Maximizing the space under your staircase can transform an often-overlooked area into a functional and stylish part of your home. With over 20 ingenious design ideas, this article will inspire you to rethink how you use this unique space.
From custom-built storage solutions to cozy reading nooks, these small closet designs offer both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Discover how to turn this hidden gem into a valuable asset for your home.
Maximize vertical space with shelves
A small closet under a staircase is designed to maximize vertical space with custom-built shelves that reach the ceiling. The shelves are made of light wood, providing a warm contrast to the white walls, while the closet door features a sleek, modern handle for easy access.
Incorporate sliding doors for accessibility
A cozy small closet under the staircase features sliding doors for easy accessibility, seamlessly blending with the surrounding architecture. The interior is designed with built-in shelves and hooks, maximizing storage while maintaining an organized and stylish appearance.
Use baskets for organized storage
A small closet under the staircase features a series of woven baskets neatly arranged on sturdy shelves for organized storage. The walls are painted in a soft white hue, and a warm wood finish on the shelves adds a touch of coziness to the space.
Add a cozy reading nook inside
A cozy reading nook featuring a plush armchair upholstered in soft, warm fabric, positioned next to a large window that allows natural light to flood the space. A small side table holds a stack of books and a steaming cup of tea, while a floor lamp with a warm glow provides additional lighting for evening reading.
The small closet under the staircase is designed with built-in shelving for efficient storage, featuring a combination of hanging space and drawers. Soft, ambient lighting illuminates the space, and a sliding barn door adds a rustic charm while maximizing accessibility.
Install a mini office workspace
A compact mini office workspace is designed under a window, featuring a sleek white desk with a minimalist chair. Shelves above the desk hold books and decorative items, while a small potted plant adds a touch of greenery.
The small closet under the staircase is ingeniously transformed into a functional storage space, with custom shelving and hooks for organization. Soft lighting illuminates the interior, creating a cozy nook that maximizes every inch of space.
Create a wine storage area
A stylish wine storage area featuring a custom-built wooden wine rack that holds an impressive collection of bottles. The space is illuminated by soft, ambient lighting, enhancing the rich tones of the wood and the labels of the wine.
A small closet under the staircase designed to maximize space efficiency with built-in shelving and hanging options. The interior is painted a crisp white, while the exterior blends seamlessly with the staircase, adorned with decorative hooks for added functionality.
Use hooks for outdoor gear storage
A small closet under the staircase features a clever design for outdoor gear storage. The space is maximized with custom shelving and hooks, providing an organized area for coats, shoes, and sporting equipment.
The closet door is a sleek sliding design, painted in a soft gray to blend seamlessly with the surrounding decor. Warm lighting illuminates the interior, highlighting the textures of the stored gear and creating an inviting atmosphere.
Incorporate a pet bed nook
A cozy pet bed nook is nestled in a corner of the living room, featuring a plush bed surrounded by soft pillows and a warm blanket. Above the nook, a small shelf holds pet toys and framed photos of the beloved furry companion, creating an inviting space for relaxation.
The small closet under the staircase is designed with clever storage solutions, incorporating built-in shelves and hanging space for coats and shoes. A sliding barn door adds a rustic touch, while soft lighting highlights the organized interior, making it both functional and stylish.
Add mirrored doors for depth
A small closet under the staircase features mirrored doors that create a sense of depth and openness. The interior is designed with built-in shelves and hooks to maximize storage while maintaining a sleek and organized appearance.
Design a craft or hobby corner
A cozy craft corner featuring a large wooden table surrounded by colorful storage bins filled with supplies. The walls are adorned with pegboards holding tools and materials, while a bright window allows natural light to illuminate the creative space.
A functional small closet under the staircase designed with built-in shelves and a fold-down desk. The interior is painted in a soft white, and the door has a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall.
Use pull-out drawers for easy access
A small closet under the staircase features pull-out drawers for easy access, maximizing storage efficiency in a compact space. The design incorporates a light wood finish with sleek metal handles, ensuring a modern aesthetic that complements the surrounding decor.
Incorporate a small desk area
A cozy nook under the staircase features a small desk area designed for productivity. The desk is crafted from reclaimed wood, paired with a comfortable upholstered chair, and accented by a sleek desk lamp that provides warm light.
Adjacent to the desk, a small closet is cleverly integrated into the space, with sliding doors that blend seamlessly with the staircase. The interior of the closet is organized with shelves and hooks, providing ample storage for shoes and bags while maintaining a tidy appearance.
Add a shoe rack with seating
A small closet under the staircase features a sleek shoe rack with built-in seating, providing both functionality and style. The design incorporates warm wood tones and soft cushioning, creating a cozy nook for putting on shoes.
The shoe rack is neatly organized with a variety of footwear, while the walls are painted in a light, airy color to enhance the sense of space. Decorative hooks are mounted above the seating area for hanging bags or coats, adding to the practicality of the design.
Use color-coded bins for organization
A small closet under the staircase is designed with color-coded bins for optimal organization. The bins, in vibrant shades of blue, green, and red, are neatly arranged on shelves, making it easy to categorize and access items.
The closet features a sliding door that maximizes space efficiency while providing a sleek look. Soft white lighting illuminates the interior, highlighting the organized bins and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Create a hidden laundry hamper space
A cleverly designed hidden laundry hamper space is integrated into the cabinetry, featuring a pull-out drawer that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wood finish. The area is well-lit with soft, ambient lighting, enhancing the functionality while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.
The small closet under the staircase is transformed into a multifunctional storage solution, with built-in shelves and hanging space for coats and bags. A charming, painted door adds character, while a small bench provides a convenient spot for putting on shoes.
