Easy Under Stairs Storage Ideas

Sometimes it’s the smallest areas of our homes that have the most untapped potential. The space beneath our staircases is often left unused or as a dumping ground for old coats, boots and cleaning equipment. Whether you’re on a tidying spree or looking for innovative ways to use an unloved area of the home, we’ve put together a few simple but effective under stairs storage ideas to help keep the house organised while getting the most out of your space. From a sleek pantry to handy understairs storage ideas for coats and shoes, these under the stairs cupboard storage ideas include something for every home.

What to Do With the Space Under the Stairs

Here are five ways that you can make use of wasted space under the stairs while minimising clutter too.

1. Stylish Under Stairs Shoe Storage Ideas

Storing shoes under the stairs will keep your hallway clear and makes it easy to find the pair you’re looking for. Cube storage is a great option, as a pair of shoes will slot neatly into each gap. Having a variety of dimensions to choose from also means that you can find the perfect fit for your space. Alternatively, create your own bespoke under stairs storage with wall mounted shelves.

Top Tip: Read our guide on how to put up a shelf for some pointers.

2. Organise Coats With an Under Stairs Wardrobe

Making a dedicated area for coat storage under the stairs will free up space in your wardrobe and means that you can grab your jacket easily as you head out the door. To create a custom clothes storage space under the stairs, you’ll need a telescopic rod or wardrobe hanging rail, coat hangers, and hooks that can be attached to the wall. Hang your rail between two parallel walls and fix hooks as needed for hats, scarves and storage that is within easy reach for little ones. Add a stylish shoe cabinet beneath your rail for somewhere to keep boots and trainers neat and tidy too.

Top Tip: If you’re updating your clothes storage at home, take a look at our guide on how to make a DIY panelled wardrobe.

3. Create the Perfect Pantry

If your staircase is near the kitchen, there are plenty of under stairs pantry storage ideas that will help to free up kitchen cupboard space while allowing you to build the larder of your dreams – no matter what size your kitchen is. To get started, hang floating shelves between shoulder and eye level. Keeping your storage at an easy-to-view height will help you to keep track of what you’ve got in stock, making it easier to replace store cupboard essentials when they start to run out.

Before fixing your shelving, consider what you are going to store where. Make sure to leave enough space between the top shelf and the ceiling for cereal boxes, and measure any food storage containers you’ll be using to make sure there is ample room between shelves for them to slot into neatly.

Top Tip: For advice on how to organise your under stairs pantry, read these kitchen food storage ideas.

4. Transform Your Under Stairs Into a Laundry Station

The space beneath our staircases can quickly become a cluttered, chaotic assortment of cleaning products, vacuum cleaners and laundry airers. If this sounds familiar, then turning your under stairs storage space into a utility room and laundry station will create a functional area that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your home tidy and organised. Washing machines and tumble dryers will fit neatly beneath a staircase, keeping them out of the way of busy family kitchens and freeing up more space for kitchen storage.

Build a cubby hole next to your laundry appliances to slot the vacuum cleaner into. This can be easily done with MDF board cut to size and painted to match your walls. You could build additional cubby holes to house your laundry basket, mops, brooms and brushes – the most important thing is that you’re creating under stairs storage that is designed to suit your specific needs.

Finally, put up floating shelves above your appliances to store your iron, cleaning products and detergent.

Top Tip: Take a look at our guide on how to build your own utility laundry station for more inspiration.

5. Make It Modular

When it comes to bespoke under stairs shelving ideas, it can be hard to find a storage unit that fits into this irregular-shaped space without investing in expensive, custom-built cupboards. Luckily, cube shelving is an affordable option that can be uniquely fitted to your space. Our cube units can be stacked in a wide array of configurations, so you can find the perfect fit for the area under your stairs. Start by creating a base layer of cube units that covers the floor-width of your space. Continue to add layers until you’re left with a stacked, triangular shape that fits neatly under your stairs.

Our range also includes a variety of sleek and stylish cube inserts, so you can organise your belongings into easy-to-find labelled compartments and keep bric-a-brac and cleaning products hidden from view.

Top Tip: If you’re on a de-cluttering mission, read these home storage ideas for tips for every room.

We hope these under stairs storage ideas have got you feeling inspired! Share your own organisation tips with us and tag us in photos of your home transformations @Homebase_UK.