their stairs. With some imagination and planning, you can make the most of the space below your stairs, creating a functional and beautiful addition to your home.
How do you hide under stairs storage?
Under stairs storage can be hidden easily by using furniture pieces that fit conveniently under the stairs, such as bookshelves, dressers, benches, and other pieces of storage furniture. Another great way to hide under stairs storage is to use curtains or a room divider to keep the area out of sight.
This is especially useful if you don’t want the storage to be visible from the main living area. You can also use custom-built cabinet doors, bookcases, and other pieces of furniture to make the storage look as if it’s part of the wall or part of the staircase.
Additionally, small storage items like baskets, boxes, and containers can also be used to store items under the stairs. Finally, painting the stairs, walls, and cabinets in the same color can help to give the area a cohesive look, making it less noticeable.
Can you store items under a stairwell?
Yes, it is possible to store items under a stairwell. However, if the space is limited, you should take certain precautions to ensure that the items stored will not interfere with the functioning of the stairs or cause any safety issues.
Before you begin, it is important to measure the available space, and make sure that the items you wish to store will fit. In particular, you should be sure that any items with sharp corners or edges won’t protrude into the stairwell or get caught in the movement of the steps.
In order to provide access and create sufficient stability, it is recommended that shelves or other storage methods be used.
Once you’ve decided on the items you would like to store and have made sure that everything is properly secured, you can begin loading up the space. When possible, opt for lightweight items and store them close to the floor to reduce any strain on the stairs.
Also, it’s best to keep the items evenly distributed so that nothing puts too much weight or pressure on one area of the stairs, leading to potential structural damage. Additionally, be mindful of prominent odors, since the items stored may affect the air quality of the stairwell.
In summary, you may use the space beneath a stairwell to store items, but it is important to take certain precautions to avoid any structural or safety issues. Properly choosing and arranging items, as well as considering the weight distribution, will help you maximize the space and create a safe storage solution.
How do you arrange a cupboard under stairs?
Arranging a cupboard under stairs can be a great way to maximize space and make use of the often hard-to-reach area. First, check the space to see how much can be used as this will determine what type of cupboard you can fit and what items can be stored in it.
If the under-stair area is small, shelves can be fitted for storage purposes instead of a cupboard.
Once you decide the size of the cupboard, you should determine the materials for construction. The material should be lightweight and should fit snugly against the wall and stairs. There are a variety of materials to choose from; for example, a plywood, particle board, or MDF frame could work well.
Then, use a measuring tape to measure areas to be fitted with the cupboard and mark the edges with a pencil. Cut slats and panels to fit into the space, making sure they are secure and can support the weight of items in the cupboard.
Next, fit the cupboard. Secure the panels firmly to the wall and stairwell with screws, ensuring that the cupboard fits snugly in the area. Add hardware such as door handles, knobs, and hinges to the cupboard.
Fit drawers, shelves, and other fixtures to the cupboard. When the cupboard is complete, you can then add any necessary decorations or items you would like to store in the cupboard to finish off the look.
What is the storage area under stairs called?
The storage area under stairs is often referred to as simply “under stair storage. ” It is an excellent storage option that can be used in virtually any home as it takes advantage of the often-unused space beneath a staircase.
Under stair storage can be used to store all types of items, including clothes, shoes, books, paperwork, kitchen items, and more. It is an efficient use of much-needed extra storage space and can help declutter other parts of the home, such as closets, shelves, and cabinets.
Under stair storage can be as simple or as complicated as you like, featuring shelves, drawers, and even cabinets to help organize and hide items.
How do you make a hidden drawer for stairs?
Making a hidden drawer in a staircase is a great way to add extra storage to your home with minimal disruption to the existing area. The process is relatively straightforward and does not require additional carpentry skills beyond basic DIY.
Firstly, measure the space beneath the stairs where the hidden drawer will be placed. This will help you identify the dimensions of the drawer itself and the space it will occupy.
Once you have the measurements, create a frame that fits the width and depth of the space, while allowing enough room for the drawer to move freely and without obstruction. Use high-quality timber, preferably oak or other hardwood, and take measurements to ensure that the frame fits precisely into the space.
Secure the frame with screws or dowels and glue, and make sure each joint is tight and properly secured.
Next, attach the bottom of the frame to the floor or stair treads. You can use metal L-brackets or joist hangers for added support and stability, and to prevent the frame from moving.
Now, it is time to install the drawer slides. Choose a heavy-duty quality set of ball bearing slides and attach them to each side of the drawer, making sure they are in line with the frame and slide freely.
Then, insert the slides into the frame and attach them with screws.
Finally, attach the drawer itself to the drawer slides and make sure it fits the receptacle snugly and without obstruction. You can work with existing drawers or create custom pieces to fit the space.
You can also add additional fixtures such as door handles, locks, or catches that blend in with the existing décor.
Once you have finished constructing the hidden drawer, reinstall the stair treads and check that everything fits properly. Then, sit back and enjoy your new storage solution!
How do you build shelves in under stairs cabinets?
Building shelves into an under stairs cabinet is a great way to make use of the extra storage space provided. To begin the process, the first step is to measure the inside of the cabinet and decide how many shelves you would like to fit in.
Once measurements have been taken, you can purchase the shelf boards in the correct size and cut them to the necessary sizes. The next step is to attach the boards to the inside of the cabinet using screws and brackets or other mounting hardware.
Depending on the weight of the items you are storing, you may want to also reinforce the shelves for added stability. To do this, cut L-brackets to fit the sides and bottom of each shelf and secure with screws.
After that is complete, the shelves can be used to store items while keeping them organized and out of sight.