Install adjustable shelving for versatility
A small closet under the staircase features adjustable shelving that maximizes storage versatility. The design includes a sleek, modern door that blends seamlessly with the staircase, while soft LED lighting illuminates the interior for easy access.
Add ambient lighting for a warm feel
A cozy small closet under the staircase features soft ambient lighting that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls are painted in a light, neutral color, and the space is adorned with built-in shelves for organized storage.
The closet includes a small bench for seating, with plush cushions that add comfort. Decorative hooks line the wall for hanging bags and coats, while a stylish area rug adds a touch of elegance to the floor.
Incorporate a fold-down ironing board
A cozy and functional small closet design under a staircase. The closet features a fold-down ironing board neatly integrated into the cabinetry, maximizing space efficiency while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
The walls are painted in a soft white to enhance the brightness of the area, complemented by warm wood shelving for storage. Decorative baskets are placed on the shelves, providing organization while adding a touch of style to the compact space.
Use clear boxes for visibility
A small closet design under the staircase features sleek sliding doors made of light wood, creating a seamless transition with the surrounding decor. Inside, shelves are neatly organized to maximize space, holding shoes and seasonal items, while a small hanging rod accommodates coats and bags.
The walls are painted in a soft, neutral color to enhance brightness, and a stylish light fixture illuminates the space. Decorative hooks are added to the outside of the closet for easy access to frequently used items, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Create a seasonal clothing rotation space
A cozy seasonal clothing rotation space designed under a staircase, featuring built-in shelves and hanging rods for easy access. Soft, warm lighting illuminates the area, highlighting neatly organized bins for off-season clothing and accessories.
The walls are painted in a light neutral color to create an airy feel, while a small bench with storage underneath provides a practical seating area. Decorative hooks line the side for bags and hats, adding functionality to this charming nook.
Add a small ladder for high shelves
A cozy small closet design under the staircase features a sleek wooden ladder leaning against the wall, providing access to high shelves. The closet is painted in a soft white hue, with built-in storage solutions that maximize space and keep the area organized.
Incorporate a foldable Murphy bed
A cozy guest room features a cleverly designed foldable Murphy bed that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding decor. The bed is adorned with soft linens and decorative pillows, and when folded up, it reveals a stylish wall-mounted bookshelf.
Beneath the staircase, a small closet is designed with sliding doors that maximize space efficiency. The closet is organized with built-in shelves and hooks, providing a functional storage solution while maintaining the aesthetic of the room.
Use a pegboard for tool storage
A functional small closet under the staircase features a stylish pegboard on the back wall for organized tool storage, showcasing a variety of neatly arranged tools and accessories. The closet is painted in a soft gray hue, with wooden shelves above the pegboard for additional storage, and a warm light illuminates the space, enhancing its practicality and charm.
Add decorative wallpaper for style
A stylish small closet under the staircase features decorative wallpaper with a subtle floral pattern, adding a touch of elegance to the space. The closet is fitted with custom shelving and a sleek sliding door, maximizing storage while maintaining a chic aesthetic.
Create a mini bar area
A stylish mini bar area featuring a sleek, dark wood bar with a polished granite countertop. Behind the bar, a mirrored backsplash reflects an array of colorful bottles and glassware, while soft LED lighting highlights the space.
An innovative small closet under the staircase designed for maximum storage efficiency. The closet includes built-in shelves for shoes and bags, with a sliding door that blends seamlessly with the staircase, painted in a soft, neutral color.
Incorporate a foldable dining table
A cozy dining area featuring a sleek, foldable dining table that can comfortably seat four when extended. The table is crafted from reclaimed wood, paired with modern, minimalist chairs that accentuate the space’s functionality and style.
Under the staircase, a small closet design maximizes storage while maintaining an open feel. The closet features built-in shelves for shoes and bags, with a sliding door that seamlessly blends into the wall, painted in a soft, neutral color.
Use a chalkboard for reminders
A creative small closet design tucked under the staircase features a chalkboard wall for reminders and notes, adding a functional yet stylish element to the space. The closet is fitted with open shelving for easy access to shoes and accessories, complemented by soft lighting that highlights the organized layout.
The interior of the closet is painted in a light, neutral color to enhance brightness, while a small bench provides a convenient spot for putting on shoes. Decorative hooks on the side offer additional storage for bags and coats, making this small space both practical and visually appealing.
Add a small fridge for drinks
A cozy nook under the staircase features a small, stylish fridge seamlessly integrated into the design, providing easy access to drinks. The surrounding space is optimized with clever shelving and hooks, creating a functional yet inviting area.
The small closet under the staircase is designed with sliding doors, maximizing space while maintaining a sleek appearance. Inside, custom shelving and compartments offer organized storage for shoes, bags, and seasonal items, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Incorporate a gallery wall for decor
A cozy small closet under the staircase features a sleek sliding door made of reclaimed wood, seamlessly blending with the surrounding decor. Inside, the space is organized with built-in shelves and hooks for coats and shoes, illuminated by warm LED lighting.
The gallery wall is adorned with an eclectic mix of framed artwork and photographs, showcasing a variety of styles from modern abstracts to vintage prints. Each piece is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually appealing focal point, complemented by floating shelves displaying small plants and decorative objects.
Create a hidden play area for kids
A hidden play area for kids, cleverly tucked beneath a staircase, features soft, colorful carpeting and whimsical wall decals that inspire creativity. Brightly colored storage bins are neatly arranged, providing easy access to toys, while soft lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A small closet under the staircase is designed for maximum efficiency, with built-in shelving and hooks for coats and bags. The interior is painted in a light, cheerful color, and a sliding door adds a modern touch while saving space.
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