Storage systems placement
Wardrobe or wardrobe
To arrange the closet, use classic doors or a sliding system. Hinged doors can be made of wood; they will look elegant. Depending on the presence of relief and material, they correspond to classic and modern interiors. A sliding wardrobe allows you to visually increase the area of the room due to the mirror frame. Shelves are installed depending on personal preferences.
The photo shows a wooden cabinet under the stairs with hinged doors.
Shelves
It can be placed on the side or back of the stairs; this method is convenient for any part of the house. The width between the shelves can be equal, as a rule, they are attached through one or two steps, or have completely different distances.
Rack
Unlike shelves, a rack is a full-fledged open storage system. For convenience, the racks are recessed into the stairs only a third or half.
Pull-out cabinets and drawers
Pull-out cabinets and drawers are convenient to use in hallways for storing shoes, hats and other items. The location is of two types, in the side and in front under the steps.
Bookcases
Bookcases are made according to the principle of shelving. They can be supplemented with doors or have an open storage system. A convenient option for an office, library and living room. The shelves are usually equal in size.
In the photo, an open storage system is used to store books.
Accommodation options and ideas
Cabinets under stairs can take on a variety of shapes and be used for a variety of purposes. Here they set up storage rooms, “exhibitions” of collection wines behind glass display cases, small libraries, dressing rooms, shelves for shoes, bedding, and children’s toys. Everyone designs this space “for themselves,” focusing on the lack of places to store certain items. A country house with its own garden usually accumulates a lot of preserved food. Instead of a cellar, jars of jam and pickles can be placed on special stands in a neat cabinet under the stairs. If the height of the steps allows, then here you can create niches for storing kitchen utensils and build in a refrigerator. This option is ideal for those homes with small kitchens. If the staircase communicates with the living room, then under it there is a niche for a TV, complemented by shelves for books and photographs.
Open shelving
An open shelving unit under the stairs is the easiest option to implement. It is easy to build such furniture yourself. Typically, solid wood (boards) is used as the main material. Its derivatives (chipboard, MDF) will look a little “cheap”, especially when it comes to modern interiors. In such racks, either long shelves are made, or they are “cut” with transverse beams, exactly the length of the steps. Then the furniture will be organically combined with the design of the staircase. Here you can set up a library. Open shelves often alternate between orderly rows of books and magazines with potted indoor plants or small sculptures, collections of photographs on stands, vases, and other decor. For ease of use of the library, you can provide a seating area, organically fitting it into the design of the shelving. If the hall and staircase are combined with the kitchen, which is not uncommon in modern townhouses, kitchen utensils can be stored on open shelves. Another creative option is a double shelving unit with a row of hidden shelves. The front part moves away on wheels. On the “front” side you can store decor and books, and on the inside you can store personal items that should not be displayed.
Closet
The wardrobe under the stairs is also very popular. The main advantage of such furniture lies in the special design of the doors, which do not swing open, but slide to the sides on special “rails”. Thanks to this, the wardrobe does not take up much space and it does not need a “reserve” of free space for opening. Mirrored facades look stylish and modern. To diversify the furniture design, you can order etching of a pattern or ornament on the surface. Another option is to disguise the facades to match the color of the trim, so that the storage space becomes inconspicuous and blends into the interior.
Wardrobe with hinged doors
A cabinet with hinged doors under the stairs is rarely used. It loses in comparison with coupe models. If the owners nevertheless decide to install just such furniture, then it is usually divided into several vertical narrow sections. By the way, this makes it possible to stretch out the space and visually “raise the ceiling.” The original models are equipped not with simple horizontal shelves, which everyone is so accustomed to, but with pull-out modules. Such shelves go deep into the structure. This option is suitable for stairs with wide steps, where there is enough space for such shelves, which makes their use advisable.
Drawers
Drawers under the stairs are ideal for storing shoes and even outerwear. If a large family lives in the house, then this method of organizing space will save space in the hall or corridor. There can be many drawers, that is, several on top of each other. Then they are used to place small items. If the space under the stairs is divided vertically (under each step, one drawer), then the higher the steps, the larger the dimensions of the retractable shelf. In the small ones, shoes are laid out, in the larger ones, hooks for outerwear or special stands for umbrellas, canes, and shelves for hats are installed. All the traditional “filling” of the hallway can fit under the stairs, completely freeing up space at the front door.