Is the wall under the stairs load bearing?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the specific construction of your home. Generally speaking, if the wall under the stairs is the only support for the floor above, then the wall is likely load bearing.
However, if the wall under the stairs is sharing the load with other walls or structural elements, then the wall may not be load bearing. In order to confirm if the wall is load bearing or not, it is best to consult with a structural engineer or other experienced building professional who can assess the design of your home and determine whether or not the wall is load bearing.
What do you do with space in stairwell?
The amount of space in a stairwell depends on the size of the house and the configuration of the stairs. Generally, there are a few different ways you can use this space.
One idea is to install shelving or storage units. This can be done by mounting shelves along the wall or introducing built-in cabinets underneath the stairs. Having cupboards and shelves in the stairwell is an ideal way to store items such as cleaning supplies, extra linens, or books.
Alternatively, you could turn the stairwell into an art gallery. By using art ledges or floating shelves, you can hang paintings, prints, and photographs on the walls. You could also add a small bench or seating area underneath the stairs, so you can enjoy the space as a cozy nook for reading or relaxing.
Another option would be to incorporate plants into the space. Draping plants from the banisters or placing potted plants on the stairs can add to the décor and freshen up the stairwell. You could also select a stair runner or wall paper with a botanical pattern for a unique, green look.
Finally, the stairwell could be used for a mini mudroom. You can install storage cubbies to house shoes, coats, and hats, as well as a small bench for putting on your footwear. Adding a coat rack with hooks will also provide a convenient place to hang jackets and bags.
Regardless of how you choose to use your stairwell, be sure to make it as functional and inviting as possible.
Can I use the space under the stairs?
Yes, you can use the space under the stairs as long as you’re following any homeowner association guidelines or municipal statutes related to occupancy, building codes, fire safety, and other safety matters.
Depending on where you live, it may be necessary to get approval before using the space beneath the stairs.
You may want to consider what kind of improvements you would like to make to the space in order to best use it. For example, it may be necessary to install additional lighting in the area, seal around various openings with insulation and caulk, add flooring, or make other adjustments.
It’s also important to make sure that the space is well-ventilated, to ensure that a buildup of humidity does not occur. You may need to install a vent or fan to help with this. Lastly, make sure that the area is free from any safety hazards or warning signs.
What do you do with a bulkhead?
A bulkhead is an architectural feature used to divide an open space into two or more parts. Common applications of bulkheads include creating a barrier between a public and private space, separating different areas within a room, and creating division between floors or levels.
Bulkheads can be functional or decorative, and they can be made of many different materials.
Functional bulkheads are typically made of metal, timber, or concrete, and are designed to provide structural support, contain liquids and gases, or resist pressure for safe operation of a facility. Bulkheads can be used to mark boundaries between adjacent structures, protect the integrity of structures, divert water and other risks, and provide necessary access for maintenance or repair.
Decorative bulkheads are typically made of wood, vinyl, or plaster materials to provide an aesthetic enhancement to a space and also provide sound reduction. They can also be used to draw attention to an area of a room through the use of distinctive shapes and colors.
Decorative bulkheads are often used in residential areas such as bedrooms, living rooms and kitchen to break up large open spaces and create unique areas for different purposes.
Bulkheads are an essential part of any space, and there are numerous ways to utilize them to create the desired aesthetic and functionality. When choosing the right bulkhead for your project, consider the desired outcome, the amount of traffic, any size or spatial constraints of the space, and the overall design aesthetic of the room.
What to put on the wall at the top of the stairs?
When it comes to decorating the wall at the top of the stairs, there are numerous creative possibilities. From functional pieces like wall clocks and shelves to large pieces of art or personal photographs, to even just basic paint in a striking color, you can create a beautiful space with almost anything.
Consider starting with making a focal point on the wall, whether it’s a large painting or grouping of artwork or a large abstract motif. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive or beautiful piece – often something more simple can make for a memorable space.
You can also add smaller pieces around it for visual interest. Then consider adding other elements like shelving units, clocks, mirrors, or lights. If you have the room and budget, consider a wall-mounted television or an eye-catching sculpture.
However you choose to decorate the wall, make sure it fits in with the style of the rest of your home.
What should I put on the top of my stairs wall?
When it comes to what to put on top of your stairs wall, it all comes down to personal preference and the overall look you want for your home. Generally, stair walls tend to be quite dark and dreary, so it can be beneficial to add some light and life to the space.
Adding a gallery wall of artwork or family photos is a great way to lighten up the area, while also creating a unique and personal touch. You can also paint the wall in a different color to brighten the area, or add a large mirror or statement piece of furniture to create a bold statement.
If you’re looking to add a little elegance to your stair wall, hanging beautiful drapery and adding a few decorative elements can help to create an eye-catching focal point for the area. Regardless of what you choose, it’s important to make sure that your stair wall matches the overall look and feel of your home so that it all comes together nicely.
What do you put on a small landing?
The possibilities for what to put on a small landing really depend on your personal style and the space available. Generally speaking, one of the best items you could include on a small landing is a small piece of furniture, like a bench or even an ottoman, to provide a comfortable place to sit and catch your breath.
This can also double as a makeshift table or shelf for displaying any decorations you may choose to add to the space. If you’re looking to optimize the space even more, try adding shelves or wall-mounted art pieces.
They can be great for displaying knick-knacks, books, or plants. You could also add a rug to the space for an extra touch of warmth and coziness. Mirror or a piece of painted furniture can be a great way to brighten up the space and cast a warm light on the area.
No matter what you choose, the possibilities here are endless and will make all the difference in giving your small landing a unique touch.
