10 Easy Under Stairs Storage Ideas That Make Every Inch Count

The space under the stairs is one of the most overlooked spots in a home. In many houses, it’s a dark cupboard where vacuum cleaners, shoes and forgotten boxes pile up until the door barely closes. Yet with a little planning, that awkward triangle can become some of the hardest-working storage you own.

This guide covers 10 easy under stairs storage ideas, from simple open shelving you can set up in an afternoon to built-in drawers that make the most of every inch. Each idea includes who it suits, a rough budget level and how much DIY skill it needs. You’ll also find tips on measuring the space, choosing ideas that suit your type of staircase and avoiding common safety mistakes.

Before You Start: Measure and Plan the Space

Good under stairs storage starts with accurate measurements. Because the ceiling slopes, the usable space is rarely as simple as it looks.

• Measure the width of the opening from wall to wall or from the wall to the stair stringer.
• Measure the height at the tallest point and again every 30 cm (about 12 inches) along the slope. This shows where tall items, shelves and drawers will fit.
• Measure the depth from the front of the opening to the back wall. Deep spaces suit pull-out drawers, while shallow spaces work better for open shelves or hooks.
• Note any obstacles such as electricity meters, consumer units, gas meters, pipes, radiators or skirting boards.
• Check how the stairs are built. Some staircases have structural supports or an enclosed cupboard wall that limits where you can cut or fix shelving.

Sketch the space on paper with your measurements. It’s the easiest way to spot where drawers will collide with the slope or where a door won’t open fully.

Match the Idea to Your Staircase

Not every under stairs storage idea suits every staircase. Use this table as a quick guide.

Staircase type	What works best	What to avoid
Straight, enclosed	Pull-out drawers, cupboards, pantry	Very deep fixed shelves you can’t reach
Straight, open side	Built-in shelving, reading nook, desk	Bulky freestanding units
L-shaped or quarter-turn	Corner cupboard, coat nook, pet den	Long drawers in the turn
Open riser or floating	Low cubbies, baskets, display shelves	Tall cupboards that block light
Basement stairs	Shelving for tools, pantry overflow	Storing anything that dislikes damp

10 Easy Under Stairs Storage Ideas

1. Pull-Out Drawers That Follow the Slope

Pull-out drawers are the gold standard for under stairs storage because they use the full depth of the space. Instead of crawling into the back of a cupboard, you slide each drawer out like a filing cabinet. Graduated designs, with tall drawers under the high end and shorter ones toward the low end, make use of every centimeter.

Use tall drawers for coats, vacuum cleaners or boots, and shorter ones for shoes, bags or cleaning supplies.

Best for: enclosed straight stairs · Budget: high · DIY level: advanced or professional

Tip: choose heavy-duty, full-extension runners so drawers don’t sag when fully loaded.

2. Open Shelving With Baskets

If you want an easy, low-cost solution, open shelving is hard to beat. Fit shelves or freestanding cube units along the open side of the stairs, then add matching baskets or fabric bins to keep things tidy. Baskets hide clutter while the shelves themselves can display books, plants or family photos.

Best for: open-sided stairs, rentals, small budgets · Budget: low · DIY level: beginner

Tip: label baskets by category, such as hats, chargers or dog leads, so everyone in the house knows where things go.

3. A Coat and Shoe Nook by the Door

If your stairs are close to the front door, turn the space beneath them into a mini mudroom. Add a row of hooks at different heights, a slim bench for putting on shoes and a shoe rack or cubbies underneath. Keep the area open, or add a curtain or door to hide the clutter.

Best for: busy hallways, families · Budget: low to medium · DIY level: beginner to intermediate

Tip: add lower hooks for children so they can hang up their own coats and bags.

4. A Hidden Pantry or Pull-Out Larder

If your stairs are near the kitchen, an under stairs pantry can take pressure off overflowing cupboards. Fit adjustable shelves for tins and jars, or install tall pull-out larder units that slide out to reveal everything at once. Use the shorter end for bulk items, drinks or small appliances you don’t use every day.

Best for: small kitchens, open-plan homes · Budget: medium to high · DIY level: intermediate

Tip: keep food storage away from radiators, boilers or hot pipes, and add a battery-powered motion light so you can see what’s inside.

5. A Built-In Bookcase and Reading Nook

Fill the open side of the stairs with built-in bookshelves, then add a cushioned seat in the tallest part of the space. A wall-mounted reading light and a few soft cushions create a cozy corner that adults and kids love. Drawers under the seat provide hidden storage for blankets or toys.

Best for: open-sided stairs in living areas · Budget: medium · DIY level: intermediate

Tip: use a plug-in wall light or rechargeable lamp if there’s no electrical outlet nearby.

6. A Compact Home Office

A desk under the stairs creates a dedicated workspace without giving up a whole room. Fit a wall-mounted desk or a narrow freestanding one at the tallest end, then add shelves or cubbies along the slope for files and supplies. A small rolling chair can tuck neatly underneath at the end of the day.

Best for: small homes, remote workers, homework stations · Budget: low to medium · DIY level: beginner to intermediate

Tip: check you have enough headroom to stand up comfortably, and use good task lighting since this area is often dark.

7. A Utility and Cleaning Cupboard

Many under stairs cupboards end up storing cleaning gear anyway, so organize it properly. Wall-mount the vacuum cleaner, hang the mop and broom on clips, and use the back of the door for an ironing board or caddy. Clear bins on shelves keep sprays, cloths and spare light bulbs easy to find.