Glass display cabinet
The glass display cabinet is a modern variation of the “Soviet” sideboards that used to be in every home, being part of the furniture “wall”. It is not at all necessary to store only grandma’s china or family sets “for the holiday.” Modern display cabinets are equipped with spot lighting, which emphasizes the shine of glass facades. Of course, this storage space is ideal for placing beautiful, expensive dishes, but you can go further and move your wine collection to the shelves or fill them with books or ceramic decor.
Combined methods
Combined methods of organizing space under flights of stairs imply a combination of all of the above options. For example, you can fit open and closed shelves, drawers and hinged or sliding compartment doors in one closet. In fact, such furniture is assembled like a construction set. First you need to study the content that will be placed inside. If these are things and books or dishes, then it is advisable to make some of the facades transparent or add open shelves to closed doors.
What kind of room can be placed under the stairs?
Bathroom
If space allows, then under the stairs you can place a guest toilet or a small bathroom with a shower. It is worth considering the need for electricity, water supply and ventilation at the renovation stage.
Based on the modest size, it is better to use a light palette for decoration. The height of the room should be comfortable; human height would be ideal.
Cabinet
You can organize a compact office under the stairs. The depth is enough for a computer desk with shelves above it. If space allows, the space can be made closed. This option is suitable for small spaces and if the workplace is not permanent. For a long stay, it is better to equip a full-fledged office.
Kitchen
In a small apartment or house, the space under the stairs is convenient to use for a compact kitchen. A refrigerator is installed at the highest point, the rest is occupied by the work surface and low equipment. When installing a hob, it is worth considering the need for an exhaust hood; it will avoid deformation from the humidity and temperature of the staircase material.
The photo shows a modern kitchen built into a flight of stairs.
Hallway
Using the entire length of the stairs, you can equip a full-fledged hallway, in the upper part of which there will be a wardrobe or hangers for outerwear, then shelves for shoes and small items. This method saves space and does not hide the area in a narrow hallway.
Wardrobe
From the space under the stairs you can equip a full-fledged dressing room with sliding doors and a storage system or place cabinets and cabinets.
These can also be drawers, divided into segments of different heights, in most of which dresses are stored, and in the smaller part, underwear and useful little things are stored.
Pantry
The pantry is convenient for storing items for cleaning the home and garden or things that do not require frequent use. The storage room can be arranged in two types. As a full-fledged room, with an entrance door and internal lighting, or in the form of sliding or hinged cabinets.
The photo shows a spacious closet with decorative shelves for a washing machine and cleaning equipment.
Boiler room
The space under the stairs will help hide heating equipment, such as an electric and gas boiler or electrical panel. It is impossible to imagine life in a cottage without them, and an aesthetic appearance can only be achieved by hiding them in a separate room.
Bathroom
The space under the stairs can be used as a guest toilet or shower room. Electricity, water supply, sewerage are provided to the area and waterproofing work is carried out. Forced ventilation is necessary, otherwise mold and an unpleasant odor will appear.
Designers recommend placing a sauna under the flight of stairs. A small cabin with electric heating can accommodate 2-3 people; a shower is installed nearby. Low niches and sections next to the structure are used for storing bath accessories, detergents and textiles.
Compact sauna under the steps Source 7lestnic.com
Photo of furniture under a flight of stairs
Sofa
A small sofa, recessed into the space under the stairs, will provide an additional cozy place to relax. It is difficult to fit a full-fledged large sofa into this space; the best option would be to place it along the staircase wall.
The photo shows a compact sofa with drawers.
Table
A small table under the stairs will serve as a work area or serve to place interior items on it. A mobile table on wheels would also be a good option; if necessary, it can be easily moved to any part of the room.
Wall
A spacious wall, equipped in a niche under the stairs, will be convenient for any room. You can build a TV and other equipment into it, decorative elements, toys and books in the children's room, and dishes and towels in the dining room.
Bed
In a compact room, a good option would be to place the bed under the stairs. A sleeping area, fenced on all sides, will create a feeling of comfort.
In the photo, under the flight of stairs there is a single bed with drawers.
Cabinet under the stairs
It has a decorative and functional part. The top shelf can accommodate a vase and decorative items, while the cabinets provide useful space. It is also convenient to use roll-out cabinets made to order to fit the dimensions of the stairs.
Armchair
A cozy armchair will fit harmoniously into this part of the room. An additional seating area can be used as a place for reading and privacy. Together with a floor lamp, a cozy corner is formed.
In the photo, under the stairs there is a wicker reading chair, a floor lamp and bookshelves.
Mirror
Using a mirror, you can visually “push apart” the walls of the room. It will not look intrusive under the stairs, but will add light and more space.
How else do you arrange the space?
An overview of the most interesting ideas that will help you find the best solution for a multi-level private house.
Mini bar
A stylish bar counter will become a corner for relaxation.
Here in the lower part there are drawers for storing alcohol and dishes, and along the edges of the counter there are bar stools.
Mini bar under the stairs
Cabinet
You can arrange a separate corner for work. To do this, hang shelves on the walls, place a desk, chair and office equipment. The lower tiers are occupied by chests of drawers.
If space allows, the niche is covered with a door leaf.
Office under the stairs
Bathroom
If the flight of stairs is wide and high, then it is quite possible to arrange a bathroom.
Of course, you can’t fit a bathroom there, but you can have a shower.
Bath with toilet under the stairs
Place to rest
A cozy seating area with soft pillows and a custom-sized sofa will be appropriate in any room.
Rest area under the stairs
Sleeping area
You can arrange an extra bed for guests. To do this, use a transformable bed, which decreases in size and accommodates all bedding.
Depending on the location of the stairs, a children's sleeping place is arranged.
Sleeping place under the stairs
Home cinema
An excellent home theater area with drawers, lighting and decor.
Home cinema under the stairs
Kitchen
There is also a kitchen area under the stairs. This takes into account high humidity, temperature changes, sewerage and ventilation. Difficult, but quite possible.
Kitchen under the stairs in a wooden house
Vinoteka
A wine collection can be located under the stairs.
Wine cellar under the stairs
Pantry
Household items, winter supplies and non-perishable products are placed under the stairs.
The cupboard under the stairs will remain in the house for many years. Therefore, it should be as practical as possible, not harm the staircase itself and correspond to the overall interior.
Storage room under the stairs
It is impossible to achieve this on your own, without skills and education. Therefore, it is better to contact a furniture company after studying reviews of their work.
Play with a fireplace or stove
When choosing a fireplace, you must take into account the presence of a chimney and follow all safety regulations. Surfaces must be non-flammable and treated with special compounds. For the stove you need to provide space for firewood. Similar options are suitable for a country or country house.
In a city apartment, the best option would be an electric or bio-fireplace. They do not produce harmful substances and are safer. However, the biofireplace is not highly efficient and has more of a decorative function.
Materials
Usually a closet under the stairs to the second floor is installed in a private house. The most popular manufacturing materials:
- Tree. Suitable for making frames, doors, drawers, shelves. The stairs themselves are made from it. The material is strong, durable, environmentally friendly, but must be treated with moisture-resistant impregnations.
- MDF. The material is a good substitute for wood. It costs less, but is strong, durable and safe for human health. Contains a small amount of harmful formaldehyde, has no specific odor, and does not absorb moisture. It looks beautiful in appearance and has an interesting texture.
- Chipboard. The material is inexpensive, which causes a constant high demand for furniture made from it. It looks quite attractive, is versatile, and is suitable for making different types of cabinets. To order, chipboard products are made quickly. The surface can be painted in any color. The material lasts for at least 10 years, but breakdowns of individual pieces of furniture made from chipboard are possible.
- Rattan. A cabinet made from it looks interesting, exotic, one might say, and durable. The intertwined surface of such furniture looks good in a country house, in a rustic interior, in country and Provence styles. The material is expensive, but it is suitable for making products that will be used daily. Not afraid of moisture and direct sunlight.
- Bamboo. The material is moisture resistant, completely natural. A cottage with such furniture will acquire a special, natural flavor. Even when heated, bamboo products do not emit substances harmful to humans. They do not fade under the influence of sunlight and do not rot.
- Metal. The cabinet frame, shelves, fasteners, and fittings can be made from this material. The metal is durable and is not afraid of almost any impact, even moisture. Very durable, withstands significant loads, does not require complex maintenance. Sometimes such a cabinet is installed in attic rooms.
Characteristics of fabric cabinets, nuances of operating new furniture items
Facades can be made of plastic or glass. The latter material is environmentally friendly and harmless. With elements made from it, products become more elegant. A cabinet with glass fronts is universal, suitable for any style, from rococo and loft to minimalism. The surface can be transparent, matte, colored. Modern technologies make it possible to create durable glass elements that are difficult to damage.