Best for: homes without a utility room · Budget: low · DIY level: beginner

Tip: store chemicals on a high shelf or in a locked box if you have young children or pets.

8. A Cozy Pet Den

Dogs and cats often love small, sheltered spaces, which makes the area under the stairs a natural pet den. Add a comfortable bed, a few hooks for leads and a drawer or basket for treats, toys and grooming supplies. An arched opening or curtain makes the space feel cozy.

Best for: pet owners, open hallways · Budget: low to medium · DIY level: beginner to intermediate

Tip: make sure the space has good airflow and isn’t next to a boiler or other heat source.

9. A Wine Rack or Drinks Station

If you entertain often, turn the space into a wine rack or drinks station. Diagonal or modular racks can follow the slope of the stairs, while a small shelf can hold glasses and bar tools. Under stairs spaces are often cooler and darker than the rest of the house, which suits wine storage.

Best for: entertainers, open-plan living areas · Budget: medium to high · DIY level: intermediate or professional

Tip: avoid locations next to a boiler, hot pipes or underfloor heating, where temperatures can rise.

10. A Kids’ Hideaway With Toy Storage

Turn the lowest part of the space into a small hideaway for children, with cushions, soft lighting and books. Add bins or cubbies along the side for toys so clean-up becomes part of the fun. A small door or curtain makes it feel like a secret den.

Best for: families with young children · Budget: low to medium · DIY level: beginner to intermediate

Tip: use battery-powered LED lights rather than plug-in fairy lights, and make sure children can’t access meters or wiring.

Budget Guide: Which Ideas Suit Your Spending?

Your budget will shape the best option for your space. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Low budget: open shelving, baskets, hooks, freestanding cube units and over-the-door organizers. Most can be installed in an afternoon.
• Medium budget: fitted shelving, a reading nook, a coat nook with a bench or a compact desk. These often combine flat-pack furniture with simple custom carpentry.
• High budget: made-to-measure drawers, pull-out larders and fully fitted cupboards. These usually need a carpenter or specialist installer but make the most of every centimeter.

A good compromise is to use ready-made units for the tallest part of the space and add custom shelves or drawers only where the slope makes standard furniture difficult to fit.

Safety Tips for Under Stairs Storage

The space under the stairs often contains important services, and in some homes it forms part of the escape route. Keep these points in mind:

• Keep meters and fuse boxes accessible. Electricity meters, consumer units and gas meters need clear access for readings, maintenance and emergencies.
• Don’t seal gas meter cupboards. Gas meters and any gas pipework need appropriate ventilation. Ask a qualified engineer before boxing them in.
• Avoid storing flammable items. Paint, fuel, aerosols and large lithium-ion batteries are best kept elsewhere, especially if the stairs are your main escape route.
• Check structural changes first. Before cutting into a stair stringer or removing panels, ask a builder or carpenter whether the change could affect the stairs’ strength.
• Check local rules. If you’re making major changes, such as adding a toilet, removing walls or altering a protected stairwell, check local building regulations or permit requirements.

Renter-Friendly Under Stairs Storage Ideas

If you rent, you can still make the space work harder without drilling into walls:

• Use freestanding shelves, cube units or rolling carts.
• Hang organizers over the back of the cupboard door.
• Add tension rods for curtains or hanging storage.
• Use stackable clear boxes and labeled bins.
• Choose battery-powered motion-sensor lights instead of hardwired fittings.

Always check your tenancy agreement before making changes, even small ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to use space under the stairs?

It depends on where your stairs are and what you need most. Near the front door, a coat and shoe nook works well. Near the kitchen, a pantry is ideal. In living areas, built-in shelves or a reading nook can add both storage and style.

Are pull-out drawers worth it under the stairs?

Yes, if your space is deep. Pull-out drawers make it easy to reach items at the back without crawling into the cupboard, and they make the most of the sloped ceiling. They usually cost more than shelves but provide much more usable storage.

How do I store things under the stairs without making a mess?

Give the space one main job, such as coats, cleaning or food storage. Use baskets, bins and labels, and avoid stacking items too deep. Doing a quick declutter every few months also helps keep it under control.

Can I put a toilet under the stairs?

In many homes, yes, but it requires space, ventilation, plumbing and drainage, and it may need building approval. Speak to a qualified plumber or builder before planning a toilet or shower room under the stairs.

What should you not store under the stairs?

Avoid storing paint, fuel, aerosols, large lithium-ion batteries or other flammable items, especially if the stairs form your escape route. Also avoid blocking access to meters, fuse boxes or gas pipes.

How can I light a dark under stairs cupboard?

Battery-powered motion-sensor lights, LED strip lights and rechargeable puck lights are easy to install. If you want a permanent wired light, ask a qualified electrician to install it safely.

Make the Most of the Space Under Your Stairs

The best under stairs storage ideas match the way you actually live. Start by measuring the space and deciding on one main job for it, whether that’s coats, cleaning supplies, food, books or a cozy pet den. Then choose the solution that fits your staircase, your budget and your DIY skills.

Even small changes, like adding baskets or hooks, can turn an awkward cupboard into storage that makes daily life easier. For more ways to organize and refresh your home, browse all of our ideas.