Plastic facades are practical, inexpensive options that are popular. They allow you to embody any design ideas. The material is malleable and can take different shapes. Can imitate other surfaces, such as marble or wood. Plastic does not rot and is not afraid of moisture. It is easy to care for - you just need to clean the facades from dirt, using detergents.
Wood MDF
Chipboard
Metal
Food storage
Food cellar
The space can be equipped as a cellar. At room temperature, the room is suitable for non-perishable products such as preservatives, spices, dry bulk mixtures, cereals, oils and vegetables. For categories of products that require lower temperatures, it is better to use a basement or create the required temperature regime.
This option is suitable for a private home or cottage. The space can be equipped with shelving and swing doors. Thus, it will be used effectively and at the same time have an aesthetic appearance.
The photo shows a closed space with a separate entrance for storing food.
Wine cabinet
An original and stylish interior solution would be a wine cabinet under the stairs. This requires special air conditioning equipment. The average storage temperature for wine is 10-12 degrees and a sudden temperature change can harm the drink. Shelving must be positioned horizontally, and the doors must undergo special treatment to prevent the entry of ultraviolet rays.
The photo shows a wine room with glass doors.
Utility rooms under the stairs
The empty space under the stairs, which takes up a significant part of the free space, can be turned from a disadvantage into an advantage. Moreover, an interesting design and thoughtful execution will make this part of a country house or cottage the highlight of the entire interior. We offer you original options for using such a room: from storage space for food to equipping a full-fledged kitchen, bathroom, library or office.
Toilet or bathroom
Under the large flight of stairs there is enough space to arrange a toilet with a washbasin, shower or bath. As a rule, they are equipped as additional rooms for guests.
For the toilet you will need a room:
- width from 1.2 m;
- length from 2.3 m;
- height from 2.6 m (closer to the corners the smallest height is up to 1 m).
In a room where residents or guests can fully wash themselves, you will need a little more space - one of its walls should be large enough to install at least a sit-down bathtub or shower. Just do not forget that such premises require not only high-quality ventilation, but also waterproofing of floors and vapor barrier of walls and ceilings. Provided that all the above requirements are met, it is even possible to equip a miniature bathhouse or sauna here.
The bathroom will seem visually more spacious if you use light-colored finishing materials and mirrors. In dim light, part of the space is hidden, so it will be necessary to take care of sufficient lighting.
Pantry
Every country house has a lot of things: skis, a bicycle, a stroller, a stepladder, an ironing board, a vacuum cleaner and other bulky items, the placement of which sometimes becomes a real problem.
In this case, the free space under the stairs to the second floor will come in handy. Moreover, it is located not far from the front door. But it will be possible to use it as a storage room if there are no radiators or heating pipes here.
Wardrobe
The space under the stairs is also suitable for storing seasonal items: sheepskin coats, fur coats, down jackets, raincoats, jackets, shoes, etc. There are many options for the arrangement of cabinets - it all depends on the free space and your desire.
Retractable structures, closed most of the time, are not only original, but also very convenient. There is absolutely no need to hide the small space under the landing behind the door. If you choose cabinets in the same style as the rest of the furniture, they will look harmonious and stylish.
Food storage
If there is no cellar, some of the products that do not require low temperature storage will be placed on shelves under the stairs. Rarely used kitchen utensils are also stored here. In such a room you can also set up storage for finished, already corked wines (you will still need a cooler room to age them).
To ensure that light falls on the bottles as little as possible, you will need to take care of dark or tinted doors. For real winemakers, this is also an opportunity to once again demonstrate to guests the fruits of their labor.
Leisure solutions and other ideas
TV
The built-in TV allows full use of the space under the stairs. It can be attached to the wall and installed on a cabinet or rack. An interesting solution would be a contrasting wallpaper background; it will highlight this wall.
Bar or bar counter
The bar under the stairs will not take up much space, but will perform its functions perfectly. Several shelves for drinks and glasses will create the atmosphere of a cozy bar. If the staircase is located in the corner of the room, then the bar counter will fit well and will not overload the space.
Lounge area
The lounge area is a place where you can completely relax and take your mind off your problems. Color design depends on personal preference. As a rule, these are calm light shades. The lounge area can be decorated with a beautiful armchair or a cozy sofa. Soft lighting will emphasize the backstage atmosphere.
In the photo, a cozy lounge area has been set up in a niche under the flight of stairs.
Children's house or children's corner
A children's house or corner will become a real treasure for children. The space can be fenced off with doors, creating an isolated room, or the corner can be left open.
The interior can be decorated with any theme, it all depends on the interests of the child and the imagination of the adult.
Sewing place
A compact place for sewing and creativity fits neatly into the space under the stairs. A table and a sewing machine are installed in the corner. There may be numerous boxes for useful little things on the wall. It is worth considering the possibility of bright lighting.
House for a dog or cat
You can give part or all of the area under the stairs to your pets. This solution allows pets to have privacy and will not take up space in the central part of the house.
In the photo, the staircase space was decorated with the help of a doghouse.
Wardrobe under the stairs and interior
When thinking about the purpose and appearance, you need to start from the location of the staircase and the general style of the interior. Only in this case will the new furniture look natural and perform all its functions.
Hallway
It is practical to install a wardrobe under the stairs, located near the entrance doors. It houses casual clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and sports equipment. To avoid a feeling of clutter when entering home, the closet is covered as much as possible with linens, leaving small shelves for bags, umbrellas and shoes.
Hallway under the stairs
Living room
Combined or open shelving looks harmonious in the living room. They contain a TV, a library, figurines and decorative dishes. High segments are allocated for the wardrobe.
Living room under the stairs
Corridor
Under the narrow flights of stairs, located in the adjacent room, a place for storing seasonal items or a pantry is equipped. The most convenient here are retractable mechanisms with modules and drawers of different sizes.
Kitchen area
When the staircase is located near the kitchen or dining room, the most convenient option would be a cascade of drawers and shelving.
They fit all the kitchen utensils and some groceries.
If space allows, household appliances are built in, and the façade is covered with hinged panels.
Kitchen unit under the stairs
Duplex apartment
Shelves, retractable and combined, are appropriate here. Depending on the location of the stairs, space is created to store dishes, wardrobe or household items.
To prevent the closet from looking unnatural, be sure to focus on the basic materials of the interior and stairs.
For example, if the staircase is wooden to the second floor, then a glossy model with plastic elements will look bad. In this case, in addition to solid wood, veneered wood boards are suitable.
Vertical and horizontal lines of shelves, doors and drawers are combined with the lines of steps and flights of stairs. This will look natural.
Interior of a two-level apartment with a staircase
Be sure to take into account the main colors of the interior - the cabinet should be neutral in relation to them or echo the shades. In a narrow room, it is advisable to use light shades of materials and dilute the facade with mirrors. This will visually expand the space.
Photos of decorative ideas
Garden
Plants under high open stairs will give the room a garden atmosphere. The garden can be a group of potted plants, and the floor can be decorated with a composition of stones. It is necessary to create lighting in the space; it can be natural light or artificially created.
Aquarium
An unusual and effective use of space, preferably it should be clearly visible. In this case, the aquarium will become the main “highlight” of the room. You need to remember about the necessary lighting and the purchase of equipment for filtration and aeration of water.
The photo shows an aquarium built into a flight of stairs.
Vases, sculptures, figurines
Perfect for decorating blind corners. The space will not look empty, but will be filled with elegant details.
Fountain
Another unusual way to decorate a space. A variety of technologies allow you to choose the most advantageous option for the area and style of your home.
Style and colors
When choosing the color of the cabinet, you need to focus on the general range of the stairs: steps, railings. Main shades of wood: white, black, brown, beige. A product with sliding or hinged doors, made of MDF or solid wood, with natural colors, will fit well into the classic style. Facades can be decorated with patterns, handmade carvings, and forged elements.
The Baroque style is suitable for cabinets under the stairs, the facades of which are decorated with elegant patterns and gilding. Material of manufacture - only wood (alder, oak, beech, cherry, maple, walnut, ash). Simple cabinets in natural colors are suitable for country style; the facades can be decorated with photo printing and floral patterns. Manufacturing materials: bamboo, rattan. The doors can be hinged or blinds. The same requirements exist for products in the Provence style.
Loft, the style of factories and attics, is more popular today than ever. Cabinets under the stairs in this direction are distinguished by original designs, a combination of modern technology and antiquity. The surface of facades can be aged artificially. Decorations with glass inserts, mirrors, photo printing and metal are welcome. Only cool colors are used.
Modern is a modern style. Cabinets under the stairs, made in this direction, are distinguished by their laconic design and restraint in decoration. Often these are combined products, combinations of different materials. The same is true for minimalism, but here monochromatic models of neutral colors are used, while in modernism bright shades are appropriate.
Classic Provence Loft style
Minimalism
Useful and functional options
Washing machine
A convenient solution would be to equip a small laundry room under the stairs; in addition to the machine, you can arrange shelves for household chemicals there. The room can be closed with doors.
In the photo, under the flight of stairs there is a compact closet with a washing machine.
Fridge
If there is not enough space in the kitchen, the refrigerator can be moved under the stairs. Thus, it will not take up much space, but will disappear unnoticed in the opening.
Bicycles and strollers
Bicycles and strollers will be out of the way if stored under the stairs. The space can be open or enclosed with doors in the form of a closet or closet.
What to do with the space under the stairs?
In addition to the above-mentioned traditional approaches to arranging space under the stairs, other options are no less interesting and everyone can figure them out to suit their needs. So under the stairs you can make an enclosure for a dog.
If your four-legged friend is small, then you can put a cozy sofa nearby.
Or take space under the stairs for your library.
If reading books doesn’t interest you much, then maybe you’ll like the idea of a home theater under the stairs more.
Decorating a door under the stairs
Doors can blend into the overall color scheme or become a distinctive feature.
- For a minimalist design or a small area, smooth glossy doors with miniature handles are suitable.
- Wooden doors with beautiful relief match the classic interior.
- The doors of the wardrobe can have any image or mirror insert, which will support the overall style.
In the photo, the doors to the pantry merge with the finishing of the stairs.
Using a little imagination, you can not only usefully, but also beautifully use the space under the transition to the second floor. This can be a full-fledged room, a shelving unit or a decorative element.
Aquarium
The space under the stairs is set up as a piece of the underwater world. In the niche, an inclined tank covering the entire wall looks impressive. The design can follow the shape of the steps, resemble a round porthole, or be traditionally rectangular. When ascending with a screw to the second floor, a model in the form of a cylinder is mounted.
Water world under the stairs Source yandex.ru
Aquariums that are visible from both sides look unusual. A bright design element will connect two rooms into a single space. Illuminating the tank at dusk will add romantic notes to the interior. Instead of underwater inhabitants, you can place a terrarium or an electric imitation lamp under glass.
Beautiful decor in the room Source gidlestnic.ru
Making shelves under the stairs with your own hands
If you have a great desire, backed by a healthy dose of self-confidence, it is possible to create your own shelves in the form of stepladders under the stairs. For this you will need:
- Wooden boards, chipboard or plywood.
- Metal parts for the supporting frame.
- Accessories (handles, locks, hinges, telescopic stands).
- Fastening elements.
- Tools.
- Roulette.
- Square.
- Level.
Work on upgrading an old staircase (into a hanger or a simple shelf) begins with drawing up a plan. Options are being explored on how to use the ladder, what you will have to do for this, taking into account your real strengths and capabilities.
It is possible that the features of the staircase and its platform will require deep adaptation of even a standard project - this is an inevitable measure if you want to see the job through to completion. After all, to get a truly original shelf for a room, replacing the functionality of 10 shelves, you will have to make every effort.
Important. It is unlikely that it will be possible to make a cabinet “by eye” without preliminary measurements: not a single workshop will take on the task of completing an order without measuring the necessary parameters.
Be sure to take all required dimensions: length, width, height of stepladders and stairs, and make working sketches and drawings. Not only the style of the entire structure in the interior of a home office, kitchen with mirrors, comfortable chests of drawers and cabinets, but also the normal operation of its components depends on the precision of manufacturing of drawers and modern shelves occupying several levels. The drawers must extend to their full length, evenly, smoothly, the doors must open completely, fasten without distortions - without this, the pleasure of using a poorly assembled cabinet will be hopelessly ruined.
It wouldn’t hurt to get advice from experienced furniture makers: they probably know how to make a stunning shelving unit for a bathroom from a flight of stairs in the hallway, they will help with the choice of materials, and they will suggest a design depending on the existing interior. As you know, it is better to do it once, but correctly, than to redo and correct it for a long time. Modern fittings allow for small errors in the manufacture of furniture, but it is better to avoid this by carefully checking that the dimensions match the design ones and measuring the corners.
How to fit a wardrobe under the stairs into the interior?
Modern design of residential premises involves multi-level. City apartments or country houses are often equipped with stairs.
The design of the stairs is so varied that under each of them a space of different sizes and shapes is formed.
Stairs do not necessarily have to connect different floors. When developing the design of small residential areas, elements such as mezzanines are often used. They are the optimal solution for zoning limited space. All the more acute is the task of functionally filling any free space.
One of the most common options for using the space under the stairs is to locate a built-in wardrobe there.
Depending on where the staircase is located, built-in furniture can be classified according to its role in the family's daily life.
You can hide a lot of things in a closet and at the same time add a new touch to the interior design of a room with a staircase.
- A built-in wardrobe is suitable for stairs located in the hall and adjacent to the wall. There is enough space for a dressing room or extensive built-in wardrobes in the hallway.
- A zone partition will help out when the staircase is in the living room. It can be represented by open shelves with books, souvenirs or toys.
- A storage system will be appropriate if there is not much space under the stairs and around, and you only need to open cabinet doors or pull out drawers when necessary. For example, for storing clothes and shoes that are irrelevant for a given season, guest bedding and accessories, even a set of car tires in a pinch.
- A bar counter is the best solution for stairs in the kitchen. It will serve as a border and at the same time expand the working kitchen space.
- A sports corner is a good solution for two-level apartments and airy spiral staircases. Here you can place a punching bag or gymnastic rings, a small ladder or a bench to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
- A light shelving unit with memorable souvenirs or a bar counter under a spiral staircase made in a classic style would fit well.
- Storage rooms can be arranged under basement or attic stairs.
This is the most practical option for using the space under the stairs.
The choice of style for the facades of built-in wardrobes will depend on the overall design concept of the house, apartment, or room. There are many variations:
- classic style
- minimalism
- high tech
- Provence
- rococo
- soho
These types of dressing rooms and closets allow you to free up space in rooms occupied by chests of drawers and large cabinets.
An experienced designer will easily find a winning color scheme if the room has already been decorated, but only now have they gotten around to the dressing room under the stairs. Moreover, the design can be developed independently by following little tricks.
Staircase structures are most often installed in hallways, where it is not possible to place large pieces of furniture.
- If the staircase is the “highlight” of the house, then in any case you need to build furniture under it with expensive, eye-catching facades and non-standard design solutions. This could be a luxurious wine cabinet, a stand with glass doors, a shelving unit for storing expensive collections, or a library. A prerequisite: a bright accent is needed, but the overall style of the room should not be disturbed.
- If the staircase is modest and inconspicuous, then the built-in structures should not attract attention. Their main task is to be a voluminous storage facility behind closed doors.
- The staircase on the mezzanine can be shaded by built-in wardrobes with facades in the color of the railings and steps. This will make it possible to perceive the structure as a whole, without focusing on the details.
An individual project is developed for each house, taking into account the characteristics of the premises.
Furniture built under the stairs has undoubted advantages:
- is a repository
- transforms space
- pleases with the decor.
Another attractive thing about this model is that the external design can be different: using glass, mirrors, plastic, natural wood, etc.
Its value as a storage facility is known to any housewife. But even more valuable is the ability of this furniture to put at the service of a person places that are useless at first glance. The nice design is an added bonus.
Interior finishing of shelves and cabinets
The choice of solution depends on the taste of the owners. The main thing is that it fulfills its main task: storing things under the stairs that previously took up a lot of useful space. And what kind of system the staircase steps will be connected into a single structure: retractable panels, drawers on telescopic brackets, rotating blocks is a matter for the designer and installers. And from the outside it should still be a staircase, in the steps of which a big secret is hidden.
For finishing you should not use something extraordinary or super expensive: standard solutions - wood, metal, chipboard or OSB boards - will be quite enough. A solution can be suggested by furniture makers who will order a cabinet under the stairs. Their advice will come in handy.
There is no need to strive to overly decorate the inner surface with complex patterns or carefully selected colors: the main task of the shelves located in the steps of the stairs is to store things. As decorative elements from an old staircase with shelves inside, it is better to use original fittings, a simple but stylish design and a color that will not unduly attract attention.
Don't forget about the interior decoration
There are more than enough solutions on how to fit part of a flight of stairs into the interior of a children's room, converting it into furniture and even creating a resting place.
But the best option, the one that will suit you perfectly, allowing you to hide most of your clothes and shoes, will be the one that is personally selected, according to your size and specific needs.
